MBAM NOVEMBER 2025 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION MALAYSIA (MBAM) CELEBRATED NEW BUILDING LAUNCH AND RECOGNISE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS.
Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) proudly celebrated the official launch of its new building, the Bangunan Persatuan Kontraktor Binaan Malaysia, located at Lot 92404, Persiaran Harmoni, Putra Heights. The momentous occasion was held on Friday, 17th October 2025, and was graced by YB Dato Ir. Haji Yusuf bin Haji Abd. Wahab, Chairman of the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia, as the Guest of Honour. The MBAM New Building is a 17,646 square foot marvel, constructed entirely using Gamuda’s Next-Gen Digital Industrialised Building System (IBS), embodies the very essence of sustainable, forward-thinking construction. The design are deliberate nods to innovation, efficiency, and environmental stewardship—hallmarks of the future we are building for our industry. The building was completed and occupied on 16 June 2025. Our building is in full IBS design, BIM modelling and monitoring, with IBS point of 97.28% The whole construction took only a 100-ton crane with 7 workers with green compliance ready, rain water harvesting system and provision for solar panel at the roof. The next step is to adopt the park next door, in complement with our CSR. Shall making proposal to the local council.
MBAM has been a strong advocate of the CIDB Malaysia’s Standard Form of Contract for Building Works (2022 Edition), which modernises the 2000 edition and adds collaborative contracting elements, including expanded options for mediation and Dispute Resolution Board. As such, it is very fitting that the contract for MBAM new building was administered using CIDB’s Standard Form of Contract (2022 Edition). Due to this, variation orders were resolved promptly and minimal EOT granted translating contractual clarity into on-time, on-budget delivery. Our new building is now fully utilised as a hub for training, fellowship as well as mediation in the future.
The highlight of the event was the official plaque unveiling ceremony, officiated by the Guest of Honour alongside MBAM President, Honorary Life Presidents, and Past Presidents. The ceremony was followed by a photo session, building tour, and networking hi-tea, which brought together MBAM Council Members, industry leaders, partners, and scholarship recipients in celebration of this momentous achievement.
In conjunction with the launch, MBAM also celebrated its commitment to education and industry development through the MBAM Education Scholarship Award 2025. Collectively, the total committed scholarship assistance amounts to RM150,000.00, while the new scholarships awarded to this year’s recipients total RM170,000.00 across all programmes for 21 students, reflecting MBAM’s ongoing dedication to supporting the next generation of construction professionals. Since the establishment of the MBAM Education Fund in 1999, the Association has contributed close to RM4,000,000.00 in scholarships, benefitting 183 students pursuing MQA-accredited degrees and professional qualifications in construction-related fields at selected local universities.
2025 CIB AND EPPM PRESIDENTIAL DIALOGUE WITH THE THEME: RESILIENT CONSTRUCTION-FORGING AHEAD IN UNCERTAIN TIME.
I had the opportunity to moderate the 2025 CIB and EPPM Presidential Dialogue, themed Resilient Construction: Forging Ahead in Uncertain Time in CIDB The Met on 30 October 2025.
Professor James O.B. Rotimi, President of the Engineering, Project, and Production Management (EPPM) community and Professor of Construction Economics and Management at Massey University, New Zealand presented on Engineering Resilience in Construction’s Perfect Storm: The Transformative CanConstructNZ Programme.
In his presentation he shared the “perfect storm” in construction—fuelled by labour shortages, material volatility, regulatory shifts, and escalating disaster frequencies—mirrors the uncertainties we face here, where our sector’s growth to support Vision 2030 ambitions demands not just scale, but smart scalability. Coupled with global economic uncertainties and the need to enhance productivity and quality, these pressures are testing the industry’s resilience. To weather the storm, construction players in Malaysia must embrace innovation, strengthen project management practices, and accelerate digital transformation to remain competitive and sustainable in the years ahead.
The next speaker Prof. Fang Dong Ping, President of International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction (CIB), Tsinghua University, China a distinguished academic and practitioner in sustainable urban development and smart infrastructure focus on the aspect of safety in the construction industry.
The construction industry in Malaysia faces several recurring safety and health issues that contribute to its accident and fatality rates. Among the most common are falls from height, which remain the leading cause of fatalities due to unsafe scaffolding, inadequate fall protection, and poor supervision. Workers are also exposed to hazards such as falling objects, struck-by incidents and excessive or strenuous movement especially in projects with congested sites and multiple subcontractors. It was interesting to hear from Prof. Fang on how things can be improved when dealing with safety as he emphasizes behaviour-based safety approaches and safety leadership with a safety culture led by management.
MBAM WELCOMES GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSIVE MEASURES ON SST IMPLEMENTATION FOR CONSTRUCTION SECTOR – A STEP FORWARD FOR INDUSTRY STABILITY AND GROWTH
MBAM representing the collective voice of Malaysia’s construction industry, extends its deepest gratitude to the Ministry of Finance (MOF) and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD) for their responsive and forward-thinking approach to addressing the construction sector’s concerns regarding the Sales and Service Tax (SST) regime, effective 1 July 2025. The recent clarifications and exemptions outlined in Service Tax Policy No. 3/2025 (Amendment No. 1) dated 17 October 2025 and Service Tax Policy No. 7/2025 dated 24 October 2025, reflect the government’s commitment to fostering a balanced and sustainable environment for the industry.
These measures, shaped through meaningful engagement with stakeholders, provide critical relief and clarity, enabling contractors, developers, and the broader supply chain to navigate the new tax landscape effectively. MBAM particularly commends the diligent efforts of MOF and RMCD officers, whose hard work and dedication deserve recognition. Their responsiveness has turned industry feedback into actionable policies, and we offer them a well-earned pat on the back for their tireless commitment.
MBAM’s recent engagements with the RMCD have highlighted their exceptional dedication to balancing industry needs with national fiscal goals. We are immensely grateful for their efforts and responsiveness.
JPJ ENFORCEMENT
MBAM refer to the recent JPJ stringent enforcement on goods transportation and the resulting sharp increases in material prices. We fully understand the compounded impact of these developments, especially coming on the heels of the SST adjustment, and share your concern over the sustainability of the industry. For your information, MBAM has recently issued a press statement addressing the lorry weight limit regulations and their direct effect on material costs and project viability. We are also actively pursuing further engagements with the relevant government agencies to seek practical solutions and relief measures. Rest assured that we are treating this matter with utmost urgency. We will keep members updated on any developments as soon as they become available.
INTERNATIONAL CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS FORUM 2025
As IFAWPCA Board Member and Chairman, IFAWPCA Conditions of Contract Committee, I delivered an insightful presentation at the International Construction Business Forum 2025 hosted by Philippine Constructors Association, Inc. (PCA), which was held on 10th and 11th November 2025 in Manila on “Enhancing PPP Project Efficiency: The Role of Dispute Resolution in Preventing and Resolving Disputes in the Asian and Western Pacific Region”.
The topic discussed disputes avoidance, Dispute resolution and ESG compliance on PPP projects. The event was attended by more than 100 delegates from various sectors. The speakers were from industry, government, academic and financial institutions like ADB and the World Bank.
Mr Oliver HC Wee KMN AMN
MBAM President