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KUALA LUMPUR: Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) is calling for more transparency in the award of projects with the implementation of open tender systems for bidding of government projects.
MBAM, which is optimistic that 2011 will be a better year for the construction industry with the launch of the 10th Malaysia Plan and the Economic Transformation Programme, appreciated the announcement that all works would be implemented via open tender which would reduce wastage and generate more value for money.
"We hope with the adoption of a proper tender evaluation criteria, more competent contractors and the related supply chain will benefit from these contract packages," MBAM president Kwan Foh Kwai said in the association's wish list for 2011.
On the other hand, he said, MBAM wished the government would provide some form of assurance to the private sector in order for them to be willing to invest in these projects proposed by the government.
"Another issue which the government should consider is to waive the proposed medical insurance for foreign workers in the construction industry which will cost RM120.00/worker even though it is supposed to be borne by the foreign worker.
"This is because these workers are already covered by other insurance policies when they apply for their work permit, such as under the foreign workers compensation scheme as well as under the CIDB Green Card scheme," said Kwan.
There is also a need to focus on vocational training and skills training for Malaysians in order for us to comply with the government's policy to reduce dependency on foreign workers.
As a medium-term plan, all foreign construction workers must be trained as skilled workers or at least as semi-skilled workers before they are recruited into the country.
"As a long-term plan, we should invest in industrialised building systems and heavy machineries to enhance productivity. As such, we would appreciate that the government will consider reducing import duties for heavy machineries which are used in the construction industry," he said.
MBAM also fully supported the proposal by the Construction Labour Exchange Centre Bhd (CLAB) to create transit centres to house foreign workers.
This will be a positive move as these properly managed and strategically located centres can help provide accommodation and amenities for foreign construction workers and prevent potential abuse by unscrupulous employers, he said.
"They will also contribute towards the control of diseases and the reduction of crimes," the association said.
More importantly, MBAM called on CLAB to study the impact of labour movement on the Malaysian construction industry when the economic integration of Asean countries comes into effect in 2015.
This will help the construction industry prepare in advance when there is free flow of trade and labour movement in the region, he added. — Bernama
MBAM, which is optimistic that 2011 will be a better year for the construction industry with the launch of the 10th Malaysia Plan and the Economic Transformation Programme, appreciated the announcement that all works would be implemented via open tender which would reduce wastage and generate more value for money.
"We hope with the adoption of a proper tender evaluation criteria, more competent contractors and the related supply chain will benefit from these contract packages," MBAM president Kwan Foh Kwai said in the association's wish list for 2011.
On the other hand, he said, MBAM wished the government would provide some form of assurance to the private sector in order for them to be willing to invest in these projects proposed by the government.
"Another issue which the government should consider is to waive the proposed medical insurance for foreign workers in the construction industry which will cost RM120.00/worker even though it is supposed to be borne by the foreign worker.
"This is because these workers are already covered by other insurance policies when they apply for their work permit, such as under the foreign workers compensation scheme as well as under the CIDB Green Card scheme," said Kwan.
There is also a need to focus on vocational training and skills training for Malaysians in order for us to comply with the government's policy to reduce dependency on foreign workers.
As a medium-term plan, all foreign construction workers must be trained as skilled workers or at least as semi-skilled workers before they are recruited into the country.
"As a long-term plan, we should invest in industrialised building systems and heavy machineries to enhance productivity. As such, we would appreciate that the government will consider reducing import duties for heavy machineries which are used in the construction industry," he said.
MBAM also fully supported the proposal by the Construction Labour Exchange Centre Bhd (CLAB) to create transit centres to house foreign workers.
This will be a positive move as these properly managed and strategically located centres can help provide accommodation and amenities for foreign construction workers and prevent potential abuse by unscrupulous employers, he said.
"They will also contribute towards the control of diseases and the reduction of crimes," the association said.
More importantly, MBAM called on CLAB to study the impact of labour movement on the Malaysian construction industry when the economic integration of Asean countries comes into effect in 2015.
This will help the construction industry prepare in advance when there is free flow of trade and labour movement in the region, he added. — Bernama
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