KUALA LUMPUR: Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has commended the accommodation for workers at a construction site in Bukit Bintang here, saying it should be an example for other companies.
Fadillah, who recently led an inspection at the construction site found that there are indeed contractor companies such as Kerjaya Prospek (M) Sdn Bhd which show concern towards complying with the Workers’ Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446).
The company, which is the main contractor for the Axon Bukit Bintang project, uses the concept of modular construction for their employees’ accommodation, which can be adapted according to the total number of employees as well as size and location of the construction project being implemented.
The temporary placement is also equipped with toilets, drains, and ventilation which is comfortable and according to specification.
It is built within the construction site to reduce the movement of workers into and out of the site, limiting the risk of Covid-19 transmission.
This placement has also been approved by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and the Department of Labour (JTK).
A briefing on the placement of workers was also attended by Kerjaya Prospek executive chairman Datuk Tee Eng Ho and his executive director Tee Eng Seng.
The placement of workers often becomes a topic of negative publicity due to its crowded and dirty conditions. The Health Ministry (MoH) also found that unmanaged placement of workers is one of the main causes of outbreak transmissions, especially Covid-19.
Due to construction activities being characteristically temporary at any one location, most contractors do not pay much attention to providing good accommodation for their employees.
Usually, the cost of providing accommodation is also not included in the tender cost of a contract.
