KUCHING: The Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD) urged construction industry players to comply with the current construction standard operating procedures (SOPs) laid down by the Ministry of Works (MoW) and the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB).
MIPD Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing reminded that permitted activities throughout the movement control order (MCO) period such as critical maintenance and repair works, if stalled, could cause danger to workers, the public or the environment.
He said only construction works involving major and critical public infrastructure are allowed.
“Professional services or consultants involved in the permitted construction works are allowed to operate. Services along the supply chains involved in the permitted construction works are also allowed to operate,” he said today (June 7).
He advised contractors, consultants and suppliers involved in the permitted projects to obtain fresh approval through the Miti website at https://www.miti.gov.my to operate during the MCO period.
“All previous approvals are not applicable during this period, and are therefore, null and void,” he said.
Masing said permission letters generated through the system must be displayed at the premises or construction sites and can be used as approval for movement by all parties involved with the approved projects.
“The operating hours for employee attendance are from 6am to 8pm and workers’ capacity is limited to 60 percent and only applicable for those working on site,” he said.
He stressed that locals and foreign workers at the construction sites must undergo Covid-19 swab tests before being allowed to commence work.
“Contractors are also reminded to appoint safety and health officers who are given the responsibility of monitoring SOP compliance at construction sites together with other safety and health guidelines.
“The project site supervisors are responsible for ensuring full SOP compliance during construction works carried out throughout the MCO period,” he said.
To ensure that the Covid-19 pandemic does not spread from construction sites to the local communities, Masing said that movement between construction sites and centralised labour quarters (CLQ) must be controlled.
“The contractors must provide transport for workers between their CLQ and the construction sites if they are located off-site. Contractors must also ensure daily necessities such as food and personal hygiene for site workers are provided to minimise movement of workers and to protect local residents from potential Covid-19 outbreak,” he said.
Masing said that to prevent the spread of virus at construction sites, workers are not allowed to move from one construction site to another during the MCO period.
“CIDB has the authority to close construction sites and impose compounds on sites that are found not complying with the prescribed SOPs or have committed offences under Act 520 (Malaysian Construction Industry Development Board Act), Act 446 (Minimum Housing Standards Act and Employee Facilities 1990) and Act 342 (Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988),” he said.
He warned that CIDB also has the authority to impose disciplinary action against contractors found guilty of offences listed and this could result in the suspension or revocation of their registrations.
Details of the conditions and types of work allowed are stated in the Construction Sector SOP which can be downloaded from www.cidb.gov.my.
Any inquiries on the operation of the construction sector during the MCO period can be submitted to CIDB Careline at 03-5567 3300. Its operating hours are from Monday to Friday, 8am to 5.30pm.
