SBA calls on Sandakan Contractors Association
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Builders Association (SBA) led by its President, Ir Lou Chi Nam, paid a courtesy call to the president of Sandakan Contractors Association, So Chee Ming, and his committee members during the Sabah East Coast Technical Tour.
Among the SBA delegates present were Deputy President Henry Tsen, Vice Presidents Datuk Gerald Goh, Johnny Wong and Kung Ping Kun, Life President Choo Kim Min, Life Advisor Chin Liang, Honorary Secretary General Ir Chaw Zie Der, Assistant Honorary Secretary Mr Ralph Chung, Assistant Treasurer Elizabeth Chung and committee members Chong Kui Kap, Chou Min Kong and their spouse.
It was a heart-warming meeting during which many issues concerning the construction players were discussed.
1. The difficulties being faced by the contractors on the shortage of skilled workers caused by lack of interest of the local workers to work in Dirty, Difficult and Dangerous (3D) working environment. As a result, there was over reliance of foreign workers and the heavy financial burden imposed on the construction players over the high levy and processing fees.
2. Construction Industry Development Board CIDB Act 520 which requires all the workers and site supervisor to be properly accredited and registered with CIDB.
3. The construction materials have to be certified by CIDB under the CIDB Act 4th Schedule. Anyone found manufacturing, selling or using construction materials not complying to the standard is liable to a maximum fine up to half a million ringgit.
4. Invitation to participate in the 4th International Federation of Asia and Western Pacific Contractors Association (IFAWPCA) convention from November 12 to 162018 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
The courtesy call has enabled the sharing and exchanging of prevalent industry and business information amongst the members.
It also fostered good network and relationship between the two associations from the east and the west coasts of Sabah.
The group later adjourned to a technical site visit at the Pan Borneo Highway bridge construction site at Segaliud.