15 construction sites ordered to close for non-compliance of SOP

KUALA LUMPUR: The Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) has ordered 15 construction sites to close as of Sunday (Feb 14) after failing to comply with the standard operating procedures (SOP) of the Movement Control Order (MCO).

Senior Minister (Infrastructure Cluster) Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, in a statement yesterday, said since the MCO was implemented on Jan 13, CIDB has inspected 1,022 construction sites, of which 1,007 were found to adhere to the SOP.

All 15 construction sites have been issued with notices for noncompliance in terms of workers' accommodation, physical distancing, and the wearing of face mask.

“Majority of Covid-19 positive cases at construction sites were caused by failure to observe the stipulated SOP and guidelines.

“Among the causes identified are the workers' accommodation was overcrowded, dirty and did not comply with the Workers' Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446), besides the workers' movement from one project site to another could possibly create the construction cluster,” he said.

Therefore, Fadillah urged contractors which have been permitted to operate during the MCO to comply with the SOP at construction sites and workers' accommodation to prevent Covid-19 transmission.

“Stern action will be taken against any contractors who fail to comply with the directives besides disciplinary action which could cause their registration to be revoked or suspended,” he said.