QLASSIC sets new benchmark
281 projects assessed have achieved score of more than 70pc to date
IN its ongoing efforts to upgrade the national industry standard, the Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia (CIDB) has come up with the Quality Assessment System in Construction (QLASSIC).
Established a decade ago in 2007, QLASSIC refers to a system or method to measure and evaluate the workmanship quality of a building construction work based on Construction Industry Standard (CIS 7).
The creation of QLASSIC started in 2005 when CIDB put together a technical committee that consisted of industry players from the public and private sectors, relevant construction industry associations as well as academicians. Based on their discussions, global practices as well as Malaysian case studies, the committee had put together the CIS 7 that provided a good outline on what constituted workmanship quality of a building construction.
However, it should be noted that the use of CIS 7 was voluntary and compliance with the document did not in itself confer immunity from legal obligations.
The implementations of the QLASSIC method are very beneficial to all parties involved as it enables a developer to earn the public’s trust as a credible and trusted company. It keeps developers on top of their game with the culture of “do things right the first time and every time”.
Ultimately, CIDB aims to have more than 50 per cent of private residential projects with contract sum exceeding RM10 million completed annually achieve at least 70 QLASSIC score by the fourth quarter of 2020.
To date, 449 projects have been assessed with QLASSIC and 63 per cent, or 281 projects, have achieved more than 70 per cent QLASSIC score.
Quality, safety and professionalism are primary prerequisites towards transforming the local construction sector into a responsible and developed industry.
These fundamentals need to be ingrained into everyday practices, ensuring high-quality construction outcomes, as well as safe and healthy construction environment.
One of the most practical ways to enhance safety at construction sites is to increase the number of trained safety health officers (SHO) and site safety supervisors (SSS).
Up till June, CIDB has trained 824 SHOs and 1,350 SSSs.
There are two ongoing studies being conducted on enhancing the safety performance of the sector.
One study is focused on the adequacy of the existing laws and regulations in addressing safety and health issues at construction sites, and the other study is focused on securing improvement in the safety and health performance of the local industry.
In terms of enhancing workers’ health and safety, the living conditions of construction workers must also be addressed.
CIDB has worked closely with the Department of Standards Malaysia in publishing the MS2593:2015 — Malaysian Standard for Temporary Construction Site Worker’s Amenities and Accommodation.
Additionally, the board is working with the Labour Department to ensure that the Bill on Worker’s Amenities 2017 (Rang Undang-undang Penginapan Pekerja 2017) to be aligned with the MS2593:2015.
One of the measures CIDB has put in place to cope with the industry growth and influx of foreign workers is the establishment of the Construction Labour Exchange Centre Bhd (CLAB), with the aim of bringing in and redistributing foreign construction workers.
CLAB initiated the centralised labour quarters (CLQ) in Sungai Buloh, a gated and guarded accommodation with complete amenities and facilities for the workers’ safety and comfort.
The CLQ was previously utilised by MRT Corp during the construction of the MRT line.
Today, the CLQ has undergone refurbishment and is now available for leasing.
Through such initiatives, CIDB aspires to lead by example in improving the living conditions of construction workers, and even establishing a new benchmark for the industry.