MBAM: Push construction industry further to spur state’s growth

SIBU: Given the nation’s strong growth in the first half of 2017 at 5.7 per cent and 5.8 per cent in the second quarter, the nation’s economy is expected to expand by more than 4.8 per cent this year.

Suggesting this, Master Builders Association Malaysia ( MBAM) president Foo Chek Lee said Sarawak itself was able to maintain positive economic growth at 3.2 per cent last year despite facing global uncertainties and low crude oil prices.

Foo mentioned this in his message in conjunction with the joint anniversary celebration of the Sarawak Building & Civil Engineering Contractors Association, Sarawak Sibu Division Building & Civil Engineering Contractors Association and Sibu Carpenters’ and Masons’ Association held over the weekend.

Foo expected the state economy to improve between 3.5 per cent and 4 per cent this year, saying Sarawak GDP per capita stood at RM46,541 and the external trade was worth RM116.3b last year.

“While there is positive outlook on the Malaysian economic growth, we must continuously work together to drive the construction industry and to proper the economy to greater heights to achieve a high- income and advanced economy,” he added.

Meanwhile, speaking the anniversary celebration last Sunday at a hotel here, Foo was delighted to see the affiliates continuously to grow and to work together in making successful representation to the government and to the public on critical issues concerning the construction industry.

“MBAM is also fortunate to be able to work with them and we hope we can work closer with Sibu Carpenters’ and Masons’ Association who understands the importance of working together to create new ideas, drive innovation and supporting each other to drive the construction industry to the next level.

“MBAM also seeks your continued support in helping MBAM achieve its vision to be the prime mover and the recognised voice of the Malaysian construction industry,” he added.

Chairman of Sibu Municipal Council Datuk Tiong Thai King who also spoke at the dinner, said members of the three associations have been a dynamic and relentless driving force advancing the development of Sibu.

He said they played a strategic role in steering the construction value towards greater productivity and the realization of the 2020 vision for the built environment sector.

He said Sibu is located on peat swamp land, and land subsidence has push up the costs of construction.

Nevertheless, he hoped the building contractors would continue to be committed to quality service and fair pricing besides practising fast delivery of completed buildings.

“It’s also crucial to ensure that there is no defect for the completed buildings,” he told builders, urging them to work jointly on issues of sustainability, ethnics and compliance.

“Quality never goes out of style. We should focus on the perception In our work, we have pride, quality is what we provide’.

“It is not the beauty of a building you should look at, it is the construction of the foundation that will stand the test of time especially in peat swamp area of Sibu,” Tiong suggested.