KUALA LUMPUR – The capacity of workers at construction sites has been limited to 60% while operating hours are subject to directives from local authorities, said Senior Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
Fadillah in a statement today said that all construction work can continue, but the standard operating procedures (SOPs) must be fully adhered to, or the developers involved will receive compounds or closure orders on their construction sites.
“I have instructed the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) to further enhance the monitoring and enforcement of SOPs at construction sites as well as the placement of construction workers.
“CIDB has the power to close and also issue compounds on construction sites that are found not complying with the SOPs or committing any offence under Act 520 (Construction Industry Development Board Act 1994) and Act 446 (Workers’ Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990),” he said.
He said CIDB also has the power to impose disciplinary action on contractors found guilty, which will result in their registration being suspended or revoked.
Fadillah said contractors should appoint safety and health officers to monitor SOP compliance at construction sites in addition to monitoring other safety and health guidelines.
National Security Council statistics show that from April 12 to 30, a total of 709 Covid-19 cases were detected at construction sites from 25 clusters, while from May 1 to 19, the number of cases increased to 880 cases from 52 clusters.
CIDB had also conducted inspections on 2,532 construction sites from January 13 to May 23, of which 2,502 of them did not adhere to SOPs.
Two construction sites were found not complying with the SOPs and were ordered to close.
Construction industry players can refer to the latest SOPs on the CIDB website, and further information on the operation of the construction sector during the movement control order can be obtained by contacting CIDB Careline at 03-5567-3300 (operating hours from Monday to Friday, 8am to 5.30pm). – Bernama, May 24, 2021
