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Master builders: Let’s keep stressing on safety

The Master Builders Association of Malaysia (MBAM) is saddened to hear about the collapse of a concrete span at a Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) worksite in Kota Damansara on Aug 18, 2014. MBAM hopes the full investigation that will be carried out by the MRT Corporation and other relevant agencies will reveal what happened as the findings will assist to prevent future incidents.

With regard to the recent incident, it is good that the project owner, MRT Corporation, has taken full responsibility, as previously a lot of incidents were centred mainly towards the contractors. We hope that no more lives are compromised in relation to the construction activities of MRT.

As such, we hope that the project owners can re-look at the timeline and costs so that safety is prioritised above everything and anything else, even if it might result in higher costs and later deliverables.

The Malaysian Mass Rapid Transit system, called the Klang Valley MRT, will be an enabling factor for the Greater Kuala Lumpur/ Klang Valley National Key Result Area which will help transform Malaysia into a world-class economy and tourism hub besides providing greater connectivity within the population.

Thus MBAM hopes that following the incident, all parties involved in construction-related activities must continue to adhere to the guidelines set by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Malaysia and strictly observe guidelines for public safety and health at all construction sites.

Preventive actions taken to prevent mishap at construction sites must not come from one party - the contractor, alone, but must be a collective effort by all - the developers, project owners, consultants and all relevant implementation agencies in the construction industry.

In this regard, MBAM urges that increased budgets be provisioned for the increased implementation of safety measures. In fact, a well-provisioned safety budget may be the most powerful management tool available to enforce safety policies and practices. Safety practices and job functions should blend because the safe way is usually the most efficient way to perform a task.


MATTHEW TEE is president of MBAM.

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