PETALING JAYA: The Master Builders Association of Malaysia (MBAM) has been praised for its initiatives to help galvanise Malaysia's construction industry and commitment in promoting education to produce professionals in the field.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said MBAM had been dedicated in meeting soaring demand for well trained and knowledgeable construction industry professionals these especially in the Klang Valley.
Najib said he was pleased to be informed that more than 3,500 candidates had been trained under MBAM’s Site Safety Supervisor training course since 2010, and that the association had spent more than RM2 million for 130 of recipients under tis Education Scholarship Programme since 1999.
"Since 2013, MBAM has also promoted the Trade Foreman Programme, the Apprenticeship Programme, and has also recently started the Designated Person Training Programme.
"I would also like to congratulate MBAM on your Education Scholarship Programme. This is in addition to MBAM’s collaborations with universities and polytechnics for various industry-related programmes.
"These programmes showcase the Association’s commitment to promoting training and education to meet the industry’s needs, and I commend you for that," Najib said in his speech at MBAM's 63rd anniversary dinner tonight.
Najib also said as of March 2017, Malaysian contractors have secured more than RM18.5 billion-worth of projects in India, RM16.6 billion in Asean countries and RM12.4 billion in Saudi Arabia.
"This is proof that the capabilities and experience of Malaysian contractors, combined with the strong international ties that I have forged, can bring economic growth to the nation as a whole."
Najib also commended MBAM for its role in developing and adopting the Industrial Building System (IBS) technology, which to date has 245 manufacturers registered by the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB).
He said the adoption of IBS could significantly halve number of workers required and reduce expenses by 14 per cent.
"It also allows construction firms to wean themselves off low-skilled workers and hire more skilled ones who in turn help boost efficiency and productivity.
"IBS is important in the new edge of construction industry - faster completion times, greater productivity, less waste, fewer accidents and lower overall construction costs for the industry. I would like to urge more contractors to employ IBS technology.
"This is why the work of MBAM members on other programmes, from building new homes, schools and hospitals, to improving productivity and creating the skilled workforce we need here in Malaysia, instead of relying on foreign labour, is important."
Also present at the dinner were International Trade And Industry Minister II Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan and MBAM president Foo Chek Lee.