Construction sector still unaware of certificate of approval

PETALING JAYA: The problems surrounding the implementation of the certificate of approval (COA) on iron and steel products have not been totally resolved, said Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) president Ng Kee Leen.

“Some of the industry players are still not aware about it (the COA). However, we have worked closely with the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) and some major issues have been sorted out,” he told StarBiz.

The ruling on COAs, which are issued by CIDB for the construction sector and by Sirim for the non- construction sector, follows the liberalisation of the iron and steel industry. The move is aimed at preventing the infux of sub-standard products into the country.

Rehda president Ng Seing Liong said that while he preferred the market to be open, end users should not be penalised.

OSK research analyst Ng Sem Guan said the implementation of the COA would protect the market share of local steel players. It was recently reported that iron and steel products were stranded at several air, sea and road entry points into the country as Customs was unable to clear the shipments without approval from the CIDB and Sirim Bhd.

By The Star (by Eileen Hee)