Two-year review bodes well for construction, says MBAM

PETALING JAYA: The push by the Government under the 10th Malaysia Plan to monitor and review the construction industry’s performance over two years, instead of the full five years under the plan, augurs well for the industry, said Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) president Ng Kee Leen.

Ng said MBAM supported the approach as it would be more “current” for planning and allowed for better monitoring, thus increasing the prospects of the proposed projects being achieved.

“We observe that sometimes during a five-year plan, projects that are not completed or undertaken will be brought forward to the next national plan,” he said in a statement.

Ng said it is hoped that with a shorter timeframe, the construction industry would be able to deliver its role more efficiently, cost effectively and on time.

He said as the Government was pushing the private sector to be the engine of growth, the authorities should have a more efficient delivery system and adminstrative structure that allowed the private sector to operate in a business-friendly environment with reduced bureaucracy.

“In this respect, we are thankful for the special taskforce to facilitate business (Pemudah) for its various efforts to harness the strength of the private and public sectors to resolve construction industry issues for the benefit of the country,” he noted.

Ng said what was clearly needed in the local construction industry was speedy approvals by the various authorities to ensure project delivery.

When contacted, Ng told StarBizWeek that MBAM was encouraged by the Government’s recent announcement of having greater public-private partnership.

“This will not only promote healthy competition but also ensure a larger group of industry players will particpate in (Government) projects,” he said.

Annually, the local construction industry handles RM60bil worth of projects, of which about 50% is undertaken by the private sector while the balance 50% is by the Government, which takes on infrastructure works.

On financing, Ng said MBAM hoped local banks could consider setting higher loan quota for the construction sector to enable the industry to continue playing its role as a key economic growth driver.

“MBAM would like to actively participate in dialogues with the relevant agencies in formulating and providing input to assist the Government in instituting necessary measures and initiatives to help reduce costs and ultimately enhance efficiency and competitiveness of the construction industry,” Ng said.

By The Star (by Danny Yap)