Izah Azahari
To encourage local workforce in the construction industry, the Ministry of Development is leaning on a framework document published in 2021 – the Local Business Development in the Construction Industry.
Minister of Development Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid said this during the 19th Legislative Council (LegCo) session yesterday in response to LegCo member Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin’s query on the efforts to localise in the construction industry.
Through the Manpower Planning and Employment Council (MPEC), the minister said three initiatives have been identified – increasing local business involvement in the construction industry; increasing the use of local products such as locally made construction products; and increase local employment.
He said the Manpower Industry Steering Committee (MISC) for the construction industry has been established under the MPEC involving tripartite stakeholders such as industry regulators, the government and education institutions.
“The MISC has identified several job categories in the construction industry that can be filled by local workers and it is understood that most labour work in the industry will not attract local interest,” he said.
He added that among the preparations made through the MISC is to provide training to eligible locals for health and safety positions.
The minister added that the Building Order 2016 will be enforced to require a worksite health and safety officer for every project.
“When the rules and policies are enforced, it will become imperative to have these positions at every work site,” he said.
