Three construction sites were ordered to close until June 1 after workers were tested positive for Covid-19, said Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
The sites were located in Kampung Datuk Keramat, Jalan Ampang, which had 31 Covid-19 cases; Seksyen 68, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur 2, which had 61 cases; and Setia Alam, Seksyen U13, Shah Alam, Selangor, which had 13 positive cases.
“The best practices in SOPs (standard operating procedures) can prevent the spread of Covid-19 at construction sites and enable construction projects to be continued to aid the nation’s growth,” said Fadillah in a statement today.
He also said that the construction sector played a pivotal role in the country’s economy as the average sum of construction contracts for this year is expected to reach RM140 bil. The sector has a multiplier effect of two, which means that for every RM1 investment in construction activities, it will generate RM2 in more than 120 related economic activities.
He added that it was important for players involved in the construction industry to observe strict SOPs to ensure the safety of their workers and stem the spread of the Covid-19 virus.
In his visit to a mixed construction site at Kota Kemuning yesterday, he noted that the developer and contractor had obeyed the SOPs. Among the initiatives was to develop a special application to take the attendance and check the health status of their workers. The application was also able to track the movements of the workers.
The SOPs that are required to be observed at construction sites included that all foreign workers were to be screened for Covid-19 and confirmed to be free from the virus before they started work.
“The Works Ministry urges all contractors to observe the best practices in SOPs so that more construction projects start to operate fully and contribute to the nation’s economy,” said Fadhillah.
From the period of April 20 to June 2, the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) had checked 6,363 construction sites in the whole country. From that sum, 1,398 (22%) have started operations, while 4,965 (78%) have not. Out of the 1,398 which have begun operations, 1,118 (80%) had observed the SOPs while 272 (19%) were given warnings for non-observance and eight (1%) construction sites were ordered to close.
The following are the construction sites that have been ordered to close by CIDB:
1. Jalan Damai, Kampung Dato Keramat, Kuala Lumpur.
2. Mukim Batu, Kuala Lumpur (Sentul).
3. Taman Pknk Jalan Tun Razak Bandar Alor Setar, Kedah.
4. Bandar Alor Setar, Daerah Kota Setar Kedah.
5. Mukim Kuah, Langkawi, Kedah.
6. Mukim Pulai, Daerah Baling, Kedah.
7. Genting Permai Mukim Bentong Daerah Bentong, Pahang.
8. Bandar Tun Razak Jengka, Maran, Pahang.
