SIBU: The procurement cost will increase if imported materials are specified to be used in projects following higher import cost of foreign materials.
Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadilah Yusof said this recently when asked if Malaysian Civil Engineering Standard Method of Measurement (MyCESMM) was among the measures to mitigate higher cost of imported building materials caused by the easing of ringgit.
“MyCESMM is a Standard Method of Measurement for the preparation of Bill of Quantities for Civil Engineering Works.
“It will not mitigate the higher cost of imported construction materials.
“If specifiers (architects, engineers or clients) specify the imported materials are to be used in their projects, then there will be increase in the cost of procurement due to higher import cost of foreign materials.
“Higher cost of imported building material is a seasonal issue which will adjust accordingly once the ringgit value eases,” Fadillah told The Borneo Post.
Meanwhile, Bernama quoted the minister as saying that government construction projects would not be affected by the easing of ringgit.
He was further quoted to have said the projects would go ahead as scheduled and be unchanged.
Fadillah also reportedly said the implementation of MyCESMM was aimed at encouraging industry players to adopt the best practice in standardising civil engineering method of measurement.
On another note, the Petra Jaya MP told The Borneo Post that among the initiatives for enhancing safety and health at construction sites is developing construction-specific OSH training curricula.
He said the training was to produce more Site Safety Supervisors and Occupational Health and Safety Inspectors and to set a higher requirement for top contractors on safety compliance through internationally-recognised safety certifications.