KOTA KINABALU: A contractor was found to have hired skilled labourers without the proper accreditation during a workplace compliance spot check by multiple agencies at construction sites in Sabah’s east coast Sandakan district.
Sandakan Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) branch manager Poul Joannes said the integrated operation on Thursday, which was led by the board, involved six other agencies.
“The contractor had employed skilled construction workers not certified by the CIDB,” he said in a statement yesterday.
The contractor’s action was in violation of Section 33A(6) of the CIDB Act 1994 (Act 520).
“For various infringements, the contractor was issued nine notices by the CIDB, and two notices each by the Occupational Safety and Health Department and Sabah Health Department.
“The contractor was also slapped with three notices by the Manpower Department and one notice by the Social Security Organisation.
“In addition, it was given a warning by the Sandakan Municipal Council,” he added.
Joannes said three subcontractors and 16 workers were also scrutinised during the operation, with 13 found not to have been accredited.
The operation, which also involved the Malaysian Construction Academy, was aimed at raising the awareness of rules and standard operating procedure on construction sites among industry players, especially with regard to Act 520, he said.
“It also creates a sense of cooperation among the departments and agencies involved in enforcing the law.
“We hope industry players will abide by regulations. The CIDB will not hesitate to take action if they flout Act 520,” Joannes added.
He said 22 investigation papers were initiated against contractors for various violations last year, with compound notices issued in 22 cases and two cases recommended for disciplinary action.In the second quarter of this year, he said 13 investigation papers were opened, adding that nine compound notices were issued against contractors for a host of worksite infringements and four were recommended for disciplinary action.
As for 2023, Joannes said the value of projects registered in the Sandakan division – which comprises the districts of Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Beluran, Tongod and Telupid – amounted to some RM2.5bil.
As of Sept 12 this year, projects to the tune of RM888mil have been registered with the division, he added.
