Latest news with #CIDB
TimesLIVE
2 days ago
- Health
- TimesLIVE
Specialised TB wing at King Dinizulu Hospital on track after stalling in 2011
A specialist tuberculosis wing at Durban's King Dinizulu Hospital which stalled in 2011 because of financial setbacks is back on track and expected to treat patients in May 2026. The R154m outpatient wing will be the first facility dedicated to treat patients with multi-drug resistant TB (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR) in KZN. Inspecting the project on Thursday, public works and infrastructure MEC Martin Meyer revealed that the project had stalled since 2011 but was revived in June last year as part of the department's push to unblock stalled projects and improve infrastructure delivery. 'The previous contractor in the TB wing went insolvent in 2011 and due to severe monetary constraints that brings, the project could be revived only last year,' he said. 'It's very unfortunate there had to be over a 10-year delay but I think it also shows how our department and the department of health are committed to unblocking these blocked projects and get them moving forward.' Dr Tumelo Mabesa said the hospital, which is the only facility to treat drug resistant TB, has taken space reserved for inpatients to treat TB outpatients, which limited its capacity. 'Even the pharmacy was using a space of the ward, so by taking that space means we are reducing the capacity of the wards. Once those services are moved to this new wing then those spaces will be freed and we will have an additional space. 'So in addition to the outpatients services for both MDR and XDR TB functionality, we will also be increasing the capacity of the hospital by 64 beds.' The project, however, has not been without challenges, mainly the disruption by locals demanding more community involvement at the beginning of the project in July last year. Meyer said they were limited by the specialised nature of the facility. 'It's a difficult project in that there's a lot of legislation and regulations and all those things that needs to be met which also means we can't have as many EPWP workers on site as we would like because it's such a technical job. It's very important that where we can give jobs to communities we do so, but in very technical jobs like this we also have to keep that in consideration,' he said. Contractor Mbuso Makhathini of Makhathini Projects said they tried to work with locals where they could. 'In the cases that we could, we have been engaging them as subcontractors, getting them involved, uplifting them in terms of their CIDB grading and assisting them on how to grow their businesses.' Meyer said those disruptions were quickly addressed when the department, the contractor and ward councillor met the community. There have been 23 job opportunities for locals so far in the project and the department said the number is going to increase. Meyer added that the long-standing challenge of the payment of contractors also hindered progress but they were working with the National Treasury and the health department of health to address it.
Borneo Post
12-06-2025
- Borneo Post
CIDB issues 15 enforcement notices during Tg Kidurong construction site inspection
CIDB enforcement personnel compile data after the integrated operation. BINTULU (June 12): The Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Sarawak Bintulu branch issued 15 enforcement notices during an inspection of a construction site in Tanjung Kidurong here yesterday. The inspection was part of the Integrated Enforcement Operation 2025 (OPB). CIDB Sarawak Bintulu branch manager Kamarul Azman A Razak said the operation was carried out in collaboration with multiple government agencies to strengthen regulatory compliance within the div'sion's construction sector. Eleven of the notices were issued under N2/2015, requesting contractors to submit construction-related documents and information, while four were issued under N9/2015, requiring the recipients to report to the CIDB office next week. 'Contractors are reminded of their legal obligation to report and submit all necessary documents related to construction activities to CIDB,' Kamarul said in a statement. He said all construction works must comply with the current written laws and prioritise site and building safety throughout the construction period. The Ministry of Health conducted inspections focusing on hygiene and health facilities at the construction site, while the Sarawak Department of Labour ensured workers' rights were upheld. Other agencies involved carried out enforcement based on their respective legal jurisdictions. Kamarul said the OPB initiative is part of CIDB's continuous efforts to raise industry standards, particularly in safety and legal compliance. 'Contractors who fail to adhere to the CIDB Act 520 may face disciplinary measures, including compounds or court action,' he warned. He added the authorities will continue to intensify enforcement to uphold legal, safety, and quality standards in the industry. He also urged all contractors to fully comply with regulations to avoid more severe consequences in future. Additionally, he called on the public to report any suspected violations of Act 520 to CIDB Sarawak Bintulu branch or the relevant authorities. 'This operation also strengthens inter-agency cooperation in daily enforcement activities,' Kamarul added, emphasising the shared responsibility in ensuring the sector's sustainable and lawful development. Other participating agencies in the operation were the Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Department of Environment, Bintulu Development Authority, Royal Malaysia Police, Akademi Binaan Malaysia Sarawak Region, and CIDB Technologies Sarawak.
New Straits Times
11-06-2025
- New Straits Times
DBKL: Construction site where Briton fell had no safety violations
KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) found no violations at the Bangsar construction site where a 25-year-old British backpacker was found dead last week. Following an inspection on June 5, DBKL executive director (Planning) Datuk Zulkarnain Hassan said periodic checks showed the site was properly sectioned off. "It's a big development. It will be developed in phases. "One of the phases has been completed and the other is still under construction, so this is permissible. "They have, in fact, separated the part of the completed project from the one under construction. "So, it's properly separated," he said. However, the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) has halted all construction activity pending investigation. Zulkarnain added that DBKL's authority on construction sites is limited. "DBKL's concern, based on the building by-laws and other laws, is to ensure that the construction does not cause nuisance to the surrounding neighbours. "We also make sure every site has hoardings displaying the project details — what it is, who the main consultant is, the contractor, developer and the person in charge," he said. He added that DBKL regulates construction hours, and this site had been granted an extension to operate until 10pm — three hours beyond the standard 7am to 7pm limit in Kuala Lumpur. "Thirdly, we have jurisdiction over the vehicles and routes used for construction. "We monitor site cleanliness, ensure lorry tyres are cleaned, and check that drains aren't obstructed," he told the New Straits Times, adding that no violations were recorded at the time of inspection. Zulkarnain also pointed out that the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) plays a role by appointing contractors, who are then responsible for ensuring all standard operating procedures (SOPs) are followed. Yesterday, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) chairman Chong Chieng Jen urged CIDB and DOSH to investigate the developer and all parties involved in the Bangsar construction site where the Briton's body was found. Police believe the 25-year-old had entered the construction site before falling into a partially completed lift shaft. His decomposed body was later discovered submerged in water.
The Star
10-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Industry concerns over expanded SST
PETALING JAYA: Consumers will eventually have to bear the brunt of the expanded Sales and Service Tax (SST) set to start July 1, said Malay Contractors Association of Malaysia president Datuk Mohd Rosdi Ab Aziz. The SST, he added, will further put a dent in the thin profits of building contractors who are already struggling with higher operating costs, following the increase in prices and removal of subsidies of multiple items over the past two years. Mohd Rosdi pointed out that the new SST could also affect the smooth flow of projects and cause delays. He said the higher costs may even lead to contractors opting for cheaper alternatives when carrying out projects, resulting in compromised quality. Mohd Rosdi said the association had attended a discussion on the expanded SST with the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) in April last year, where it expressed concerns over rising costs. 'We had asked the government to think about the move again and do more research on the issue. We are not opposed to the government's plan to impose taxes to strengthen its coffers. All we ask, is for it to be done gradually in phases over a year or two in a more orderly and sensible manner. 'As it is, we are already mired with additional costs from the removal of the diesel subsidy and the compulsory EPF contributions for foreign workers. To impose further taxes on the industry is not only unreasonable but also illogical. This will eat into the minimal profits we make,' he told The Star. Mohd Rosdi said the future removal of petrol subsidies and the hike in electricity tariffs will also affect contractors when they come into effect. 'Although the man on the street will be exempt from these taxes, additional costs from new taxes, rate hikes and subsidy removals will eventually be passed on to the consumer,' he said. Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) president Oliver H.C. Wee said with the construction industry currently subjected to multiple layers of taxation across various aspects of project execution, including building materials, labour and equipment, the new tax would seriously disrupt existing contractual obligations, budgets and project timelines. 'This creates undue burden on both contractors and clients and could lead to delays and cost overruns. We appeal that such tax shall only apply to those contracts executed after Jan 1, 2026, instead of next month. 'The SST will also significantly strain cash flows within the construction sector. Contractors already face substantial financial pressures. We are concerned about the cumulative financial impact and urge the government to avoid introducing further inflationary costs,' he said. Wee said that if the implementation of the 6% SST is inevitable, the association strongly urges the government to lower the rate from 6% to 4%. He said introducing the new tax in about three weeks denies sufficient lead time for the industry to respond, and a reasonable grace period should be granted to allow all stakeholders to make necessary adjustments and financial preparations. Malaysia's private education sector is also expected to face some challenges, when a 6% service tax is imposed on private preschool, primary and secondary education providers that charge more than RM60,000 per student in annual tuition fees. National Association of Private Educational Institutions (NAPEI) deputy president Dr Teh Choon Jin said that while the goal to broaden the government's fiscal base is understandable, a more balanced and phased approach to implementing the tax is essential. 'Private educational institutions are likely to intensify efforts to attract more local students, leading to heightened competition for a relatively limited domestic pool. 'Institutions that rely heavily on foreign student enrolment will face the challenge of diversifying their market base,' he said. Teh cautioned that price-sensitive international markets, particularly students from developing countries, could be disproportionately impacted by the additional costs. To address this, he suggested that institutions explore offshore delivery partnerships or targeted scholarships and financial aid. NAPEI has called on the government to consider a gradual rollout of its tax policy to allow private institutions to adjust their business models without destabilising their operations. The association also proposed targeted exemptions or rebates for students from developing countries or those enrolling in critical fields such as STEM, artificial intelligence and healthcare. 'Equally important is the creation of a policy dialogue platform that includes the Higher Education Ministry, Finance Ministry and key stakeholders such as NAPEI. 'This will help collaboratively monitor and address the tax implications on enrolment trends, institutional sustainability and Malaysia's long-term education agenda,' he added. Teh warned that a 6% cost increase could weaken Malaysia's competitive edge in the international education market. 'This could make Malaysia less attractive compared to regional players like Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam,' he said. He noted that operationally, the tax would also present compliance and administrative challenges for institutions. 'Many will need to review and adjust their fee structures, billing processes and financial forecasts. Smaller institutions, in particular, may struggle more with these adjustments compared to well-resourced education groups,' he said. As for high-end private and international schools, where many students come from expatriate or affluent local families, Teh said the 6% tax could either be passed on to parents or absorbed by the schools. 'Schools will need to be sensitive to the psychological and financial impact on parents, particularly those with multiple children enrolled. Some institutions may opt to absorb part of the tax, but this will add further strain on school finances,' Teh said.
The Citizen
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Tips for entrepreneurs looking for government tenders: R1 trillion infrastructure investment loading
Public infrastructure spending over three years will exceed the R1 trillion mark. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced on Wednesday during his third budget speech that the National Treasury has earmarked R1 trillion for infrastructure investment. This could mean that many construction companies in South Africa will get a chance to bid to play a role in the upcoming infrastructure transformation. Roelof van den Berg, CEO of the Gap Infrastructure Corporation, said the government's multibillion-rand infrastructure plans could create significant opportunities, but only for businesses that understand how to navigate the complexities of the tendering process. 'We're seeing too many capable small contractors fail within their first few years, not because they lack skills or technical expertise, but because they're unprepared for public tender requirements in order to win projects.' ALSO READ: R1.3tn for infrastructure: Can SA deliver? Four tips to apply for tenders Van den Berg offers four insights into how new construction businesses can position themselves for future growth: 1. Registering with relevant regulatory bodies He said public sector projects require registration with several government departments and agencies before applying for tenders. 'The first critical registration is with the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), without which no contractor can apply for a public tender. 'Some exclusions apply, including joint ventures, subcontractors, labour-only contractors and home builders, which fall under the purview of the National Home Building Council (NHBC).' He noted that many emerging contractors delay their applications or submit incomplete forms, which can lead to weeks of setbacks and disadvantage smaller businesses. 2. Understanding the CIDB grading system and improving your rating Van den Berg added that, depending on its size and track record, a contractor might be excluded from larger public projects, with top contracts reserved for the highest-rated companies. 'CIDB Grade 1 has no criteria besides registration, but limits participation to projects below R500 000. Grades 2 through 9 demand that specific financial and performance metrics be met. 'Grade 2 companies can tender for projects of up to a million rand, but must show proof of completing a R130 000 project in the past five years. Grade 8 contractors can apply for R200 million projects, while Grade 9 companies have no cap – but both must have completed multimillion-rand projects successfully.' He advises treating each project as a stepping stone. 'Carefully and consistently maintain detailed records of timelines, costs, safety compliance and client feedback. Even tracking missteps can guide you to improve over the long term.' ALSO READ: Public-private partnership: key to infrastructure transformation 3. Including social responsibility essentials in tender applications He added that with growing recognition of the important role of corporate social responsibility in changing lives, the government is increasingly seeking contractors who share the aim of improving community well-being. 'You're far more likely to secure a tender if you can demonstrate how your involvement will contribute additional value in terms of upliftment or protecting local ecosystems.' He recommends committing to employing and training community members or contributing to development programmes, depending on capacity and budgets. 'Even smaller-scale initiatives can make a difference in a real and impactful way on the lives of others.' 4. Mitigating risks by subcontracting 'For smaller contractors who lack the capacity for entire projects, van den Berg suggests subcontracting with established firms.' He said this allows new or lower-graded businesses to handle parts of the work without taking on unmanageable risk while benefiting from the principal contractor's guidance. 'Working under an established brand is one of the best ways to learn the ropes. You can see how they manage timelines, compliance processes and stakeholder relationships, and apply that knowledge to your own business to help you move up the CIDB ranks.' Minister welcomes investment Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson welcomed the news of the investment. 'Infrastructure investment remains one of the most effective ways to achieve the government of national unity's (GNU's) goal to grow the economy and create jobs. 'As the department of public works and Infrastructure, together with Infrastructure South Africa (ISA), we stand ready to play our part in achieving this goal. By working together we are building a better South Africa.' Job recreation Godongwana, while delivering his third budget speech on Wednesday in Cape Town, said infrastructure is a rich source of jobs in construction, engineering and related industries across a range of skill levels. 'It is for these reasons that infrastructure is the fourth pillar of the growth strategy. This budget demonstrates our resolve to change the composition of spending from consumption to investment. 'Allocations towards capital payments remain the fastest-growing area of spending by economic classification. Public infrastructure spending over three years will exceed the R1 trillion mark.' NOW READ: Budget 3.0: Fuel levy replaced VAT hike but is it the better option?
