GEORGE TOWN – The Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) has called for stronger whistleblower protections and the designation of public safety as a “prime cost item” in construction contracts to improve safety in public infrastructure projects.
Its president, Oliver Wee, told Scoop that the association advocates for continuous review and enhancement of safety-related laws and guidelines to align with technological advancements and lessons from past incidents.
“We believe that stronger whistleblower protections, independent safety review panels, and public reporting mechanisms should be integrated to ensure greater transparency and accountability in the nation’s infrastructure ecosystem,” Wee said.
He also said that safety should be regarded as a “prime cost item” in construction contracts, meaning clients should allocate a specific amount for safety-related expenses to ensure that bidding prices remain fair and are not undermined by safety concerns.
“In other words, the client should fix a specific sum for safety-related expenses in the contract itself, and in this way, the bidding price will not be jeopardised and remain fair,” he said.
Wee also stressed the need to adopt digital tools such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), which can enhance risk analysis and safety design. While acknowledging that compliance with safety standards can sometimes be costly, he underscored the often intangible nature of the return on investment.
“However, consider the consequences of not complying: if something unfortunate happens, the cost – both human and financial – can be devastating,” he warned.
As the government moves forward with ambitious plans to expand public transport systems, Wee joins a growing chorus of voices advocating for public safety to be prioritised in infrastructure development.
Consistent enforcement and compliance remain crucial
Wee also noted that while Malaysia already has robust regulatory frameworks, enforced by agencies such as the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), and local authorities, the need for consistent enforcement and monitoring remains critical.
He emphasised that cultivating a safety culture across all stakeholders – developers, contractors, consultants, and authorities – is essential, achieved through training, audits, and penalties for safety lapses.
“Safety needs to be ingrained in everyone’s mindset,” he stated. “We need to ensure that these regulations are effectively implemented on the ground.”
MBAM, under Wee’s leadership, has trained over 8,000 individuals in various safety-related programmes.
With major transformative projects underway, such as Penang’s first light rail transit (LRT) system – the Mutiara Line – Wee stressed the importance of ensuring public safety from the construction phase through to the operational phase.
“Safety-centric planning, stringent compliance, and responsible execution are essential to building public trust and ensuring the long-term sustainability of these assets,” he concluded.
Wee also pointed out that safety awareness and education should be continuously emphasised, particularly for new foreign workers arriving in the country. Ensuring they adopt good safety practices will help instil a disciplined culture of safety on construction sites.
“Individual awareness and continuous education on safety can never be overemphasised. (Plus) safety is part of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles,” Wee added. – July 29, 2025