The construction sector opposes the implementation of a law that would increase wages and decrease working hours.

Putting off the modernization of working conditions for employees will only add fuel to the fire that is the widespread belief that Malaysia’s construction/contracting business is backwards rather than forward-thinking. Every time the government tries to make the industry look more appealing to potential employees, they are met with pushback or requests for postponements. The same sort of backlash occurred when the legislation providing workers with reasonable accommodations was proposed and enacted. Those who operate in an industry should collaborate with the government to advance the industry, bring it into the modern era, and make it more appealing to prospective employees. Competing with other industries in Malaysia for talent, especially for frontline workers, is “hot,” and the construction industry would do well to embrace change or risk falling behind. It is important that efforts to improve working conditions be accompanied by efforts to improve the safety record of the Construction and Contractors industry. This will help to reduce the negative impact of the 3-D (dirty, difficult, and dangerous) stereotypes that have been attached to the construction industry. Similar to how the government has pushed through and closed off key legislation regarding employment conditions and workers’ accommodations, they should do the same with pending changes to workplace Safety & Health legislation, such as making CDM (Construction Design Management) principles a legal requirement rather than a set of voluntary guidelines. Self-regulation in the area of workplace safety hasn’t advanced the sector, with a few exceptions, except for a few responsible organisations in Malaysia. The OSHCIM (Occupational Safety and Health Construction Industry Management) 2017 Guidelines and the OSH 2021 (amendment) Bill must be passed into law. Improvements in the recruitment, employment, mobility, and repatriation conditions of foreign workers, in addition to stricter enforcement of existing laws, can do wonders for the reputation of Malaysia’s construction and contracting industries.
Typically, frameworks that “guide” business sectors would be included in government sustainability strategies established by individual Ministries. When applied to different industries, these frameworks would reveal the key environmental, social, and governance issues that must be resolved before businesses can become sustainable. Accurate data collecting in real time is crucial for making critical decisions. The digitization of business procedures is crucial in this regard.
Conservative views in the building and contracting industry must give way to more expansive ones. There needs to be a balance between short-term benefits and long-term benefits. Those in positions of power within the industry should work to make Malaysia’s construction industry the most exciting and lucrative in the world. The construction-contracting industry, for example, would be better off if it sped up the adoption of technology to improve efficiency and with it, operating cost outlay, such as digitalization, rather than slowed it down by delaying or resisting change with key initiatives like those discussed in this post. The potential exists for the industry to reduce expenses through the implementation of streamlined procedures. Business risk and sustainability principles should be used to inform Construction/Contractor industry executives and representatives that the industry must adapt to the modern environment. Customers, vendors, and staff are constantly updated on what does and does not meet the criteria of a socially responsible business. These parties are more likely to support progressive, responsible businesses. There is a lack of 600,000 workers in the construction business alone, and 1.2 million across all other industries. If employment opportunities are restricted, it will be difficult to minimise reliance on foreign labour and encourage locals to take their place. The building sector must maintain its edge in the market.