MCO 2.0: another SOP for construction sector

Only critical construction works allowed
Operating hours and workforce capacity
Required documents must be kept on site
Activities and protocols
Comment

The construction sector is one of the economic sectors that is permitted to operate during the second Movement Control Order (MCO 2.0). As such, on 14 January 2021 the Construction Industry Development Board of Malaysia's website published the standard operating procedure (SOP) that companies with permission to operate during MCO 2.0 must comply with when carrying out construction works (Construction SOP). This article discusses the key points of the Construction SOP.

Only critical construction works allowed

The Construction SOP stipulates that only critical construction works as specified in the Ministry of Works' press statement of 12 January 2021 may be carried out during MCO 2.0 (for further details please see "MCO 2.0: critical construction works allowed").

When compared to the Ministry of Works press statement, the Construction SOP has added "commuter and single or double tracking works" into the list of "critical construction works".

Operating hours and workforce capacity

Companies can maintain normal operating hours during MCO 2.0. However, workforce capacity is limited as follows:

• 30% of management level personnel; and
• a strictly necessary basis for operations level personnel.

Required documents must be kept on site

The following documents must be kept and made available on the construction site for inspection by the relevant authorities:

• name, value and location (with GPS coordinates) of the project;
• details of the officers in charge:
  • company director;
  • project supervising officer;
  • head coordinator; and
  • centralised labour quarters management (if applicable);
• project schedule;
• list of the main contractor's workers and sub-contractors, based on their trades;
• list of the suppliers of construction materials;
• list of the suppliers and operators of heavy machinery, including the names and licences of the latter;
• list of consultants and personnel;
• records of the workers' movements and health screenings;
• records of the cleanliness and management of the construction site or premise; and
• the Construction Industry Development Board of Malaysia pledge.

Companies should also display their responsibilities under the Construction SOP at the construction site.

Activities and protocols

The Construction SOP also lists in detail the activities and protocols that must be conducted when carrying out works at the construction site. In summary, they are:

• the management of the movement of construction workers;
• the management of the supply and delivery of construction materials and goods to the site;
• an awareness of and compliance with the Construction SOP;
• the establishment of an emergency response and management system on site;
• contact tracing;
• the maintenance of cleanliness on site and in workers' accommodation; and
• record keeping.(1)

Comment

The Construction SOP is substantially similar to the standard operating procedures that were already in place prior to MCO 2.0. However, what is different this time around is that, unlike the first movement control order, the construction sector can operate at normal operating hours, albeit with a limited workforce capacity. Further, companies will be subject to the Construction SOP and responsible for the workers' compliance with the same. In effect, it is business as usual for the construction sector during this MCO 2.0.

For further information on this topic please contact Richard Khoo Boo Hin or Rachel Chiah at SKRINE by telephone (+60 3 2081 3999) or email (richard.khoo@skrine.com or rachel.chiah@skrine.com). The SKRINE website can be accessed at www.skrine.com.

Endnotes

(1) Further information on the activities and protocols is available here.