MBAM and Rehda join forces to combat virus

In a joint statement yesterday, MBAM and Rehda said the property development and construction industries have not been spared by the unprecedented global outbreak

PETALING JAYA: The Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) and the Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association (Rehda) have pledged to work together to combat the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a joint statement yesterday, MBAM and Rehda said the property development and construction industries have not been spared by the unprecedented global outbreak.

“The industry is a significant contributor to the nation’s economy where it employs about 1.4 million workers and paying salary of about RM40bil yearly. As such, we truly hope that the government will look positively at our request for further incentives in any of the government’s stimulus package post movement control order (MCO).”

Both parties pledged to continue working closely with all stakeholders, not only to ensure safety at work, but also prevent the disease from spreading.

“We hope that the government will continue to support the housing and construction industry with regular consultation sessions and continuous dialogues while we tackle this trying time together.

“This will help to reassure housing developers and construction firms about the government’s recovery plan for the industry when the crisis is over.”

MBAM and Rehda noted that the recent announcement by the government to allow some construction activities to commence during phase three of the MCO would help the industry and its related 140 upstream and downstream industries.

“This is great news for developers and contractors including suppliers of construction materials and equipment, manufacturers, professionals and many more in the supply chain.

“Government ministries and agencies have been working hard to present mitigation measures to lessen the impact of Covid-19 and have given due consideration to our various proposals such as the issues of foreign workers, cash flows, standard operating procedures of contractors and developers during this challenging period.”