By Peter Sibon
KUCHING, July 13: Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers’ Association (Sheda) Kuching Branch chairman Sim Kiang Chiok hopes that the ‘Contractor4U App’ could be implemented extensively in Sarawak to assist small construction companies.
The ‘Contractor4U App’ along with other initiatives were among the package worth RM70 million as announced by Works Minister Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof recently.
“Contractor4U App as announced by the minister is a good matching App for our registered and licensed contractors to get connected with homeowners for small construction works.
“The App will assist for small contractors to repair your leaking roof, extending that kitchen or that extra room. My request is for the ministry to publicise this App much more for the people in Sarawak,” Sim said here today.
Recently, Fadillah announced that Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) has allocated RM70 million for strategic programmes to assist the construction industry players due to Movement Control Order (MCO) and also to support the country’s policy in enhancing the use of technology, while reducing dependence on foreign workers by providing jobs for locals.
“These various programmes are highly welcome in the construction and development industry as we are always in need of construction workers from unskilled to highly skilled, management personnel, supervision to security guards.
“Our construction industry in Sarawak relied very much on the traditional or conventional methods as the Industrial Building System (IBS) is still not cost effective due to our low volume,” he said.
Sim also hoped that IBM components will be manufactured in Sarawak and not only in the peninsula.
“The minister also said CIDB wants to manufacture IBS components which will be good if it will save cost and time for our Sarawak contractors.
“My hope is that these IBS components will be manufactured here and not only in Malaya,” he said.
Sim also hoped that CIDB can also provide subsidies for purchasing Building Information Modelling (BIM) software that can be utilised by the industry players to improve efficiency.
“This will allow our construction players to be up to date with the current and powerful tools in designing and coordination for a more efficient construction processes,” added Sim. —DayakDaily.
