CRITICAL construction projects in Kuala Lumpur have been granted exemptions to work during the movement control order period, Federal Territories Minister Annuar Musa said today.

In a press conference broadcast on Facebook, Annuar raised the matter after receiving a number of complaints about work taking place at various construction sites.

“Some exceptions have been agreed upon in the construction category, which is considered critical and also to ensure safety.

“The three types of work are deep excavation, tunnelling and long span construction across highways, which have been granted exemption with a specific number of employees,” he said.

Annuar warned of inherent risks if the ministry decided to halt these projects.

“The MRT tunnel is currently being dug in six places within 10 meters. The excavation of this tunnel is non-stop and the work is done 24 hours a day.

“If work stops, the tunnels may be subject to sink holes or landslides. 

“There are also several deep excavation operations, which go down to 40m. If stopped, they could possibly collapse and so on, so they have been granted an exception.

“Stopping long span construction along the highways may cause technical issues,” he said.

Annuar said although permission is given to companies to continue their projects, they would still need to adhere to the guidelines provided by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), the Public Works Department and the Ministry of Health.

The minister said he met with the management of the respective companies involved to explain the rules to which they must adhere working during the MCO.

“Companies must ensure that they comply 100% to the guidelines provided.

“This includes submitting a list of names of employees who are authorised to work,” he said, adding that they are given exemptions on a case-by-case basis. – April 9, 2020.