THE Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) has ordered 15 worksites to close as of yesterday over their failure to adhere to health and safety standard operating procedures (SOP) under the movement control order (MCO).

Since the MCO was enforced on January 13, CIDB has inspected 1,022 construction sites, Senior Minister Fadillah Yusof said in a statement today  

All save 15 of them were found to be SOP-compliant.

The 15 construction sites have been issued with notices for non-compliance in terms of workers’ accommodation, physical distancing, and the wearing of face mask.

“The majority of Covid-19 positive cases at construction sites were caused by failure to observe the stipulated SOP and guidelines.

“Among the causes identified are the workers’ accommodation was overcrowded, dirty and did not comply with the Workers’ Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446), besides the workers’ movement from one project site to another could possibly create the construction cluster,” he said.

Therefore, Fadillah urged contractors which have been permitted to operate during the MCO to comply with the SOP at construction sites and workers’ accommodation to prevent Covid-19 transmission.

“Stern action will be taken against any contractors who fail to comply with the directives besides disciplinary action which could cause their registration to be revoked or suspended,” he said.

Up-to-date SOPs are available on CIDB website while more information on SOPs and construction industry guidelines are available at CIDB on Telegram or via or the hotline at 03-5567 3300, from 8am to 5.30pm on weekdays.

Of the 852 virus clusters reported from September 20 till February 12, 527 are linked to the workplace. – Bernama, February 15, 2021.