A Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) levy is charged only once for each construction project. The body told Sabah Builders Association (SBA) that in unforeseen circumstances, however, where a contractor has to be changed by the employer, the newly appointed contractor does not have to pay the levy again.

This was clarified by CIDB Malaysia new Sabah-born Director, Rosmen Hassan, during the association's courtesy call recently. The SBA was led by its President Ir Lou Chi Nam. Also present were his deputy Henry Tsen, Vice President Johnny Wong, honorary secretaries (Chinese) Kung Ping-Kun and (English) Ralph Chung, treasurer Chung Vui Keong and other committee members.

Rosmen further informed that any contractor can also meet with CIDB officers to seek their help regarding double payment of the levy.

Aside from this, he advised all contractors, including subcontractors, to be registered with the CIDB.

On the matter of accreditation, Rosmen urged all site supervisors and skilled workers to be also accredited by CIDB.

However, he said small-time contractors such as those doing renovations whose workers have to multi-task have to be accredited according to their skills like carpentry, brick laying or laying of tiles.

Meanwhile, SBA pledged to collaborate with CIDB on human resources development and awareness raising among the construction players on the latest construction technology such as industrialised building system (IBS) and building information modelling (BIM).

The association also noted Sabah has witnessed rapid development over recent years, particularly with more constructions of high-rise buildings and flyovers.

It singled out the ongoing Pan Borneo Highway project and the Light Rapid Transit (LRT) for Kota Kinabalu as two of the main game changer.

Prior to the courtesy call, the SBA delegation also met with CIDB Chief Executive Officer Dato Ir. Ahmad Asri during the 8th Malaysia Construction Summit 2017 in Kuala Lumpur recently.