Muhyiddin launches digital dashboard linking 53 ministries, agencies
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has launched a digital dashboard that is capable of linking data from 53 ministries and agencies that are involved in the implementation of the planned stimulus packages. It is aimed at ensuring the process of monitoring and implemention of the Prihatin Rakyat Economic Stimulus Package (Prihatin) and National Economic Recovery Plan (Penjana) would be done with transparency, fast and accurate. The launch was held in conjunction with the prime minister’s official working visit to the Economic Stimulus Implementation and Coordination Unit Between National Agencies (Laksana), the developer of the digital dashboard, at the Ministry of Finance. (The Edge)
TNB bill: Consumers can lodge claims with TTPM
Consumers who are not satisfied with the increase in their electricity bill during the MCO period can file their claims at the Tribunal for Consumer Claims Malaysia (TTPM). Deputy Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Rosol Wahid said besides lodging complaints to Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) and the Energy Commission, consumers have another alternative to file their case with TTPM for a fee of only RM5. He added that the TTPM has received two claims so far, including one on the extraordinary spike of electricity bill, filed on June 5. The increase in electricity bill has been seriously discussed by the consumers in the social media, and many have shared their frustrations with current electricity charges. The tribunal, which was established in 1999, also enables consumers to seek redress not exceeding RM50,000 for the purchase of products and services, which are not as advertised. (The Star Online)
Senior minister urges construction industry leaders in Malaysia to prepare for new normal
All construction industry leaders have been urged to be prepared to implement projects in accordance with the new normal during the Recovery movement control order (RMCO) period. Senior Minister (Infrastructure) Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said they must also ensure the standard operating procedure (SOP) set is complied with to ensure a safe workplace in order for the industry to remain competitive in post Covid-19. “The main challenge of adapting to the new norms at construction sites is to ensure that safety and health aspects are given emphasis and reduce dependence on foreign labour through the use of the latest technologies including the Industrialised Building System (IBS) and Building Information Modelling (BIM),” he said. Fadillah said contractors should also make the best use of available incentives under the National Economic Recovery Plan (Penjana). (Malay Mail)
Zuraida tells developers to focus more on affordable housing projects
Property developers are encouraged to concentrate more on developing affordable housing projects priced at RM500,000 and below, said Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin. However, she said, developers would need to clear up their property overhang first, especially the high-end ones, as more than 80% of unoccupied units were from the premium sector. Zuraida said the ministry also planned to discuss with all state governments to review the property sales price and terms for foreign buyers in order to get the overhang units sold, which would in turn help revamp the economy at both the state and federal levels. “We are a bit flexible now because of the Covid-19 pandemic. We allow some of the projects to transform from commercial lots to SoHo. We also allow them to make adjustments to their designs and units to accommodate the industry,” she added. (Malay Mail)
GDB tendering for projects worth RM2.8 billion in Malaysia
GDB Holdings Bhd revealed that it is tendering for RM2.8 billion worth of building construction and piling projects throughout Malaysia. Currently, he group’s piling and substructure segment through its subsidiary GDB Geotechnics Sdn Bhd has tendered for approximately RM400 million worth of jobs. GDB’s construction tender book as at June 16 amounts to RM2.4 billion, which comprises residential, mixed development and offices. Group managing director Cheah Ham Cheia said the group is hard at work to mitigate the impact of containment measures of Covid-19 pandemic and remained buoyant of its long-term prospects. For the short term, Cheah opined that its order book of RM1.2 billion will cushion the temporary impact of the containment measures of the Covid-19 pandemic. (The Sun Daily)
