MBAM: Budget 2010 continues to support industry

KUALA LUMPUR: The Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) said Budget 2010 has continued to support the construction industry through the promotion of public-private partnership initiatives.

President Ng Kee Leen said the construction sector expected a 3.5% growth this year, which would mean the third successive year of positive growth.

“Furthermore, the construction sector is envisaged to expand 3.2% in 2010 and the sector is expected to benefit from economic recovery and ongoing construction activities under the second stimulus package,” he said in a statement.

He said MBAM was appreciative that the Government would focus on the development of the five growth corridors with emphasis on provision of infrastructure and public amenities.

“The industry wishes the Government will ensure the speedy and efficient implementation of the projects,” he said, adding that the MBAM was also supportive of Government’s efforts to support the Green Building Index.

“It was announced that RM1.5bil will be provided as loans to promote green technology and this will also help spur the initiative. The setting up of the National Green Technology Centre will also give further currency and credibility to the Government’s effort to promote Green Building Initiatives,” he said.

Meanwhile, UDA Holdings Bhd, which received a RM30mil contract by the Government to build 300 units of Kedai Desa in rural areas nationwide, said it would strive do an efficient job and deliver the project on time.

“... It shows the Government’s sensitivity to help the people in rural areas on providing business opportunities for them to improve their income. This is the concept of One Malaysia,” said managing director Datuk Jaafar Abu Hassan.

Ho Hup Construction group managing director Lim Ching Choy said the provision of RM4.7bil for road and bridge projects under the budget would boost the construction industry and the company was looking forward to participate in the projects.

“It is a very good initiative by the Government to enhance infrastructure as the impact will not just benefit the construction industry but also other businesses involved directly with the construction sector,” he told StarBizWeek.

Malaysian Resources Corp Bhd group managing director Shahril Ridza Ridzuan told StarBizWeek that the company was looking forward to take part in any project initiated by the Government under the construction budget.“(Our focus) will be on infrastructure and transport infrastructure projects,” he said.

By The Star