Quality standards for Iskandar Malaysia infrastructure projects

23 April 2009, By IRDA

JOHOR BAHRU, Wednesday, April 22nd – The Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA), in implementing the RMK9 projects within Iskandar Malaysia, is working together with Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB) to initiate training programmes for all contractors and project consultants who have been awarded roads infrastructure construction projects.

Yesterday’s programme - a training workshop on safety management – second in a series of four workshops which will be conducted throughout the year and will cover various related topics such as road safety management, work-site safety, road widening and quality construction of new roads. It was conducted by the Global Institute of Safety Management (GiSM) – a Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) accredited company.

According to Harun Hj. Johari, Chief Executive Officer of IRDA, “We want to work closely with our teams (contractors, consultants, supervisors) to improve our safety and working methods so as to ensure that the work done within Iskandar Malaysia is in line with our aspirations to meet that of international best practices and world-class standards.”

“It is important for the project owners, consultants and contractors to know and understand the expectations from a world-class perspective, befitting a strong and sustainable metropolis of international standing,” he added.

The workshops are among the skill enhancement programmes which will improve the skills and knowledge of contractors and consultants in an effort to raise their work standards to a new way of working. This is part of IRDA’s efforts to implement stringent world-class standards for all of its RMK9 projects inclusive of Traffic Management, Environment and Safety.

These workshops also support the government’s announcement that as of 2009, all Class A contractors must have ISO 2000 certification. Besides that IRDA has made it compulsory for all its appointed consultants and contractors to attend the workshops.

In addition to the workshops, IRDA is also working with DOSH to actively check on work sites to ensure the requirements of the National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are adhered to.

Firdaus Saif, a Senior Construction Manager who attended the workshop, said it was a good initiative by IRDA to bring together all the contractors regardless of projects and to provide an insight into IRDA’s requirements so that everyone is aligned with the goal of quality and safety.

“The workshops provided us with a better understanding of what is required from IRDA so that everybody can follow through a proper system,” he said.

Puan Hajjah Maimunah HJ Khalid, Managing Director of GiSM, said that the workshops will involve practical tests on traffic management.

“We aim to have everyone involved in the same work culture and the correct way of doing things,” she added.

Currently, these workshops are open to Iskandar Malaysia’s awarded contractors and project consultants. However, other contractors who are keen to improve their skills are welcome to attend. Those interested can call IRDA’s Technical and Project team at 07-218 3000.

Meanwhile, IRDA, along with other relevant agencies, will be conducting a traffic trial run at Jalan Ulu Tiram – Kota Tinggi trial run scheduled in May 2009. IRDA will also be launching an Info-line and email dedicated to its RMK-9 projects. The Info-line (+607-2183100) and email (rmk9info@irda.com.my) will be launched in May.

**Briefing On Importance Of Safety For RMK-9 Projects**
Importance Of Safety For RMK-9 Projects (PDF, 2MB)	Download PDF File

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This release is jointly issued by the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) and Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB)

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About IRDA
The Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) is the regulatory authority mandated to plan, promote and facilitate the development of Iskandar Malaysia into a strong and sustainable metropolis of international standing, where living, working, business and leisure converge seamlessly.
For media inquiries, kindly contact Encik Ghazali Musa or Miss Marsha Tan at 07-233 3000

About Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB)
Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB) is the catalytic driver of Iskandar Malaysia. IIB invests in selected strategic and catalytic initiatives through shareholding stakes in joint ventures or contribution of land, either through sale or lease, or granting of a concession or development rights.
For more information on IIB, please visit www.iskandarinvestment.com