MBAM plans to purchase steel bars, cement from overseas markets

PETALING JAYA: The Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) is looking at purchasing steel bars and cement from overseas markets if domestic building materials prices continue to increase.

MBAM president, Datuk Ng Kee Leen said the urgency of the situation has forced MBAM members to consider importing essential building materials as rising prices continue to reduce contractors’ profit margins and threaten to delay the implementation of projects.

“It is hoped that the importation of steel bars, cement and other essential building materials will help to stabilise rising local material prices,” Ng said in a statement on May 3.

He added that MBAM has been thinking about sourcing for steel bars and cement from foreign markets since the 38^th International Federation of Asian and Western Pacific Contractors’ Association Convention held in Taipei, Taiwan, from April 20 to 23, 2010 where MBAM sent a delegation.

Meanwhile, MBAM vice-president, Aziz Tan Sri Bahaman will lead a delegation of 12 representatives to the Turkeybuild 2010 fair at Istanbul, Turkey, from May 3 to 8, 2010. It will be part of a joint mission with the Singapore Contractors Association (SCAL).

MBAM will also be sending a delegation of 20 representatives, headed by Ng, to Beijing, China, to renew ties with the Chinese International Contractors Association (CHINCA) and to attend the International Infrastructure Investment & Construction Forum from May 10 to 15, 2010.

MBAM will also be looking at buying steel bars and cement at Turkeybuild 2010 and during the China visit.

MBAM will be signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Turkish Contractors Association (TMB) on May 7 to facilitate trade opportunities.

MBAM members will also be given the opportunity to network with TMB members after the MOU ceremony to establish contacts and explore business opportunities.

Both associations will strive to achieve mutual benefits in the construction industry sector and to encourage co-operation between Malaysian and Turkish construction industries to enhance their capacities and international competitiveness.

This will be the sixth MOU signed by MBAM after MOUs with the Chilean Contractors Association, United Arab Emirates Contractors Association, CHINCA, Maldives Association of Construction Industry and Indonesian Contractors Association.