CIDB move on foreign workers
Published on: Sun, Aug 10, 2025 Text Size: A building under construction: Foreigners now need recognised qualifications Kuala Lumpur: The Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia (CIDB) has emphasised that all employers are required to comply with the accreditation and compliance process for construction personnel as outlined under the Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia Act 1994 (Act 520). The enforcement of this requirement ensures that all foreign construction workers nationwide possess the necessary competency levels, adhere to workplace safety standards and hold recognised qualifications in Malaysia's construction sector.
Advertisement This compliance is also aimed at enhancing the industry's professionalism and strengthening public confidence in the credibility of the construction sector in Malaysia. CIDB Malaysia has introduced the Foreign Construction Personnel Accreditation and Competency Programme as a strategic initiative managed by Construction Labour Exchange Centre Berhad (CLAB). The primary goal is to ensure that every foreign construction worker obtains the Construction Skills Competency Certificate (SKKP), as part of legal compliance under the existing regulations. Additionally, the certification recognises the skill levels and on-site experience of foreign workers, ultimately boosting professionalism and safety standards in the nation's construction industry.
Advertisement The implementation of this programme aligns with the current situation, where the Government has imposed a temporary freeze on the intake of new foreign construction workers from source countries into Malaysia, effective May 31, 2024. This is a timely opportunity for the industry to carry out thorough identification and evaluation processes of the existing active foreign workforce, many of whom have been employed for more than two years since the freeze came into effect. This also allows the industry to ensure each worker meets the required competency and safety standards. Commenting on the priority of developing a competitive and professional construction sector, CIDB Chief Executive Zainora Zainal said the board takes non-compliance with skill accreditation requirements seriously. 'Failure to comply with these provisions is not just a legal breach, but can have major repercussions for the construction sector, including risks to project productivity, reduced work quality, lower safety levels at construction sites, and potential restrictions in the approval of foreign worker intake for future projects,' she said in a statement Wednesday. The accreditation process involves no hidden costs and directly benefits contractors, not only by ensuring legal compliance, but also by improving operational efficiency and effectiveness. Ultimately, investing in accreditation drives greater competitiveness and enhances a company's reputation in the increasingly demanding construction industry. This Accreditation Programme provides employers the opportunity to identify foreign construction workers for formal accreditation based on their practical experience at construction sites. The assessment process is structured and designed to: i. Align workers' skill levels with industry standards; ii. Uphold professionalism and enhance work efficiency; and iii. Promote a culture of high safety and work quality at construction sites. This approach is crucial to ensure the construction industry remains competitive and reputable. CLAB, as the official facilitator of the programme, is committed to carrying out structured and systematic assessments to ensure worker competencies are aligned with current industry needs and standards. This initiative not only reinforces professionalism but also promotes a stronger safety and quality culture at construction sites. Through this holistic approach, CIDB is confident that it can elevate the reputation and competitiveness of the national construction industry. Employers are encouraged to review the status of foreign construction workers under their companies and take proactive steps by promptly submitting accreditation applications via CLAB if there are still workers who have yet to receive official skills certification. For any enquiries regarding the accreditation application process or for more information, employers may contact CLAB at Construction Labour Exchange Centre Berhad (CLAB), Level 2, Annexe Block, Menara Milenium, 8 Jalan Damanlela, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur. Can also contact telephone no: 03-2095 9599/018-376 9599, or email: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]). * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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