The Malaysian Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), through its subsidiary CIDB Holdings Sdn. Bhd. has launched the CIDBH iENTRY System, an integrated initiative that aims to improve the management of foreign workers in the construction industry. Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, Minister of Public Works, officiated the launch ceremony.
The CIDBH iENTRY system aims to introduce an integrated system to ensure compliance with laws related to the welfare and safety of skilled foreign workers. It also makes it easier for employers to comply with the conditions set out under the Malaysian Construction Industry Development Board Act 1994 (Act 520), the Minimum Standards of Housing, Accommodation and Employee Facilities Act 1990 (Act 446) and the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342).
Among the main features of this system are:
- Managing the Registration of foreign workers through a biometric system after they receive a Certificate of Competency in Construction Skills (SKKP) in the source country certified and verified by CIDB
- Monitoring foreign workers’ welfare holistically, including managing their accommodation through an integrated system.
This system is also in line with government enforcement that requires foreign workers in the construction sector to obtain Certification in the Source Country (SKKP) along with an online Safety and Health Induction Course (eSICW) for Construction Workers, which will be enforced from January 2025. With the implementation of the CIDBH iENTRY System, the monitoring of foreign workers and legal compliance will be more effective, thus ensuring the well-being and safety of foreign workers.
In addition, this system also helps the government deal with the issue of uncertified foreign workers by ensuring that only workers with valid certifications are allowed to work on construction sites. This measure will also reduce safety risks at the construction site.
According to CIDB records, 465,591 foreign construction workers were registered with CIDB nationwide until September 2024 in Malaysia. In Kuala Lumpur and Selangor alone, the number of foreign construction workers was 150,699 and 166,456, respectively.
