KUALA LUMPUR (June 21): A total of 150 construction sites have been ordered to close for failure to comply with standard operating procedures (SOPs), since the imposition of the third iteration of the full movement control order (MCO 3.0) on June 1, according to the Ministry of Works.

As part of its efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19 in the country, the Works Ministry said the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) has inspected 2,423 construction sites throughout MCO 3.0.

Of this, a total of 446 (18%) construction sites were found to be operational, while a total of 1,977 (82%) were not operating.

"Of the 446 sites in operation, it was found that 150 construction sites (34%) did not comply with the SOPs, while another 296 (66%) sites complied with the SOPs. All 150 construction sites that did not comply with the SOP were ordered to close immediately.

"However 11 of the construction sites ordered to close have already been allowed to reopen, after they complied with the SOPs," the ministry said in a statement today.

According to the ministry, CIDB has intensified inspections at construction sites, in an effort to contain the Covid-19 pandemic following the increased infections in construction sites nationwide, particularly in the Klang Valley.

"The Works Ministry wants all contractors to be fully committed in taking the responsibility to ensure construction sites and their workers' accommodations comply with SOPs including ensuring all workers undergo Covid-19 screenings and are certified free of infection before being allowed to work on construction sites.

"Construction industry players are reminded to always comply with SOPs under the MCO 3.0 or face stern action by CIDB. Besides ordering the construction sites to be closed immediately, CIDB may also impose a penalty not exceeding RM500,000 or suspend and revoke the Contractor's Registration Certificate," it said.

Yesterday, the Health Ministry announced that 11 of 19 new Covid-19 clusters detected yesterday were workplace clusters including construction sites.