The report quoted Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) president Foo Chek Lee as saying that the shortage could be attributed to the ruling that only Malaysians can obtain the certificate of competency from the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) to be a tower crane operator.

“We don’t have enough certified operators as there are not enough locals on the job.

“Projects need to be completed on time and this is why some contractors resort to engaging unlicensed crane operators or foreigners,” Foo was quoted saying.

He urged the government and the Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia (CIDB) to look into these issues and also told MBAM members to send their workers for training to get certificates.

Foo also pointed out the dangers of engaging illegal tower crane operators, saying foreign workers, despite being certified in their home country, may not be familiar with the local tower cranes or system.

According to Foo, crane operators or site safety officers are required to check the cranes (to ensure they are in proper working order) during their daily walkabout. On top of that, DOSH-approved companies are also supposed to conduct monthly checks.

The daily spoke to tower crane operator Mohd Almahdi Ashaari Ali, 27, who said at least three months of training was required before one could apply for an operator’s licence. Applicants must also undergo a medical check-up.

According to him, tower crane operators work for eight hours a day, starting at 8am, and there are short breaks in between every two hours. The pay can range between RM4,000 and RM7,000, excluding overtime.

DOSH is currently on a crackdown against illegal tower crane operators in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang and Johor, after the Aug 25 crane hook incident in Bukit Bintang that killed a 24-year-old female motorist.