O n 20th January 2010, a dialogue between JKR Electrical Branch and TEEAM was held at the Electrical Engineering Branch, Headquarters of JKR Malaysia in Mid Valley, Kuala Lumpur.
Some fifteen JKR officials from various divisions attended the meeting. The dialogue was chaired by Ir Hj Mohd Fazli Osman (Senior Director of Electrical Engineering Branch). Other JKR officials were Ir Nik Rahimi Nik Mansor (Director of Design Consultant), Ir Dr Mohd Johari Mohd Arif (Director of Specialist Services), Ir Mokhtar Zainal (Chief Electrical Engineer, UPSE), Tn Hj Mohamed Hafiz Mansur (Chief Electrical Engineer, UPAkustik), Tn Hj Nizar Othman (Chief Electrical Engineer, USPM), Ir Shaharudin Othman (Chief Electrical Engineer, UIPT), En Baihaki Azraee (Chief Electrical Engineer, BPR ‘B’), Ir Hjh Azura Mahayudin (Chief Electrical Engineer, BPR ‘C’), Ir Mohd Jahini Mohd Dom (Chief Electrical Engineer, BPR ‘D2’), Pn Noor Fadzilah Ramlee (Senior Superintendent Electrical Engineer, BPR E), Ir Sabariah Hussain (Senior Superintendent Electrical Engineer, USPM), Pn Norliza Badaruzaman (Senior Superintendent Electrical Engineer, UPK), Pn Hanifah Abdullah (Senior Superintendent Electrical Engineer, UPKS) and Ir Mohd Shahriman Mohd Yunus (Superintendent Electrical Engineer, KTK).
Led by Engr Fu Wing Hoong (TEEAM President), the TEEAM officials at the dialogue were Ir Steven Ng Khoon Hwa (Deputy President), Ir Chew Shee Fuee (Vice President), Mr Yap Ching Kiat (Vice President), Mr Ho Khai Hong (Honorary Secretary), Mr Lawrence Lai Kun Hoong (Council Member), Mr Chong Yoon Koon (Council Member) and Mr Tan Lin Choong (Committee Member).
Ir Hj Mohd Fazli Osman welcomed the TEEAM delegation to the dialogue. Engr Fu expressed his appreciation to JKR Electrical Branch for hosting the dialogue and for the warm welcome. Both sides then introduced their delegates.
The following issues of concern were discussed:
Restricted Use of PVC Conduit
TEEAM seeks clarification from JKR if the department imposes the use of GI Conduit instead of PVC in all concealed wiring except areas near seaside. TEEAM hopes that PVC conduit of approved type (by BOMBA) should be allowed.
Ir Hj Mohd Fazli highlighted that JKR does not prohibit contractors from using PVC conduit on concealed wiring. All electrical wiring installation must be compliant and emphasising on safety requirement to avoid accident in the future. Since JKR is the consultant/implementor for public (government) building any electrical failure in public building will be of great concern to JKR.
He urged contractors and consultants to use either all PVC conduit system or all GI conduit system on electrical wiring installation. There is no objection on this matter (PVC conduit) if there is a certified body that regulates, approves and endorses the installation made conformed to the requirement of safety and the law.
GI Conduit
TEEAM higlighted that GI conduit installed in JKR projects must be in metric size which is based on MS 275 (BS 4568). In fact, contractors do not have any problem on the use of GI conduit since local manufacturers are already manufacturing in metric size. The problem is on the accessories/ fittings which are not in metric size. This would create coupling problem in term of the joint’s quality.
The meeting agreed that all consulting engineers must be informed and alerted that accessories/fitting in metric system is required in all projects including projects by the private sector. JKR and TEEAM agreed to bring this matter to ST (Suruhanjaya Tenaga) to ensure that this issue can be seriously taken up and become mandatory standard on national level. JKR and TEEAM encourage the manufacture of accessories/ fittings in metric size.
JKR List of Approval Products
TEEAM highlighted the JKR list of approval products namely “Senarai Barangan yang Diluluskan” (Electrical Material Approved List, EMAL) in JKR website, ie www.ictjkr.gov.my. TEEAM is of the opinion that it should be “Product Registered with JKR” instead of LULUS because JKR does not have laboratory to test equipment particularly transformer above 415 V.
Ir Hj Mohd Fazli explained that ‘LULUS’ is an administrative term used for application regardless of testing carried out for the product. It is an expression of approved or unapproved application.
EMAL displays the list of electrical material/ products approved by the Material Approval Committee of JKR Electrical Branch. All electrical products registered with JKR are being checked by JKR engineer with third party test certification according to IEC 726 Standard. If the electrical product is following JKR specification, then it will be approved and be listed as “LULUS”.
TEEAM highlighted that in the EMAL, transformer is one of the products listed as “non-mandatory”. This means the transformer to be used does not necessarily need to follow the list of brands in the EMAL. As long as the transformer complies to quality and meet IEC 726 and JKR Specification, it can be used for any government project.
Ir Hj Mohd Fazli further explained that “Mandatory” term means JKR practices EMAL to conform to Treasury Circular on specific electrical product in order to safeguard the local industry. EMAL facilitates JKR engineer on tender evaluation. The engineer will take responsibilty if she/he decides to use certain product which is not listed in the EMAL even though the product complies with certain requirement and standards.
He urges all manufacturers and members of TEEAM to register their products with JKR as a solution to the issue.
JKR Variation of Price (VOP)
TEEAM highlighted to JKR the range of VOP index for cables in the Statistical Report from the Statistics Department. Cables used to describe certain works in the said report have different indexes. TEEAM is of the opinion that the VOP index used should adopt a complete range of cable index as the copper content in each type of cable varies.
JKR responded that the mechanism of VOP is ongoing and is practised by all parties. JKR suggested to let the mechanism to mature for two years before undergoing another improvement. Ir Hj Mohd Fazli requested both parties to give inputs so that the current VOP practices can be looked into and the issue be brought up to authorised bodies.
TEEAM also highlighted the calculation of VOP in JKR 203N contract for electrical works. In JKR’s guidelines, calculation of VOP for cable laid underground can only be done after the cable is laid and actual measurement taken. However there is always a lead-time between contractor purchasing the cable and the time when cable is laid and final measurement taken. As such the above calculation does not reflect accurately the copper price fluctuation.
However, JKR informed that the department only allows for the material to be claimed on site/upon work completion to avoid dispute.
High Power Testing Laboratory
TEEAM highlighted to JKR that the industry is proposing a high power testing laboratory to be funded by government. The industry needs stakeholder like JKR to be involved so that the laboratory serves the needs of all corcerned. JKR noted the industry’s proposal and concern.
Market Surveillance
TEEAM received regular complaints of noncompliant products being widely sold in the market. TEEAM highlighted to JKR that the association is initiating a task force on market surveillance to provide correct market information to ST and Ministry of Domestic Trade to help in the enforcement of regulation. It is hoped that through market surveillance, the quality and safety of products will be upgraded.
Power Factor
TEEAM also highlighted to JKR that the industry is trying to improve the national power factor. It is hoped that JKR will support the industry’s move towards a more efficient power supply system. JKR welcomed such initiative that is beneficial to the industry.
Conclusion
Ir Hj Mohd Fazli thanked every attendee for their time. He was glad that the dialogue was very open and he welcomes regular dialogue with TEEAM. Such dialogue helps to improve the quality of works and streamline all the requirements of JKR works. Engr Fu Wing Hoong thanked JKR Electrical Branch for giving TEEAM the opportunity to voice the industry’s concerns and he hoped to build a close working relationship with the department.
Representatives from JKR Electrical Branch – Some senior officials at the dialogue.
Representatives from TEEAM – (from left) Engr Fu Wing Hoong (President), Ir Steven Ng Khoon Hwa (Deputy President), Ir Chew Shee Fuee (Vice President), Mr Ho Khai Hong (Honorary Secretary), Mr Chong Yoon Koon (Council Member), Mr Lawrence Lai Kun Hoong (Council Member), Mr Yap Ching Kiat (Vice President) and Mr Tan Lin Choong (Committee Member).