Site investigation role in development

The Star 18/06/2003 By Thomas Huong

A SEMINAR on site investigation practice was organised recently by the Malaysian Site Investigators Association (MSIA) at the Armada Hotel in Petaling Jaya.  

Officially opened by Datuk Hamzah Hasan, CEO of the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), the seminar focused on how site investigation has played an important role in Malaysia’s development.  

“Safe and cost effective designs and construction of mega infrastructure projects such as the North South Highway and Kuala Lumpur International Airport would not have been possible without proper site investigation,” said Hamzah. 

He also stressed on the need for a good knowledge and understanding of sub-surface conditions as a prerequisite for site investigation.  

“Besides the expertise to design and construct, it is equally important to obtain reliable information of the soil before an optimum solution can be obtained,” he said.  

However, the seminar also highlighted the fact that site investigations in Malaysia have received unfavourable remarks recently.  

Dr Ooi Lean Hock said: “The authorities and the client play a very significant role in the improvement of the quality of site investigation.”  

He also pointed out that the cost of site investigation is borne by everyone, from property buyers to developers, whether it was carried out or not.  

“This cost is included in the building expenditure. The consequential cost without site investigation could be even higher, possibly due to cost overrun, delays and failures,” Dr Ooi said.  

It was suggested at the seminar that authorities could enforce the relevant standards and allow only accredited personnel to carry out the works.  

“In future, only certified site investigation contractors are allowed to carry out the work,” Dr Ooi said.  

Steps taken so far by CIDB in improving site investigation, with MSIA taking a proactive role, included conducting SI awareness seminars on the preparation of skills standards, code of practice and training modules for the SI industry.