CIDB retracts 2014 homeowners' quality guidebook to ‘eliminate further misunderstandings’

• “Any existing copies or citations from the guidebook are hence rendered unusable and void.”

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 15): The Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) yesterday made the decision to retract the Quality Guidebook for Homeowners, effective immediately.

Published in 2014, guidebook was meant to raise awareness about workmanship quality in building construction.

“The guidebook aimed to educate homeowners while promoting the adoption of the Quality Assessment System for Building Construction Work (QLASSICTM), which is governed by the Construction Industry Standard (CIS 7),” stated CIDB in a media release.

“However, over time, the information in the Quality Guidebook has been misinterpreted as a defect specification, leading to widespread confusion. To eliminate further misunderstandings, CIDB has decided to retract the Quality Guidebook for Homeowners, effective immediately. Any existing copies or citations from the guidebook are hence rendered unusable and void,” explained CIDB.

But the board also noted that the decision does not impact CIS 7, “which remains the primary independent standard used for assessing and evaluating the quality of workmanship in building projects under QLASSICTM”.

The QLASSICTM assessment system covers architectural finishes, basic mechanical and electrical (M&E) fittings and external works through field testing, and sampling.

“However, taking into consideration the concern of homebuyers on workmanship quality, a committee consisting of industry stakeholders will be formed immediately to develop standard guidelines on workmanship,” stated CIDB.

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