As part of efforts to ensure contractors excavating in the city are accountable, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has made it compulsory for them to submit daily reports.

DBKL is also intensifying its enforcement by conducting surprise inspections and getting multiple internal departments involved, such as Civil Engineering and Drainage, Enforcement, Urban Transportation and even its integrity unit.

“This is to ensure that contractors carry out excavation works properly in the city when upgrading infrastructure or doing road digging work, such as installing utility cables,” said DBKL executive director (Project Management) Mohamad Hamim.

“Apart from the conditions outlined in the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 (Act 133), contractors are required to submit daily reports via a dedicated WhatsApp group for excavation works exceeding 500m in size.”

Mohamad added that those found in violation of DBKL guidelines or not performing in accordance with the set standards would be subject to fines under the Act.

“If contractors continue to commit repeated offences even after several compounds have been issued, action will be taken, which includes not renewing their permit until the compound is settled.