The fragmented and unstable nature of the construction industry associated with
unpleasant working environment caused the diminishing preference of potential
manpower to participate in the construction industry. An increasing number of
construction firms are experiencing severe outflow of the workforce, not limited to loss
of manpower, but contemporaneously, expertise and valuable experiences too. The
construction industry is conservative and particularly resistant to synchronise with
hectic and rapid changes to content and accommodate current demands.
Accumulation of a few causes such as the refusal of locals to involve, unsatisfied
working conditions, labour-intensive trades, etc had caused workforce scarcity as the
supplies unable to overcome and cope in-parallel with the demands. The objective of
this study was to identify labour composition (profiles) at construction sites. The
method used to fulfil the objective was face to face questionnaire survey to the
targeted respondents. The questionnaire consisted two (2) sections; details of the
construction project and details of construction labours such as background, education
and training level, working experiences, general welfare and working hours and wages.
The collected data were analysed using percentage distribution methods and
presented in the tables and charts for easy understanding. From the result gathered,
the respondents’ education level is low and most of them are from the Philippines and
Indonesia. Most of them acquire the construction skills through site experience and no
formal training. The majority of them stayed off-site comfortably with their family and
being paid according to their skills.