SCHOOL OF MECHATRONIC ENGINEERING

EUT440 - ENGINEERS IN SOCIETY

BIL.

STUDENTS NAME

MATRIC
NUMBER

ZULHELMI BIN MD YUSOP

131112903

MUHAMAD ZAIFULNIZAM BIN ZAINUDZIN

131111226

ZULHILMI BIN ABDUL WAHID

131112904

MUHAMMAD HAFFID BIN ISHAK

131111346

LECTURER:

1.0

Abstract

Integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral

principles moral uprightness. Beside generally a personal choice to uphold oneself to
consistently moral and ethical standards. Integrity is regarded by many people as the
honesty and truthfulness or accuracy of ones action. So on behaviour and morality an
individual is said to possesses the virtue of integrity if the individuals actions are based
upon an internally consistent framework of principles. In world of work we need has
high moral behaviour to make others believe and respect to us. An individuals values
system provides a frame works within which the individuals acts in ways are consistent
and expected. Various measures can be adopted by engineers in the direction to prevent
corruption and unethical practices in the engineering profession. One of the most
important measures is the familiarisation with the code of ethics. Engineers must get
themselves familiar with the code of ethics that govern the duties and responsibilities of
engineers. Rightness, enough detail to enable an intelligent man to deduce for himself
the course of his own professional conduct. The engineering code of ethics explain and
illustrate the right tasks that an engineer should perform and wrongdoings that he or she
is prohibited from undertaking such as unwise practises of cutting corner corruption.

2.0

Introduction

Engineering proves no different and invent the future. Their works invariably
affect the lives of people and their environment. Attaining the moral high ground in this
profession is the prime focus in ascertaining the sanctity of the profession. In this
regard, we are expected to be aware of, to recognise and to comply with the ethical
aspects of engineering in techno-commercial dealings and business decisions when
discharging our duties and fulfilling the expectations of stakeholders.
Beside the most challenging professions on earth is engineering course. The
engineering profession is a high-risk profession which involves construction and
development. They always in danger and high risk and need have one pass card to visit
some high risk to cause accident. Engineering could be a rather lucrative profession
if manage properly. As the saying goes, high gain is always associated with high risk.
The same goes for engineering industry. Engineers, especially civil engineers are
often entrusted with the responsibility of implementing large-scale projects involving
millions of dollars. As a result, the integrity and ethical standards of engineers are
seriously being put into test. In the following section of this essay, I would like to
discuss the necessary measures that an engineer could adopt to prevent corruption and
unethical practices of cutting corners in order to safeguard the good image of the
engineering profession in the country.
It is virtually impossible for engineers to not face challenges in upholding
integrity and maintaining high ethical standards on a daily basis. We are, inevitably,
involved in handling finances and holding commercially sensitive documents. When it
comes to money, we must be aware of the measures for preventing possible corruption.
Cutting corners and crossing ethical boundaries, whether deliberate or out of sheer
ignorance, are examples of gross acts that need to be stamped out completely. In
combining the objective of ensuring a good image within the engineering fraternity
followed few step.

3.0

Problem Statement

4.0

Objective

I.
II.

5.0

To discuss the integrity and ethical standards of engineers in Malaysia.

To discuss on how to prevent corruption and unethical practice of cutting
corners in order to safeguard the good image of the engineering profession

Discussion

Engineers invent the future. Their works affect the lives of people and their
environment. Attaining the moral high ground in this profession is a must of the
profession. In this regard, we are expected to be aware of, to recognise and to comply
with the ethical aspects of engineering in techno-commercial dealings and business
decisions. It is virtually impossible for engineers to not face challenges in upholding
integrity and maintaining high ethical standards on a daily basis.
When it comes to money, we must be aware of the measures for preventing
corruption, cutting corners and crossing ethical boundaries. Points below show some of
the ways to prevent it.

5.1

How to overcome issues

5.1.1

Report any activity suspected to be dishonest and to seek guidance

As we know, information can be sensitive and can give harm to the

whistleblower. Organisations must have the integrity, openness and accountability in
their business so that this kind of dishonest activity can be avoided.
Engineer also must have the right judgement when dealing with non-compliance
cases even they are protected against the punishment from law. This is simply because
of respect, a profound moral value that needs to be upheld especially involves
colleagues and fellow industry players. Besides private, confidential documents,
guarding such sensitive information e.g. compliance complaint against exposure into the
public domain is also part of values that engineers should hold firmly to.

5.1.2

To organize awareness talk

Other effective measures in the direction to prevent corruption and unethical practices in
the engineering profession are to organize awareness talks, seminars or workshops in a
more frequent basis. These events would target those that are involved in the
construction industry including developers, contractors, engineers etc. in order to instill
high awareness in all parties of the importance in adopting good practices in the
engineering profession.

5.1.3

Self Awareness

Engineer should have high self-awareness of their duties towards society and
country. For example, engineer that is involves in building construction, houses and
infrastructures that use by society. These types of work are related with life of the
people. As a result, any mistakes on construction may lead to collapse of the building
and would claim hundreds of lives in seconds.
It is important to the engineers to have a self-awareness of their responsibilities
and obligations towards society and country, so that we can minimize any unethical
practices and corruptions.

5.1.4

Code of Ethics

Various measures can be adopted by engineers to prevent corruption and

unethical practices in the engineering profession. One of the most important measures is
code of ethics. Engineers must get themselves familiar and understand with the code of
ethics that guide the duties and responsibilities of engineers. Ethics means something
more than law and morals; it carries an additional meaning of rightness. On the
other hand, Code, therefore, is not a list of rules to govern every problem of conduct,
neither is it a broad statement of ideals. It is a statement of the principles of rightness,
of broad scope, and with enough detail to enable an intelligent man to deduce for
himself the course of his own professional conduct.
The engineering code of ethics explain and clarify the right tasks that an
engineer should perform and the wrongdoings that is prohibited from undertaking such
as unwise practices of cutting corner, corruptions etc.

5.1.5

Stiffer Penalty

Another effective measure that has not been widely practiced in Malaysia is to
impose stiffer penalties for those who committed wrongdoings such as unethical
practices and corruptions. The laws in Malaysia have been too forgiving to
the developers, contractors and engineers. Stiffer penalties should be implanted to
those who have been found guilty of adopting unethical practices. Penalties such as
heavy financial penalties combined with imprisonment, revoke license of developers,
contractors or engineers etc. could be enforced in order to prevent the widespread
unethical practices in the engineering industry.

6.0

Conclusion

7.0

Reference