ALOR GAJAH, Oct 2 (Bernama) -- The Modular Industrialised Building System (IBS) construction technology, currently used to expedite the construction of additional classrooms in schools, could be expanded to other building projects, including clinics.
Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan said the technology was suitable for projects requiring shorter construction periods, given its ability to complete buildings within four to five months compared with two to three years using conventional methods.
“We hope it can be used for clinics, for instance, and for buildings that require speed.
“In terms of quality, it is the same. Regarding the building’s structural integrity, which I am given to understand lasts up to 30 years, it is more or less the same as other buildings,” he said.
He was speaking to reporters after attending the Melaka Public Works Department (JKR) Completed Projects Premier Handover Ceremony to the Education Ministry (MOE) at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Durian Tunggal here today. Also present was Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek.
However, Ahmad said the implementation of Modular IBS technology currently focused on two categories of school projects, namely additional classrooms in high-density schools and classrooms to accommodate the enrolment of six-year-old children in Year One for the 2027 school session.
“There are no (applications) yet. We are starting with two types. Clinics, not yet,” he said.
In a related development, he said 145 projects worth RM1.648 billion in Melaka were being implemented by the Works Ministry on behalf of MOE, with 20 projects completed, 99 under construction and 26 still at the pre-construction stage.
He said for high-density school projects involving additional classrooms, five schools were involved at a cost of RM7.2 million, with six projects completed and another four expected to be completed by the end of this year.
“As for the additional classroom projects for Year One of the 2027 session, it involves 73 projects across 53 schools at a cost of RM40.3 million, and all are expected to be completed by December at the latest.
“Also being implemented are open covered multipurpose hall projects involving seven schools at a cost of RM6.5 million, which are also targeted for completion by the end of this year,” he said.
-- BERNAMA