Boost for construction sector

Fadillah (middle) looking on as Ahmad (right) and Ismail exchange the MoU to accelerate productivity and sustainability in construction works. - Bernama

JOHOR BARU: The Works Ministry will be engaging with local developers to set up Industrialised Building System (IBS) component plants to cater to the open market.

Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the local authorities should cooperate with industry players to achieve this goal.

“Forest city has its own plant with three production lines but the components are meant only for its company use and this is the same for the Sunway Group.

“In the long run, we hope instead of just manufacturing for their own use, they can also sell the parts to the open market,” he said here.

He added that this would also enable the public to buy the components and build their houses at a lower cost, and more importantly reduce industrial waste.

Fadillah said this after witnessing the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Iskandar Regional Development Authority (Irda) and the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) to accelerate productivity and sustainability in construction works.

The MoU, which will be valid for five years, aims to enhance the modernisation of construction works and processes, environmentally sustainable practices and compliance to material standards in construction.

CIDB chief executive Datuk Ahmad Asri Abdul Hamid said the partnership would accelerate productivity and sustainability in the construction sector, which is a significant one especially since rapid development is expected in the region, as seen by large-scale construction projects taking place.

“Irda’s commitment to construction transformation sets a prime example for other regions in Malaysia to emulate,” he said, adding that Irda was among the first development authority to become its strategic partner.

Through this collaboration, Irda commits to improve the adoption of IBS and sustainable practices, as well as ensure compliance to material standards in its projects while CIDB will complement the authority’s effort by providing the necessary information and resources.

Meanwhile, Irda chief executive Datuk Ismail Ibrahim said Irda’s focus was to create a more sustainable built environment in line with its vision for Iskandar Malaysia to become a strong, sustainable metropolis of international standing by 2025.

“The aim is to achieve 70% certified green buildings by then and one of the initiatives to ensure green buildings is Iskandar Malaysia Green Accord Initiative Award that honours outstanding businesses in the region,” he noted.