SCHOOL construction can now be completed faster and at lower cost through the use of Industrialised Building System (IBS) technology, says Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.
He said Sekolah Kebangsaan Tan Sri Awang Had Salleh in Balik Pulau, Penang, was the first school facility in Malaysia to have its preschool classroom block built using locally made IBS modular units.
The new block was added under the Integrated Special Education Programme (PPKI).
Using six modular units, the project was completed in four months compared with up to 13 months under conventional construction methods.
“For this school project, we estimate savings of between 20% and 30% in construction costs,” Amir Hamzah told reporters after attending the handover ceremony of the block.
The 4,867sq ft building comprises two classrooms, a multipurpose room, a mini dining area, an indoor play space and disabled-friendly access.
The project is part of the Madani School Adoption Programme, which encourages collaboration between government agencies, government-linked companies, statutory bodies and the private sector to upgrade school facilities nationwide.
Under the programme, the Finance Ministry and Education Ministry are working to expand school upgrades across the country, with 921 schools currently involved, benefitting about 680,000 students.
The initiative is expected to grow to 1,500 schools in 2026, with 146 schools already approved as of May 14.
Each participating school will receive a RM100,000 allocation under a broader RM50mil programme involving 500 schools under government agencies.
Implementation is coordinated with support from the Implementation Coordination Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department, together with government linked companies as well as investment companies, statutory bodies and private sector partners.
Amir Hamzah said the modular system reflected global construction trends as countries moved towards faster, more sustainable and more cost-efficient building methods amid rising infrastructure demands.
The SK Tan Sri Awang Had Salleh project is also expected to improve access for special needs pupils, who previously had to travel up to 17km to the nearest similar facility at Sekolah Kebangsaan Permatang Damar Laut.
Amir Hamzah said the new facility would provide a safer, more comfortable and more conducive environment, helping improve the pupils’ focus and well-being, while easing teaching conditions and giving parents greater peace of mind.
“The pilot IBS project is expected to serve as a model for wider adoption of modern construction methods in schools and public infrastructure nationwide,” he said.
Also present were Education Ministry secretary-general Datuk Wan Hashim Wan Rahim and Finance Ministry deputy secretary-general of the Treasury (Management) Datuk Sri Ab Rahim Ab Rahman.
