Latest news with #IndustrialisedBuildingSystem
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
13MP to drive sustainable, inclusive growth
PUTRAJAYA: The strategies and initiatives outlined in the 13th Malaysia Plan (MP13) will strengthen the nation's commitment to sustainable and inclusive development, in line with Malaysia's role as President of the UN‑Habitat Assembly. Housing and Local Government (KPKT) Minister Nga Kor Ming said the plan, tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim last week, reflects the Unity government's determination to chart a comprehensive, sustainable and resilient development path for the well-being of the people. He said that among the major areas of focus are the wider adoption of the Industrialised Building System (IBS) and Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the construction sector. 'This approach improves efficiency and work quality while reducing costs, minimising material wastage and speeding up project completion,' he said in a statement today, adding that wider use of IBS and BIM would also help lower construction costs, particularly for public housing projects. He said the move would support the government's target of building one million affordable homes within 10 years, in line with KPKT's commitment to providing quality, comfortable and affordable housing. In line with its aspiration to develop more inclusive cities, the ministry is also formulating strategies to expand the implementation of transit-oriented development (TOD). 'Integrating affordable housing projects with public transport systems through the TOD concept will improve access, particularly for the B40 group, to education and employment opportunities,' he said. Nga said the ministry will also continue data-driven housing planning through the development of an integrated housing information repository, and is considering requiring developers to hand over strata titles upon vacant possession to safeguard homebuyers' rights. He added that KPKT remains committed to assisting the urban hardcore poor through programmes to rebuild and repair dilapidated homes, with 4,814 units repaired and 245 new homes built in 2023 and 2024, involving an allocation of RM104.4 million. Regarding solid waste management, Nga stated that KPKT will strengthen the implementation of the circular economy to ensure more efficient and sustainable waste management. 'All these initiatives under MP13 are in line with KPKT's principle that no one is left behind or marginalised. MP13 provides an important foundation for realising more sustainable, inclusive and liveable cities for all,' he said. - Bernama
Malaysiakini
3 days ago
- Business
- Malaysiakini
Ensuring equity and accountability in 13th M'sia plan
LETTER | The Consumers' Association of Penang (CAP) welcomes parts of the 13th Malaysia Plan, including those addressing key issues such as stagnant wages, affordable housing, transportation, healthcare and food sustainability. While the initiative is commendable for aiming to improve the living standards of those in the B40 and M40 income groups, the government must ensure close monitoring of expenditures to prevent leakages. A total of RM227 billion, or 53 percent of total development expenditure, has been allocated to support infrastructure, digital infrastructure, public transport, flood mitigation, affordable housing and capacity-building projects. An additional RM133 billion has been earmarked for the social sector, including education and healthcare. We urge that all expenditures be carried out transparently and through open tender to ensure that the intended target groups benefit fully. Public transport in Malaysia has seen a long period of decline, with a significant shift towards private vehicle ownership. This trend has led to worsening traffic congestion, limited parking availability and growing demand for highway expansion. To address these issues, the government has had to commit substantial funds. However, increased spending alone does not solve the fundamental problem. What the country urgently needs is an efficient public transport system that incorporates first and last-mile connectivity through demand-responsive transit (DRT). This would reduce or even eliminate the need for constructing multi-storey car parks and allow commuters to avoid crossing busy highways. For those in the lower-income group, public transport offers significant relief. It removes the financial burden of car loans, high maintenance costs and other related expenses, enabling them to allocate their monthly income to more essential needs. However, to be truly effective, public transport must be designed with people's needs in mind. It must be affordable, especially for the B40 group, and convenient, with DRT systems providing flexible access. It must also be reliable and punctual to build public trust and encourage widespread use. Public transport services should be operated by the government, at least in the foreseeable future, as profitability should not be the primary concern. We believe the government should establish a national Housing and Development Board rather than continue to rely so heavily on private housing developers. We had previously called for the creation of such a board to take charge of affordable housing development on land owned by the government and public authorities. The proposal to adopt the Industrialised Building System and Building Integrated Management is timely, as these methods offer more consistent quality, faster construction times, and lower costs. We also support the expansion of initiatives such as the Housing Credit Guarantee Scheme and the Rent-to-Own programme, which will help more low- and middle-income Malaysians become homeowners. Those in the B40 group should not be excluded from home ownership or left in uncertain rental situations where they may be forced to move or face unexpected rent increases. To ensure the success of the 13th Malaysia Plan, the government must also promote transparency and inclusive public participation throughout its implementation. Regular audits, public disclosures, and accessible feedback mechanisms will help strengthen trust and encourage civic involvement. Development efforts should also be guided by long-term sustainability principles that balance economic progress with environmental care and social fairness, ensuring that no community is left behind. The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Target of 1m affordable homes viable: Experts
PETALING JAYA: The government pledge to construct one million affordable homes under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) is realistic but will require consistent momentum and tighter coordination, say experts. UTM real estate economy expert Dr Muhammad Najib Razali said current data supports the target viability because about 180,000 units have been completed this year, with an additional 235,000 under construction, bringing the total to approximately 415,000 homes. 'If this rate of development can be accelerated, the one million target is well within reach.' However, he said a unified coordinating agency is urgently needed to avoid overlapping responsibilities among stakeholders and ensure streamlined implementation. He recommended scaling up the use of technologies such as the Industrialised Building System and Building Information Modelling to reduce costs and accelerate delivery timelines. 'Inclusive financing mechanisms, such as expanding the Rent-to-Own scheme and Credit Guarantee Housing Scheme, must also support B40 and M40 buyers.' He added that under the 12th Malaysia Plan, about 57.8% of the 500,000 unit target was achieved by March 2024, with progress surging this year. He said achieving the 13MP goal requires building 585,000 units over the next decade, about 58,500 annually. He also said past schemes such as PR1MA, while aimed at lower income groups, were undermined by speculation and unsustainable financing. 'Some buyers resold their units immediately after the moratorium, undermining the purpose of affordable housing. Others depleted their EPF savings to qualify for loans, putting their financial security at risk.' He said the government must improve long term ownership monitoring, balance supply with real local demand and enforce clearer boundaries to prevent speculation. 'Between 2020 and 2025, units priced under RM300,000 made up over 55% of total housing transactions, yet only 23% of unsold units were in this price range. 'This reflects strong demand and affirms the importance of aligning supply with real affordability.' Housing community expert Assoc Prof Dr Noorsidi Aizuddin Mat Noor said the one million target is possible, but warned that poor delivery models could undermine the effort. He said many past initiatives were built in so-called 'strategic' locations without considering whether residents could actually live and work there. 'Too often, feasibility studies are based on outdated or inaccurate data. We need to assess real readiness, such as whether jobs, schools and clinics are nearby, not just label a site as 'promising''. Noorsidi said speculation remains a threat, and called for a transparent, tech-driven one-stop system for housing allocation and monitoring of resales. 'If people don't feel these homes are meant for them, we're not building communities. We're building shells.' UiTM Shah Alam Built Environment expert Assoc Prof Dr Rohayu Abdul Majid said public-private partnerships and tech like 3D printing could speed up delivery, but only if homes are built where they are needed. 'Affordable housing must go beyond visibility, it must be habitable, accessible and sustainable for long term use.' She stressed the need for micro-level demand mapping and stronger federal-state-private sector collaboration to prevent mismatches between supply and demand. 'Rising land and material costs remain a challenge, but fast approvals, tax breaks and digital tools could help, if homes are to stay truly affordable for B40 and M40 buyers.'
New Straits Times
28-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
MGB partners with Doka to advance IBS construction solutions
KUALA LUMPUR: MGB Berhad, the construction and property development arm of LBS Bina Group Bhd, has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) with Doka Formwork Malaysia Sdn Bhd to jointly develop innovative engineering solutions for projects using Industrialised Building System (IBS) precast concrete elements. Doka Formwork Malaysia, a subsidiary of global formwork and scaffolding leader Doka GmbH, brings expertise in optimised formwork systems, scaffolding solutions, engineering design, and technical support for cast-in-situ concrete—complementing MGB's strengths in IBS precast concrete, particularly for large-scale residential developments. Through the collaboration, both parties aim to enhance and integrate their respective technologies, combining formwork and scaffolding systems with on-site precast concrete components such as panels to streamline construction processes and improve efficiency. They will also explore new opportunities, align technical strategies, and implement forward-thinking construction solutions that deliver tangible performance improvements and long-term value. The MoC was formalised in the presence of key representatives from both companies, including MGB group executive chairman Tan Sri Ir. (Dr.) Lim Hock San, executive director and chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Lim Lit Chek, Doka GmbH CEO Robert Hauser, and Doka Malaysia country manager Teh Aun Kua. "By partnering with a global formwork leader like Doka, we are not only enhancing the quality and efficiency of our projects in Malaysia and Saudi Arabia but also reinforcing our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and international excellence. We believe this will lead to stronger project outcomes and long-term value for all stakeholders," Lim said in a statement. MGB noted that the partnership supports its ongoing efforts to digitise and optimise construction processes, which is in line with Malaysia's transition to a more modern and sustainable industry. The company's IBS technology has already helped reduce material wastage and improve resource control. In line with its ESG goals, MGB is also focused on upskilling its workforce—particularly in automation, design, and manufacturing—while continuing to lower its carbon footprint through sustainable practices.
The Star
19-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Rifle Range Flats, the 15-minute city
Home on the Range: The development includes 3,663 residential units, 65 shoplots and 13 accessory units. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star Exhibit celebrates last standing relic of post-Independence housing in Penang GEORGE TOWN: Older Kuala Lumpur folk visiting Penang's Rifle Range Flats may feel nostalgic as the blocks mirror the capital's once-iconic Pekeliling Flats, which were demolished years ago. Located in Air Itam, the site now stands as the last architectural relic of Malaysia's early post-Independence drive for urbanisation and public housing. To old-timers, both developments were built using the Industrialised Building System – a method that accelerated construction by using pre-fabricated components assembled on-site. More than engineering feats, these flats fostered strong community bonds. For Chong Lee Choo, the Rifle Range Flats, built in 1969, represent an early, unintentional embodiment of the '15-Minute City' coined by French urbanist Carlos Moreno in 2015. 'It describes the neighbourhood where all essential services are within a 15-minute walk or bike ride. 'Markets, schools, clinics and other essentials gradually sprang up around the flats, making Rifle Range a self-sufficient community, decades before global cities began adopting the same concept. 'Today, cities around the world are trying to implement this model. But here at Rifle Range, it has always been about one thing – making daily life easier,' said the 54-year-old. When completed, Rifle Range Flats were the tallest buildings in Penang, comprising six 17-storey and three 18-storey blocks. The development included 3,663 residential units, 65 shoplots and 13 accessory units. To honour the estate's legacy, publishing agency Penang City Eye is hosting an exhibition from July 4 to Sept 7 at the community hall above the Rifle Range market. Chong, who is the curator, said the exhibition themed 'Home at Rifle Range Flats' documents 56 years of the flats' history through photographs, oral stories and everyday items contributed by residents. Penang Eye City editor See Chiew Yen, 32, said the flats were developed in the late 1960s when the state lost its free port status, causing widespread unemployment among working-class families. 'With support from the late chief ministers Tan Sri Wong Pow Nee and Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu, Rifle Range became Penang's first mass housing project, aimed at providing affordable homes to the urban poor,' she said.
