CIDB seeks RM500m scheme for IBS adoption
KUALA LUMPUR: The Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia (CIDB) hopes the government will allocate RM500 million in the 2018 Budget for the adoption of industrialised building system (IBS) technology.
CIDB chief executive Datuk Ahmad Asri Abdul Hamid said the scheme was vital for IBS adoption to be made mandatory in the construction industry by 2020.
“With it, we expect to have more IBS producers and contractors who can then provide sufficient supply of IBS components,” he said after a media briefing on “Public Works Department (PWD) Driving Construction Transformation through Public Projects”, here, yesterday.
Asri said the scheme would support the government’s initiative under the Construction Industry Transformation Programme (CITP).
CITP comprises four strategic thrusts, namely quality, safety and professionalism, environmental sustainability, productivity, and internationalisation.
“We need to promote IBS technology widely in the construction industry. The incentive will increase small companies’ involvement in IBS manufacturing in terms of moulding, automation and robotics.”
He said the scheme would also boost the supply of IBS components to other property developers.
CIDB is also hopeful that the government would reduce the mechanisation tax rate to five per cent from 20 per cent to promote IBS technology.
“IBS technology involves higher utilisation of machinery which will reduce labour cost in the construction sector,” said Asri.
He said CIDB would continue to support strategic partners from the public and private sectors to accelerate the transformation of the construction industry.
PWD director-general Datuk Seri Dr Roslan Md Taha said the department was committed to the adoption of “Gerbang Nilai” — a construction review process that enhances quality and productivity.
“PWD’s commitment to adopt Gerbang Nilai for projects under our supervision is a step in the right direction. We seek to guarantee the highest level of quality construction for the people.”
Roslan said contractors who did not meet the requirements would have their contracts cancelled.
“We aim to spearhead positive changes by encouraging industry players to undertake state-ofthe-art construction methodologies,” he added.