Build affordable houses using IBS, suggests rep

MIRI: The state government should look into alternative approaches in building affordable houses by using the Industrial Building System ( IBS).

Lambir assemblyman Ripin Lamat says many people particularly the low-income group still cannot afford to own a house as the price of houses is relatively high due to increasing construction cost.

“Perhaps, the government should build a factory for IBS in the state. By using the IBS approach, it will help to reduce the construction cost thus lower the construction cost and consequentially the house prices,” he stated to The Borneo Post yesterday to elaborate further on his proposal for IBS during the last state legislative assembly ( DUN) sitting.

During the DUN sitting last month, he had suggested that the state government introduce the market ceiling price for housing development projects implemented by the private sector.

He said the government should conduct a study or even determine the actual cost for housing development projects in urban, sub- urban and rural areas.

He pointed out that by using IBS, all the building components which are made in the factory would be transported to the project site for installation. Such approach would enable the contractor to deliver the work quickly, thus shorten the completion period of the projects.

“Hopefully the government can also build more affordable houses for those who want to own their first house.”

He thanked the Housing Development Corporation ( HDC) via its People Housing Project ( RPR) at Sungai Rait here which has benefited the target group.

Under this project, a total of 505 units of houses have already been completed and handed to the owners in stages.

He noted that HDC has identified several areas in Lambir to develop similar housing projects for the constituency.