The Industrialized Building System (IBS) has experienced remarkable growth in Malaysia over the last 15 years, according to NST Property. IBS is a construction method that prioritizes prefabricated components to enhance efficiency and quality.

The Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) reports that IBS utilization in government projects has reached an impressive 84 percent. The government’s active promotion and support have been key drivers of IBS adoption, with policies making it mandatory for certain public projects. This push aims to meet housing needs while ensuring cost-effectiveness and timely delivery.

Datuk Ir. Ahmad ‘Asri Abdul Hamid Chairman CIDB Malaysia
Datuk Asri Abdul Hamid, Chairman of CIDB Malaysia. Image source: IBS Development and Transformation Center.

“Considering the previous achievements and current development of IBS, it is fair to strongly indicate an increment of 10-15 per cent of IBS adoption rate for this year (2023) building projects, especially those projects undertaken by the private sectors,” Datuk Ahmad Asri Abdul Hamid, Chairman of CIDB told Bernama.

This showcases the government’s commitment to incorporating modern construction techniques for infrastructure development. By leveraging IBS, construction quality improves, project durations decrease, and environmental impact reduces. IBS adoption benefits from faster construction, reduced labor requirements, and improved quality control through prefabrication. Additionally, it minimizes waste and carbon footprint, aligning with the government’s sustainability goals.

Private developers and contractors have also recognized the advantages of IBS, leading to its growing usage in their projects. The same CIDB report shows that in 2021, 60 percent of the projects in the private sector implemented some form of IBS in its construction. Cost savings, increased efficiency, and shorter construction periods are among the reasons driving this trend. The private sector’s interest further strengthens the IBS market and drives its expansion.

Sustaining the growth of IBS requires continued investment in research, development, training programs, and standardized processes. These efforts foster innovation, improve construction techniques, and ensure the long-term viability and competitiveness of the IBS sector.

In summary, IBS has experienced significant growth in Malaysia over the past 15 years through the government’s active promotion, supported by policies and regulations. With the private sector also embracing IBS, the future looks promising for its continued expansion in Malaysia.