IBS Technology Helps Speed Up School Development, Cut Costs By Up To 30 Pct - Amir Hamzah

BALIK PULAU, May 17 (Bernama) -- The use of Industrialised Building System (IBS) technology in the MADANI Adopted School project is seen as capable of accelerating construction time while reducing costs by up to 30 per cent, says Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.

He said the pilot project involving the construction of an additional building for the Integrated Special Education Programme (PPKI) at SK Tan Sri Awang Had Salleh here proved the effectiveness of the method after it was completed in just four months.

“Built using six IBS modular units, the project was completed within four months, much faster compared with the conventional method, which would take up to 13 months.

“Overall, we managed to save between 20 and 30 per cent in construction costs,” he told reporters after attending the Opening and Handover Ceremony of the Additional PPKI Block at SK Tan Sri Awang Had Salleh here today, which was also attended by Education Ministry secretary-general Datuk Wan Hashim Wan Rahim.

Amir Hamzah said through the use of IBS technology, the government could accelerate construction, reduce costs, wastage and project delays, while ensuring public funds were utilised more efficiently and effectively.

Elaborating further, he said the approach demonstrated the Finance Ministry’s seriousness in ensuring every expenditure delivered tangible benefits to the people.

He said the initiative was also in line with global developments, with many developed countries now shifting towards modular construction technology that is faster, more efficient and sustainable in addressing rising construction costs and the need for sustainable infrastructure development.

As such, he said the government hoped the success of the pilot project would become a catalyst for the wider use of modern construction technology in more schools and public facilities in the future.

Meanwhile, Amir Hamzah said the MADANI Adopted School Programme (SAM), launched on June 20, 2025, had involved 921 schools nationwide, including pondok schools, benefiting about 680,000 students.

“In 2026, the number of schools involved has been increased to 1,500, and the Finance Ministry, in collaboration with the Education Ministry (MOE), has approved (projects for) 146 schools as of May 14, with the figure expected to continue rising through cooperation from GLCs, GLICs, statutory bodies and the private sector.

“The approved allocation is RM100,000 for each school, with a total allocation of RM50 million to achieve the target of 500 schools under government agencies,” he said.

On the additional Pre-PPKI classroom block, he said it served as proof of the significant impact of the SAM programme on students and teachers, as the nearest school with Pre-PPKI facilities was SK Permatang Damar Laut, located 17 kilometres away.

He expressed confidence that the Pre-PPKI classroom would enable special education students to study in a more comfortable, safe and conducive environment, thereby helping to improve their focus, confidence and well-being.

The additional PPKI building at SK Tan Sri Awang Had Salleh was successfully completed as the first school project in Malaysia to be built using 100 per cent locally-made IBS technology.

The 4,867-square-foot building provides two classrooms, a multipurpose room, a mini dining hall, an indoor playground, disabled-friendly access and facilities conducive for special education students and teachers.

-- BERNAMA