ISKANDAR PUTERI (June 16): The Works Ministry has proposed that the Public Works Department (JKR) conduct an immediate study on the wider adoption of the Modular Precast System (MPS) to accelerate construction project delivery across Malaysia.
Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said the MPS method is considered more efficient than the Industrialised Building System (IBS), as building components are manufactured in modular units before being assembled on-site, similar to assembling Lego blocks.
He explained that this approach can significantly reduce construction timelines while maintaining structural strength and construction quality.
“The JKR must scrutinise and conduct an immediate study on the MPS method for building construction. This system is more refined than the IBS, enabling buildings to be completed within a shorter time frame,” he said during a working visit to the Johor JKR office.
Ahmad added that the system allows public infrastructure such as houses, schools and community halls to be completed faster, enabling quicker public access to essential facilities.
Faster School and Public Infrastructure Delivery
The ministry highlighted that the Modular Precast System is already being used in selected government projects, particularly under the Ministry of Education.
This includes the construction of additional classrooms in high-density schools, where project completion can be achieved in approximately three to four months for one to six classrooms.
According to Ahmad, this demonstrates the system’s ability to speed up delivery timelines without compromising construction quality standards.
However, he noted that Malaysia currently has a relatively limited number of MPS suppliers compared to countries such as Singapore, which adopted the technology earlier.
Johor JKR Managing RM350 Million Worth of Projects
During the same visit, Ahmad also provided an update on ongoing construction works under the Johor JKR.
The department is currently managing 38 projects with a total value of approximately RM350 million, funded through state government allocations.
These include:
4 building construction projects worth RM158.2 million
10 road development projects worth RM136.8 million
24 maintenance projects worth RM53.6 million
Key Takeaways
The Modular Precast System is being positioned as a faster and more efficient construction method compared to traditional approaches like IBS, particularly for public infrastructure projects. Its modular nature enables off-site fabrication and quicker on-site assembly, which can significantly shorten project timelines.
However, the adoption of MPS in Malaysia is still at an early stage, with limited supplier capacity compared to more advanced markets such as Singapore. Despite this, its use in education-related infrastructure shows strong potential for broader application.
Overall, the government’s push for MPS reflects a strategic focus on improving construction efficiency, accelerating infrastructure delivery, and addressing growing demand for public facilities nationwide.
Yao Mu Realty, based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, specializes in industrial real estate for factories and land, delivering professional and efficient solutions.
Posted by Yao Mu Realty Sdn Bhd on 16 Jun 26
Malaysia