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Building Technology
Malaysia’s building technology manufacturing focuses on the non-metallic mineral industry and Industrialised Building System (IBS) industry.
The Non-metallic Mineral products industry covers the production of glass, ceramics and clay-based products, cement and concrete, high-purity alumina (HPA) and other products such as quicklime, barite, marble and granite.
Prospective investors in this industry are welcome to assist industry players accelerate the adoption of digital technologies, AI, and analytics, as well as increase the size of mining and quarrying operators. There is significant room for growth in the industry, as most activities are still undertaken on a small scale using existing technology. Additionally, the COVID-19 crisis has exposed the segmented nature of mining and nonmetallic mineral companies, highlighting the need for integrated operations, so investors who specialise in that are also welcome to share their expertise.
An area of focus that investors into the non-metallic mineral products industry should keep in mind is the production of silica sand and its downstream products. Also known as white sand, quartz sand or industrial sand, silica sand is a combination of two materials; silica (silicon dioxide) and oxygen. Various industries utilise silica sand as their main feedstock to
manufacture different products. The vast majority of its use is in glass products such as bottles, jars, flat glass for windows and automotive use, fibre glass, reinforcing glass fibre, light bulbs, fluorescent tubes, televisions, and computer screens.
Silica sand deposits in Malaysia are scattered across the country, many of which have yet to be explored. Malaysia’s Department of Mineral and Geoscience (JMG) has estimated that there are approximately 148.4 million tonnes of silica sand reserves. Presently, Malaysia is the world’s sixth largest exporter of processed silica sand. MIDA invites companies to set up integrated projects in the country to leverage the unexplored silica sand deposits in several highly strategic locations. Investors will be able to capitalise on the potential supply of this mineral to produce high-value added end products for local and export markets. Competitive tax incentives are being offered to companies undertaking the production of high-grade
silica sand in the country.
For more statistics, please click here.
The Industrialised Building System (IBS) is how prefabricated buildings are created and put together. It is known by various terms such as pre-fabricated/ pre-fabricated construction, modern method of construction (MMC) and off-site construction. The Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) defines IBS as a construction technique in which components are manufactured in a controlled environment (onsite or offsite), transported, positioned and assembled into a structure with minimal additional site work.
Utilising IBS can enhance construction productivity and quality by reducing construction time, lowering overall costs and minimising waste generated on site. Pre-fabricated components are more environmentally-friendly and promote occupational health and safety.
The Malaysian construction industry is encouraged to adopt digital IBS. The Ministry of Works through CIDB has developed the Construction Industry Transformation Programme (CITP). The CITP aims to make Malaysia’s construction industry robust and globally competitive, with an extensive emphasis being placed on environmental sustainability.
The local construction industry is urged to embrace emerging technologies to increase efficiency, provide visualisation of problem areas and improve construction-planning accuracy. Hence, the Construction Revolution (CR) 4.0 Roadmap was introduced to streamline future programmes related to digitalising the construction industry. This includes the deployment of the Building Information Modelling (BIM).
BIM is a modelling technology and associated set of processes to produce, communicate, analyse and use digital information models throughout the construction project life-cycle. This could potentially save up to 15-20% in terms of time spent during the planning and design stage.
Embracing new construction technologies through prefabricated construction methods is required for developers and builders to remain competitive in the long term. Prospective investors are encouraged to assist local industry players to adopt and develop innovative construction technologies by adopting digitisation and automation. This will boost knowledge levels and result in a fully-integrated, automated, optimal production flow within the industry.
Investors can also rest assured that MIDA works closely with the Ministry of Works and CIDB to promote Construction Revolution 4.0. Specifically, MIDA provides assistance in terms of incentives for IBS manufacturers and construction companies looking to embrace automation and cutting-edge technology such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), advanced materials and systems, 3D/4D/5D printing, and innovative systems that improve speed, flexibility, productivity, labour productivity, and product quality.
YTL Cement Berhad
Kim Hin Industry Berhad
SCHAEFER KALK
(Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
Nippon Electric Glass (M) Sdn Bhd
Xinyi Glass Holdings Limited
Kibing Group (M) Sdn Bhd
Gamuda Industrial Building
System Sdn Bhd
Altech Chemicals Sdn Bhd
White Horse Ceramic
Industries Sdn Bhd
Malaysia Sheet
Glass Sdn Bhd (NSG Group)
Cement Industries
of Malaysia Berhad
IJM IBS Sdn Bhd
“In 1992, CRT glass manufacturing was successfully established in Malaysia on the back of a highly skilled workforce, stable supply of utilities, well maintained infrastructure, generous investment incentives and strong support from Government bodies.”