GEORGE TOWN, September 28 – The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) is urging the Malaysian government to reconsider the use of prefabricated low and low-medium cost flats and apartments in housing development. Malaysia has a history of adopting a prefabricated building system, commonly known as ‘prefab,’ dating back to the late 1960s when it constructed low-cost flats in Kuala Lumpur and Penang, making it one of the first Asian countries to do so.
Notable examples of early prefab buildings include the Rifle Range, Kampung Melayu, and Noordin Street Ghaut flats in Penang, as well as the Jalan Pekeliling flats in Kuala Lumpur. While there are challenges associated with Industrialized Building System (IBS), such as the initial setup costs for manufacturing facilities to produce building components, it can prove cost-effective when buildings are mass-produced and construction times are significantly reduced.
Prefabricated construction methods have several advantages, including cost reduction for low- and medium-cost flats/apartments. Moreover, prefabs have the potential to reduce Malaysia’s reliance on foreign labor in the construction sector, and factory-manufactured components tend to maintain consistent quality. The design flexibility of prefab buildings can vary depending on factors like the type of prefab system used, the manufacturer’s capabilities, and specific design requirements.
Lower construction costs through prefab methods could translate into more affordable housing options, benefiting individuals in the Bottom 40 (B40) and Middle 40 (M40) income brackets. With current housing prices, especially for those in the B40 category, securing bank loans can be challenging, contributing to an oversupply of low-cost flats. CAP strongly urges the government to consider adopting prefabricated housing systems, which could lead to lower construction costs, reduced property prices, faster construction timelines, and improved construction quality, ultimately benefitting a wide range of citizens.
