THE APPLICATION OF THE INDUSTRIALISED BUILDING SYSTEM

(IBS) IN MALAYSIA: A CASE STUDY IN THE STATE OF PERLIS.

Umar Kassim1, Sobry Abdullah2, Luqman Walid3, Kamaruddin Md Nor4, Zulkifli

Udin5,
1
Universiti Utara Malaysia,Universiti Malaysia Perlis,s93577@student.uum.edu.my,umar@unimap.edu.my
2
Universiti Utara Malaysia,sobry@uum.edu.my
3
Universiti Malaysia Perlis,luqman_man89@yahoo.com
4
Universiti Kuala Lumpur,kamarudinmn@gmail.com
5
Universiti Utara Malaysia,zulkifli@uum.edu.my

ABSTRACT. The Industrialised Building Systems (IBS) is also known as a complete

assembly construction. This system involves a few processes, where components are
manufactured at factories on or off site, transported and then assembled into a
structure with minimum work. The main objective of this research is to examine the
implementation level and exposure of the Industrialized Building Systems (IBS)
method to the population in Perlis, Malaysia. Perlis is a state that can be categorized
as a small state and with that, small population size. Among methods implemented in
this study were questionnaire and interview. A total of 100 questionnaires were
distributed to the Officer’s Contractors' Association of Malaysia (20), Public Works
Department (PWD) Perlis (20), Repository Development Officer at River Chuchuh,
Perlis (10), Lecturers, Students of Engineering courses (25) and the public (25). From
those methods, data have established that 80% respondents know about this system
in general. Meanwhile, those who know about this system in more detail were
represented by about 40% of the respondents. Eventually, most respondents agreed
that this system was to be implemented in Perlis. However, from the developers’
perspectives, they had disagreed with the implementation of this system in Perlis due
to the fact that the initial cost is higher. In conclusion, the application of this system in
Perlis is regarded as suitable, and that the contractors and developers must believe
in the system, and attempt to bring it into practice in order for the system to rake a
better profit to them.

Keywords: Industrialised Building System, IBS, Malaysia, Perlis, Engineering.

Keywords: Industrialised Building System, IBS, Malaysia, Perlis, Engineering.
INTRODUCTION
The Industrialized Building System (IBS) is defined as an on-site construction process which includes the
application of techniques, products, components or system with the involvement of prefabrication
components and installation of component structures at the site. These components are designed
according to designers’ requirements and to achieve high quality construction (Siti Nur Zulaikha, 2008).
With the announcement of the 9th Malaysia Plan, the country continues to embark on the development of
affordable and sustainable low- and medium-cost housing. However, the country has to face a difficult
task to accomplish the target of 600,000 to 800,000 housing settlements during this period because the
conventional building system currently being practiced by the construction industry has been unable to
cope with the huge demand (Kadir et.al, 2006). From the series of Malaysia Plans, the suitable method
thought to be able to complete the plans is the Industrialized Building System (IBS) (Ahmad Razin,
2007). This study focuses on the acceptance of housing developers over the application of the
Industrialized Building System (IBS) in housing construction in Perlis. The study highlights the
advantages, the factors that can give a boost to the promotion of the IBS and the problems in
implementing the IBS in the construction industry.

METHODOLOGY.
Two approaches have been adopted throughout this study for the purpose of gathering reliable
and relevant data. The approaches are:

i. Distribution of questionnaire
ii. Interview.

Handing out questionnaire is an approach used to determine the current development of the
implementation of the IBS that has been practiced by developers and project management consultants in
Malaysia. The quantitative approach, in short, is a systematic way of questioning, where corresponding
parties are required to complete the questionnaire by answering one or more answers from a list of given
alternatives. For the qualitative approach, questions are set in semi-structured or non-structured forms.
Semi-structured questions require the respondents to complete a list of questions based solely on their
experiences and opinions. As for the non-structured questions, the respondents are required to explain the
answer given by them subjectively.
Interview is another type of data collection method used in the research to obtain information on
the issue arisen in the study, based on the conversations with the respondents. Face-to-face interviews
were conducted with different respondents at different locations and time.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION.

The data were collected from all areas in Perlis. The first part of the questionnaire is
about an observed Industrialized Building System (IBS) application level in Perlis, where some parts of
the questions are able to unravel the Industrialized Building System (IBS) s consumption level in this
state. This part of the questionnaire consists of six questions.
 Figure 1, Part 1-From which source do they know about IBS?

The first question for this part is ‘From which source do they know about this Industrialized
Building System (IBS)’. From Figure 1 : Part 1, it is found that the highest percentage is the printed
media, or 28 % followed by the mass media and others , which is 27 %. Lastly,the Internet is the source
from which they find out about the system, as claimed by 18 % of the population. The printed Media like
newspapers, magazines, articles in brochures, contributes higher percentage than the others because it is
easily available in the state, The mass media and other sources fall into the second place because most of
them are able to obtain the information from the television, radio, from friends during conversations, and
maybe from their experiences when visiting other states or places. The Internet is the last to contribute as
the source of knowledge about the IBS because most of the Perlis population rarely use it because of their
lack of knowledge to use it. However, this is different for teenagers, the government and computer-savvy
groups who tend to use the Internet to get information for work and other particular purposes.

Figure 2, Part 1- Types of building that have been constructed in Perlis using the IBS.

Figure 2: Part 1 concerns with the ‘types of building constructed in Perlis using the
Industrialized Building System (IBS)’, where 38 % are the state low-cost houses, 33 % claimed that there
is no housing that has adopted this method, 26 % stated others and 3 % answered luxurious houses .
This data is explained by the fact that most of the Perlis population do have some idea about the
Industrialized Building System (IBS) but they are uncertain about the extent to which a type of housing
can be considered to have the influence from the Industrialized Building System (IBS). The Government
has also prescribed that any building would use 70% or more elements of the Industrialized Building
System (IBS) to be considered as buildings which apply the Industrialized Building System (IBS).
 Figure 3, Part 1- What are types of low cost houses deemed suitable in Perlis?

From Figure 3: Part 1 above, the question dwells into ‘the types of low-cost houses
deemed suitable in Perlis’. We have found that 65 % named state terrace houses and 18 % mentioned
state flats, while 17 % answered others . This is because the majority of low-cost houses come
in terrace form and due to the fact that the population in Perlis is still low or moderate. Therefore, it is
thought to be suitable when low-cost houses are terrace-type, because, to look at it as a whole, flats are
suitable for areas where the number of residents are high. For those who chose other they probably
regard houses like “Projek Perumahan Rakyat Termiskin” (PPRT) as the most suitable form of low-cost
accommodation.

Figure 4, Part 1- How long does it need to complete a low-cost house?

From Figure 4: Part 1 above, data further show that 62 % from the total
respondents agreed that time taken to complete a low-cost house would normally be more than one week.
Put simply, low cost houses need more than a week to complete. 31 % admitted that they did not
know how long it would take to complete a low-cost house. There is a possibility that they do not have a
clue about what the Industrialized Building System (IBS) has achieved so far, and even lack the
knowledge about this Industrialized Building System (IBS). Only 7 % agreed that such a house can be
completed within a week. This is because such quick period of completion has been proven by the
government in their projects, in particular the “Projek Perumahan Rakyat Termiskin (PPRT) , which
evidently only takes a week to be fully constructed.
 Figure 5, Part 1- How much is a low cost house in Perlis?

Figure 5 : Part 1 shows that the majority stated that the price of a low-cost house is in the
range of RM40,000 to RM59,000, a range which is standardised in Perlis. 20% stated that the price is in
the RM20,000 to RM39,000 range, admittedly the lowest range possible. Thirdly, respondents quoted the
range of RM60,000 to RM79,000, depending on the area- for instance houses in the city of Jejawi are
certainly more expensive because of its location which is near to Kangar and Arau. Lastly the range of
RM80,000 and above was named for areas with high population such as Arau, Kangar and Kuala Perlis.
Part 2: The Opinion about an Application of The Industrialized Building System (IBS) in
Perlis.

Figure 6, Opinion about an Application of the Industrialized Building System (IBS) in Perlis.

From Figure 6 above, we can see the part concerning the opinion and level of
respondents’ agreement on this system. We have found that 2 % had strongly disagreed, 9 % disagreed,
then 50 % had medium or natural opinion, 25 % agreed and only 14 % had really agreed about the
application of the IBS. People who disagreed and strongly showed their disagreement probably do not
know about this IBS system in detail, its benefits and what is good about this system. 50% from them had
preferred to be on the medium scale because they think that this system might be appealing to them
through time.
The second question concerns with either this Industrialized Building System (IBS) is suitable or
not to be practised in Perlis. Only 4 % strongly disagreed, 15 % disagreed, 37 % medium, 27
% agreed and 17 % had expressed their agreement to this. From an analysis, the main factor lies in their
location that is very far from Perlis, and further propelling them to show disapproval, and the fact that
most projects implemented in Perlis are small-scale ones. Additionally, this system receives good
response from respondents who have some idea and experiences adopting it, despite the fact that this
system is still new to them.
For the third question, about whether or not this system brings profit, figure 6 shows that
7 % strongly disagreed, 12 % disagreed, 32 %medium, 35 % agreed and only 14 % did demonstrate their
strong agreement. The disagreements came from the fact that the factory position is far from the state,
other than the fact that most projects in Perlis are not mega constructions, indicating that it is impossible
to see the projects as profit investment. Also, 32 % from respondents chose to be on the medium scale
because they think this system is only acting like a conversional system. 35 % agreed and only 14
% strongly agreed because this system has proven to be very profitable to all. Even though the initial cost
is higher, the profit evidently is bigger, ensuring more benefit for development.
‘This system is able to generate the national economy’. This is the fourth concern for this
part, From Figure 6, 2 % strongly disagreed, 10 % disagreed, 30 % in the medium range, 49 % agreed and
19 % really agreed. This is because with this system, the government can save their expenditure to
construct any building. Perhaps they think this system is just a waste of government s money, because
this system is an unprofitable investment. Only 30% had chosen a medium scale because they is an
natural party.
From Figure 6, the final question is ‘Is this system capable of increasing low cost
housing construction quality level?’. This question is very interesting to discuss because it tests their level
of understanding on this system. Through the data collection, 2 % strongly disagreed, 17 % disagreed, 34
% medium, 32 % agreed and 15 % really agreed. This proves that this system is capable of increasing low
cost house quality, 34 % from total respondents think this system has the same quality with the
conversional system. 2 % had strongly disagreed and 17 % from the whole group of respondents
disagreed, as they think that the quality of the IBS system is very weak.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION.

After the study and data analysis, some suggestions have been identified to help any relevant parties in the
construction sector in Perlis, especially the management and people in charge of the construction
implementation to adopt the Industrialized Building System (IBS). The following is some
suggestions that can serve as useful guidance.

1. Supplier companies should build a factory in the Perlis vicinity to facilitate developers in getting
easy raw material supplies and save the delivery costs.
2. Clients, consultants and contractors need to establish strong communication among themselves in
conducting (particularly new) construction projects which apply this considerably-new
Industrialized Building System (IBS) in Perlis.
3. CIDB and related parties need to undergo the IBS short course to produce professional employees
in this field. Systematic exposure needs to be given to developers and
contractors or consultants to provide effective understanding to them about the IBS system.
4. Local contractors are encouraged to use the latest construction work technology. The most
important initiative is exposing contractors to new technology and encouraging them to adopt the
new system.

Making the government sector the pioneer of the Industrialized Building System (IBS) technology in
every project is essential so that the private sector will be confident with the Industrialized Building
System (IBS) s technological capability and will apply the system to every construction project to
which it is assigned.
LIST OF REFERENCES

Abdul Kadur Marsono, M. M. T., Ng Soon Ching & Ahmad Mahir Makhtar (2006). Simulation Of Industrialised Building System
Compenents Production. . Paper presented at the Proceedings of the sixth Asian Pacific structural Engineering and Construction
Conference.
Abdullah, M. a. E. (2010). Selection criteria frameword for choosing industrialized building systems for housing projects.
Bakar, N. N. B. A. (2009). Kepentingan Teknologi Sistem Binaan Berindustri (IBS) Dalam Mempertingkatkan Keberkesanan
Projek Pembinaan. . Unpublished Thesis PSM., Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. .
Bashir, A. A. (2008). Simulation Safety Management Of IBS Construction. . Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. .
Basri, N. I. B. (2008 ). Critical Success Factors for IBS Adoptions in Malaysia Construction Industry Universiti Teknologi
Malaysia. .
Ching, N. S. (2006). Simulation Of Industrialised Building System Compenents Production Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.
CIDB. (2003). IBS Survey: Survey on the Usage of Industrialized Building Systems (IBS) in Malaysian Construction Industry.:
CIDB Malaysia.
Egbu, M. R. A. C. (2010). Selection criteria frameword for choosing industrialized building systems for housing projects. . Paper
presented at the Procs 26th Annual ARCOM Conference
Haw, K. x. ( 2009 ). Barriers in the Implementation of Idustrialised Building System in Malaysia Construction Industry. .
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. .
Malaysia, C. (2001). Manual for Assessment of Industrialized Building Systems. Kuala Lumpur CIDB
Marsono, A. K. a. M. T., Masine and Ng, Soon Ching and Makhtar, Ahmad Mahir (2006). Simulation of Industrialised Building
System components production. Retrieved 14 January 2012, from http://eprints.utm.my/557/
Maryam Qays , K. N. M., Hashim Al-Mattarneh & Bashar S. Mohamed (2010 ). The Constraints of Industrialized Building
System from Stakeholders' Point of View. . Paper presented at the ICSE2010 Proc.
Maryam Qays, K. N. M. H. M. A. A.-M. (2010). Industrialized Building System in Malaysia: Challenges and the Way Forward,
Industrialized building system, Limitations of IBS, Constraints of IBS, Suggestions to improve IBS.
Mian, A. T. E. (2006). Industrialized Building System Formation Scheduling For Public Building., Universiti Teknologi
Malaysia.
N. A. B. Z. (2009 ). The Contractor Perception Regarding Industrialised Building System (IBS) In Construction Project In
Malaysia. . Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.
Nor Azmi Ahmad Bari, R. Y., Napsiah Ismail, Aini Jaapar & Norizan Ahmad (2012). Factors Influencing the Construction Cost
of Industrialised Building System (IBS) Projects. . Paper presented at the Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences., .
Nor Hazreeni Hamzah, M. N. A. N. J. Y. (2010 ). A Study on the Acceptance of IBS in Construction Industry in Kelantan:
Application of Logistic Regression Analysis. . Paper presented at the Proceeding of the Regional Conference on Statistical
Sciences 2010 (RCSS’ 10)
Nuzul Azam Haron, S. H., Mohd Razali Abd Kadir & Mohd Saleh Jaafar (2005 ). Building Cost Comparison Between
Conventionel And Formwork System. . Technology Journal, 43 (B), pp. , 1-11.
Rahman, R. B. A. (2007 ). Significant Usage of Slab and Wall Form Technique In Industrialized Building Systems (IBS) For Low
High-Rise Apartments Construction. . Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.
Rasid, S. N. Z. B. M. (2008 ). Penerimaan Pemaju Rumah Terhadap Penggunaan Komponen Sistem Binaan Berindustri (IBS)
Dalam pembinaan Rumah Kediaman. . Unpublished Thesis PSM, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.
Razak, S. F. B. A. (2009 ). Sistem Binaan Berindustri. . Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.
Riduan Yunus, a. J. Y. (2011 ). Sustainability Criteria for Industrialised Building Systems (IBS) in Malaysia. . Paper presented at
the Procedia Engineering. .
Salihudin Hassim, M. S. J. S. A. A. H. S. (2009 ). The Contractor Perception Towers Industrialised Building System Risk in
Construction Projects in Malaysia. . American Journal of Applied Sciences 6 (5), 937-942.
Suparmanto, E. K. B. (2005). Pembinaan Sistem Binaan Berindustri (IBS) Dalam Industri Pembinaan Malaysia, Kajian Di
Sektor Swasta. . Unpublished Thesis PSM., Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. .
Taib, A. R. B. Z. A. M. (2007). Simulation of Industrialized Building System Formation for Housing Construction. Unpublished
Thesis PSM., Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.
Tay, A. E. M. (2006). Industrialised Building System formation scheduling for public buildings. . Retrieved 15 February 2012,
from http://eprints.utm.my/5142/
Types of soil ,Retrieved 13 March 2012., from http://library.thinkquest.org/J003195F/newpage4.htm
W.A.Thanoon, L. W. P., Mohd Razali Abdul Kadir, Mohd saleh Jaafar & Mohd Sapuan Salit (2003 ). The Essential
Characteristics Of Industrialosed Building System. Paper presented at the International Conference on Industrialised Building
Systems Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Zainal Abidin@Md. Taib, A. R. (2007 ). Simulation of Industrialised Building System formation for housing construction. .
Retrieved 18 December 2012, from http://eprints.utm.my/11242/
Zuhairi bin Abd. Hamid, M. K. b. G., Ahmad Hazim bin Abdul Rahim & Kamarul Anuar Mohamad Kamar (2008). Industrialised
Building Systems (IBS): Current Shortcomingsand the Vital Roles of R&D. Jurutera Magazine April 2008, pp 31-34.