Malaysian Construction Industry Research Articles

Study on the Benefits of the Implementation of Green Building Rating in Malaysia

A green building is a sustainable design incorporating environmentally friendly practices in its construction and management. The objective of green building development is to reduce the negative impact of buildings on the environment by mitigating carbon dioxide emissions. Several countries worldwide, including Malaysia have established rating tools under the World Green Building Council to measure sustainability for various types of development. The goal is to encourage all nations to promote green building and replace conventional methods that harm the environment. In Malaysia, two of the most commonly used assessment tools for green building are GBI and GreenRE. The Malaysian government has implemented various policies to manage the construction process of green buildings, such as the National Green Technology Policy, Green Performance Assessment System, and the establishment of Green Technology Master Plan for managing green operations. However, green building projects in Malaysia are still in the formative stage, indicating that the construction industry in Malaysia is still in its infancy with regard to sustainable development. This study aims to investigate the perceived benefits of implementing Green Building Rating Tools in Malaysia. Specific factors that enable company readiness to adopt rating tools include benefits to occupants, facility management, and environmental sustainability. The research methodology used in this study was quantitative, employing a questionnaire survey with 140 respondents. The findings indicate that Facility Management and Environmental Sustainability are significantly related to Company's Readiness to adopt Green Building Rating. It is crucial for policymakers to provide incentives to project teams (developers, consultants, and contractors) to increase awareness about green construction and its implementation.

Awareness of Mental Health Issues in Malaysian Construction Industry

Awareness of Mental Health Issues in Malaysian Construction Industry

The Readiness of the Malaysian Construction Industry for E-tendering After COVID-19 Pandemic

E-tendering implementation can bring significant benefits such as cost savings, transparency in contract and maximize the efficiency and resources to the construction industry. E-tendering also allows users to participate through internet where this increases the competition, lower down transaction cost and minimize the time consumption and errors in the bidding processes. This study determines the readiness level of E-tendering to the Malaysian construction industry so that the construction industries are capable to overcome the possible issues and enhance their implementation of E-tendering in Malaysia. The research applied mixed methodology. 89 respondents have participated in the questionnaire while five respondents were interviewed in the interview sessions. The results showed that E-tendering organization’s attitudinal readiness has several factors such as foresee the construction tendering practice trends, aware if the introduction of E-tendering is by the government, interested in E-tendering, foresee the increasingly importance of E-tendering to company and good knowledge of IT. The organization’s physical readiness has factors such as software facilities, network access, investment in IT, computer infrastructure and technical staff. The results can be used by policies makers to promote the adoption of E-tendering among the potential practitioners in Malaysia where this can improve the efficiency in construction projects tendering process.

Automated monitoring innovations for efficient and safe construction practices

As construction projects increase in complexity, there are growing challenges with conventional monitoring methods in terms of efficiency, safety, and competitiveness. Traditional supervision techniques are labour-intensive, intermittent, and prone to errors. Hence, this study statistically evaluates the potential advantages of photogrammetry, sensors, and algorithms to enable continuous automated monitoring. The results of this survey were analysed to compare manual and automated monitoring systems. The outcome shows that the Malaysian construction industry is aware of Automated Monitoring Innovations for Efficient and Safe Construction Practices. The top ranked factor was Photogrammetry which had a relative importance index (RII) of 0.821 for straightforward site monitoring and 0.812 for accelerated 3D BIM modelling. The RII for sensors to track labourers, apparatus, and progress in real time was 0.82, while the RII for hazard anticipation was 0.796. Automation achieved a reduction in fatigue by 0.784, labour intensity by 0.792, and time demands by 0.768, as measured by the RII. A conceptual framework was developed that incorporates measurable improvements in schedules, safety, and quality control. Automated solutions, as opposed to human examinations which are prone to error, provided exhaustive geographical data and ongoing surveillance notwithstanding obstacles pertaining to cost, cybersecurity, privacy, and integration. Construction monitoring must incorporate new technology, strategic change management, data investments, and supporting regulations to increase profitability, safety, and efficiency as competition and complexity increase.

The adoption of automation technology for the mitigation of material waste on construction sites in the Malaysian construction industry

The construction business has always been at the forefront of technological advancements, and this trend has only accelerated in recent years as one of the important contexts among the other numerous new technologies. The current study aims to examine the relationship between Automation Technology Adoptions (ATA) and Construction Site Performance (CSP) and their influence on material waste mitigation measures in Johor construction sites. Data was gathered utilizing an online survey method, with the participants from the Johor construction industries representing contractors and experts. A total of 257 responses were valid to investigate the assumptions of the validations, and ‘Partial Lease Square - Structural Equation Modeling’ (PLS-SEM) procedure has been used. The adopted model may be used to help construction site managers and workers understand the importance of the ATA, CSP, and their utilization as material waste management approaches. The obtained results emphasize the relevance of automation technology adoption for mitigating construction material waste in construction sites with such a clear significance and clarity under the use of automation in construction sites. These findings will assist construction professionals to manage their materials on the job site and complete their projects.

Analysis on The Understanding of Environmental Management Practices among Contractors in Malaysia using Rasch Measurement Model

The rapid development of construction industry in Malaysia has caused a significant impact on the environment and has resulted in increased demand for implementing environmental management practices. This study aimed to analyze the level of understanding on environmental management practices among contractors in Malaysia. A total of 47 contractors from all grades in Malaysia participated in this study. This study also used a 5-point Likert scale for the data collection process. Items in the questionnaire were analyzed using the Rasch Measurement Model to test the validity and reliability of the research instruments. The results showed that the item reliability value was 0.57 and the individual reliability value was 0.89. The value of the item separation index is 1.16 while the value of the individual separation index obtained is 2.78. Overall, person measure for construct of understanding level on environmental management practices ranged from +7.77 logit to -1.30 logit. For construct challenge faced by the contractor, the maximum value for person measure is +6.35 logit and the minimum measurement value is -0.97 logit. For the last construct which is the impact of environmental management practices on the environment, the value of person measure is +8.27 logit to -1.62 logit. Through item suitability analysis, there are some items that need to be dropped or harmonized as they not meet the requirements in one of the Outfit MNSQ and Outfit ZSTD ranges. The Rasch Measurement Model has identified that most contractors in Malaysia still have a moderate level of understanding on environmental management practices. The findings obtained at the end of this study are significant so that these environmental management practices remain practiced by contractors to maintain sustainable development in future.

Unlocking the Potential of BIM and VR Integration to Address Construction Challenges in Malaysia’s Building Industry: A Literature Review

Delays in project completion, cost overruns, safety risks, and poor communication among project stakeholders are just some of the leading causes of the many problems plaguing Malaysian construction projects. The construction sector in this country is suffering from these significant problems, which could be remedied with the help of emerging technologies, including Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Virtual Reality (VR). Integrating Virtual Reality (IVR) and Building Information Modelling (BIM) may help avoid and resolve such problems during construction. The features allow for remote collaboration, enhanced communication and connection, enhanced immersion and interactivity, and reduced costs. This literature review exemplifies the challenge that arose on a construction site, as well as the potential of VR technology in general and its integration in assisting the construction industry in Malaysia with BIM. Based on the comprehensive analysis conducted, it is evident that the integration of BIM and VR presents a vast potential to alleviate and resolve the pressing construction-related challenges afflicting Malaysia’s construction industry. The effective integration of these innovative technologies can revolutionise the sector by mitigating cost overruns, reducing project delays, enhancing communication, and improving safety outcomes. Therefore, realising the potential and exploring the possibilities of BIM and VR integration is crucial to overcoming the issues and promoting sustainable growth in Malaysia’s construction sector.

Enhancing construction site performance through technology and management practices as material waste mitigation in the Malaysian construction industry

The construction industry, increasingly prioritizing sustainability, necessitates an exploration of technology and management's role in mitigating material waste at construction sites. This study examines the impact of 3R, IBS, BIM, and MMA in enhancing Construction Site Performance (CSP) in the Malaysian construction sector. Seven hypotheses were formulated to assess the relationship between technology adoption, material management practices, and the moderating influence of Material Management Adoption (MMA) on CSP. Data were collected through an online survey from 295 valid responses in the Malaysian construction sector, focusing on professionals involved in solid waste management. Utilizing Partial Least Squares - Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), the findings highlight the importance of technological integration, efficient material management, and competitive strategies in effective material waste mitigation. Furthermore, the qualitative aspect of the study, conducted among 6 solid waste organizations in Malaysia, enriches the findings by providing nuanced insights into local practices and challenges. Emphasizing the importance of contextual insights, the study addresses professionals involved in solid waste management within the Malaysian construction industry. The geographical specificity adds depth to the analysis, offering a comprehensive understanding of regional dynamics. Despite acknowledging limitations in technology and material usage, the study offers recommendations for refining waste mitigation and improving construction site performance. This research model offers actionable insights for construction site stakeholders, emphasizing the criticality of waste mitigation and CSP. The results, both quantitative and qualitative, underscore the potential of these practices within the Malaysian construction industry to foster innovation and drive positive change.

EXPLORING THE EFFECT OF EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT ON THE SOCIAL ASPECT OF FIRM SUSTAINABILITY: EVIDENCE FROM THE MALAYSIAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

This study examined how various dimensions of employee engagement influence the social sustainability of firms operating within the Malaysian construction industry. It focused on employees working in construction firms registered with the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) within the Federal State of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya. Simple random sampling was used for respondents selection followed by the distribution of an online questionnaire created using Google Forms. The data was analysed using Structural Equation Modelling via SmartPLS. The results indicated a favorable impact of behavioral employee engagement to firm social sustainability. In a broader sense, these findings shed light on the strategies required to enhance employee engagement for the sake of firm sustainability within the construction sector. It offers valuable insights into the leadership of construction organisations, specifically emphasising the significance of firm social sustainability and how it is influenced by employee engagement. A distinctive feature of this study is its segmentation of employee engagement into cognitive, behavioral, and emotional dimensions. Additionally, it addresses an aspect of sustainability that has received comparatively less attention—construction-related social sustainability—thus contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the subject when compared to existing research.

Electronic Submission in Construction: Government Approval Practice and Potential Issues in Malaysia

Post-COVID-19 has strongly impacted the construction industry worldwide; many parties took alternatives to facilitate the relatively overdue work arrangements. The Malaysian construction industry has been directly affected and has had to increase the adoption of One-Stop Centre (OSC) electronic submissions. According to the Malaysian online system submission policies, it is necessary to obtain construction approval from the OSC through the implementation by town councils. Not understanding the process and documents involved in this procedure might result in ineffective submissions. Hence, the study objectives are to identify: 1) The current submission process and documents for construction approval to town councils, and 2) Issues related to the e-submission process. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals from twenty town (20) city councils in Malaysia to achieve those objectives. The results indicate that the general process includes submitting the required documents through the OSC, validation of submittals, and meeting approvals. The required documents include planning permissions, drawings, engineering plans, environmental management plans, landowner documents, and approvals by other government agencies. Finally, the issues with the e-submission include technical problems and the lack of experience of all involved stakeholders. These findings can be used by policymakers to improve the submission system and industry practitioners in acquiring construction approvals.

Digitalization in malaysian construction industry: Awareness, challenges and opportunities

The construction industry is going forward by adopting digitization, but players are still battling to grasp and execute it properly. That is why, this study aims to evaluate the awareness, challenges and opportunities of digitalization in the Malaysian construction industry and provides a framework for better digital implementation. In this perspective, a questionnaire-based study was conducted, and the responses were collected from field experts who have implemented a digital system in their construction projects. The outcome shows that the Malaysian construction industry is aware of digitalization and rated the Industrialized Building System (IBS) as the most important technology. In Project Delivery, “Standardized Organization” was the utmost factor for digitalization in construction. The top Challenge in Digital Implementation is “Organizational costs are among the high initial costs of implementing technologies, standards, and specifications”. The top Opportunity in Digital Transformation is “Procedures better planned and monitored”. Based on the top factors, the framework was constructed which will help the practitioners to understand and implement digitalization in a much better way. Thus, this study is significant in addressing the issues related to implementing digitalization in the Malaysian construction industry and providing a perspective to catalyse the development.

A Critical Review by Using SWOT Analysis to Identifying Risk in the Malaysian Construction Industry: Case Study Evaluation

A Critical Review by Using SWOT Analysis to Identifying Risk in the Malaysian Construction Industry: Case Study Evaluation

CHALLENGES AND BARRIERS FOR UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE (UAV) IMPLEMENTATION IN MALAYSIAN INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

The usage of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) in infrastructure projects has inclined drastic recently due to its benefits. However, there is a slowness in transition from conventional construction approach to new innovation. Besides, there are lots of issues in current practices such as cost overrun, dangerous, delay of time completion and lack of an overall comprehensive scientific system. Furthermore, although there was high level of awareness on the advantages of using UAVs, the Malaysian construction industry are still reluctant for the changes. In response, to overcome issues that the construction industry faces, such as infrastructure projects thus, this study aims to develop a conceptual framework for promoting the applications of UAV in Malaysia infrastructure projects. The methods adopted include explanatory sequential research methods. For instance, questionnaire surveys and interviews are used to collect quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. Besides that, a refined conceptual framework of the challenges and barriers of UAV adoption in Malaysia infrastructure projects were mainly contributed by the restrictive regulatory environment and industry point of view. For example, the privacy issues and guidelines on autonomous UAV and the industry lack of confidence in the adoption of UAV and education on the adoption of the UAV. In addition, it offers some solutions for the issues that have been revealed in the preliminary conceptual framework for the challenges on UAV adoption in Malaysia infrastructure projects. For instance, amaze the contractor with the final data from the UAV. Lastly, the identify solution served as a reference for other Malaysian construction stakeholders that have not used UAVs before. The recommendations for future scholarly research include the roles of UAV technology with other technologies such as Artificial Intelligent (AI) or integration of data with other software.

Identifying key accident causation factors in the Malaysian construction industry

ABSTRACT Objectives. Notwithstanding its economic importance, the construction industry is still facing challenges due to its high accident record. As a result, the goal of this study is to identify the key underlying causes of accidents in the Malaysian construction industry that construction stakeholders can focus on to reduce the menace of accidents in the industry. Methods. To achieve this goal, relevant literature was reviewed in order to identify the causes of accidents. The identified factors were used to develop the survey questionnaire for collecting primary data, and the collected data were analysed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Results. The results of the EFA and CFA establish and confirm 11 clusters for the causes of accidents on construction sites: management problems; inadequate training; inadequate supervision; mental health problems; bad attitudes; inadequate funding; inadequate experience; material and equipment handling; poor safety practices; inadequate orientation; and work environment. Conclusion. The study concludes that addressing all 11 factors will drastically reduce the incessant accident occurrences in the construction industry. The result of this study will help construction stakeholders know where to direct their energy in an effort to reduce construction accidents.

Potential of Pressmud Waste from Sugar Industry in Brick Manufacturing for Green Business and Sustainability

The construction industry in Malaysia is currently witnessing sustained expansion, as seen by the rising demand for residential properties, commercial structures, and other infrastructures throughout our country. Therefore, the present study seeks to identify suitable materials and proportions for manufacturing lightweight bricks utilizing industrial waste materials. This study investigates the feasibility of using pressmud, a sugarcane refinery waste, as a fine bio-aggregate for the production of construction materials. Binary blended cement-pressmud bricks were formed by mixing Ordinary Portland cement with pressmud at various weights percentages (50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, and 10%). Various experiments were undertaken to investigate and compare the characteristics of pressmud bricks and commercial sand bricks. The experiments focused on density determination and compression tests (standard brick). The compression tests demonstrated that cement-pressmud bricks with a weight ratio of up to 20% exhibited a compatible strength to standard brick, with values ranging from 17.16 MPa to 23.01 MPa. The pressmud bricks exhibited reduced weight, with 10% and 20% variants weighing 17-23% less than the standard brick. Thus, it can be concluded that pressmud possesses significant potential as a bio-aggregate for producing lightweight and cost-effective construction materials when used in appropriate proportions.

BIM-driven energy simulation and optimization for net-zero tall buildings: sustainable construction management

The growing demand for sustainable and energy-efficient buildings, particularly in the context of tall structures, has prompted increased attention to innovative solutions. Despite advancements in Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology, there exists a critical gap in understanding its comprehensive application for achieving net-zero energy consumption in tall buildings, particularly in the Malaysian construction industry. This research addresses this gap by presenting a novel strategy that integrates BIM technology with energy analysis tools for net-zero tall buildings in Malaysia. The aim of the study is to contribute valuable insights to the construction industry, policymakers, and researchers by conducting empirical research, utilizing case studies, validating the proposed framework, advancing sustainable design practices, and supporting the transition towards net-zero energy tall buildings in Malaysia. The methodology involves a three-phase approach, including qualitative analysis, a pilot survey, and a main questionnaire. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) validates the categorization derived from qualitative interviews, while Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) assesses the convergent and discriminant validity of the measurement model. Hypotheses testing using bootstrapping establishes the significance of correlations between BIM deployment and key factors such as early design integration, enhanced energy efficiency, optimized system integration, predictive performance analysis, and validation of sustainable design. The research findings support the positive associations between BIM deployment and the mentioned factors, providing statistical significance through T-statistics and p-values. The implications of this research extend beyond the Malaysian context, offering valuable insights for architects, engineers, and stakeholders involved in designing and managing sustainable tall buildings. By addressing the identified gaps and leveraging BIM technology effectively, stakeholders can contribute to the construction of net-zero energy structures, aligning with global efforts towards sustainable and energy-efficient building practices.

Providing Human Resource Services in Construction Projects

Jaya Abadi was established by two colleagues who themselves started from humble beginnings in the construction sector. The partnership provides human resource to contractors of the construction industry in Malaysia. It acts as a bridge between job seekers and contractors of the construction projects that need the skills. The partners, Andrianto and Sulaiman Dayat created the business by drawing upon their own journey as immigrants in Malaysia. They recognized the opportunity to assist individuals who share similar backgrounds as theirs. The foundation of their business rests upon the invaluable lessons learned and the wealth of experiences gained over the years, complemented by the trust forged through meticulous networking efforts.

A survey-based approach of framework development for improving the application of internet of things in the construction industry of Malaysia

The progress of our society is reflected in the building sector, which emphasises the necessity of constantly modifying our instruments to take advantage of new opportunities. An example of cutting-edge technology with the potential to completely transform the construction sector is the Internet of Things (IoT). The goal of this comprehensive analysis is to help the construction industry improve the understanding of how crucial it is to embrace IoT. In this study, a systematic review of the relevant literature was conducted to identify the factors that contribute to enhancing IoT applications in the construction industry. The primary objective was to list and evaluate the most important uses, advantages and difficulties of using the IoT in the building sector. This systematic review revealed that the IoT has significant potential to transform the construction industry by improving productivity, safety, sustainability and quality across the entire construction lifecycle. However, barriers such as data privacy and cybersecurity and a lack of standardised protocols need to be addressed. The review concludes that the IoT is likely to revolutionise the construction sector in the coming years if these challenges can be overcome. These findings imply that construction firms need to experiment with IoT and analytic tools across phased use cases, whilst policy and industry groups must collaborate on technology standards and protocols. Although obstacles exist, strategic IoT implementation promises major operational breakthroughs in the construction sector in the near future.

Mediation as in Construction: An Empirical Investigation on the Evaluative and Facilitative Mediation

Disputes are inherent and inevitable in every construction project. Disputes should be resolved efficiently and effectively to minimise the negative impacts on the project and parties involved. Mediation is a wise choice in resolving construction disputes compared to litigation due to its benefits. However, the utilisation of mediation in the Malaysian construction industry is still low. This may be mainly due to the confidence issue of the construction stakeholders in mediation. The mediation styles that are mainly used in Malaysia are facilitative and evaluative. Both styles are different in the intervention extent of the mediator and thus their suitability and effectiveness in settling construction disputes are different. This paper intends to identify the types of disputes that are suitable for facilitative and evaluative mediation styles in construction and to determine the effectiveness of dispute settlement using facilitative and evaluative mediation styles in construction. The data is collected through qualitative research methods through multiple case studies via semi-structured interviews. The data is analysed by using content analysis. The finding shows that parties are more confident adopting evaluative mediation for settling construction disputes that involve contractual, technical, and tort or negligence disputes compared to facilitative mediation. Evaluative mediation is found to be more satisfactory than facilitative mediation in the aspects of time, cost, parties’ relationship, and settlement or outcome in the settlement of construction disputes. This paper informs the construction players in considering which mediation styles for settling their disputes amicably, efficiently, and effectively.

A Review of Current Issues in Industrialised Building System (IBS) for Construction Projects

In Malaysia, the concept of prefabrication is known as Industrialised Building System (IBS). In terms of cost, time, productivity, and quality, IBS is certainly beneficial based on previous local and international research. As part of Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), CIDB's Construction 4.0 Strategic Plan 2020-2025, the Malaysian construction industry is being urged to employ innovative construction techniques. These initiatives illustrate the Malaysian government's commitment to addressing the IBS agenda. Even though numerous things have been done to enhance the IBS adoption in Malaysia, various issues have arisen to bring about delays, disputes, miscommunications, and payment issues affecting the IBS players. Thus, the primary purpose of this research is to identify current issues and assist policymakers and IBS players in mitigating those issues. The literature review was the first phase of the research, with the secondary data derived from relevant books, journals, articles, theses, dissertations, conference proceedings and reports. The second phase involved the collection of primary data, wherein the information was collected through a preliminary study. The research findings showed that IBS construction still faces challenges and issues when adopted by the industry, where four (4) out of five (5) interviewees stated that the primary integration issues are teamworkor collaboration and procurement. This paper aims to present a literature review and preliminary survey findings related to establishing pertinent integration issues and challenges.