By Peter Sibon
KUCHING, May 22: After four years of hard work and collaboration with a Guangzhou-based corporation, Sarawak Housing Development Corporation (HDC) is ready to embark on large-scale production of modular housing using the Industrialised Building System (IBS).
HDC chairman Datuk Dr Abang Rauf Abang Zen said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg was expected to launch the first rollout of the IBS panels at a factory in Demak Laut after Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
He disclosed that for a start, the factory would be able to produce components for 2,500 units of affordable houses spanning 800 sq feet, complete with three bedrooms and two toilets.
“The main idea is for us to produce affordable houses for the lower income group or B40. At the same time, we are also bidding for the (dilapidated) schools (in Sarawak) project,” Dr Abang Rauf told DayakDaily during a breaking of fast event, here, recently.
He said the state government had directed HDC to come up with the proposal in 2015 and it subsequently signed a Head of Agreement with its China partner to produce the best modular housing materials using IBS.
“The whole idea is to maintain standards, control wastage, have our research and development (R&D) as well as the ability to have artificial intelligent homes for the future,” he said.
Dr Abang Rauf, who is formerly Demak Laut assemblyman and Assistant Minister of Housing, said with the right timing and opportunity, it would now “take the bull by the horns”.
“After a long delay due to various factors, we are now ready for the challenges posed by the state government for HDC to lead the way,” he said.
He revealed that besides using a temporary factory at Demak Laut, HDC would also build its own on a 22-acre site, also at Demak Laut.
“Our factory will take two to three years to complete, and it will be very advanced, including the use of robotics and will also be focussed on R&D,” he said.
The IBS used here will have advanced features as they have undergone testing such as intense heat and pressure tests. The tests were carried out by various certified agencies such as Sirim QAS International Sdn Bhd and TUV SUD Malaysia Sdn Bhd. — DayakDaily
