By Karen Bong
KUCHING, May 13: There is a critical need for professional Facility Management (FM) to ensure the safety, efficiency, and longevity of infrastructure in Sarawak as sustainability does not end when the last brick is laid.
The Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg stressed that maintaining and managing existing facilities is just as important as new construction.
“We must break the habit of constantly building new structures while neglecting the upkeep of our existing assets,” he said in his keynote speech at the International Construction Week (ICW) Borneo 2025, held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.
With over 4,000 government quarters already built and an additional 3,000 under construction, Abang Johari emphasised that effective FM is essential to manage and maintain these critical assets.
He noted that currently, of the 468 FM contractors in Malaysia, only 17 are registered in Sarawak, which is insufficient to meet the growing demand for professional management services.
“We call on local contractors to upskill and register as FM providers with CIDB to meet the growing demand. This is part of our holistic sustainability strategy,” he stated.
A significant milestone in Sarawak’s FM journey was the recent award of the first official FM contract for the Borneo Cultures Museum.
This achievement, spearheaded by Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak in 2024, marks the beginning of a broader initiative to integrate FM into Sarawak’s infrastructure projects.
Abang Johari revealed that FM contracts for other high-profile projects, such as the Sarawak Legislative Assembly Complex and Integrated Administrative Centres in Bintulu, Limbang, and Lawas as well as the Federal Gunasama Quarters in Bintulu would follow suit under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).
To support this, he welcomed CIDB’s initiative in organising a dedicated FM seminar and training sessions as part of ICW Borneo.
“It’s a timely step to strengthen capabilities in this crucial field. That’s why forums like this are important—to raise awareness, as many contractors may not yet be familiar with Facility Management,” he added.
Abang Johari emphasised the evolving nature of the construction industry, which is shifting from a focus on scale and speed to one that prioritises innovation, resilience, and environmental sustainability.
“With global challenges like climate change and urbanisation, Sarawak is embracing green building technologies, such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and sustainable materials like bamboo and recycled steel. Additionally, the adoption of digital tools, such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) and the Internet of Things (IoT), will enable smarter, more efficient infrastructure development,” he said.
Looking ahead, Abang Johari remarked that Malaysia, as Asean Chair in 2025, has a unique opportunity to lead the region’s construction and infrastructure agenda.
“ICW Borneo is not just a regional event. It is where Asean’s construction future begins — rooted in Borneo, reaching across the region,” he concluded.
This call to action reflects Sarawak’s commitment to playing a pivotal role in transforming construction practices, driving both local and regional growth.
Meanwhile, the ICW Borneo 2025 is organised by Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia in partnership with Qube Integrated Malaysia Sdn Bhd. The two-day event brings together policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and innovators under the theme “Innovative Construction for a Sustainable Future”.
Malaysia’s Minister of Works Dato Sri Alexander Linggi, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Minister of Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin and Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of Works Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan were among the distinguished guests present. — DayakDaily
