He said a pilot project for an additional building for SK Awang Had Salleh in Balik Pulau, Penang, proved the effectiveness of the method after it was completed in just four months instead of up to 13 months using six modular units in the industrialised building system.

“We managed to save between 20% and 30% in construction costs,” he told reporters after attending the handover of the block today. He said it was the first school project in Malaysia to be built using locally-made Scandinavian-style IBS modular units, Bernama reported.

He said the use of the Scandinavian IBS method was in line with global developments, with many developed countries now shifting towards modular construction technology that is faster, more efficient and sustainable.

The government hoped the success of the pilot project would become a catalyst for the wider use of modern construction technology in schools and public facilities.

The 4,867-square-foot additional block was built to meet the needs of children aged four and five who are suffering from learning disabilities to study in a more comfortable, safe and conducive environment. The building provides two classrooms, a multipurpose room, a mini dining hall, an indoor playground, disabled-friendly access and facilities conducive for special education students and teachers.