KUCHING: The government is still in the study and trial phase before considering the adoption of the Modular Precast System (MPS) as a formal policy.
Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said the approach is currently being implemented through pilot projects to assess its effectiveness, particularly in speeding up construction timelines and improving project delivery efficiency.
“It is not yet a policy, it is still under study and trial. We will first evaluate the outcomes before deciding whether to implement it more widely,” he told a press conference after attending a project briefing on the Federal Integrated Government Complex (BGP) at the site here today.
He noted that among the pilot projects is the construction of additional classrooms in high-density schools, including Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Kota Warisan, Sepang.
Ahmad Maslan said the use of MPS enables classrooms to be completed within three to four months, compared to the longer duration required using conventional construction methods.
“MPS adopts a modular concept similar to containers, which are pre-assembled and combined as needed whether two, four or six classrooms within a short period.
“This approach was introduced to address the shortage of classrooms in schools with enrolments of up to 2,000 to 3,000 students, including those operating in two sessions,” he added.
He said the modular system was introduced following a directive from the Prime Minister to adopt such an approach to tackle classroom shortages in overcrowded schools.
Ahmad Maslan stressed that any decision to formalise MPS as a policy will only be made after its effectiveness has been proven through these pilot projects.
“Once these projects are completed, we will have a clearer picture of whether it is suitable to be adopted as a policy,” he said.
However, he added that the government will continue to assess the suitability of the system based on location, particularly in rural areas that face logistical challenges.
“In urban areas, implementation is easier, but in interior regions, the transportation of components must be carefully considered,” he said.
