KUALA LUMPUR: The mandatory use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) systems for all public and private sector construction projects worth RM10mil and above will now also apply to the design and construction of roads and sewage systems.
Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said the use of BIM could prevent soil erosion like last month’s sinkhole incident at Jalan Masjid India here.
“The move is aimed at reducing construction issues and clashes, especially related to the mapping of the sewage system,” he said, adding that this applied to both rural and urban new development projects nationwide.
Ahmad added that BIM was not just for buildings but also for sewage systems and road construction.
“We have discussed in the post-Cabinet meeting how to implement BIM,” he told reporters yesterday after opening the 13th International Conference on Geotechnical Engineering in Tropical Regions (Geotropika) and 3rd International Conference on Highway and Transportation Engineering (Chitra), collectively known as Geochitra 2024.
BIM is used for planning, designing, constructing and managing buildings or infrastructure using a three-dimensional or 3D model and cloud-based platforms.
It integrates data to create digital representations of assets across their lifecycle, from planning and design to construction and operations.
Improving practices: Ahmad (right) watching a video of a road collapse during the engineering conference in Kuala Lumpur. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
In June, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim spoke of the government’s plan to adopt BIM for both public and private projects from Aug 1.
Ahmad said a new committee called the “New Construction Technologies Committee” would be formed to standardise the use of BIM and other new technologies in road and building projects.
“The new working committee will be combined with the existing committee for Industrialised Building Systems (IBS) to oversee technology-related matters for all construction projects,” he said.
He said the new committee would comprise representatives of agencies like the Public Works Department, Construction Industry Development Board, and the Malaysian Highway Authority.
Ahmad added the implementation of BIM would help reduce clashes in the construction of underground utility projects, which can lead to increased costs and damage.
“For example, the drainage system should be constructed in such a way that it follows a specific mapping,” he said.
With BIM, he said a 3D model for construction from above ground to underground could be created.
This would allow for precise information on where to build to reduce untoward incidents, he added.
Ahmad said the government would also work with universities to develop Malaysia’s own BIM software to reduce reliance on costly overseas systems.
In his speech earlier, Ahmad said preparedness and robust engineering practices were essential to mitigate incidents that can result in loss of lives and property.
Using the example of landslides, he said employing advanced geotechnical engineering techniques can predict and mitigate these occurrences through real-time monitoring systems, early warning mechanisms, and slope stabilisation methods.
“Utilising advanced tools and constructing comprehensive infrastructure designs can protect communities and reduce damage,” he added.
Earlier, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa said Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) would map the utilities network under Kuala Lumpur and study its land structure.
She said DBKL would also ensure all construction in the city include a geotechnical report.
This came about following the Aug 23 tragedy where a 48-year-old Indian tourist fell into an 8m-deep sinkhole in Jalan Masjid India.
A search mission was eventually called off after nine days.
Yesterday’s event also saw the presence of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) deputy vice-chancellor (development) Prof Dr Edy Tonnizam Mohamad and other senior university officials.
Prof Edy Tonnizam spoke of the importance of being able to forecast and mitigate natural disasters.
He said the conference’s theme – Disaster Resiliency for Future Development in Geotechnical and Transportation Engineering – highlighted the need for resilient developments that are capable of withstanding natural disasters.
“UTM is committed to fostering a research ecosystem supporting exploration and innovation, then translating them into practical solutions.
“It’s not just about fundamental knowledge but also putting these solutions into practice for the people and country,” he said.
