A Study on Challenges of Adopting Modular Construction System among Construction Companies in Kuala Lumpur

Ng, Hong Leong (2021) A Study on Challenges of Adopting Modular Construction System among Construction Companies in Kuala Lumpur. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University College.

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Abstract

Modular construction system (MCS) is a modern method of construction which integrates both off-site and on-site construction concept. The building components, known as modules, are first prefabricated in the factory plants and assembly of the modules are completed later on-site to become a final building. Through this method, it shifts almost 80% of construction works that conventionally done on-site using traditional construction method to offsite in factory which help to increase overall work productivity of a construction project. MCS are widely adopted by many developed nations as it is proven to reduce cost and project schedule, produce promising quality building and promote environment sustainability. In view of Malaysian construction industry are suffering from ongoing unsolved project delay and labour shortage, the adoption of MCS is seemed to be right solution to overcome due to its beneficial characteristic exhibited in adopting MCS. However, MCS is generally remained unwelcomed by Malaysian construction industry and most of the construction companies in Malaysia have zero or minimum understanding and knowledge toward this technology. Therefore, this study is conducted to find out the challenges of modular construction system adoption in Malaysia with specific target on construction companies in Kuala Lumpur. This study also identifies the level of awareness of construction companies toward the modular construction system in Kuala Lumpur. Moreover, this study analyses the strategies to increase involvement and interest of construction companies in Kuala Lumpur on adopting modular construction system. To achieve the research objective, the data was collected through online questionnaire survey that was distributed to 170 construction companies in Kuala Lumpur. The data gathered is then analysed using descriptive analysis through application of SPSS Statistics. The findings on awareness level reveals that most of the construction companies in Kuala Lumpur are well aware of MCS as they clearly understand almost all the question related to the definition, characteristics, application and general facts about MCS. In term of finding on the barrier of adopting MCS, it reveals that the most significant and least significant challenges to adopt MCS among construction companies in Kuala Lumpur are cost barrier and lack of modular market. As for the finding on the strategies to increase MCS adoption, it shows that the most favourable strategy is providing governmental incentive while the least favourable strategy is providing standardization of specification on module connection, materials, and quality of MCS. By identified the barriers and strategies, it is hoped that this study can serve as guideline to Malaysian construction companies especially for the new entry who plan to adopt the MCS and also to drive up the interest of more and more Malaysia construction companies toward the adoption of MCS so that the industry can improve and move further.