BUKIT MERTAJAM: The Ministry of Education (MOE) has implemented 127 school construction projects using the Industrialised Building System (IBS) as part of a nationwide effort to resolve long-standing issues of overcrowded schools and classrooms.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the initiative, carried out in collaboration with the Public Works Department (JKR), began in May this year and has already delivered tangible results, with most projects completed within a significantly shorter timeframe than traditional construction methods.
“The speed of completion shows that IBS is a practical and effective approach for addressing urgent infrastructure needs within the education sector,” she said during a press conference following the handover of the Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama Sheikh Tahir Jalaluddin project.
Fadhlina explained that Selangor accounts for the largest share of the projects, with 70 construction sites, reflecting the severity of overcrowding in the state’s schools.
She noted that the rapid completion of these projects allows the ministry to better plan student placement and maximise the use of new classrooms once the new school term begins.
Looking ahead, Fadhlina said the MOE intends to expand the implementation of IBS schools next year as part of a broader strategy to modernise education infrastructure and ensure equitable access to quality learning environments.
She stressed that solving overcrowding issues requires sustained commitment, careful planning and strong collaboration between federal and state authorities, particularly in high-density urban areas.
“The goal is not just to build schools quickly, but to ensure that every facility supports effective teaching and learning for our students,” she added.