Malaysian Journal of Sustainable Environment

IDENTIFICATION OF FLOOD IMPACTS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES

Norazlin Mat Salleh — 2024-11-25

Flooding is an unexpected phenomenon that happens throughout the year in Malaysia and has become very common. The yearly recurrence of floods has had a significant influence on the lives of humans and other living beings specifically at the construction sites. Due to the negative impact of floods, awareness must be given careful consideration. The purpose of this research is to identify the impact of the flood occurrence on the construction sites. The initial research begins with a literature review from various scholars on key areas of flood and the impact of flood on construction sites. The next stage was of obtaining the data was though primary data. The research instrument was a set of questionnaires. The questionnaires were divided into two sections A – Demographic Questions and B – The impacts of flood. Questions for Section B used five Likert Scales strongly agree to strongly disagree. All the data were analysed using SPSS software, on the frequency and descriptive analysis. The respondents were contractors in Grade 7 (G7) registered with the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) in Selangor state. A total of 146 respondents participated in this research. This research identified five impacts of flood occurrence in construction sites. There are reconstruction and maintenance of the building structure, safety of labour, the cost of reconstruction, the defects to the building structure, and construction delays. All the construction stakeholders need to be aware and prepared with the flood occurrence to avoid from losses and delays to construction project.

EXPLORING THE KEY VARIABLES OF HUMAN-COMPUTER INTERACTION (HCI) CHARACTERISTICS FOR SMART HOME DESIGN

Yan Yan — 2024-11-25

With the rapid development of the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence technology, the smart home system has become an important part of the modern living environment. Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), is a key factor of smart home user experience, the optimization of its mode and attributes is crucial to improve user satisfaction. Smart home system provides a convenient life experience, but the complex interaction mode and unclear interaction attributes may lead to user operation difficulties and affect user acceptance. Therefore, a further study of the mode and attributes of HCI is of great significance for the design of a more humanized intelligent home system. The purpose of this study is to explore the variables related to the characteristics and attributes of HCI in the existing smart homes. The key variables are extracted through an extensive literature review, collecting and organizing existing relevant studies of smart home HCI characteristics and attributes. A comprehensive framework of HCI characteristics is constructed based on the literature findings while the interactions are revealed through the constructed model towards theoretical support and practical guidance for future smart home design. The findings will help smart home developers and designers gain a deeper understanding of user needs in designing a more efficient, intuitive, and satisfactory smart home interaction system.

DETERMINANT FACTORS OF PERCEIVED RISK-BASED MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT (PRBMM) FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS

NURUL DIYANA MOHD DAHARI — 2024-11-25

Maintenance is one of the key factors that keeps buildings safe and functional. However, there has been extensive research recently about the poor condition of public school facilities and the struggle to keep up with the demands of maintaining their timeworn school infrastructure. Perceived risk affects maintenance work decisions. This encompasses the perspectives of various stakeholders, such as the building's owner, facility managers, maintenance staff, and occupants, regarding the potential and impact of adverse occurrences resulting from maintenance practices. The problem addressed in this research is the absence of a comprehensive Perceive Risk-Based Maintenance Management (PRBMM) model for public schools. This research aims to identify the determinants of perceived risk in risk-based maintenance management. Numerous constructs from previous studies were used to create questionnaires. There were a total of 137 web-based self-administrative questionnaires that were distributed to technical experts who were in charge of the building maintenance of the public schools. The 137 sets were answered and completed. The data is then analysed using SPSS Statistics, Version 29. The findings suggest that the conceptual framework for this research consists of four determinant factors as independent variables, such as performance risk, financial risk, safety risk, and operational risk. Meanwhile, the responses perceive risk in risk-based maintenance management as a dependent variable.

PERCEIVED RISK-BASED MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT (PRBMM) FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW

NURUL DIYANA MOHD DAHARI — 2024-11-25

Perceived risk is important to identify the appropriate improvements needed for maintenance management in public schools. Addressing perceived risk in public schools highlights the importance of considering it to enhance facility performance and sustainability. School building maintenance is a global issue that needs immediate attention, as poor maintenance can compromise the safety of a school. This should not undermine the school’s mission of providing quality education to all occupants while ensuring productivity and comfort through effective building maintenance management. This study aims to address the gap in current maintenance management practices by investigating the role of perceived risk in enhancing maintenance management in public schools. The primary objective is to develop a conceptual model based on Perceived Risk-Based Maintenance Management (PRBMM), which prioritizes maintenance tasks according to perceived risk, thereby improving facility performance and sustainability. A systematic literature review was conducted after a comprehensive search of research papers from 2009 to 2024 on perceived risk in risk-based maintenance management. The search included databases such as Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), Elsevier, Google Scholar, and Science Direct using keywords such as (“Perceived Risk”) AND (“Maintenance Management”) and (“Risk-Based Maintenance Management”) and (“Public School”). The searcher identified 1,165 articles based on the search term of 150 articles in Scopus, 200 articles in WoS, 155 articles in Elsevier, 230 articles in Google Scholar, 430 articles in Science Direct, and 1,155 were excluded. This research highlights the necessity of investigating the relationships between perceived risk and Risk-Based Maintenance Management (PRBMM), focusing on responses to PRBMM approaches. As a result, a conceptual model centred on PRBMM is proposed.

THE INTEGRATION OF BIM AND IBS: A CASE STUDY OF HARMONI ELMINA 1, SELANGOR, MALAYSIA

Farah Salwati Ibrahim — 2024-11-25

Innovative construction practices drive progress in the development of sustainable, efficient, and high-quality residential building. Yet, this practice in residential buildings remains limited. This study investigates the innovative construction practices applied in the development of Harmoni Elmina 1, with a focus on the integration of Industrialised Building Systems (IBS) and Building Information Modelling (BIM). Through a case study approach, key innovations were explored through interviews and project documentation analysis. BIM played a crucial role in the planning, design, and construction stages, reducing error, waste, and risk while enhancing cost efficiency and project progress. Moreover, 10 IBS components, including precast concrete, bubble deck systems, precast reinforced concrete, and prefabricated components, were utilized, further enhancing construction efficiency and quality. The findings demonstrate that integrating BIM and IBS significantly improved project performance, save project duration by 28-33%, preliminary cost by 30%, and achieving near zero construction waste. Inclusively, this case study offers valuable insights for industry professionals by showcasing best practices in BIM and IBS integration, providing a model for improving project outcomes, resource efficiency, and sustainability in the built environment. Projects like Harmoni Elmina 1 highlight the transformative potential of innovation in improving living standards, and promoting more sustainable built construction industry.

REVEALING THE SCENARIO OF FACILITIES MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE IN MALAYSIA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Syarifah Nur Shaqina Syed Shabahar — 2024-11-25

The field of Facilities Management and Maintenance (FMM) in Malaysia has undergone substantial evolution and transformation. Despite abundant research on FMM practices, conducting a systematic review on this issue has proven challenging due to the lack of review procedures. This poses a significant barrier for researchers to replicate or interpret the findings. Hence, this research aims to conduct a systematic literature review of the current FMM practices in Malaysia. The review processes comprised five key methodological steps, namely review, formulation of research questions, systematic searching strategies based on identification, screening, and eligibility on various established databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. This is then followed by quality appraisal, as well as data extraction and analysis. Four primary themes were identified based on the thematic analyses: (1) FMM evolution; (2) current state of FMM; (3) technology; and (4) policy and regulation. These four themes were then divided into nine sub-themes. Finding shows that despites the progress, FMM still faces challenges, particularly in standardizing the maintenance process, where it impacts on overall service quality.

THE NEEDS OF ACCESSIBILITY AUDIT IN FACILITIES MANAGEMENT FOR IMPROVING INCLUSIVE ACCESS

Zuraihana Ahmad Zawawi — 2024-11-25

Accessibility is not just a technical issue, but it is a language by which the environment tells that either someone is being included or excluded. An access audit in facilities management is a critical process aimed at evaluating and improving the accessibility of a facility to ensure it is inclusive for all users, including those with disabilities. Thus, this paper examines the needs of accessibility audit in facilities management in effort to enhance inclusive access within the built environment. Through the extensive review of existing research, this paper identifies the needs and benefits of having accessibility audit in facilities management to promote accessibility for individuals with diverse needs. The findings highlight several key needs of accessibility audit in facilities management to enhance inclusive access in the built environment, including standards compliance, enhancing inclusivity, improving safety and risk management, cost efficiency and operational efficiency. This paper emphasizes important implications for proactive facilities management approaches in creating inclusive built environment.

ACCESSIBILITY AND UNIVERSAL DESIGN IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT: A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS

Zuraihana Ahmad Zawawi — 2024-11-25

Accessibility and the adaptations of universal design in the built environment is an important aspect that affects the quality of life of building users. Thus, this paper aims to study the research evolution on accessibility and universal design in the built environment so that the current and future paradigm can be determined. To achieve the objective, a dataset of documents from Web of Science (WoS), within two decades; from year 2003 until 2023. Based on the keywords used, the study has retrieved a total number of 64 documents for further analysis using various tools. Microsoft Excel was used to conduct the frequency analysis and VOSviewer for data visualization. This study reports the result using standard bibliometric indicators such as the growth of publications, country contribution, preferred journals, top authors, most occurrence keywords, and top cited articles. The findings showed an increasing trend of new research in accessibility and universal design within the field of built environment, with notable contributions from countries such as Australia, Malaysia and the United States of America. The study contributed to a better understanding of the field and is expected to help researchers to identify research areas and appropriate journals for publishing research related to accessibility and universal design in the built environment.

BUILDING TOMORROW: SHAPING THE FUTURE OF CONSTRUCTION THROUGH THE ADOPTION OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

Nor Suzila Lop — 2024-11-25

Digital technology is fundamentally reshaping the construction industry, revolutionizing how projects are conceived, planned, and executed. The application of technology in construction sector typically results in a great deal that is advantageous. However, construction business owners have been hesitant to adopt digital technologies which have been proven in other industries as being effective instruments for improving working efficiency in managing construction works. Therefore, this research aims to determine the appropriate strategy to foster the adoption of digital technologies in construction project. The quantitative research approach using questionnaire survey was adopted to align with the research aim and objectives. A random sampling technique was chosen which response rate of 41% (107) respondents that willing to participate for this research. The data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25 quantitative software. To empowering the use of digital technology in construction projects, this research enables policy makers, industry leaders and researchers with insights to devise effective strategies to improve construction project performance. The results revealed that five (5) most agreed key strategies according to the ranking in promoting the adoption of digital technologies in construction project. The findings of this research might benefit practitioners in promoting the adoption of digital technology in construction project practices as to achieve high project performance and to achieve project sustainability.

STRATEGIC FACILITIES MANAGEMENT (FM) FOR HERITAGE BUILDINGS IN MALAYSIA

Nurul Fadzila Zahari — 2024-11-25

It is becoming increasingly common to apply adaptive reuse to preserve and make use of older structures. Multiple stakeholder scenarios are frequently involved in adaptive re-use; consequently, coordination or administrative concerns may limit the design of adaptable facilities for the purpose of preserving cultural heritage and maximizing operational efficiency. For overcoming the coordination challenge, this research investigates the applicability and benefits of an FM-led adaptive reuse technique, which has not previously been addressed in the existing body of literature. Methods of observation and literature review are utilized in this paper. Using field observations, publicly available policies, and project data, this study was able to discover the attitudes and requirements of stakeholders about facilities management (FM) in adaptive reuse projects including heritage buildings. The paper elaborates on the way FM coordinates adaptive reuse for the benefit of stakeholders and society. Adaptation of heritage buildings, user experience, and community effects are all factors that FM accounts for. The facilitation of innovative facility design, effective decision-making, and public engagement are all made possible by it. The heritage advantage of FM is demonstrated by its use of urban regeneration. The research has not addressed the significance of FM-led business strategy for adaptive reuse in heritage buildings, nor has it discussed the benefits those strategies offer. Not only does it develop a heritage conservation management evaluation methodology, but it also reveals the strategic functions that FM plays.

SIGNIFICANT SOLUTIONS IN MINIMISING CONSTRUCTION DEFECTS OCCURRENCE DURING DEFECR LIABILITY PERIOD (DLP) FOR RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS IN KUALA TERENGGANU

Najihah Rahimin — 2024-11-25

Construction defects are a widespread problem in Malaysia, just as they are in other countries throughout the world. Furthermore, a significant proportion of the construction defects that have arisen are not adequately documented. Particular defects have the potential to bring about the emergence of further problems. It is possible to prevent the creation of several additional problems if the basic defects are identified and resolved at an early point in the process. The primary objective of this research was to recommend significant solutions towards minimising construction defects occurrence during defect liability period for residential projects in Kuala Terengganu. To gather insights, a questionnaire survey targeting 71 registered building surveyors was conducted and 30 positive responses were returned in a usable format of a 42% response rate. The survey instrument gauged their perspectives on mitigating construction defects. Correspondingly, 30 questionnaires were collected and analysed using descriptive analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) using SPSS software version 29 to derive findings. The results emphasize the importance of implementing a six-phase approach to efficiently minimize construction defects. These phases include raising awareness, conducting investigations, identifying defects, evaluating findings, implementing remedies, and pursuing financial recovery. Such a systematic approach holds promise for offering substantial solutions to mitigate construction defects in residential projects, serving as valuable references for stakeholders including the construction industry, developers, and the public. Moreover, this study fills a notable gap in existing literature and enhances understanding of construction defects, paving the way for the adoption of improved construction methodologies in the future.

REIMAGINING NODE: A PROPOSAL FOR POP-UP URBANISM INITIATIVE IN ALOR SETAR

Sayed Muhammad Aiman Sayed Abul Khair — 2024-11-25

A big part of tactical planning is pop-up structures. As part of a second-year architecture design lab, this study looks at pop-up urbanism in the city centre of Alor Setar, focussing on short-term changes that make places lively and focused on people. In line with Alor Setar's Strategic Plan 2024–2028, the study aims to make cities better places to live by using strategic pop-up buildings. A mixed-method approach combines Edward T. White's Site Analysis with the Space Syntax method. It starts with finding important places like Dataran Alor Setar. A lot of site data is being collected and analysed for the study in order to figure out how cities change over time. Space Syntax helps figure out how to connect and integrate spaces, which helps with where to put these temporary changes. Key results show that areas with a lot of connections, like Jalan Istana Lama and Lebuhraya Darul Aman II, are great for making things livelier, while areas with fewer connections, like Lebuhraya Darul Aman I, are better for targeted interventions. The study gives useful information to students who are designing pop-up structures. It also helps with future urban planning, which makes cities more resilient and open to everyone.

THE ADOPTION AND IMPACT OF BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING (BIM) TOWARDS FACILITIES MANAGEMENT (FM) IN MALAYSIA

Nur Aisyah Azmi — 2024-11-25

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is gaining traction in the construction industry for its potential to enhance Facilities Management (FM) through advanced visualization, analysis, and control. However, in Malaysia, the integration of BIM within FM is still emerging, with significant untapped potential. This paper explores the adoption and impact of BIM in FM in Malaysia. A qualitative research approach through interviews were conducted with five (5) FM professionals, including facility managers, BIM coordinators, and consultants, selected through purposive sampling to ensure a broad understanding of BIM in FM. The results were then analysed using content analysis to assess the current practice of BIM implementations in FM, potential applications, and the level of interest in the utilization of BIM in FM. The findings highlight a budding interest in BIM among FM professionals in Malaysia. It revealed, an adoption pattern concentrated in high-value projects and characterized by challenges such as the absence of standardized BIM practices in FM, limited BIM knowledge among professionals, and concerns over implementation costs. Despite these hurdles, the consensus among participants points towards an optimistic future for BIM in FM, driven by the recognized need for enhanced operational efficiencies and the potential for BIM to significantly improve FM practices. This paper concludes by advocating for increased BIM education among FM professionals, the establishment of FM-specific BIM standards, and initiatives to showcase the long-term benefits of BIM, thereby fostering a more robust adoption of BIM in the Malaysian FM sector.

GUIDANCE TOWARDS CONSERVATION DECISIONS: A LITERATURE REVIEW OF HISTORICAL RESEARCH DOCUMENTATION ASPECTS

Nur Aina Iylia Husa — 2024-11-25

The core concepts of conservation in Malaysia are rooted in the principles of conservation and documenting. These principles lead to the beginning of conservation efforts through the conduction of historical research in the preliminary study, which resulting an initial study report. Historical research is essential to acknowledge the authenticity and significance values of a heritage building as according to Article 6 of the Burra Charter, "the cultural significance of a place and other issues affecting its future are best understood by a sequence of collecting and analysing information before making decisions.". Performing a background study of the place and its extent, as well as looking into its history, usage, associations, and materials can help to comprehend its significant values, which will eventually assist in determine what kind of conservation approach should be undertaken. The objective of the study is to identify historical research aspects that exert an influence on judgements regarding conservation through support by a study of the literature on principles of conservation and documentations, historical research and building characters, which anticipates resulting in historical research aspects that will be documented for the pre-conservation phase.

EXPLORING ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS FOR BAMBOO PANEL WALLS IN THE CONSERVATION OF IHSANIAH ISKANDARIAH MOSQUE : A CONCEPT PAPER

Syed Abdul Haris Syed Mustapa — 2024-11-25

The lhsaniah Iskandariah Mosque, Kuala Dal, Perak, serves as a symbol of Malaysia's cultural identity, making its preservation crucial for future generations. Despite previous conservation efforts, sections of the mosque's bamboo panel walls have suffered deterioration. The climate and environmental conditions in Malaysia, including high humidity and rainfall, pose challenges to the longevity of traditional materials like bamboo. To address this challenge, there is a need to explore alternative materials that offer enhanced durability, weather resistance, and sustainability. Researching alternative materials represents a proactive step towards preserving our cultural heritage. It not only fortifies the structural integrity of iconic landmarks like the Ihsaniah Iskandariah Mosque but also mitigates the environmental footprint of conservation efforts. Moreover, this endeavor catalyzes adaptation strategies for climate change, propelling us towards a future where heritage conservation seamlessly aligns with sustainable development goals. This paper emphasizes the importance of collaborative research efforts in developing innovative solutions for conservation, ultimately safeguarding Malaysia's cultural heritage for future generations and promoting cultural tourism. Research on these alternative materials needs to be conducted, and the findings will assist the National Heritage Department in making decisions regarding the replacement of the mosque's bamboo panel walls.