UMP researchers propose used containers as temporary homes for flood victims

KUANTAN: In the search for suitable temporary settlements for flood victims, Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) has proposed for the utilisation of used containers which are cheaper and faster to build.
The dean of USM's Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Natural Resources, Professor Datuk Dr Rosli Mohd Yunus said, the containers developed using Modular Craft technology uses two important elements namely the containers and a special paint named Primer X which is capable of reducing heat.
"The container jointly developed by UMP researchers and the Portland Group of Companies is seen as the best solution for flood victims.
"The Industrial Building System (IBS) method of construction ensures that it is sturdy enough as a house or building," he told Bernama recently.
Although the technology was new in Malaysia, he said it has been used overseas like London, for example, where they have a shopping complex made of containers while the Netherlands uses containers to form a hostel which can accommodate over 2,000 students at a time.

Rosli said containers have also been used by the United States of America to house Hurricane Katrina victims in 2012.
He said even UMP has a three-storey building with 72 rooms for their lecturers using the same technology.
Commenting further, he said containers were more durable than cabins which were suggested by certain parties.
"In addition, it will only take six months to build four housing units which cost RM65,000 each, and the more is built the cheaper it will be," he said.
He added that UMP researchers are currently looking to develop a new technology which will prevent houses made using Modular Craft from being affected by floods. – Bernama