CIBD-Bayer's new solutions brings down property prices

KUALA LUMPUR: A joint initiative between the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) and Germany-based Bayer MaterialScience for affordable housing solutions will see lower prices for properties, said CIDB CEO Datuk Seri Judin Abdul Karim.
According to a prototype house at CIDB's Industrialized Building System (IBS) Show Village site, the sale of a basic 1142-square feet completed house is only around RM76,163.90, which is much cheaper than other properties in the market.This is without taking into account land costs.
The new solution will start to be implemented through an affordable housing project in Kedah, which involves the construction of 200 houses.
"We've been approached by the (Kedah) state to see whether we can (start) 200 houses, so we're working to come up with a proposal," he said, adding that an agreement is expected to be inked within the year.
Judin also said the new solution will reduce the dependency on foreign labour as it reduces construction time by as much as 35% compared with the use of precast concrete.
"The use of this material is not only for a house, it can also be used in high-rise building and other kinds of structure," he noted.
These houses are built using lightweight polyurethane composite panels that can be installed easily and quickly.
Bayer, which is among the world's largest polymer companies, produces composite construction materials that has insulation properties to make home cooler, flood and fire-resistant and the ability to withstand strong winds.
Meanwhile, Works Minister Datuk Fadillah Yusof said the affordable housing projects are line with the government's aim to build one million affordable and comfortable housing for the people.
Following the recent floods that affected a number of state in the country, he said it is critical now to re-look methods and the adoption of new materials and technologies in constructing houses.