Challenges in the Execution of Industrial Building System (IBS) Project in Private Sector

Authors

Mohd Hafiz Saberi

University Technology MARA, Perak Branch, 32610 Seri Iskandar, Perak (Malaysia)

Norbaizura Abu Bakar

University Technology MARA, Perak Branch, 32610 Seri Iskandar, Perak (Malaysia)

Norazlin Mat Salleh

University Technology MARA, Perak Branch, 32610 Seri Iskandar, Perak (Malaysia)

Mohd Firdaus Zainuddin

University Technology MARA, Perak Branch, 32610 Seri Iskandar, Perak (Malaysia)

Mohd Esham Mamat

University Technology MARA, Perak Branch, 32610 Seri Iskandar, Perak (Malaysia)

Mohamad Tajudin Saidin

University Technology MARA, Perak Branch, 32610 Seri Iskandar, Perak (Malaysia)

Article Information

DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS.2026.100700030

Subject Category: Management

Volume/Issue: 10/7 | Page No: 372-378

Publication Timeline

Submitted: 2026-07-08

Accepted: 2026-07-14

Published: 2026-07-23

Abstract

The adoption of the Industrialised Building System (IBS) has been widely promoted in Malaysia to enhance construction efficiency, quality, and sustainability. However, despite its recognised benefits, IBS implementation in the private sector continues to face significant challenges. This study aims to identify and rank the key challenges affecting the successful execution of IBS projects in Malaysia's private construction sector from the perspectives of construction professionals. A quantitative research approach was employed, involving the distribution of structured questionnaires to professionals, including engineers, architects, quantity surveyors, site supervisors, and project managers. A total of 100 valid responses were received and considered valid for analysis, representing a response rate of 50%. The findings revealed that cost implications, a lack of skilled labour, and resistance to change were the top three challenges hindering effective IBS adoption in private sector projects. The study points out the need for enhanced stakeholder awareness, better training initiatives, and financial incentives to support the growth of IBS. These insights are valuable for policymakers, contractors, and developers aiming to improve the efficiency and acceptance of IBS in Malaysia’s private construction landscape.

Keywords

Industrialised building system (IBS), execution, challenges, private sector

Downloads

References

1. Abdul Khalil, F. D. A., Abd Aziz, F. N. A., Hassim, S., & Jaafar, M. S. (2016). A review on Industrialised Building System issues in Malaysia. MATEC Web of Conferences, 47, Article 04019. https://doi.org/10.1051/matecconf/20164704019 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Abdullah, M. Q. B., Lee, Y. Y., Lee, Y. H., Gui, H. C., & Whyte, A. (2021). Perception analysis of Industrialised Building System (IBS) implementation for G7 contractors in Kuching, Sarawak. ASM Science Journal. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Abdullah, M. R., Masram, H., Jabar, I. L., & Yusof, M. R. (2023). Contractual and procurement challenges in Industrialised Building System projects: Perspectives from Malaysian construction practitioners. International Journal of Sustainable Construction Engineering and Technology, 14(2), 56–69. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Alawag, A. M., Alqahtani, F. K., Alaloul, W. S., Liew, M. S., Baarimah, A. O., Al-Mekhlafi, A. A., & Sherif, M. A. (2024). Developing framework for implementing total quality management (TQM) in sustainable Industrialized Building System (IBS) in construction projects. Sustainability, 16(23), Article 10399. https://doi.org/10.3390/su162310399 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. CIDB Malaysia. (2021a). Construction 4.0 Strategic Plan 2021–2025. Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. CIDB Malaysia. (2021b). Industrialised Building System (IBS) Roadmap 2021–2025. Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Construction Research Institute of Malaysia. (2025). Contractor's Quality Management System (CQMS) CIS 29:2021 and its role in improving construction quality performance. Construction Research Institute of Malaysia. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Hedayati, D. (2025). Industrialised housing delivery: A systematic literature review and thematic synthesis of uptake, digital integration, and P-DfMA drivers. Western Sydney University Research Repository. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. He, D., & Liu, G. (2024). Research on construction quality control of house building projects. Academic Journal of Engineering and Technology Science, 7(5), 19–25. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Ismail, M. Z., Kamarudin, T., & Abdul Halim, N. H. F. (2024). Modular construction systems: A focus on developing technical expertise in Malaysia. Planning Malaysia, 22(32), Pages vary based on issue placement. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Jaillon, L., Poon, C. S., & Chiang, Y. H. (2022). Economic considerations in the adoption of prefabrication and industrialised construction methods: A review of project scale effects. Journal of Building Engineering. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Kamar, K. A. M., Azman, M. N. A., & Nawi, M. N. M. (2014). IBS survey 2010: Drivers, barriers and critical success factors in adopting Industrialised Building System (IBS) construction by G7 contractors in Malaysia. Journal of Engineering Science and Technology, 9(4), 490–501. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Kayembe, M. T. (2025). Navigating the transformation: A systematic analysis of Building Information Modelling, Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things in smart construction logistics. Journal of Smart Construction Logistics, 7(2), 279–295. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. Krejcie, R. V., & Morgan, D. W. (1970). Determining sample size for research activities. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 30(3), 607–610. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

15. Masram, H., Yassin, A. M., Shafii, H., & Murugappah, P. (2024). Challenges in the implementation of Industrialised Building System (IBS) in Klang Valley. MATEC Web of Conferences, 397, Article 01001. https://doi.org/10.1051/matecconf/202439701001 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

16. Mesa, H. (2025). Modeling intra-organization fragmentation and integration to enhance performance in industrialized timber construction. Buildings, 15(13), Article 2206. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

17. Mydin, M. A. O., Sani, N., & Taib, M. (2014). Industrialised Building System (IBS) in Malaysia: Current state and R&D initiatives. MATEC Web of Conferences. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

18. Nasrol, M. N., Jamal, M. N., & Ibrahim, M. A. (2023). The Malaysian stakeholders' cognizance on sustainable construction in Industrialised Building System (IBS). International Journal of Innovation and Research Management, 11(2), 45–58. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

19. Nawi, M. N. M., Lee, A., & Nor, K. M. (2012). Barriers to IBS adoption: Construction practitioners' view. International Journal of Construction Management. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

20. Nesarnobari, S., Shahzad, W. M., Babaeian Jelodar, M., & Sutrisna, M. (2024). Offsite construction supply chain management: A scientometric analysis and systematic literature review. Architectural Engineering and Design Management, 1–24. https://doi.org/10.1080/17452007.2024.2381497. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

21. Rahman, N. A., Ibrahim, A. R., & Zainuddin, N. (2023). Barriers to Industrialised Building System adoption among private housing developers in Malaysia. International Journal of Construction Management. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

22. Rogers, E. M. (2003). Diffusion of innovations (5th ed.). Free Press. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

23. Rosli, N. F., & Ismail, Z. (2022). Adoption of IBS in private residential projects: Challenges and perception. Journal of Housing and Construction. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

24. Saberi, M. H., Zulkifli, N. D., Bakar, N. A., Zainuddin, M. F., & Saidin, M. T. (2022). Constraints in implementation of IBS projects: Contractors' perspective. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 12(8). https://doi.org/10.6007/IJARBSS/v12-i8/14487 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

25. Tarang, V. A. T., Zawawi, E. M. A., & Muniandy, R. (2022). Pertinent internal and external issues in Industrialised Building System (IBS) construction business in Malaysia. Built Environment Journal, 19(1), 15–30. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

26. Yusof, M. R., Jabar, I. L., Nawawi, A. H., & Mohd Nawi, M. N. (2024). A review of current issues in Industrialised Building System (IBS) for construction projects. Built Environment Journal, 21(1), 111–125. https://doi.org/10.24191/bej.v21i1.503 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

Metrics

Views & Downloads

Similar Articles