MORE than two-thirds of the RM9.6 billion worth of infrastructure projects under the Public Works Department (PWD) and related agencies must use the Industrialized Building System (IBS).

"PWD and other related agencies under the ministry have allocated RM9.6 billion of infrastructure projects in the 9th Malaysia Plan.  Of the total contract, 70 per cent must be based on the IBS," Works Minister Datuk Mohd Zin Mohamed said.

The move is to strengthen the construction sector as IBS would enable buildings to be developed faster and stronger.

"The system can substantially save costs and speed up works," he said at a news conference the coming 7th Asean Skills Competition in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

It will also help reduce the dependence on foreign workers, Mohd Zin added.

The use of IBS, a technique that uses per-fabricated components, has been promoted for years.  This was reflected from the IBS Roadmap 200.-2010.

The ministry is among the biggest recipient of budgets under the 9MP, with an initial RM19.22 billion allocation.

The amount was revised to RM20.37 billion after the half-term review of the plan.

So far, RM13.4 billion, or 65 per cent of the allocation had been spent, according to the ministry data.

Mohd Zin said the ministry was providing RM100 million to the Construction Industrial Development Board (CIDB) to create 100,000 skilled workers within one year.

CIDB officials said it has six construction academies nationwide including one at Jalan Chan Sow Lin in Cheras to help achieve the target.

Meanwhile, all the 10 Asean member countries will participate in the ASC, at the Malaysian Construction Academy in Cheras from November 14 to 16.

A total of 197 participants including 38 from Malaysia would participate to showcase their talents, skills and abilities in the most critical fields in the region's development.

The event will also have 350 industry experts and supporting personnel.