Kota Kinabalu: State Works and Utility Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam called on local contractors, particularly those in the G5 to G7 category, to adopt digital technology in the construction industry, especially Building Information Modelling (BIM).
This is to keep the State’s construction sector competitive and in step with current developments, adding that the BIM adoption will not only boost productivity but also strengthen asset management, reduce technical errors and lower overall project costs.
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“Sabah contractors must move in tandem with the global construction industry’s shift towards digital technology and smart construction systems,” said Dr Joachim, who is also Deputy Chief Minister, during a courtesy call by the Persatuan Kontraktor Bumiputra Anak Sabah (PKBAS).
“The use of BIM and other new technologies can improve project management efficiency, accelerate work processes, and reduce waste and errors during project execution,” he said.
At the same event, Dr Joachim was appointed PKBAS Honorary Adviser in recognition of his commitment to advancing the development of Sabah’s Bumiputra contractors and modernising the state’s construction industry.
Additionally, Dr Joachim said efforts to promote digital technology in the construction sector are aligned with the State’s development aspirations under the Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 framework, which focuses on sustainable development and technology-driven economic transformation.
“The State Government wants to see more local contractors skilled in BIM and digital construction so they can deliver projects more professionally, efficiently, and to a higher standard,” he said.
PKBAS Supreme Advisor Datuk Dr Roland Chia said the BIM adoption must be broadened across Sabah’s construction industry to ensure development is carried out more systematically, efficiently and sustainably.
“The BIM technology allows every stage of a construction process to be monitored with greater precision and order, which in turn helps raise the quality of project delivery,” he said, adding that the technology also helps speed up planning, coordination and project monitoring while reducing the risk of technical errors.
PKBAS President Pengiran Adreen Abu Bakar said Bumiputra contractors in Sabah must position themselves as key players in the digital construction era and not merely bystanders to technological change.
He said local contractors needed to master the full digital construction ecosystem, including Geographic Information Systems, Scan to BIM, Artificial Intelligence, Digital Twin technology, Ground Penetrating Radar, Smart Asset Mapping and Facility Management.
“The time has come for Sabah’s Bumiputra contractors to be bold in embracing change and upgrading their competencies to compete in a construction industry increasingly driven by technology,” he said, pointing out that mastering these tools was critical to ensuring Sabah does not fall behind in the digital construction revolution and Industry 4.0.
