THREE CONSTRUCTION PLAYERS WIN BEST PROJECT AWARDS AT MCIEA 2024

By Siti Radziah Hamzah

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 21 (Bernama) -- Three reputable construction players, namely MMC-Gamuda KVMRT Sdn Bhd, IJM Construction Sdn Bhd and Sunway Construction Group Bhd, have won the Best Project awards at the Malaysian Construction Industry Excellence Awards (MCIEA) 2024 recently.

MMC-Gamuda KVMRT's Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit: Sungai Buloh-Serdang-Putrajaya Line/ Line 2 won the Best Project Award – Infrastructure (Major Category) as it showcases Malaysia's commitment to engineering innovation.

Its project manager Adil Putra Ahmad said the MRT Putrajaya Line project, which is nearing its completion, marked the debut of the world’s first autonomous tunnel boring machine (A-TBM).

He added that the technology is powered by artificial intelligence for precise and safe tunnelling through complex geological formations like karstic limestone.

“Paired with the variable density TBM, this technology underscored Malaysia’s advanced capabilities, setting a new global standard for tunnelling innovation and precision,” said Adil Putra.

He added that MMC-Gamuda also recognised the immense contributions of its workforce with over 50,000 individuals participating in the project, gaining invaluable experience and skills in areas such as advanced tunnelling and Building Information Modelling (BIM).

“Our extensive training programmes have left a lasting impact, enriching Malaysia’s construction industry and building a highly skilled workforce for future national projects,” he said.

He added that the MRT Putrajaya Line team demonstrated resilience and adaptability, and by establishing dedicated quarantine centres and lab testing facilities, the company had safeguarded the health of over 20,000 personnel.

“This proactive approach allowed us to maintain progress and deliver a safe, efficient project without compromising on safety or quality,” said Adil Putra.

Meanwhile, IJM Construction Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Wong Heng Wai said receiving the award was a significant moment for the company and a milestone that reflected the collective efforts of many hands, minds and visions coming together for the development.

IJM Construction had received the Best Project Award under the Major Building Category for its Menara Affin project located in Malaysia's premier financial district, the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX).

“IJM has put up five structures at TRX, starting with the Prudential Tower, followed by Menara HSBC. Then we put up Menara Affin, and we also did the Singgah Sana. Recently, we completed the TRX Residency Development. I hope in the future we will do more,” he added.

Menara Affin’s construction began in 2018 and was completed in 2022 -- a timeline that saw the company navigating challenges right in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Designed with sustainability at its core, the building is GBI Gold and LEED Gold-certified, showcasing the highest standards of environmental performance, making Menara Affin not just a building but a benchmark for green developments in Malaysia.

“Builders will understand the difficulties of that time: managing supply chain disruptions, complying with enhanced SOP requirements, and ensuring productivity under unprecedented constraints,” said Wong.

Despite these hurdles, he pointed out that IJM Construction stayed focused, agile, and solutions-driven, delivering Menara Affin on time and with the standards its stakeholders expected of the company.

Wong noted that the achievement was a reflection of IJM’s DNA -- of its ability to navigate adversity while maintaining its commitment to quality and the safe and timely execution of projects.

“Of course, IJM's expertise is just not limited to doing construction. We are a solution provider. At Menara Affin, we extensively use BIM, to ensure that we get very accurate design coordinated into construction.

“We reduce waste and we streamline coordination in every phase from inception to facility management,” he added.

As for  Sunway Construction Group Bhd, its group deputy managing director Richard Wong Kwan Song said the recognition for its project -- Parcel F Government Complex -- reflected the dedication, hard work, and collaborative spirit of the group's entire project team.

At MCIEA 2024, Sunway Construction clinched the Best Project Award – Building (Major Category) for its Parcel F Government Complex in Putrajaya.

Parcel F is designed to incorporate green features such as rainwater harvesting solar panels, double roof designs, sun shade louvres with low e-glass at the facades, Industrialised Building System compliance of 70 per cent, usage of LED and sensor lights, maximising of day infiltration and naturally ventilated main lobbies, as part of its GBI Gold compliance.

Construction works for Parcel F began on May 24, 2016, and received the Certificate of Acceptance on Nov 25, 2019.

Wong said Sunway Construction had been given the opportunity to lead the construction of Parcel F and had done comprehensive maintenance in the last four years, with its Certificate of Making Good Defects due to end in the next two months.

Parcel F then will be handed over to Putrajaya Holdings Sdn Bhd, the master developer of Putrajaya.

“This project represented more than just construction; it was the result of meticulous planning, innovative design, and unwavering  execution. Despite various challenges, we overcame them through determination and teamwork,” Wong said.

MCIEA 2024 was organised by the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB).

The award ceremony was held in honour of project owners/client, contractors, consultants and projects which have demonstrated the elements of quality, safety and health, productivity and sustainability in their operations.

First introduced in 2000, MCIEA 2024 is the 20th instalment of the prestigious construction industry awards.

MCIEA, which is the brain-child of CIDB Malaysia, recognises the achievements of top performing developers, contractors and projects. It is intended to be the premier accolade for all round excellence in construction.

-- BERNAMA