KOTA KINABALU: The Works Ministry has invested more than RM150 million in initiatives aimed at strengthening Sabah’s construction industry through digitalisation, technical excellence and workforce development.
Its minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said among the key initiatives is the upgrading of Makmal Kerja Raya Malaysia (MKRM) Sabah.
The facility was established in 2022 and reopened this year with upgraded facilities following an investment of about RM19.4 million.
The laboratory now conducts more than 10 types of critical testing for building materials and provides advanced testing, inspection and technical support services to ensure the safety, quality and compliance of construction materials and structures.
Alexander said the expansion of MKRM Sabah would improve access to local testing and certification services, allowing industry players in Sabah to avoid sending samples to Kuala Lumpur or overseas for testing, while accelerating project timelines through improved ease of doing business.
To boost digital adoption in the sector, the ministry has also invested RM2.25 million to establish Building Information Modelling (BIM) training facilities in Kota Kinabalu.
The facilities are aimed at helping local industry players develop competency in BIM technology to improve productivity, project coordination and delivery.
A dedicated programme titled “BIM Beyond Design: Towards Digital Construction in Borneo” will be held during ICW Borneo 2026 to raise awareness and increase the number of certified BIM practitioners in Sabah.
The ministry also highlighted the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Akademi Binaan Malaysia (ABM) Sabah campus in Beringgis, Papar.
With an investment of RM130.6 million, the new campus will be the most modern ABM facility in Malaysia and will accommodate up to 700 trainees at one time.
Since 2001, ABM Sabah has trained more than 195,000 Sabahans for employment opportunities in Malaysia and abroad.
The ministry said strong participation in ICW Borneo 2026 reflected growing confidence in Sabah’s potential for infrastructure development, sustainable construction and industrial growth.
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