With the decision by the government to increase to 70 percent the IBS components for its projects and also enhance the IBS method in the construction industry, he said, it would indirectly bring benefits to the timber industry.
"The timber industry can participate in the implementation of the IBS either as a producer, fabricator, transport provider or provide consultancy services to those utilising wood," he said in his speech at the "Seminar on Timber for IBS-Reaping the Benefits" here Tuesday.
The seminar is aimed at promoting products and wood components which meet the IBS need for use as construction components.
Jalaluddin said the present challenge was how far the timber industry in the country was willing to adopt a methodology such as the IBS concept.
This, he said, is despite the National Timber Industry Policy (NATIP) having identified the use of wood in the IBS as an innovative and technological method.
"As such, the timber industry must prepare itself with the knowledge and learn the related technology so that it is not left behind and can continue to compete at the global level," he said.
Jalaluddin also stated that the use of wood as a component of the Industrialised Building System (IBS) is still nominal, compared to other forms of construction material.
"At present, the MTIB and the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) as well as several other agencies are working to build an IBS showhouse based on the Small Office Home Office (SOHO) concept," he said.
The hybrid showhouse, he explained,would utilise a system of steel and wood for its structure.
"It takes into account the use of minimum human resources,the technology to harvest rainwater and the use of solar panels. The showhouse will be ready by the end of the year.
"It is hoped that it can be made into a reference point for architects, engineers, developers, interior designers, manufacturers and fabricators to apply the concept of this house where the use of the IBS is emphasised," Jalaluddin said.
