MoE Adopts IBS ‘Fast-Build’ Method: Cabin Classrooms to Ease Urban Student Overcrowding

PUTRAJAYA, El Sky News – The issue of overcrowded classrooms, especially in rapidly developing urban and newly populated residential areas, has become a key concern for the Ministry of Education (MoE). As an immediate and efficient solution, the MoE is actively implementing the construction of cabin classrooms using the Industrialised Building System (IBS).

This initiative is seen as a crucial short-term measure to ensure a conducive learning environment while awaiting the completion of new schools or additional building blocks.

Main Focus: Selangor and Johor

According to the MoE, the problem of overcrowded schools is most evident in states experiencing high population growth and rapid urbanisation, such as Selangor and Johor. The rising number of Year One and Form One students in these hotspot areas requires swift intervention.

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek emphasised the government’s commitment to addressing concerns frequently raised by parents, as some classes reportedly accommodate between 40 and 50 students. Such conditions risk affecting students’ concentration and the effectiveness of teaching.

IBS Cabin Classrooms: Not Just ‘Containers’

Interestingly, the additional cabin structures used by the MoE are no longer the conventional “container” type. Instead, they are constructed using IBS technology, allowing classrooms to be built faster, safer, and more user-friendly.

• Fast Construction Timeline: IBS cabin classroom projects can be completed in as little as three months—significantly quicker than traditional building methods.
• Substantial Allocation: The MoE has allocated approximately RM100 million for the construction of IBS cabin extensions in overcrowded schools nationwide.

Long-Term Strategies and Student Redistribution

Beyond short-term IBS cabin solutions, the MoE is also implementing several long-term strategies:

• New School Construction: Ongoing projects include 17 new schools expected to begin operations this year to meet the growing demand for education.
• Student Redistribution: District Education Offices (PPD) are working with parents to implement effective student redistribution, transferring some students to nearby schools with available capacity.

“We assure the public that the issue of overcrowded schools is being addressed more effectively. The MoE continues to work tirelessly to ensure school facilities remain adequate and conducive for the well-being of students and teachers,” said the MoE Director-General.

The latest developments highlight the ministry’s commitment to providing a comfortable learning environment, ensuring that all Malaysian children continue to enjoy quality education regardless of population density.