COMMON DEFECTS IN PUBLIC INSTITUTIONAL BUILDINGS IN MALAYSIA

• Published in: Journal of Sustainability Science and Management
• Main Author: Fateh M.A.M.; Nikmat N.S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Universiti Malaysia Terengganu 2023
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85168569280&doi=10.46754%2fjssm.2023.07.003&partnerID=40&md5=911f2073ad45b815c29347bd1a46ad7d

Malaysia is a country developing swiftly in all industries, including the construction sector. However, some buildings are laden with defects, increasing the risk of catastrophic events that could endanger the occupants. This paper aims to comprehensively assess public buildings to identify common defects, determine the root cause and propose effective solutions. Data was collected by site inspection and semi-structured interviews. Five (5) public buildings in the Klang Valley were built more than 10 years ago and 5 respondents were chosen from each public institution’s building, for a total of 25 respondents. Content analysis of data revealed that there were three (3) common types of defects: hairline cracks, water ponding on the flat roof and damaged sinks. Three (3) solutions were suggested for each defect stated, namely well-planned maintenance, focus on the gradients and focus on the discharge outlets. The research also found the most common time when defects occur in a building. This research sheds some light on this issue and the relevant parties can utilise its findings to improve maintenance practices. Indirectly, it will put the country on a path toward building economic and social resilience in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) No. 9, industry, innovation, and infrastructure, which highlighted that investment in infrastructure and innovation are crucial drivers of economic growth and development. © Penerbit UMT