November_1965 — Page 8

Malaysia

C

Helping to Build a Nation

HALLENGING tasks in the field of construction have faced Malay- sian contractors since the advent of independence in 1957.

That this challenge has been met is clearly visible from the innumer- able modern edifices that dot the country in the remote kampongs and villages, the built-up urban set- tlements. the Federal Capital of Kuala Lumpur and the various State capitals. We Malaysian contractors, in co-operation with Government and private architects and engineers, are making a valuable contribution to- wards the virile growth of our young nation.

Thirty years ago, Malaysia, or Malaya as it then was, had little to boast of except the few Government buildings housing the different de- partments of the British Administra- tion-blocks of two or three-storey shophouses and living quarters built by private enterprise.

The methods of construction used then were considered crude. Yet the master builders of that period were able to meet their obligations. It was the spirit of adaptation that spelt success for them.

They

This spirit among the master builders still prevails today. were, and stil! are, not big organisa- tions according to Western standards. Most of their businesses are family or individual concerns through which they learn with practice, the skills of their trade and through which they devise their own methods of con- struction to meet each particular job.

To many, this individualistic or traditional tendency seems to be a serious handicap to our master builders in acquiring sufficient capital with which to expand their trade.

by

Lim Chong Hin, B.Sc.

President

Master Builders'

Association of Malaysia

adopt modern building techniques or provide them with the engineering and advisory services that are requir- ed when undertaking big building and civil engineering projects.

But the successful completion on schedule of the various multi-million dollar projects, including skyscrapers, throughout the nation is evidence of the efficiency, determination and or- ganising abilities of our Malaysian contractors engaged in the trade.

Some of Malaysia's newest land- marks such as the US$17 million International Airport, with the longest runway in Asia; the US$15 million North Klang Straits Project, providing deep water berths for ocean-going vessels calling at Port Swettenham: the US$50 million

hydro-electric schemes at Cameron Highlands: the US$3.3 million Na- tional (Islamic) Mosque: the imposing Parliament Building; the various faculty buildings of the University of Malaya and the oil refineries stand as permanent testimonials to the skill of our master builders in handling any jobs entrusted to them.

In this age of progress, as well as of competition, steps are being taken by the master builders to build them- selves up into strong business or- ganisations along the lines existing in Western countries.

The face of Malaysia is changing fast. The political stability of the country has led to its rapid industrial and social development. The flow of foreign investments in pioneer indus- tries continues to increase. The housing boom is still on and there are no signs of it abating. More opportunities will be offered to Malaysian master builders under the First Malaysia Five-Year Develop- ment Plan which will be launched next year, envisaging an expenditure of approximately US$2,000 million.

The emphasis will be on agricul- tural diversification and industrial development. More buildings will be required to house the various indus- trial projects. More hospitals and educational institutions will be built. More housing units will have to be provided to meet the needs of the growing population.

There is confidence among those engaged in the building trade that they will be able to meet their responsibilities in accelerating the growth of the country. They have, in the past, made their contribution towards the nation's progress. They will continue to meet the call.

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Recently completed National Islamic Mosque in Kuala Lumpur

Nightview of the Federal Capital's Parliament Building

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Far East Architect & Builder November, 1965