KUCHING: The Sarawak government’s efforts to explore new technology such as the using 3D printers as alternative methods to build houses and complexes are a good step to meet the housing demand in Sarawak.
Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers’ Association (SHEDA) Kuching branch chairman Datuk Sim Kiang Chiok said 3D printing is a different method from the conventional building or the Industrial Building System (IBS).
“A 3D printed house involves an industrial size printer head with the necessary support and its ‘ ink’ which is usually made of cement-based slurry which will harden and strengthen when it is exposed to air,” he told New Sarawak Tribune.
With the new technology, he said, the initial development cost will be high but hopefully with the system being used widely, it will become reasonable.
“The durability and quality of these 3D printed houses are good and would be acceptable by the users,” he said.
Earlier, New Sarawak Tribune reported that the Sarawak is exploring new technology such as the use of giant construction 3D printers as alternative methods to build houses and complexes.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg had said the state wants to have a new approach for the building industry.
“I have sent a group from a construction company under the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) to China to learn about the latest technology such as using 3D printers to build houses.
“These 3D printed houses can be completed within five minutes and with this new technology, we can reduce the dependence on labour force,” he said when officiating at the Sumbangsih Raya 2023 handover programme at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here recently.
