Facilities management in Malaysia

In Malaysia, facilities management (FM) and asset management concepts are relatively new. The industry started being noticed and recognised by Jabatan Kerja Raya (JKR) in the 1990s. As a result of a handful of passionate people (academic and industry) working very hard behind the scenes getting the recognition needed for the industry.

It’s the tangible and indirect contribution of these people that the industry moved from being an old upkeep and maintenance of buildings to a more strategic role today. It means the involvement has evolved from fixing things to eventually dictate some of the building designs, budgeting, and crucial decision-making that will impact any organisation’s core business.

Certification and Professional Standards in FM

The move and the recognitions are important. It sets expectations, standards, and requirements of what the industry was lacking previously. Now Malaysia, via CIDB, has established competent Facilities Managers and Facilities Executive certification. CIDB sets requirements and standards to fulfil, which include interview sessions with expert panels. It is similar to what reputable organization such as IFMA and IWFM (formerly known as BIFM) have long been doing.

The context of certifications is similar. First, to ensure the professionals involved being recognized. Second, standardisations and proven credibility. Last, to have compliances and legal obligations.

Why Facilities Management Matters in Malaysia

1. Urbanisation Drives the Need for FM

Over 77% of Malaysia’s population lives in cities, and urbanisation continues to grow. Facilities and infrastructure, such as offices, malls, hospitals, and housing, is a form the foundation of cities. Managing these buildings efficiently is essential for public safety, comfort, and environmental sustainability.

2. Building Lifecycle Costs

Only 10% of a building’s lifecycle cost goes into construction. The remaining 90% is spent on operations and maintenance over its lifespan. In fact, the cost of facilities management is 3.4x higher than the construction cost itself. Investing in FM early can significantly reduce long-term expenses. Cost will go to maintaining and operating the building (data of 30 years).

3. Energy Usage in Buildings

In Malaysia, buildings consume 48% of total electricity generated. As we move toward greener practices, optimizing building operations becomes critical to reducing environmental impact. FM plays a key role in managing energy use through smart building systems and preventive maintenance.

Conclusion

A shift of mindset and standards in FM also made the construction industry move in the right direction. The importance of facilities management and awareness should be an ongoing effort from industry players, academics and all other stakeholders such as government bodies. A clear objective and plans should be made clearly. It made maintaining buildings cheaper, safer, and more sustainable.

Historically buildings were designed without attention to how to actually maintain them. Crucial details such as cost of managing the facilities and seven safety for maintenance work are often overlooked. Construction industry are now thinking about the ability to maintain and the overall cost of running the building. A shift of mindset and a strong voice by FM made this possible.