01/09/2025

MONDAY | SEP 1, 2025 5 AI potential boon to construction industry KUALA LUMPUR: At a construction site on the outskirts of the capital, foreign workers move steel and concrete under the watchful eyes of engineers and contractors. “How great it would be if there were a smart machine, such as a robot, that could monitor the entire site. A robot that could detect if a worker is not wearing a helmet and issue an early warning before an accident occurs,” said contractor Mohd Naim Zainol, 38. He expressed belief that artificial intelligence (AI) could transform his work. “Much time is spent rechecking plans or waiting for safety reports. With AI, alerts could be sent directly to a smartphone. Work becomes faster, risks are reduced and smaller companies could also benefit.” The use of AI in construction is on the rise worldwide. According to the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), the global AI construction market was valued at over US$2.5 billion in 2022 and is forecast to grow about 20% annually between 2023 and 2032. In Malaysia, industry leaders such as Gamuda Bhd and Sunway Construction Group Bhd have reaped benefits from AI adoption, reporting stronger safety monitoring, streamlined project management and lower costs. The technology also helps firms handle volatile material prices, labour shortages and tight deadlines. It can also forecast extreme weather, enabling projects to be rescheduled to avoid losses. Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia associate professor Dr Md Asrul Nasid Masrom said the country ranks second in digital adoption among six Asia-Pacific nations surveyed by Autodesk and Deloitte. Local firms use an average of 6.9 digital technologies, 50% above the regional average, with 30% to 40% of medium and large companies already integrating AI. That figure is expected to rise up to 70% within a decade as costs fall and digital infrastructure improves. On Aug 26, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia cannot afford to lag in mastering AI, which is becoming central to competitiveness and human capital growth. – Bernama Socso programme aids disabled, ill workers KOTA BHARU: Once an education consultancy director who commanded international stages, Azli Ibrahim is now relearning how to walk and talk after having a stroke. The medical condition, which occurred in June, left the 55-year-old half-paralysed and unable to speak. Instead of giving up, Azli chose to fight. He was referred to the Social Security Organisation (Socso) Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital Return to Work (RTW) clinic and later to the Socso Rehabilitation Centre in Kubang Kerian, where specialists combined robotic systems, physiotherapy and occupational therapy to rebuild his strength. “Disability is not the end. It may slow us, but it never takes away our ability to rise again. The RTW programme gave me a second chance.” His story is one of thousands under the Socso RTW Disability Management Programme, launched in 2007 to help contributors regain employability after illness or injury. Between January 2024 and May 2025, case managers nationwide handled 79,934 cases, with 56,609 successfully reintegrated into the workforce. In Kelantan, 2,430 cases were managed and 1,631 contributors returned to suitable jobs. Kelantan Socso director Nora Yaacob said the agency has invested in technologies, including robotic rehabilitation systems for paralysis and neurological conditions. – Bernama

Crashes rekindle elevated highway safety concerns

o Height and design of structure main reason for mortality rate , says expert

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: The recent death of a motorcyclist on the Damansara–Shah Alam Elevated Expressway (DASH) has rekindled concerns over the safety of elevated highways, following three fatal crashes recorded on the route this year alone. Road safety experts have said the design of elevated highways makes crashes deadlier than those on ground-level roads, with motorcyclists facing the greatest risks. Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Road Safety Research Centre head Assoc Prof Dr Law Teik Hua described three fatalities in a year as “an alarming number that warrants urgent attention.” “A (crash) on an (elevated) highway is more dangerous than on a flat road, particularly for motorcyclists. The main reason for the high mortality rate is the height and structure of the bridge. It is nearly impossible to survive a fall from 21m,” he told theSun . Law said the curves and ramps on an elevated highway demand full attention from motorcyclists, while speeding, fog, pooled rainwater and glare further increase risks. On Aug 24, a private college student died after losing control of his motorcycle at the Puncak Perdana interchange and plunging 21m from DASH. Highway concessionaire Prolintas, which operates the expressway, said the it complies with all design standards, adding that extra warning signs, public awareness campaigns and additional fencing are being planned. However, Law said such steps may not be sufficient. “Awareness and signage depend on flawless rider behaviour, which is not realistic. The real issue is the unforgiving design, in which any error near a low barrier is fatal. A proper solution requires physical changes, not just warnings.” He recommended stronger and higher concrete dividers, improved surface grip, larger LED warning signs and even safety nets at high-risk stretches. “Authorities often focus on rider behaviour, but repeated fatalities suggest design issues must also be addressed.” UPM Civil Engineering Department head Assoc Prof Dr Fauzan Mohd Jakarni said while DASH meets technical standards, those standards do not fully reflect the realities faced by motorcyclists. “Most standards were written with cars and heavy vehicles in mind. A car hitting a barrier usually stops on impact, but for a motorcyclist, the barrier may not be high enough to prevent a fall. It is like a cup filled to the brim, even a small jolt spills water over the edge.” Fauzan said elevated highways magnify risks due to wind, speed and the absence of escape lanes. “Their smooth design tempts drivers to go faster, but speed magnifies every risk. On elevated roads, once a mistake happens, recovery is almost impossible.” While retrofitting safety nets or roller barriers may be costly, he urged targeted safety audits to pinpoint crash-prone sections. “On paper, DASH complies fully with

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respect motorcyclists, (crashes) would continue. Malaysia may need to update its highway design guidelines while also tackling the human side by encouraging riders to slow down and all road users to treat elevated highways with caution.” Fauzan said a two-pronged approach is needed, with operators enhancing infrastructure and riders committing to safer behaviour.

standards, but the number of motorcycle fatalities shows that technical standards alone are not enough. Identifying ‘black spots’ and applying targeted solutions such as rumble strips, wind barriers or speed-calming measures could save lives.” He also said safety relies on responsible behaviour. “Engineering could reduce risks, but if riders speed recklessly or drivers fail to