Urban Empire Builders launches largest precast concrete facility in Sarawak
25 Jan 2025
Urban Empire Builders (UEB) Sdn Bhd achieved a significant milestone with the soft opening of its RM20 million Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) Precast Concrete Facilities, marking a leap forward for Sarawak’s construction sector.
Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang, who officiated the opening ceremony, lauded the facility as a pivotal development for the KUTS Red Line project and Sarawak’s infrastructure ambitions.
“Sarawak has long been a beacon of growth and opportunity in Malaysia. With its vibrant industries and rich natural resources, under the visionary leadership of our Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari, Sarawak continues to embark on ambitious development projects, and the demand for sustainable, innovative, and efficient construction solutions has never been greater.
“Today, we are proud to see UEB respond to this call with the establishment of this state-of-the-art facility. This plant represents more than just a physical structure, it is a symbol of progress, innovation, and commitment. With advanced technologies, high-quality production capabilities and environmentally friendly practices, this facility will not only support the growing infrastructure needs in Sarawak but also set new standards in the precast concrete industry.
“In other words, this new precast concrete facility will be a game-changer, especially for constructing the Red Line Package in the KUTS,” said Tiang.
He said this in his officiating speech at the soft opening of the KUTS Precast Concrete Facilities and Chinese New Year Celebration at the KUTS Redline Precast Plant here today.
Meanwhile, in his welcoming remarks, UEB director TS Mike Chin Yuan Tai shared that in December 2023, UEB formed a consortium with Sri Datai Sdn Bhd and CHEC Construction (M) Sdn Bhd, successfully bidding for the KUTS Red Line Package.
The project involves constructing a 12.3 km stretch, including a 6.3 km elevated section.
“UEB has been tasked by the consortium to design and build state-of-the-art precast concrete facilities for all the pier caps, beam girders, and parapet walls required for the elevated sections,” he said.
Chin emphasised the scale of the facilities, which spans 12 acres and includes an integrated project management camp featuring a project management office, staff quarters, worker quarters, a canteen, landscaped gardens, and a recreation hall.
The facilities are equipped with four heavy-duty gantry cranes ranging from 20 to 120 tonnes, a fully automated rebar cutting and bending machine, 22 production lines for prestressing girders with a 1,200-ton capacity, 14 production lines for pier caps, T-beams, and portal frames, as well as a 90m³/hour capacity concrete batching plant and storage for 400 beam girders and 100 pier caps.
Chin also highlighted that the plant is 100 per cent owned by Sarawakians, underscoring local contractors’ ability to develop and adopt advanced construction technologies.
He expressed hope that the Sarawak government would continue supporting local contractors by providing opportunities and sustainable projects, enabling them to compete locally and internationally.
“UEB is also thankful to the Premier and his vision to develop Sarawak’s infrastructure using new construction technologies, as well as Sarawak Metro’s policy of prioritising local contractors for KUTS tenders,” Chin added.
The event featured a plaque-signing ceremony, a ribbon-cutting session, and a guided tour of the facilities.
Guests were also treated to cultural performances, including a lion dance and “Cai Qing” presentation, a Yee Sang prosperity toss, and a buffet lunch.
The celebration concluded with appearances by the ‘God of Prosperity’, a lucky draw, and a singing session, reflecting the festive Chinese New Year spirit.
Also in attendance were Balingian assemblyman and Sarawak Housing Development Corporation chairman Abdul Yakub Arbi, Kuching Chinese General Chamber of Commerce and Industry deputy president Datuk Wee Kok Hui, Sarawak Metro project director Zafrin Zakariah, Sri Datai Group of Companies project director Soo Jin Ai, CHEC Construction (M) Sdn Bhd project manager Liu Tao, as well as business associates, bankers, suppliers, and sub-contractors.
Source: The Borneo Post
