Malaysia’s construction sector is growing fast — registering over 15% year-on-year growth in 2024, driven by new commercial builds and infrastructure upgrades. But in the race to meet rising demand, there’s a risk: quality often becomes the first casualty of speed.
While initiatives like QLASSIC (Quality Assessment System in Construction) were introduced to set measurable benchmarks for workmanship, the reality is that not every project is managed to meet those standards consistently.
Understanding the Challenge: What QLASSIC Aims to Fix
Introduced by CIDB through CREAM, QLASSIC is meant to provide a quantifiable, objective way to assess workmanship quality across construction components, from structural integrity to finishing details. But despite being available for years, adoption still varies widely across the industry.
A 2021 study by Universiti Teknologi MARA found that while most G6 and G7 contractors are aware of QLASSIC, many lack the in-house capability, proper documentation flow, or dedicated quality coordination needed to meet its full requirements. In many cases, site teams aren’t trained or supported enough to hit consistent quality targets.
BNQ’s Perspective: Quality Starts Before the First Brick is Laid
At BNQ Engineering, we’ve always believed that quality isn’t just checked at the end, it’s built into the process from day one. That’s why our team takes a proactive approach to construction quality, anchored by three key principles:
Integrated Project Management
We don’t silo CSA, M&E, and architectural works. Our approach ensures early coordination across disciplines, so design intent is preserved and quality isn’t compromised during transitions between trades.
Buildability and Clarity
We believe clear plans lead to clean execution. That’s why we focus on early layout planning, well-structured BOQs, and straightforward sequencing — the things that reduce rework and confusion on site.
On-Site Ownership
Our site teams know the goal is more than completion, it’s excellence you can measure. Whether through formal QLASSIC assessments or internal standards, our teams are empowered to take ownership of their work.
A Certified Track Record
We’re proud to have achieved an 85% QLASSIC score in our recent commercial office project, assessed by CREAM in 2024. For us, this is about the system and culture that made it possible.
In today’s construction environment, where timelines are tight and budgets are watched closely, it’s tempting to cut corners. But at BNQ, we’ve seen first-hand that quality doesn’t slow you down — it sets you up for long-term success.
From site safety to final finishes, we believe in building things right, not just fast.
Sources:
- Perception of Contractors Towards QLASSIC Implementation in Malaysian Construction Industry, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 2021
- Malaysia Construction Industry Report 2024, Business Wire, 2025
We are graded G7 by CIDB.