Workforce Skill Challenges in IBS Project Implementation in Rural Area Sabah & Sarawak: A Systematic Analysis

Abstract

The paper aimed to evaluate workforce skill deficiencies, benchmark project management challenges causing delays, identify organizational and logistical factors influencing IBS adoption, deconstruct management-delay relationships, and compare mitigation strategies in rural Malaysian Borneo contexts. A systematic analysis of qualitative and quantitative studies focusing on rural Sabah and Sarawak was conducted, emphasizing workforce competency, management practices, and delay factors. Findings reveal pervasive local workforce skill gaps, including limited technical knowledge and motivation, compounded by reliance on foreign labour and insufficient training programs. Management challenges such as poor communication, fragmented teams, inadequate supervision, and contract issues significantly contribute to project delays. Logistical constraints, including limited local manufacturing and infrastructure deficits, exacerbate delays and increase costs. Organizational support mechanisms, notably government incentives, training initiatives, and readiness frameworks, are critical yet underutilized in rural settings. Integrating these findings highlights the multifactorial nature of IBS implementation delays, underscoring the need for integrated workforce development and management competency enhancement tailored to rural contexts. The finding informs theoretical frameworks and practical interventions aimed at improving IBS project delivery and reducing delays in Sabah and Sarawak’s rural construction sectors.