KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 15): As structural health monitoring becomes more significant amid climate change, geotechnical instrumentation and testing specialist Glostrext Bhd believes the services that it offers, including the automation of monitoring works and live-monitoring data, can assist in disaster prevention by providing better and more timely information.

Its managing director Ir Dr Lee Sieng Kai indicated that climate change could compel authorities and house-owners to consider stricter building health monitoring, a segment that the company anticipates will grow over the years.

“The demand for this type of monitoring will likely go up in the future  with climate change; [though] it may not directly affect the safety of the infrastructure but any slight tilting or irregularities (in the ground) may affect the operations of facilities.

 “I would say that facilities would need stricter or more careful monitoring because the tolerance is less and it involves public safety. That is the segment that we want to drive our growth,” Lee in a press conference after the group’s listing on Tuesday (Aug 15).

“If you stay in a condominium, you may request the joint body or management body to monitor the building’s structural health,” he added.

Now that elections in six states are over, Lee is confident of an increase in construction activities in Malaysia — and Singapore — as big infrastructure project investments are more likely to be approved. He said newer guidelines are expected as cities continue to develop.

“We will have growth on both sides [Malaysia and Singapore], there will be recovery in construction activities including big infrastructure project investments.”

“Also, as the city develops, there will be new guidelines issued by the relevant authorities. Say, the MRT line, if you pass through a densely populated area like Mont Kiara — not only will you need to monitor the construction activities but buildings that are being affected. You will need structural health monitoring as well.”

In the morning session, Glostrext made an impressive debut on the ACE-Market with an opening price of 65 sen against its initial public offering (IPO) of 19 sen, for a premium of 242.11%. But gains were pared by market close as the counter ended at 25.5 sen. Year-to-date, it was the second highest opening premium behind TT Vision's 338.24%.

Glostrext's principal business activities include pile instrumentation and static load test services for construction projects. It is also involved in structural and ground instrumentation and monitoring services for both construction projects as well as completed buildings and infrastructure.

Singapore is its biggest market by revenue, in FY2023, contributing RM13.91 million or 64.33% of the total, and Malaysia 35%.

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