KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 15): Menara Asia Sdn Bhd has launched Menarabena, a business-to-business platform that aims to match construction players and building material suppliers, widen their choice and gather information for procurement.
Menara Asia executive chairman Datuk Seri Saiful Nizam Mohd Yusoff said the company was founded to connect Malaysia with international markets, technology and industry capabilities in building materials and construction technology.
“When we expanded our operations to Shanghai, China, and opened our office there last year, we realised we have the opportunity to bring new products and technology from abroad into Malaysia. But at the same time, we must ensure that the products coming in have the proper quality, compliance and documentation. For that reason, Menara Asia entered into a collaboration with CIDB Holdings Sdn Bhd," Saiful told the press during the launching ceremony on Thursday.
This collaboration led to the establishment of the CIDB Holdings Information Centre in Shanghai last year. The centre facilitates manufacturers and suppliers in Shanghai and surrounding areas in obtaining guidance relating to applications for Certificate of Approval and Product Certification Scheme from CIDB Malaysia.
“From that foundation, we developed a platform called Menarabena, aiming to help control and raise the quality of building materials used in projects in Malaysia. We want this platform to be more than just a place to find suppliers and get quotations. We want every product in this ecosystem to be backed by the proper information, including a certificate of analysis, product certification scheme, technical documentation, certification and relevant compliance information,” he shared.
Saiful envisioned the platform to provide local industry players access to the latest technology and solutions that were previously difficult to find.
Officiating the launch, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the industry continues to grapple with managing costs, complying with material specifications and completing projects on schedule. He added that digitalisation is crucial to keep the industry efficient, productive and competitive.
“In this regard, Menarabena has the potential to become a platform that connects contractors, manufacturers, suppliers and developers. It will make information easier to access, strengthen collaboration and improve the efficiency of the supply and construction chain,” he said.
He also said that digital transformation must be inclusive for all contractors from Grade 1 to Grade 7, especially small- and medium-sized ones, through a platform that is easy to use.
Meanwhile, CIDB Malaysia deputy CEO Datuk Gerald Sundaraj said CIDB Malaysia will take its role as a regulator and oversee applicable construction product standards, approvals and certification requirements. He stressed that participation in Menarabena does not replace any approval or certification required under prevailing conditions.
“Digital transformation must go hand-in-hand with efforts to raise quality and to ensure that prevailing requirements and regulations continue to be met. For products that are subject to specific technical and regulatory requirements, manufacturers and suppliers must ensure that the relevant documentation, certification, approvals and requirements are fulfilled as prescribed,” said Gerald.
Menara Asia is 51% owned by contractor company Menara Rezeki Sdn Bhd while the remaining 49% is owned by Mexajati Sdn Bhd, a Sarawak-based Bumiputera-owned company.