AI for faster planning approvals

By the Editorial Team · Friday, September 25, 2026

Malaysia's Works Ministry has cut planning approval times under its BIM submission system from 14 days to about 48 hours using the MyBIM platform and plans to further accelerate the process with AI integration. This digital shift aims to embed BIM as a core industry practice, boosting project efficiency and sustainability while supporting initiatives like Putrajaya's goal to become the nation's first fully BIM-enabled smart city.

The processing time for planning approvals under Malaysia’s Building Information Modelling (BIM) submission system has been significantly reduced from 14 days to approximately 48 hours, according to Works Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Azman Ibrahim. This accelerated timeline has been achieved through the ministry’s MyBIM platform, with plans underway to further shorten approval times by integrating artificial intelligence (AI).

Azman highlighted the potential of AI by referencing a recent meeting with a property developer, where an AI-enabled system reviewed a submission and identified issues for local authorities in under an hour. He also pointed to the Pan Borneo Sarawak highway project as an example of BIM’s effectiveness. Initiated in 2016, BIM facilitated the resolution of over 3,000 design clashes prior to construction, preventing what could have been a decade-long delay and saving the government an estimated RM157 million.

Speaking at the launch of Malaysia BIM Day 2026 in Putrajaya, Azman was joined by Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh. During the event, Azman received the Ikon BIM Kebangsaan award from Nanta and Yeoh at the Putrajaya Corporation Complex.

Nanta stressed that digital transformation within the construction sector had evolved from a choice to a national imperative aimed at enhancing productivity, efficiency, and project quality. He advocated for BIM to transcend being merely a technological tool and become embedded as a work culture that promotes integrated, efficient, and sustainable planning, construction, and asset management. He emphasized the importance of leveraging AI, automation, and data analytics to inform decision-making, minimise waste, and boost project performance.

The minister outlined that achieving this transformation depends on establishing an integrated digital ecosystem, cultivating a skilled workforce, and ensuring collaboration among the government, industry stakeholders, professional bodies, academia, and technology providers. He also called for a shift in Malaysia’s construction industry focus from project-centric approaches to asset-centric strategies.

Minister Hannah Yeoh introduced the new BIM Lab in Putrajaya, managed by Putrajaya Corporation (PPj), with aspirations for the city to become Malaysia’s first to fully adopt BIM technology in urban planning. She described Putrajaya as a planned city facing the challenge of continuous development into a smarter, more efficient urban area responsive to residents’ needs. Yeoh highlighted BIM's capacity not only to guide development but also to enhance asset management throughout their lifecycle.

At the event, two initiatives were launched: Hala Tuju BIM Putrajaya 2050, outlining a long-term roadmap for BIM adoption in city planning and asset management, and myBIM Satellite Putrajaya, a training platform dedicated to government employees and industry participants.

The Works Ministry also reported receiving RM83.3 million in funding this year to establish 16 BIM Labs across all Public Works Department (JKR) offices nationwide, with completion expected by December. Current policy mandates BIM implementation on projects valued at RM10 million and above.

Yeoh concluded by cautioning that technology adoption should not be viewed as an end goal. Instead, its value lies in facilitating better decision-making, reducing waste, improving efficiency, and ultimately delivering enhanced services to the public.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.