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By Teoh Tze Ping, Managing Director, KONE Malaysia & Brunei

Teoh Tze Ping, Managing Director, KONE Malaysia & Brunei

Did you know that 78% of Malaysia’s population lives in urban areas, according to 2022 data from the World Bank’s World Development Indicators? This might not seem significant, but by comparison, that is 20% more than Indonesia and 25% more than Thailand. Compared to countries in Southeast Asia, Malaysia has the highest increase of urban population between 1970 and 2022, at 52%.

Malaysia is experiencing a rapid urbanisation rate, with UN-Habitat predicting that 81.8% of the population will live in urban areas by 2030. With this increasing urban population, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Malaysia calls for smarter cities that are human-centric and people-first. The technologies employed to create smarter cities must also address social challenges and empower individuals to lead better lives.

Malaysia’s urban areas and future development needs to not only accommodate a growing population but also enhance the quality of life for all residents, making our cities more resilient, equitable, and vibrant. It is promising that the government’s upcoming third National Urbanisation Policy (NUP3) will prioritise the voices of people and communities in planning and urban development projects. However, it is essential that this becomes a shared responsibility among all stakeholders involved, including building owners and building management.

As urban areas grapple with challenges like population growth, the need for resilient infrastructure becomes increasingly critical. Building owners can bolster urban resilience by investing in maintenance programmes that enhance the reliability and adaptability of essential infrastructure, including escalators and elevators.

Well-maintained buildings contribute to the overall quality of life in urban communities. Building owners who prioritise maintenance create safer, more comfortable living and working environments for residents and tenants.

Regular maintenance for urban resilience

With rapid urbanisation, the uninterrupted operation of elevators and escalators is essential for facilitating the movement of people within complex urban environments. If all elevators and escalators in our cities were to suddenly stop working, the consequences would be severe. High-rise office buildings and shopping centers would grind to a halt, preventing people from reaching their destinations efficiently. This disruption could lead to significant financial losses for businesses and inconvenience for residents and visitors alike.

Proper maintenance of elevators and escalators is crucial for ensuring their safe and reliable operation within urban environments. The frequency of servicing these vertical transportation systems depends on several key factors.

Firstly, the age of the elevator or escalator plays a significant role. Older units tend to experience faster deterioration of mechanical parts, necessitating more frequent maintenance and even modernisation is required to ensure continued functionality and safety.

Secondly, the frequency of use is a critical consideration. Elevators in high-traffic buildings, such as office towers, hospitals, and residential complexes, endure more wear and tear compared to those in low-traffic settings. Therefore, they require more frequent inspections and maintenance to handle the demands of constant operation.

Safety concerns also drive the need for regular servicing. Maintenance includes the upkeep of crucial safety features such as emergency brakes, emergency communication systems, emergency lighting, and overload protection mechanisms. Ensuring these systems are in optimal condition is essential for passenger safety and compliance with safety regulations.

Preventive maintenance strategies are also integral to elevator and escalator upkeep. By implementing a proactive maintenance plan, building owners and managers can detect and address potential issues before they escalate into major problems. This approach minimises downtime, reduces the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns, and helps control long-term repair costs.

Ensuring certified maintenance for safety

To ensure the safety and reliability of vertical transportation systems, it is crucial for building owners and management companies to engage certified elevator maintenance providers. Uncertified elevator maintenance poses significant risks and consequences to both passenger safety and operational reliability.

Certified maintenance companies follow stringent safety standards and regulations, reducing the risk of accidents. At KONE, we rely on the combination of human expertise, knowledge, and technical skill to maintain seamless operational excellence. We service over 1.6 million units of equipment worldwide, including own products and those of other manufacturers. The technicians receive over 50 hours of annual training in technical skills, safety, customer service, and first aid, allowing them to quickly solve problems for any equipment brand.

Predictive analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to anticipate potential malfunctions before they occur, allowing for pre-emptive maintenance scheduling to prevent disruptions. Our predictive maintenance solution ensures that escalators and elevators operate smoothly and efficiently, reducing downtime and extending equipment lifespan. Currently, around 20% of KONE’s equipment uses AI-based analytics to evaluate equipment status, resulting in a 40% reduction in faults and entrapments and an 80% increase in-fault identification.

Putting People’s Safety First: Malaysia’s Urban Future

As cities in Malaysia evolve, vertical expansion becomes a necessity to optimise land use. Vertical transportation systems like elevators and escalators facilitate accessibility to high-rise residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments, aligning with rapid urbanisation rates. Investing in advanced vertical transportation technologies ensures that cities in Malaysia can accommodate future demands efficiently.

Proactive and predictive maintenance practices as well as technological upgrades extend the lifespan of existing infrastructure, reducing the need for costly replacements and disruptions. It fosters resilience, sustainability, and improved quality of life for urban residents, ensuring that vertical growth contributes positively to urban development.

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