Hospital buildings are one of the complicated buildings that normally associate with a moisture problem. Besides environment factor, the different operation hour, poor workmanship and improper waterproofing installation also contributes to the moisture problems. Controlling the moisture problems seem to be vital in ensuring the building functionality. This study identifies the moisture problems and it's causes for the Hospital buildings in Malaysia. Based on various records obtained, this study discusses the defects according to four major building elements that are ceiling, wall, floor and roof. This paper concludes that the identified defects have great potential to affect the hospital building function.

Purpose -The aim of the current research is to assess the personal competency level of women project managers in the Malaysian construction industry. Design/methodology/approach -The study used stratified random sampling design on the listed Grade 7 contractor companies in Peninsular Malaysia. The questionnaire survey approach was used to collect data on 15 women project managers in Peninsular Malaysia. Findings -The results revealed that experience is the first criterion being used in selecting women project managers, whereas the three main personal competencies they exemplify are honesty and integrity, alertness and quickness, and decision-making ability. Practical implications -The result can be used as a guidance to measure the level of personal competency of women project managers. Originality/value -The current study provides insight into the competency exemplified by women project managers in Malaysia.

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Studies on the involvement and capability of women in the construction industry are rare in developing countries. Although a minority in the industry, women construction project managers have the same level of importance as men. In a construction organization, the position of a project manager is the most challenging task. This study aims to explore the capabilities of women construction project managers in the Malaysian construction industry in comparison with their male counterparts. Liberal feminist theory is applied as an underpinning theory to explain the concept of "equal capability of women." This study adopts the mixed methods approach. It covers Grade 7 construction companies listed in the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) directory in Peninsular Malaysia. From a sample of 48 companies known to have women project managers, only 15 responses were received. Based on the responses, only five agreed to be interviewed. Descriptive analysis reveals that the employment of female project managers is based on merit, which is closely associated (in ranking) with their experience, skills, personal attributes, and level of education. Moreover, male and female project managers in the construction industry are assumed to possess equal capability. This study contributes to the extension of knowledge on the equal employment opportunity practiced in construction companies in Malaysia.

Maintainability is a pertinent aspect to be considered in building design and is a key approach associated with design and maintenance. Considering maintainability at design stage is important to reduce maintenance and operation costs and ensure that a building can efficiently perform its function. This paper assesses the design impact on maintainability of Hospital Sutanah Bahiyah in Alor Setar. This study analyzes the maintainability from three building aspects (i.e., accessibility, selection of type of material, and environment) based on a secondary report and a focus group interview. Findings support the need of a design team that considers maintainability to help the maintenance team perform maintenance work.