Maximizing ROI on MEWPs: UB10, UBM10 & UG35 Case Studies for Malaysian FM Companies

Facilities management (FM) in Malaysia requires safe, efficient, and cost-effective solutions for indoor and industrial maintenance. Tight corridors, narrow doorways, and labor-intensive tasks make Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) essential for modern FM operations.

This article highlights three MEWPs—Quick Lift UB10, UBM10, and Up-Lift UG35—showcasing operational efficiency, CAPEX planning, and Malaysian tax allowance considerations.

Note: ROI, savings, and payback figures are based on internal case studies, typical FM operations, and assumptions (e.g., RM 12/hour labor cost, 250 working days/year). They are illustrative and not official benchmarks.

Operational Challenges & MEWP Solutions

Challenge	UB10 / UBM10 / UG35 Solution	Outcome
Reliance on ladders/manual lifts causing fatigue, slower cycles, and safety incidents	UB10 & UBM10 mini scissor lifts; UG35 high-reach vertical access MEWP with compact footprint and safety guardrails	Task cycles reduced by 30–40%; 1-person operation; safer environment
Narrow corridors and doorways restricting equipment mobility	UB10 & UBM10 widths ≤0.75 m; UG35 fits standard Malaysian single/double-leaf doors	Smooth maneuvering, access to tight spaces
Frequent equipment replacement and high maintenance costs	Battery-electric MEWPs with long-life components	Projected 10-year savings: UB10 ~RM 192,000, UBM10 ~RM 140–160k, UG35 reduces storage and rental costs*

*Based on assumed labor cost of RM 12/hour and 250 working days/year.

Fit & Storage – Malaysian Door Standards

Safety & Ease of Use

Feature	UB10	UBM10	UG35	Benefit
Max Working Height	5 m	5 m	12.3 m	Suitable for FM tasks from ceiling maintenance to high-rack access
Rated Load	240 kg	240 kg	136 kg	Operator + tools safely supported; tested against MS 1539:2012 MEWP safety standards
Safety Guardrails	Yes	Yes	Yes	Fall protection; safer indoor use
ESG Compliance	Battery-electric	Battery-electric	Battery-electric	Zero emissions; supports indoor fire safety goals

10-Year Cost Savings & ROI

UB10:

Factor	Traditional	UB10	Savings
Labor Efficiency	2–3 operators	1 operator	~RM 15,360/year
Maintenance	RM 1,500/year	RM 1,500/year	Included in annual savings
Storage	Extra space required	Compact	~RM 2,400/year
Total 10-Year Savings	—	—	~RM 192,000*
ROI	—	—	~21 months

*Assumes RM 12/hour labor cost, 250 working days/year.

UBM10:

Factor	Savings
Labor Efficiency	~RM 80,000
Safety-Related Costs	~RM 30,000
Maintenance	~RM 18,000
Equipment Replacement	~RM 10,000
Reduced Fatigue	~RM 7,000
Total 10-Year Savings	~RM 140–160k*
ROI	18–24 months

*Based on RM 12/hour labor cost and 250 working days/year.

UG35 (High Reach Example):

Factor	Assumptions	10-Year Impact
Labor Savings	Faster ceiling/lighting maintenance	~RM 60,000
Rental Avoidance	No scaffolding/boom lift rental	~RM 60,000
Maintenance	Lower moving parts vs larger lifts	~RM 35,046
Net Operational Savings	—	~RM 85,000
ROI	Moderate usage (4–6 hrs/day)	2–3 years

Disclaimer: Savings and ROI figures are estimates based on typical FM operations; actual results may vary depending on operational intensity, labor rates, and site conditions.

CAPEX & Tax Allowances (Malaysia)

Purchasing these MEWPs qualifies for capital allowances under Malaysian tax law:

• Initial Allowance (IA): 20% of purchase price in Year 1

• Annual Allowance (AA): 14% reducing balance annually

Example – UBM10 (RM)

Year	Opening WDV	IA	AA	Closing WDV	Cumulative Tax Allowance
1	54,819	10,964	6,116	37,739	17,080
10	11,292	0	1,581	9,711	45,108

Filing Notes: IA/AA claims must be submitted via Form C with HK-3 schedule and are subject to LHDN approval. References: PwC Malaysia Tax Booklet, ClearTax Malaysia Guide.

Residual Value Considerations

Resale or residual value depends on battery/motor condition and market demand. It is not guaranteed and should be factored conservatively in financial planning.

Recommendations for Buyers:

1.      Conduct a site survey to verify door widths, corridors, and lift access.

2.      Ensure operator training per JKKP/DOSH MEWP guidelines.

3.      Implement a preventive maintenance schedule for battery and motor.

4.      Leverage tax allowances via Form C + HK-3 schedule for IA & AA claims.

5.      Consider resale and residual value conservatively, monitor battery and motor condition.

Conclusion

UB10, UBM10, and UG35 MEWPs deliver safe, efficient, and cost-effective vertical access for Malaysian FM companies:

·         Faster, single-operator tasks

·         Reduced fatigue and accident risk

·         Equipment designed to meet JKKP requirements

·         Compliance with MS 1539:2012 MEWP safety standards

·         Long-term operational savings with ROI in 18–36 months

Integrating operational efficiency, CAPEX planning, and tax allowances maximizes ROI while minimizing total cost of ownership in commercial and industrial facilities.