Engineering for Malaysia's hospitals

COVID 19 pandemic that struck the world by storm and affected the daily norms of human civilisations since the first quarter of 2020, has given rise to numerous generous efforts to combat the crisis. It

Coronavirus hasn't stop the engineering profession from contributing to the society at large. Every single bit of contribution to the frontline medical team safeguarding the health of billions of people, are worthy of appraisal and thanks!

Mohd Nurezman, a mechanical engineering undergraduate student from Heriot-Watt University Malaysia (HWUM) was striving to support the frontliners in hospitals in Malaysia during the MCO (Movement Control Order) period. The project, inspired by the initial discussions with the 3D printer community and MakerZ, a maker club in HWUM, helps the frontliners during the COVID-19 pandemic.


Printing the ear buckle 

After collecting various feedback and inputs from medical practitioners, the team discovered two major challenges that faced the team using face masks when performing their duties:

1. Ear irritation from wearing the mask for too long
2. Females medical team members who wear hijab are unable to wear the mask quickly due to the hijab.

Knowing that the design of mask buckle could make all the difference to ease this unpleasant experience, and support the demand from medical teams, Nurezman used his engineering skills to provide a suitable alternative for the medical staff.


Application of the ear buckle 

The design of the face mask buckle is as shown. It has multiple hooks per side, giving access for a quick hook for the ear-loop face masks making it an essential accessory for everyday mask wearers. With support from his father and utilising 3D printing technology, Nurezman is mass-producing and distributing around 2400 mask buckles to hospitals such as Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Hospital Putrajaya and Hospital Penang in Malaysia.


Delivering the finalised product

In the same time, IMechE Malaysia Branch took the initiative to donate 1000 pcs of N95 mask to Hospital Kuala Lumpur. The donation came from members as well as the committee. Ir Eddie Lim delivered the N95 mask to Hospital Kuala Lumpur on 6 May. Further details can be viewed on the IMechE Malaysia web pages.

Delivery to Hospital Kuala Lumpur by Ir. Eddie Lim, IMechE Malaysia Branch Chair.