By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 28: Malaysia’s construction sector has shown strong resilience, with projects surging from 17,546 worth RM31.9 billion in 2022 to 22,995 worth RM42.05 billion in 2024, contributing around 4.5 per cent to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the growth underscored the industry’s recovery and renewed strength after five years of post-pandemic challenges, adding that under 13th Malaysia Plan, projects under his ministry are expected to sustain between 4.5 to 5.0 per cent, with a multiplier effect of 2.03 on the wider economy.
“After five years of post-pandemic recovery, our sector has once again risen as a pillar of national progress,” he said in a post shared on his social media after officiating the 11th Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) OneBuild programme in Kuala Lumpur today.
Nanta stressed that beyond the numbers, Malaysia’s construction agenda is anchored on four priorities, including to raise productivity from RM47,225 per worker to RM75,000 by 2030, reducing foreign worker reliance to 15 per cent, accelerating green and smart construction towards a low-carbon future, and introducing the National Infrastructure Maintenance Policy (DSAIN) by 2027 to instil a strong culture of maintenance.
He noted that global realities, including rising steel and aluminium prices due to US tariffs and shifting trade flows, continue to exert cost pressures on projects.
“Yet, opportunities lie ahead. Through the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) provides opportunities, Malaysia gains preferential access to markets and the chance to strengthen our local value chain, from fabrication and prefabrication to green material production.
“This is also our chance to position Malaysian expertise — in engineering, project management, and modular construction services — on the regional stage, supported by stronger procurement strategies and smarter supply chain planning,” he said.
Nanta called on industry players, government agencies, and the rakyat to work together to ensure the construction sector not only recovers but leads with sustainability, resilience, and global competitiveness. — DayakDaily
