KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s construction industry must ensure that its transformation delivers tangible benefits to the people, particularly through more affordable housing, rather than focusing solely on large-scale projects and mega-buildings, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said that while development and economic growth remained important, the needs and welfare of the people must not be overlooked in the pursuit of modernisation.
“Our focus is on development, which is correct. Our focus is on growth and construction, which is ethical. But when we lack an understanding of societal needs, we will only invite resentment,” he said at the opening of International Construction Week (ICW) and BuildXpo Malaysia 2026 here today.
Anwar said the country’s construction transformation must be guided by affordability, quality, safety and environmental considerations.
He said the 13th Malaysia Plan had set a target of delivering 500,000 affordable homes by 2030, as part of the broader national aspiration to build one million homes between 2026 and 2035.
“Technology must help us deliver these homes more efficiently, without compromising safety, quality and liveability. And I would add cost,” he said.
Anwar also stressed the importance of maintaining competitiveness in the tender process, saying greater transparency and good governance could help the government deliver more projects without incurring unnecessary costs.
He said the adoption of modular construction and other advanced technologies must be supported by stronger domestic manufacturing capabilities, investment, market demand, skilled workers, and an enabling policy and regulatory environment.
He added that Malaysia should move beyond merely importing and consuming technology towards developing its own capabilities in production, innovation and commercialisation.
“We want Malaysia to be a country that does not simply import and consume technology.
“Yes, you must learn and adopt from the West and the East the best, but you must always remember it must fit your own domestic national requirements,” he said.
Anwar also called for greater collaboration between the government, industry players and technology partners to strengthen local expertise, including through technology transfer, skills training and the development of domestic industries.
He said small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly local contractors, must not be left behind in the industry’s transformation.
“They must have access to knowledge, training, technology and business opportunities needed to participate in the new construction ecosystem,” he said.
He added that the future construction workforce would require new competencies in digital design, automation, advanced manufacturing, robotics and technology-enabled construction processes.
Anwar also highlighted the importance of adapting urban planning and construction strategies to Malaysia’s own climate, environment and domestic priorities, instead of simply replicating development models from modern cities.
He said the success of the industry’s transformation should not be measured solely by the number of technologies introduced or projects completed, but also by the capabilities developed, opportunities created for local businesses, and the quality of homes and infrastructure delivered.
He also commended the strategic collaboration between the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) and the private sector, including efforts to explore three-dimensional concrete printing technology.
He said such initiatives would help Malaysia progress from adopting existing technologies to developing its own technological capabilities.
