KUALA LUMPUR: The local construction industry should promote sustainability, drive digital transformation and prioritise workforce development as it addresses new global challenges, says Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
The Works Minister said the local industry must respond to the slew of new global challenges on climate change, economic uncertainty, and rapid technological disruption.
“We must not simply build more, but build better.
“I call upon all industry stakeholders to embrace sustainability, accelerate digital transformation and prioritise workforce upskilling while upholding the ESG (environment, social and governance) principles.
“Let us construct not only the physical framework of bridges, roads and buildings, but also the foundations of a more inclusive, resilient and future-ready Malaysia,” said Nanta.
He was speaking during the opening ceremony of the Malaysia International Construction & Infrastructure Technology Exhibition (MBAM OneBuild) 2025 on Thursday (Aug 28).
MBAM OneBuild is held in conjunction with OneWare 2025, the fourth edition of the Malaysia International Hardware Technology Exhibition.
Nanta said the construction and infrastructure sector have long stood as pillars of Malaysia’s economic development and events such as MBAM OneBuild and OneWare are not only timely, but important.
“They are aligned with the aspiration of the 12th Malaysia Plan, the Construction 4.0 Strategic Plan and our national commitment towards a digital, sustainable, and low-carbon economy.
“These platforms foster collaboration, knowledge exchange, networking and transformation, guiding the industry towards a stronger and more resilient future,” he added.
Nanta also noted the participation of government-linked agencies such as the Public Works Department, the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM), the Board of Architects Malaysia (LAM), the Board of Quantity Surveyors Malaysia (BQSM) and the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM).
“Their presence reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening public-private partnerships,” said Nanta.
Meanwhile, Nanta said the National Construction Policy 2030 and the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) is focused on raising productivity from RM47,225 per worker to RM75,000 by 2030, reducing reliance on foreign workers to 15%, promote low-carbon infrastructure and smart construction, and launch the National Infrastructure Maintenance Policy by 2027.
Nanta also noted that global realities, such as rising steel and aluminium prices, due to US tariffs and shifting trade flows, continue to place cost pressures on ongoing projects.
“Agreements such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) provide preferential access to markets and regulatory convergence that benefit construction materials, engineered components and services,” he added.
The MBAM OneBuild 2025 is being held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from Aug 27 to 29.
