KUALA LUMPUR: The construction industry should promote sustainability, drive digital transformation and prioritise workforce development as it faces a slew of global challenges, says the Works Minister.
Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the challenges include climate change, economic uncertainty and rapid technological disruption.
“The imperative is clear – 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,” he said during the opening of the Malaysia International Construction & Infrastructure Technology Exhibition (MBAM OneBuild) 2025 here yesterday.
The three-day event at the KL Convention Centre, which closes today, is being 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, adding that events such as MBAM OneBuild and OneWare were not only timely but important.
“They are aligned with the Construction 4.0 Strategic Plan and our national commitment towards a digital, sustainable, and low-carbon economy.
“More than exhibitions, these platforms foster collaboration, knowledge exchange, networking and transformation, guiding the industry towards a stronger and more resilient future,” he said.
The minister noted the participation of the Public Works Department, Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM), Board of Architects Malaysia (LAM), Board of Quantity Surveyors Malaysia (BQSM) and Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) at the event.
“Their presence reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening public-private partnerships.
“Such collaborations are essential to building a construction sector that is sustainable, competitive, innovative and future-ready.”
Nanta also said the National Construction Policy 2030 and the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) was focused on raising productivity from RM47,225 per worker to RM75,000 by 2030, reducing reliance on foreign workers to 15%, promoting low-carbon infrastructure and smart construction, and launching the National Infrastructure Maintenance Policy by 2027.
He said 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 and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership provide preferential access to markets and regulatory convergence that benefit construction materials, engineered components and services,” Nanta added.
