PETALING JAYA: The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers welcomed the government’s expanded Rahmah Cement Initiative, describing it as a timely measure to support the construction and affordable housing sectors amid rising costs and global economic uncertainties.
Its president Jacob Lee Chor Kok (pic) said the initiative would help advance the government’s affordable housing agenda under the 13th Malaysia Plan while easing financial pressures on developers and homebuyers.
“Both the construction and manufacturing sectors continue to face challenges arising from global uncertainties, including energy price volatility and supply chain disruptions.
“In this context, measures that help stabilise the cost of essential construction materials are critical to sustaining development activities and strengthening the resilience of the housing ecosystem,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Under the scheme, bulk cement will be sold at RM290 per tonne compared with the prevailing market price of RM425, while standard 50kg bagged cement will be offered at RM17.50 per bag instead of RM24.90.
The government has allocated 1.6 million metric tonnes of highly subsidised cement to ensure affordable homes remain priced at RM300,000 and below.
On Thursday, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming warned that housing developers and their directors could face a lifetime ban from the industry if caught reselling subsidised cement intended for affordable housing projects.
Nga said the government would not tolerate unscrupulous parties attempting to profit from the expanded initiative.
Lee said targeted initiatives such as Rahmah Cement highlighted the importance of practical collaboration in addressing economic challenges while supporting national development priorities.
He also expressed hope that similar initiatives could be extended to other locally manufactured building materials that are essential for affordable housing projects, including ceramic tiles, steel and sanitaryware.
