Works Ministry closely monitoring construction material prices, says Nanta

• "The government is currently studying this issue. Before considering or implementing any policies, comprehensive research is necessary, including analysing the material cost index provided by the Department of Statistics Malaysia, which tracks fluctuations in construction costs,” Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said in the Dewan Rakyat.

KUALA LUMPUR (July 4): The Ministry of Works is closely monitoring developments in the construction industry, particularly concerning rising prices of construction materials and raw materials, following the removal of diesel subsidies in June.

Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi (pictured) said that while there is a potential impact on the construction industry, it is still too early to estimate the extent of cost increases.

“The government is currently studying this issue. Before considering or implementing any policies, comprehensive research is necessary, including analysing the material cost index provided by the Department of Statistics Malaysia, which tracks fluctuations in construction costs,” he said during question time in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday.

He said this in response to a supplementary question from Roslan Hashim (Perikatan Nasional-Kulim Bandar Baharu) regarding government initiatives to assist contractors affected by rising machinery and material costs, particularly those who were given job offers before the removal of diesel subsidies.

Addressing Roslan's original question about plans to raise the work value limit for G1 contractors from RM200,000 to RM250,000 or RM300,000, given the escalating cost of goods, Nanta explained that any adjustment to the work value limit falls within the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance.

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