KUALA LUMPUR: The government is implementing proactive measures to overcome the skilled manpower shortage in the construction industry through coordinated Technical and Vocational Education and Training programmes.
Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi stated that Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is leading this initiative as chairman of the National TVET Council.
“This coordination ensures that TVET training in agencies like the Construction Industry Development Board, MARA and other ministries operates in a more structured and integrated manner,” he told reporters after opening the International Construction Week and Malaysia International Building and Construction Industry Exhibition 2025 at MITEC.
Nanta confirmed that TVET programmes are being implemented through agencies under the Ministry of Works to increase skilled manpower, particularly in engineering fields.
“We also encourage young people in universities to enter the engineering field so that the country’s construction industry is not affected by a shortage of skilled manpower,” he added.
The minister earlier highlighted that skilled labour shortages, rising material costs and climate pressures represent significant challenges for Asia’s construction industry.
“Malaysia’s construction sector continues to anchor domestic investment and sustain growth, as affirmed in Bank Negara’s Financial Stability Review for the first half of 2025,” Nanta said in his opening speech.
According to Bank Negara Malaysia and the Department of Statistics, the construction sector grew by 14.2% in the first quarter of 2025 with work valued at RM42.9 billion.
This momentum continued into the second quarter with construction work reaching RM43.9 billion, representing 12.9% year-on-year growth.
Total construction activity for the first half of 2025 reached RM86.8 billion, marking a 14.7% increase compared to the same period last year.
“This growth was driven mainly by the private sector, which accounted for over 63% of total work signaling strong investor confidence in Malaysia’s construction and infrastructure outlook,” Nanta concluded. – Bernama
