KUALA LUMPUR: The construction industry is poised for a major shift, driven by increasing integration of technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and robotics, according to Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB).
CIDB chairman Yusuf Abdul Wahab said the technologies are no longer futuristic concepts - they are transforming everything from project design to on-site management, making construction processes faster, safer and more efficient.
"Today, the industry is facing a world with rapid technological advancements. The youth, as digital natives, are inherently adept with technology, and their involvement is crucial for driving the industry's future.
"Their fresh perspectives and proficiency in emerging technologies can truly revolutionise construction methods, sustainability practices and safety standards, ensuring that our construction industry remains not only competitive but also future-ready," he said at the International Construction Week (ICW) and Malaysia International Building and Construction Industry Showcase (BuildXpo) 2024 today.
Yusuf said it is crucial for the industry to stay aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as sustainability and inclusivity are central to the country's construction industry.
By prioritising sustainable construction methods, energy-efficient designs, and the use of green materials, the construction industry can thrive economically while contributing positively to the environment and society as a whole.
According to CIDB, the total value of construction projects awarded from Jan 1 to Sept 30 this year stood at RM150.2 billion with a total of 11,980 projects, compared to 10,990 projects worth RM115.3 billion for 2023.
The board noted that private sector remains a driving force, contributing RM108.8 billion across 7,982 projects this year alone.
The government also continues to play a vital role, with RM41.4 billion across 3,998 projects.
More than 70 per cent or RM109.7 billion (9,440 projects) of the projects awarded are non-residential projects, followed by RM22.3 billion (1,390 projects) infrastructure projects, RM16.4 billion (850 projects) residential projects, while RM1.8 billion (300 projects) are social amenities projects.
The most significant construction projects undertaken in 2024 include Phase 2 of the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road in Sarawak, Pan Borneo Highway in Sabah, road maintenance projects in Perak, port construction and reclamation projects in Selangor, manufacturing facilities in Selangor and Penang, as well as power plant development in Sarawak.
CIDB said the resurgence in the construction sector is driven by a confluence of factors, including post-pandemic recovery, increased foreign direct investment (FDI), and strategic infrastructure development.
There is a clear rebound in activity, likely fuelled by pent-up demand for new developments and a resumption of projects that were paused during the crisis.
It added that the government's efforts to improve economic policies and create a more conducive business environment have also attracted substantial foreign investment, particularly in sectors such as infrastructure and industrial development.
CIDB said initiatives like China's Belt and Road Initiative is expected to continue supporting infrastructure development in Malaysia.
Projects such as rail networks, ports, and industrial zones are bolstering connectivity and economic growth.
Multinational corporations are also investing in new manufacturing facilities, logistics centres, commercial properties, and data centres to meet growing demand.
Earlier in speech, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the construction industry has achieved a remarkable growth in 2024 with an impressive 17.3 per cent gross domestic product (GDP) growth as at end of Sept 2024.
This marks the first double digit growth the industry has achieved since 2014.
His speech was read by Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander nanta Linggi.
Anwar said the achievement reflects the industry's ability to overcome adversity and emerge stronger than ever, emphasising that the construction sector is a cornerstone of the economy, significantly contributing to GDP.
He acknowledged that while the sector was once severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, it has now rebounded with remarkable resilience.
"During the pandemic, the industry faced significant challenges, with construction activities grinding to a halt and supply chains being heavily disrupted.
"As a result, the sector contracted by -19.3 per cent in 2020 and -5.1 per cent in 2021.
"However, through determination of all industry players and strategic recovery efforts, we witnessed positive growth of 5.0 per cent in 2022 and 6.1 per cent in 2023," he said.