MALAYSIA’S construction sector has been set an ambitious new course towards global competitiveness and higher quality standards under the Construction Action Plan 2026–2030 (CAP30), which targets an 80 per cent benchmark in quality and safety assessments and a top-20 placing in the IMD World Competitiveness Index by the end of the decade.
Launching the five-year roadmap, Works Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi said the plan is designed to strengthen the industry as a key driver of the aspirations outlined in the Dasar Pembinaan Negara 2021-2030.
“Among the targets are full compliance with design and construction management, achieving at least an 80 per cent score under the Construction Quality Assessment System (QLASSIC) and the Construction Safety and Health Assessment System (SHASSIC), as well as ensuring that 50 per cent of building projects valued at more than RM40 million obtain green certification.
“Other goals include being ranked among the top 20 in the IMD World Competitiveness Index, having industry players recognised in at least three international markets, and ensuring that 100 per cent of construction personnel are accredited,” he said in his keynote address at the launch ceremony.
CAP30 outlines six core targets to be achieved by 2030, including full compliance with design and construction management standards, securing at least 80 per cent scores under both the QLASSIC and SHASSIC assessment systems, and ensuring that half of building projects valued above RM40 million obtain green certification.
The plan also aims to position Malaysia among the top 20 economies in the IMD World Competitiveness Index, ensure industry players gain recognition in at least three international markets, and achieve full accreditation of construction personnel.
Nanta said CAP30 introduces several new strategic initiatives aligned with national priorities, including the exploration of alternative energy sources in the construction sector, particularly nuclear energy.
The move forms part of efforts to strengthen national energy security while supporting the transition towards a low-carbon economy.
The plan also supports efforts to reduce reliance on foreign labour through greater automation, the adoption of modern construction technologies and the development of local skills.
Digitalisation is a central pillar of the roadmap, encompassing the use of digital technology in the planning, implementation and monitoring of construction projects to improve efficiency and foster a more modern, resilient and responsive industry ecosystem.
He explained that implementation will be led by industry players and strategic partners, supported by integrated governance between the government and the industry.
Separately, the government has asked highway concessionaires to defer scheduled toll rate revisions to ease the burden of rising living costs on the public.
“The government recognises that the people are still facing various challenges and high living costs. Therefore, for the time being, the government has asked concession companies to postpone the review of toll rate increases,” Nanta told reporters after officiating at the CAP30 launch.
He stressed that the deferment does not mean tolls are being made free of charge; rather, the government is bearing the costs that would otherwise have been paid by motorists.
Previously, the government had taken proactive steps to defer toll rate increases for 10 highways that were due to take effect last year under the original concession agreements.”
Highways affected by the postponement include the Lebuhraya Senai-Desaru, Lebuhraya Pantai Timur 2, Lebuhraya Lembah Klang Selatan, Lebuhraya Lingkaran Luar Butterworth and the Lebuhraya KL-Putrajaya. - February 24, 2026
