Malaysia Targets 500,000 Affordable Homes by 2030 Through Modern Construction Technology

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is targeting the delivery of 500,000 affordable homes by 2030 under the 13th Malaysia Plan, as the government steps up efforts to modernise the construction industry through modular construction and advanced technologies.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the transformation of the construction sector must go beyond building large-scale infrastructure and commercial developments, stressing that national development must also address the needs and welfare of the people.

He said the construction industry must balance project delivery speed, technological advancement, cost efficiency, environmental protection and architectural quality to ensure sustainable development.

“Development is not merely about constructing impressive buildings. It must also take into account technology, costs, current needs, environmental preservation and beauty,” he said.

Addressing an industry event, Anwar said Malaysia’s roadmap for modular construction must be supported by stronger domestic manufacturing capabilities, investment, market demand, skilled workers and an enabling policy and regulatory environment.

He stressed that Malaysian companies should not remain merely consumers of imported modular construction technologies but must actively participate in their development, production and commercialisation.

Anwar said the transformation must ultimately deliver tangible benefits to the people, particularly through affordable housing and better-quality infrastructure.

He cautioned against development strategies that focus excessively on mega projects and modern buildings without adequately considering the needs of ordinary citizens.

“When we neglect our understanding of society’s needs, we will only invite resentment,” he said.

Under the 13th Malaysia Plan, the government has set a target of delivering 500,000 affordable homes by 2030, contributing to the broader national aspiration of building one million homes between 2026 and 2035.

Anwar said technology should help accelerate housing delivery without compromising safety, quality, liveability or affordability.

He also emphasised the importance of maintaining competitive tender processes and strengthening governance and transparency in public procurement.

According to him, transparent administration and sound governance would help the government achieve more while reducing unnecessary costs to the public sector.

Anwar welcomed the strategic collaboration between the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) and the private sector to advance modular construction in Malaysia, particularly in technology transfer, local industry development, skills training and engagement with developers and contractors.

He also commended the Ministry of Works and CIDB for exploring three-dimensional (3D) concrete printing technology, describing the initiative as an important step towards strengthening Malaysia’s own technological capabilities.

He said Malaysia should not simply import and consume technology but must develop the knowledge and capacity to adapt, manufacture and eventually export technologies suited to its national requirements.

Referring to development approaches in other countries, Anwar said Malaysia should learn from the best practices of both Western and Eastern nations while ensuring that adopted technologies and urban planning strategies reflect local conditions.

He pointed out that Kuala Lumpur should not simply replicate the development models of cities such as London or New York, given differences in climate, environment and national priorities.

The Prime Minister also stressed that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly local contractors, must not be left behind in the industry’s technological transformation.

He said local businesses must have access to the necessary knowledge, training, technology and commercial opportunities to participate in the evolving construction ecosystem.

Anwar added that the future construction workforce would require new competencies in digital design, automation, advanced manufacturing, robotics and technology-enabled construction processes.

He called for universities, training institutions, industry players and government agencies to work together to prepare skilled workers for the changing demands of the sector.

He said the success of the transformation should not be measured solely by the number of technologies introduced or projects completed, but also by the capabilities developed, opportunities created for local businesses, quality of housing and infrastructure, and contributions to the domestic economy.

Acknowledging the challenges faced by the Ministry of Works, Anwar thanked Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi and ministry officials for their continued commitment amid mounting public expectations and pressure over construction-related issues, including infrastructure safety and landslides.

He said the government would continue strengthening the country’s construction capabilities to ensure that development initiatives translated into meaningful benefits for the people.

“Let us build our capacity and continue to strengthen our ability to serve the people,” he said.