Cement prices have risen by 30% since October and have yet to fall.
Malaysia’s construction industry players are concerned about rising cement prices and hope for a reduction soon, according to Utusan Malaysia.
According to several industry players, the average 50kg bag of cement increased 30% from RM17 to RM22.50 when Parliament was dissolved in October to prepare for the 15th general election.
Cement is one of several Scheduled Controlled Goods, and its price is set by the government.
According to Utusan, the price has yet to fall despite the formation of a coalition federal government.
The cement price increase has had a knock-on effect on other construction materials such as gutters, roofs, and ready-mixed cement, and contractors across the country are struggling to keep costs under control.
According to Adnan Mohd Farok, secretary-general of the Malaysian Housing Contractors Association, cement prices have risen since Parliament was dissolved, and some rogue traders are profiting from the situation.
