PM Anwar urges local modular construction to deliver affordable homes under 13MP

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for Malaysia to develop its own modular construction capabilities rather than rely on imported systems. The push supports the 13th Malaysia Plan target of 500,000 affordable homes by 2030 and the wider goal of one million homes by 2035.

PETALING JAYA (Nov 10): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged local companies to develop, manufacture and commercialise modular construction technology, rather than rely on imported systems, to help deliver affordable homes. The call supports efforts to deliver 500,000 affordable homes by 2030 under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), as part of the wider national aspiration to provide one million homes between 2026 and 2035, Bernama reported.

Speaking at the opening of International Construction Week and BuildXpo Malaysia 2026 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, Anwar said technology must improve housing delivery while preserving safety, quality and liveability, with cost control also a priority. Modular construction involves producing building components in a factory before transporting them to a construction site for assembly, The Edge Malaysia reported.

Anwar said the transition would require investment, market demand, skilled workers and a supportive policy and regulatory environment, alongside stronger domestic manufacturing capabilities. Beyond construction methods, he said the industry's transformation must deliver tangible benefits, including affordable housing, and ensure major projects respond to public needs, according to Bernama.

Oriental Daily reported that he cautioned against copying the development models of London or New York without considering Malaysia's climate, environment and priorities. Overseas experience should be adapted to domestic conditions, he said. The modular construction roadmap must also address building-material quality, facades with a local identity and environmental protection, Bernama reported. Anwar warned against creating concrete jungles at the expense of environmental quality and public welfare.

Anwar also called for competitive and transparent tender processes to help control project costs and make better use of public funds, RTM reported. He said good governance could allow more development projects to proceed by reducing unnecessary expenditure. Local contractors, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, must have access to training, technology and business opportunities as the industry changes, The Edge Malaysia reported.

Oriental Daily also reported his call for closer cooperation among government, industry and technology partners to ensure smaller contractors can participate in the transition. Malaysia should develop the knowledge, talent and industrial capacity needed to adapt, manufacture and eventually export construction technologies, he said.