Works Minister pushes bold reform; new law for construction sector under study as gaps in system exposed

Nanta (centre) chairs the Ministry of Works Policy Committee Meeting, which discussed the proposed Construction Sector Transformation Study Plan, including efforts to address regulatory gaps and the possible introduction of a dedicated framework to strengthen Malaysia’s construction industry on June 11, 2026. Photo credit: Alexander Nanta Linggi/Facebook

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, June 11: Malaysia’s construction industry could soon undergo a major regulatory overhaul, with the federal government studying the need for a dedicated law to address long-standing gaps and inconsistencies in the sector.

Works Minister Dato’ Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said he chaired a Policy Committee Meeting at the Ministry of Works today, where key reforms under the proposed Construction Sector Transformation Study Plan were discussed.

In a Facebook post, he said the study will examine structural weaknesses within the industry, including overlaps, loopholes, and misalignment across existing legal, economic, and policy frameworks governing the construction sector.

He described the initiative as a foundational step towards a more systematic overhaul of the industry, which has long been governed by fragmented regulations across multiple frameworks.

Nanta also signalled a potential shift towards a more comprehensive legal structure, including the consideration of a dedicated Act that could unify and strengthen governance of the construction sector.

“This is part of my aspiration to see the construction sector strengthened through a more holistic approach,” he said, adding that the review could reshape how the industry is regulated in the future.

He also revealed that the ministry is identifying several immediate “low-hanging fruit” initiatives that can be implemented quickly to deliver direct benefits to the public, industry players, and the wider economy. — DayakDaily