Kuala lumpur: The government will not halt or postpone any public construction projects despite rising costs driven by global supply disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions in West Asia, according to Works Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi. He said the government remained committed to proceeding with all approved projects, including those that had already received letters of acceptance, even as the construction industry faces higher logistics, transportation, and building material costs.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nanta stated that no projects need to be stopped at present, and there is no intention to halt any projects. He emphasized the importance of the construction industry as a driver of economic growth. The remarks were made during the Builders Industry Forum and Awards (BIFA) 2026, where Nanta highlighted the government's ongoing assessment of short-, medium-, and long-term measures to mitigate rising cost pressures in the industry.

However, Nanta noted that the situation does not yet require drastic intervention measures such as the broad implementation of Variation of Price (VOP), which could affect government finances. He mentioned a cost-sharing mechanism between the government and contractors as a potential approach discussed in a recent National Economic Action Council meeting to alleviate the impact of increasing prices in the construction sector.

Regarding BIFA 2026, the minister commented on the program's role in providing industry players with insights into global construction best practices, including compliance with environmental standards, green technology adoption, and sustainability measures. He stressed the significance of such initiatives in aiding local industry players to adapt to the evolving global construction landscape, which is increasingly centered on low-carbon development, energy efficiency, and the integration of modern technology in project execution.