Kuala lumpur: The Works Ministry (KKR) wants more contractors to venture into facility management (FM) and maintenance, a sector that recorded RM39.59 billion worth of projects over the three years from 2023 to 2025.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan said records from the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) showed 1,541 FM and maintenance projects were declared during the period. However, he noted that only 468 FM contractors are currently registered under the F01 and F02 specialisations, highlighting considerable room for more companies to enter the subsector.

Ahmad emphasized the opportunity available for contractors to not focus solely on construction but also on maintenance, a business opportunity that is sometimes overlooked. He pointed out the significant worth of these projects and the relatively few contractors registered in this field, expressing hope for more to register as FM contractors.

He further explained the need for greater emphasis on facility management and maintenance to ensure that buildings, roads, bridges, and other public assets remain in optimal use throughout their lifespan. Ahmad reflected on past practices where less attention was paid to maintenance after construction, despite the need for upkeep to maximize the lifespan of infrastructure.

At the Contractors Convention 2026: NexGen Builders, Ahmad launched CIS 33:2026 - Facility Management Good Practice Guide, developed by CIDB. This guide is meant to provide a systematic, sustainable, and standardised framework for the construction industry, acting as a common reference for asset owners, facilities managers, contractors, and other industry players to improve FM practices.

In his speech, Ahmad conveyed that FM should be viewed as more than just a support function after project completion. He encouraged contractors to see FM as a subsector to diversify their services and develop new revenue streams.