Kuala lumpur: The government is taking proactive steps to address the issue of skilled manpower shortage in the construction industry through the implementation and coordination of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes, said Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. He emphasized the importance of structured and integrated training across various government agencies to ensure the success of these initiatives.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the initiative is led by Deputy Prime Minister and National TVET Council chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He is responsible for coordinating TVET efforts across different government bodies. This coordination aims to ensure that TVET training in agencies such as the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), MARA, and other ministries runs effectively.
Nanta addressed reporters after inaugurating the International Construction Week (ICW) and the Malaysia International Building and Construction Industry Exhibition (BuildXpo) 2025 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC). He highlighted that TVET programmes are actively being implemented in agencies like CIDB and MARA to increase skilled manpower, especially in the engineering field.
The minister also encouraged young people in universities to pursue careers in engineering to prevent the construction industry from being affected by a shortage of skilled workers. Earlier in his speech, he acknowledged the challenges the construction industry faces, including skilled labor shortages, rising material costs, and climate pressures, while praising the sector's resilience and adaptability.
Nanta cited Bank Negara Malaysia and the Department of Statistics, noting that the construction sector grew by 14.2 per cent in the first quarter of 2025, with work valued at RM42.9 billion. This momentum continued into the second quarter, with work value increasing to RM43.9 billion, marking a 12.9 per cent year-on-year growth.
He further highlighted that total construction activity in the first half of the year reached RM86.8 billion, a 14.7 per cent increase compared to the previous year. This growth was primarily driven by the private sector, which accounted for over 63 per cent of total work, indicating strong investor confidence in Malaysia's construction and infrastructure prospects.