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MALAYSIA
Overview on Malaysian Construction Sector (updated October 2012)

An Overview of the Malaysian Construction Sector (October 2012)

CONTENTS
1. Overview of the Malaysian economy

PAGE
3-4

2. Governments support for the economy Setting up a Stimulus Package for the economy (2008/2009) Liberalisation of the economy (since 2009) 3. End of 9th Malaysia Plan Important era that helped construction sector to grow 3.1 10th Malaysia Plan

5 5-6

6-7 7

4. Development Trend In The construction sector, 2010-2011 4.1 Indicators of the construction sector 4.2 Number and value of projects awarded by different status 5. The 10th Malaysia Plan and the impact on the construction sector

8-9 9 10 - 13

14

6. Projects Highlight

14 16

7. Tourism 7.1 Langkawi Tourism Blueprint (2011-2015)

16 17 17

8. Development in growth corridors 8.1 Update On Growth Corridors Conclusion

18 20 20 22 22

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1.

OVERVIEW OF THE MALAYSIAN ECONOMY

Despite the global economic crisis, the Malaysian economy continued to progress well at a pace of 5.1% during the first half of 2012 (as compared to 4.7% in the same period of 2011). Strong private consumption and robust private investment is currently sustaining the economy coupled with conducive financial market conditions, stable prices and a favourable labour market. At the moment, the Malaysian economy is driven by domestic demand. Private consumption grew in tandem with stable employment, income and lower inflation. In addition, supportive government policies such as the Tenth Malaysia Plan (20112015), Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) and the 2012 National Budget also played an important role in sustaining the strong growth. Project roll-outs from the Economic Transformation Programme are on-going and this will drive the economy further over the medium term. In the first half of the year, growth can be seen in most economic sectors especially the manufacturing and services sectors with significant result in construction. Backed by the ongoing implementation of various Government large-scale projects, the construction sector is expected to improve significantly. Meanwhile, the agriculture sector is showing moderate growth due to lower output of crude palm oil due to the natural production down cycle and the mining sector is expected to recover with improvement in crude oil output and supported by a moderate increase in output of natural gas. The level of inflation is well retained and is expected to moderate between 2% to 2.5% in 2012. Although the countrys continuous productivity improvement and capacity expansion is able to stabilize the inflation, however the recent increase in global food prices pose a risk to the Inflation outlook.
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by Sector : 2011 2013 (at constant 2005 prices)
Change (%) 2012 1 2013 2 0.6 2.4 1.5 2.7 4.2 4.9 15.5 11.2 5.5 5.6 4.5-5.0 4.5 5.5 Share of GDP (%) 2012 7.3 8.5 25.0 3.3 54.5 100%

Agriculture Mining Manufacturing Construction +Services GDP

1

2011 5.9 -5.7 4.7 4.6 7.0 5.1

2011 7.7 8.8 25.1 3.0 54.2 100%

2013 7.2 8.3 25.0 3.5 54.8 100%

Estimate

Forecast Note : Total may not add up due to rounding Source : Department of Statistics and Ministry of Finance, Malaysia / Economic Report 2012/2013

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Meanwhile, the services sector grew at 5.8% in the first half of 2012. Domestic demand, increased travel activities, flourishing finance and insurance, good response to private healthcare and education services, real estate demand as well as encouraging wholesale and retail trade were some of the factors that contributed to this growth. The services sector is anticipated to remain resilient for the rest of 2012 with expansion of 5.5%. Similarly, the manufacturing sector also progressed well. In the first seven months of 2012, the output rose 5.2% and sales value of manufactured goods grew by 6.5%. The domestic-oriented industries expanded by 8.6% during the seven months as compared to 6.5% of the same period of 2011, while the export-oriented industries grew 4.1% (January-July 2011 : 2.8%). As for investments, both domestic and foreign approved investments reached RM56.1 billion (Euro 14.02 billion) in 2011. Below are some indicators of the performance of the major sectors :
Manufacturing Production Index (January July) Change (%) Share (%) 2011 2012 2011 2012 75.9 75.1 4.1 2.8 26.4 25.5 1.6 -4.8 19.0 19.8 9.9 5.5 15.9 16.1 7.1 9.3 3.1 3.1 4.6 -6.9 3.6 3.2 -6.7 6.3 3.7 3.6 3.6 15.4 2.7 2.4 -7.8 14.8 1.5 1.3 -7.1 14.8 6.5 27.1 26.1 2.5 -10.4 1.9 12.6 -2.3 -14.8 3.6 8.6 6.6 11.2 -6.9 13.7 12.5 0.0 24.9 10.0 5.2 24.1 3.8 5.1 2.5 4.6 4.9 1.7 0.3 1.2 100.0 24.9 3.9 5.3 2.2 5.0 5.2 1.6 0.3 1.2 100.0

Export-oriented industries Electrical and elecronic products Chemicals and chemical products Petroleum products Wood and wood products Off-estate processing Rubber products Paper products Textiles, apparel and footwear Domestic-oriented industries Non-metallic mineral and other related products Fabricated metal products Basic metals Transport equipment Food products Beverages Tobacco products Others Total
Note : Total may not add up due to rounding. Source : Department of Statistics, Malaysia Economic Report 2012/2013 : Economic Performance and Prospects

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2. GOVERNMENTS SUPPORT FOR THE ECONOMY Ever since the global economic crisis started in 1998, the Malaysian Government had taken drastic steps to curb the economy from spiraling down further by taking up the following steps : a) Setting up a Stimulus Package for the economy ( period 2008 / 2009) During this period, the Government has taken immediate step to boost confidence in market place by implementing two stimulus packages of RM 7 billion (Euro 1.75 billion) and RM 60 billion (Euro 15.00 billion). The RM7 billion (Euro 1.75 billion) first Economic Stimulus Package announced on 4 November 2008 was aimed at compensating the shortfall in private sector demand and encouraged private spending. The fund was being spent on small-scale construction, maintenance of social infrastructure and public amenities and development projects that included the building of low and medium-cost houses as well as measures to boost private consumption. The RM60 billion (Euro 15 billion) second Stimulus Package announced on 10 March 2009 included wide-ranging measures to support domestic economic activities and strengthened capacity for future growth. Of the total, RM15 billion (Euro 3.75 billion) was allocated for fiscal injection, RM25 billion (Euro 6.25 billion) for Guarantee Funds, RM10 billion (Euro 2.50 billion) for equity investments, RM7 billion (Euro 1.75 billion) for private finance initiative and RM3 billion (Euro 0.75 billion) in the form of tax incentives. With the stimulus plan, the Government had successfully generated and increased construction projects in the country and inevitably kept the activities going. Source : Master Builders Association of Malaysia Construction Industry Development Board of Malaysia Bank Negara Malaysia Quarterly Bulletin, First Quarter 2009 b) Liberalisation of the economy (since 2009) Apart from the stimulus of RM67 billion (Euro 16.75 billion) injected into the economy, the Malaysian government has also liberalized the economy since 2009 to attract foreign investment. The liberalisation has been applied to the services sector with the aim of creating a condusive environment to attract investments, technology and create higher-value employment opportunities. The services sector is in fact an important component of the national economy, contributing 55% to the gross domestic product in 2008. The government then aimed to increase the target to 60%.

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Apart from that, *Bumiputera quota of 30% on equity ownership (which was previously imposed) in 27 services sub-sectors has been removed. Recognising the growth potential in the services sector, the government decided to immediately liberalise 27 services sub-sectors with no equity conditions imposed. Prior to this, companies in the services sector must offer 30% of its equity to bumiputeras. The sub-sectors involved were health and social services, transport, business, computer industry and most importantly tourism services. The tourism services encompassed the development of theme parks, convention and exhibition centers as well as hotels and resorts and became the driving force to boost the construction sector. Source : Prime Ministers Department New Straits Times news article 23rd April 2009 * Bumiputera refers to the indigenous people of Malaysia 3. END OF 9TH MALAYSIA PLAN IMPORTANT ERA THAT HELPED CONSTRUCTION SECTOR TO GROW The Malaysia Plan is a 5-year economic programme set by the Malaysian government to run the country and improve the welfare status of its nation. The 9th Malaysia Plan (9MP) was a five-year blueprint of the National Mission, which was a carefully constructed framework that comprised of policies and implementation plans for the nation during the period of 2006-2010. The 9MP outlined the policies and key programmes that were designed to accomplish the following objectives : To move the economy up the value chain To raise the capacity for knowledge and innovation and nurture first class mentality To address persistent socio-economic inequalities constructively and productively To improve the standard and sustainability of quality of life To strengthen the institutional and implementation capacity During the period of 2006-2010, a total of RM220 billion (Euro 55.0 billion) was allocated for the 9MP, an increase of 17.6% over the 8th Malaysia Plan. Of this, a development budget of RM200 billion (Euro 50 billion) was for Strategic Initiatives and RM20 billion (Euro 5.0 billion) for the Private Finance Initiatives (PFI) mechanism which supported the private sector-led growth strategy. Under the 9MP, the Government has further streamlined, adopted new approaches and mechanisms, to enhance the efficiency of the privatisation programmes.

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Technically, the funds for construction under 9MP should have been utilized and the period of 2011-2012 sees the execution and implementation of the projects. Source : Construction Industry Development Board of Malaysia (Construction Opportunities in the Ninth Malaysia Plan) Ninth Malaysia Plan 2006-2010 (Economic Planning Unit, Prime Ministers Department) The Star press article 10th August 2009 3.1 10TH MALAYSIA PLAN The Tenth Malaysia Plan (10MP) which runs from 2011-2015 focuses on shifting the economy to a high value-added and high income economy through increase in productivity. This will be achieved through higher levels of input from human capital, adoption of new technologies and development of entrepreneurship to drive innovation and creativity. To achieve this, a few initiatives have been put in place including the Government Transformation Programme (GTP ; www.pemandu.gov.my/gtp/) and New Economic Model (NEM ; www.pmo.gov.my). For the implementation of these programmes, the Government has increased the gross development expenditure in the 10th Malaysia Plan. Part of this expenditure will go towards spending on construction jobs. During this Programme, it is estimated that there will be 52 high impact projects worth RM67.2 billion (Euro 16.8 billion) that will be implemented via privatization or public-private partnership agreements. Some of the projects to be considered in the pipeline are toll highways, coal fired power plants, rail projects, airports expansion, public housing, development of the Malaysian Rubber Board land (3,300 acres), setting up of hospitals and university campuses, development of a Media City, development of integrated transport terminal and privatization of a sea port. Source : Article : Economic Highlights : The Tenth Malaysia Plan 2011-2015 by RHB Invest, dated 10th June 2010.

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4. DEVELOPMENT TREND IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR Generally, the Malaysian construction sector is divided into four subsectors ; residential, non-residential, civil engineering and special trade works. Special trade works refer to mainly maintenance activities such as electrical, tiling, plumbing, painting and carpentry. Since the 1990s, the construction sector has undergone a series of ups and downs : In the period of 1989-1997, the construction sector registered a commendable growth of 14.3% vis--vis economic growth of 9.2%. The boom was caused by the implementation of several large-scale projects such as the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Petronas Twin Towers, Sepang International Circuit and the development of Putrajaya and Cyberjaya which today stand as the countrys famous iconic buildings. After this boom period, from 2000-2006, the number of construction projects escalated down tremendously as most of the large-scale projects have been completed and contractors were going through a difficult time particularly after the Asian Financial Crisis. During this time, the construction sector grew marginally by 0.7%. However, construction of new infrastructure projects between 2007-2011 resulted in an average growth rate of 5.9%. During this period, the country saw many developments in the rail, road and housing sectors. The Governments stimulus package implemented during 2008/2009 also played an important role in reviving the construction industry and subsequently the economy as a whole. 2011 also saw recovery in the residential and non-residential sectors. The public civil engineering projects moderated as compared to the private projects. Private sector construction activities have increased especially in the area of LNG regasification (oil & gas) and the development of oil terminal. Other activities that supported the growth of the construction sector included upgrading, repair and maintenance works of public buildings, construction of rural roads and works on improving the rural basic infrastructure. Due to favourable business activities and increased consumer spending, there was also demand for retail spaces, thus the number of shopping complexes and hotels also increased during this period. As for 2012, the sector expanded strongly by 18.9% in the first half of the year supported by strong activities in the residential and civil engineering subsectors. The future of the sector is foreseen to be robust given many construction projects in the pipeline.

Some of these projects are such as :

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MY Rapid Transit (MRT) MRT is an integration of Light Rail Transit (LRT), Monorail and KTM Komuter (commuter train) and intra/inter-city buses that will help alleviate traffic congestion. River of Life (aims to transform the Klang River into a vibrant and liveable waterfront with high economic value) Tun Razak Exchange (formerly known as the Kuala Lumpur International Financial District) Bandar Malaysia (affordable housing concept) LRT (Light Rail Transit) extension, and the Rubber Research Institute of Malaysia land development. Source : Economic Report 2012/2013 Economic Performance and Prospects, Ministry of Finance, Malaysia

4.1 Indicators of the construction sector :

Construction Indicators 2Q 2011 1H 1Q Annual change (%) 22.1 17.7 75.6 12.5 2012 2Q 1H

Housing approvals New housing sales and advertising permits Production1 construction-related materials Basic iron and steel Structural non-refractory clay and ceramic products Ready mix concerete Loans for construction activity Approval Disbursement
1 Industrial Production Index (2005=100)
Source : Ministry of Housing and Local Government, Department of Statistics, Malaysia and Bank Negara Malaysia

14.1 11.6

126.9 13.9

101.7 13.2

of

17.4

19.6

8.3

4.4

6.3

0.2 -11.1

6.1 -8.9

-10.9 3.3

1.0 9.1

-4.9 6.1

41.0

36.7

18.2

23.7

21.1

31.9 -3.6

30.8 3.7

38.2 16.0

-9.0 17.9

12.3 16.9

Source : Bank Negara Malaysia Quarterly Bulletin, Second Quarter 2012

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4.2 Number and value of projects awarded by status of contractors and project category as of June 2012

Project Category

Top row refers to value in Ringgit Malaysia million and bottom line in Euro million Exchange rate : Euro 1 = RM 4.00
Number of projects Total Project Value Total (RM mil) Local Contractors Government Private Projects Projects Total Value (RM mil) Total Value (RM mil) Foreign Contractors Government Private Projects Projects Total Value (RM mil) 316.22 79.00 Total Value (RM mil)

2010 (Euro mil) Residential (Euro mil) Non Residential (Euro mil) Social Ameneties (Euro mil) Infrastructure (Euro mil)

7,248

88,627.10 22,156.78 22,923.05 5,730.76 30,414.49 7,603.62

1,868

19,234.22 4,808.56 1,336.54 334.13 3,027.15 756.79

5,271

60,355.37 15,088.84 20,748.15 5,187.03 22,765.00 5,691.25

108

8,721.29 2,180.32 838.36 209.59 4,622.34 1,155.59

2,115

119

1,988

2,544

357

2,106

81

849

8,900.99 2,225.23

584

5,834.43 1,458.61

264

3,065.90 766.48

0.66 0.16

1,740

26,388.57 6,597.14

808

9,036.10 2,259.02

913

13,776.32 3,444.08

316.22 79.00

18

3,259.93 814.98

2011 (Euro mil) Residential (Euro mil) Non Residential (Euro mil) Social Ameneties (Euro mil) Infrastructure (Euro mil)

7,114

94,055.23 23,513.81 23,480.35 5,870.09 34,032.31 8,508.08

1,831

19,922.43 4,980.61 865.33 216.33 2,815.96 703.99

5,169

56,730.70 14,182.67 21,963.47 5,490.87 23,240.17 5,810.04

1,610.73 402.68 -

108

15,791.37 3,947.84 651.55 162,88 7,976.18 1,994.04

2,063

135

1,922

2,428

266

2,077

85

798

6,348.40 1,587.10

540

3,523.91 880.98

255

2,815.17 703.79

9.32 2.33

1,825

30,194.17 7,548.54

890

12,717.23 3,179.31

915

8,711.89 2,177.97

1,610.73 402.68

14

7,154.32 1,788.58

2012 (Euro mil) Residential (Euro mil) Non Residential (Euro mil) Social Ameneties (Euro mil) Infrastructure

2,050

29,027.66 7,256.91 8,608.48 2,152.12 10,127.30 2,531.83

459

5,614.38 1,403.59 391.02 97.76 815.64 203.91

1,565

22,743.83 5,685.96 8,216.63 2,054.16 8,810.33 2,202.58

144.86 36.21 -

25

524.59 131.15 0.83 0.21 356.47 89.12

570

27

542

739

83

638

144.86 36.21

17

229

1,740.50 435.12

167 761.64 190.41 182 3,646.08

62

978.86 244.72

512

8,551.38

323

4,378.01

167.29

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(Euro mil)

2,137.84

911.52

1,094.50

41.82

Total may not necessarily add up due to rounding

Source : CIDB Construction Industry Development Board, Malaysia

4.3 Number and value of projects awarded by status of contractors and work specialisation as of June 2012

Project Category

Top row refers to value in Ringgit Malaysia million and bottom line in Euro million Exchange rate : Euro 1 = RM 4.00
Number of projects Total Project Value Total (RM mil) Local Contractors Government Private Projects Projects Total Value (RM mil) Total Value (RM mil) Foreign Contractors Government Private Projects Projects Total Value (RM mil) 316.22 79.06 Total Value (RM mil)

2010 (Euro mil) Building (Euro mil) Civil Engineering (Euro mil) Electrical (Euro mil) Mechanical (Euro mil)

7,248

88,627.10 22,156.77 60,650.23 15,162.56 16,594.07 4,148.52

1,868

19,234 4,808.50 9,526.34 2,314.08 8,428.48 2,107.12

5,271

60,355 15,088.75 47,664.58 11,916.14 7,703.18 1,925.79

108

8,721 2,180.25 3,459.31 8,648.27 146.19 36.55

4,649

822

3,772

55

1,911

867

1,025

316.22 79.06

18

330

6,714.57 1,678.64 4,668.23 1,167.06

97

980.49 245.12 298.91 74.73

217

2,534.75 633.69 2,452.86 613.21

16

3,199.33 799.83 1,916.46 479.11

358

82

257

19

2011 (Euro mil) Building (Euro mil) Civil Engineering (Euro mil) Electrical (Euro mil) Mechanical (Euro mil)

7,114

94,055.22 23,513.81 57,821.76 14,455.44 22,079.19 5,519.79

1,831

19,922.42 4,908.60 6,480.43 1,602.11 11,611.14 2,902.78

5,169

56,730.70 14,182.67 44,400.93 11,100.23 7,656.38 1,914.09

1,610.74 402.68 -

108

15,791.36 3,947.84 6,940.39 1,735.10 1,221.42 305.36

4,494

755

3,679

60

2,032

925

1,079

1,590.25 397.56

26

285

8,374.48 2,093.62 5,779.80 1,444.95

54

964.17 241.04 866.68 216.67

221

1,239.75 309.94 3,433.64 858.41

20.49 5.12 -

6,150.07 1,537.52 1,479.48 369.87

303

97

190

16

2012 (Euro mil) Building (Euro mil)

2,050

29,027.65 7,256.91 19,641.57 4,910.39

459

5,614.38 1,403.59 2,265.32 566.33

1,565

22,743.83 5,685.96 16,863.52 4,215.88

144.86 36.21 144.86 36.21

25

524.58 131.45 367.87 91.97

1,347

230

1,099

17

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Civil Engineering (Euro mil) Electrical (Euro mil) Mechanical (Euro mil)

579

7,333.67 1,833.42

206

2,640.90 660.23

368

4,539.23 1,134.81

153.54 38.38

73

1,258.27 314.57 794.14 198.53

14

653.09 163.27 55.07 13.77

56

620.01 155.00 739.07 184.77

3.17 0.79 -

51

42

Total may not necessarily add up due to rounding

Source : CIDB Construction Industry Development Board, Malaysia

4.4 Number and value of projects awarded by status of contractors and type of contract as of June 2012

Project Category

Top row refers to value in Ringgit Malaysia million and bottom line in Euro million Exchange rate : Euro 1 = RM 4.00
Number of projects Total Project Value Total (RM mil) Local Contractors Government Private Projects Projects Total Value (RM mil) Total Value (RM mil) Foreign Contractors Government Private Projects Projects Total Value (RM mil) 316.22 79.05 Total Value (RM mil)

2010 (Euro mil)

7,248

88,627.10 22,156.78

1,868

19,234.00 4,808.50

5,271

60,355.36 15,088.84

108

8,721.29 2,180.32

Conventional (Euro mil) Design & Build (Euro mil) Turnkey (Euro mil) Built, Operate & Transfer (Euro mil) Engineering, Procurement, Construction & Commissioning (EPCC) (Euro mil)

6,975

81,785.47 20,446.37 4,619.86 1,154.96 2,057.25 514.31 39.27 9.82

1,785

18,217.12 4,554.28 851.25 212.81 145.84 36.46 20.03 5.00

5,089

55,060.22 13,765.06 3,444.79 861.20 1,705.85 426.46 19.24 4.81

316.22 79.05 -

100

8,191.91 2,047.98 323.82 80.96 205.56 51.39 -

180

67

110

85

13

67

125.26

125.26

31.31

31.31

2011 (Euro mil) Conventional (Euro mil) Design & Build

7,114

94,055.22 23,513.80 87,009.66 21,752.41 4,109.00

1,831

19,922.42 4,980.60 18,394.93 4,598.73 1,290.34

5,169

56,730.70 14,182.67 55,313.14 13,828.28 777.68

1,610.74 402.68 627.49 156.87 983.25

108

15,791.36 3,947.84 12,674.10 3,168.52 1,057.73

6,867

1,746

5,022

94

146

63

76

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(Euro mil) Turnkey (Euro mil) Built, Operate & Transfer (Euro mil) Engineering, Procurement, Construction & Commissioning (EPCC) (Euro mil) 78

1,027.25 2,684.40 671.10 20

322.58 230.56 57.64 52

194.42 397.89 99.47 -

245.81 6

264.43 2,055.95 513.99

26.03 6.50 226.14

26.03 6.51 215.96

19

6.60

15

3.58

56.53

1.65

53.99

0.89

2012 (Euro mil) Conventional (Euro mil) Design & Build (Euro mil) Turnkey (Euro mil) Built, Operate & Transfer (Euro mil) Engineering, Procurement, Construction & Commissioning (EPCC) (Euro mil)

2,050

29,027.65 7,256.91 26,673.12 6,668.28 1,531.25 382.81 722.91 180.73 63.84 15.96

459

5,614.38 1,403.60 4,496.58 1,124.14 1,092.17 273.04 17.34 4.33 8.29 2.07

1,565

22,743.83 5,685.96 21,622.73 5,405.68 394.60 98.65 634.42 158.61 55.55 13.89

144.86 36.21 144.86 36.21 -

25

524.58 131.14 408.95 102.24 44.48 11.12 71.15 17.79 -

1,936

421

1,492

22

66

34

30

26

23

12

10

10

36.53

10

36.53

9.13

9.13

Total may not necessarily add up due to rounding

Source : CIDB Construction Industry Development Board, Malaysia

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5. The 10TH MALAYSIA PLAN AND THE IMPACT ON THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR Recently, the Malaysian Government has come up with several programmes such as the 1Malaysia concept, New Economic Model, Government Transformation Programme (GTP) and Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) aimed at improving the countrys social status, integration, higher income status and economic transformation. The end of 2010 marked the end of 9th Malaysia Plan and now the country is run by the 10th Malaysia Plan which lasts from 2011 until 2015 (5-year plan). The implementation of the development programmes and projects spill-over (from the 9th Malaysia Plan) will be realized through the Tenth and Eleventh Malaysia Plans (10MP and 11MP). Briefly, the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) is a detailed programme on what needs to be done with Malaysian economy over the next ten years, to achieve high-income nation status target. It is anchored on a clear implementation roadmap with strong performance management and transparency. The Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) is anchored on 12 National Key Economic Areas (NKEAs), which are drivers of economic activities that have the potential to contribute to the growth of Malaysia. The 12 NKEAs are : oil, gas and energy ; communications content and infrastructure ; tourism ; palm oil ; business services ; financial services ; healthcare ; wholesale and retail ; education ; agriculture ; electrical and electronics ; and greater KL (dynamic city). As for the Six Government Transformation Programme (GTPs), they are : o Reducing crime o Fighting corruption o Improving student outcomes o Raising living standards of low-income households o Improving rural basic infrastructure o Improving urban public transport

6. PROJECTS HIGHLIGHT Overall, in the 10th MP, there is an allocation of RM230 billion (Euro 57.5 billion) development fund and RM20 billion (Euro 5.0 billion) facilitation fund where out of the RM230 billion (Euro 57.5 billion), 60% or RM138 billion (Euro 34.5 billion) will be spent on physical development to be undertaken directly by the construction sector. On the other hand, the RM20 billion (Euro 5.0 billion) facilitation fund will open doors to the private sector and investments worth RM200 billion (Euro 50.0 billion) is estimated to roll in which will involve the construction sector.

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In 10MP commencing 2011, the private sector will resume the role as the engine of growth. In 2011, private investment is estimated to expand 12.5% to RM86 billion (Euro 21.5 billion). The implementation of the 12 National Key Economic Areas (NKEA) is expected to generate investment exceeding RM1.3 trillion or Euro 0.3 trillion and create 3.3 million job opportunities. The private sector will finance 92% of the NKEA and the remaining by the Government. Government will intensify the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and several PPP projects identified under the 10MP will be implemented in 2011 through private investment. Some of the projects are as follow : Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system will be implemented beginning July 2011. Involves estimated investment of RM36 billion (Euro 9.0 billion) and will be the largest infrastructure project ever undertaken by the country. Covers 60 km and 35 stations and is expected to be completed by 2020. The MRT will generate 130,000 jobs during its construction. It is also expected to generate a gross national income of between RM3-4 billion (Euro 0.7 1.0 billion) per annum from 2011 to 2020 from direct construction and operations and another RM8 billion (Euro 2.0 billion) and RM12 billion (Euro 3.0 billion) as a result of its multiplier impact. Mixed development comprising residential properties, commercial properties, industrial and infrastructure facilities at the Malaysian Rubber Boards land measuring 2,680 acres. Estimated at RM10 billion (Euro 2.5 billion) and expected completion in 2025. Public projects involving upgrading and maintenance of schools, construction of new blocks, upgrading hospitals, flood mitigation programme, upgrading of rural infrastructure as well as construction of public houses for low income group. This project will come to a total of RM6 billion (Euro 1.5 billion) and it will be implemented through the Special Stimulus Package. RP2 (Second Rolling Plan) will be implemented starting 2012. The main initiatives under RP2 include the double tracking rail project, highway and road projects and the redevelopment of an old air base. RP2 will be allocated RM98.4 billion (Euro 24.6 billion) with RM49.2 billion (Euro 12.3 billion) each in 2012 and 2013. In 2012, the existing five regional corridors will also be further developed. Among the projects to be implemented are the construction of Johor Bahru-Nusa Jaya coastal highway in Iskandar, Johor ; heritage tourism development in Northern Corridor ; agropolitan scheme in the East Coast Economic Region ; palm oil industrial cluster project in Sabah Development Corridor (East Malaysia)

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and Samalaju water supply in the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (East Malaysia). To develop Kuala Lumpur International Financial District (KLIFD) valued at RM26 billion (Euro 6.5 billion). The project which is aimed at strengthening the countrys position in the financial services sector, will be developed in phases on a 30.35 ha piece of land using green technology to promote sustainable development. Major international banks and professional financial services firms will be located at KLIFD. To accelerate this development, the Government has proposed several incentives including income tax exemption as well as industrial building and accelerated capital allowance.
Source : National 2012 Budget 10th Malaysia Plan

7.

TOURISM

The tourism industry is one of the key economic growth sectors, contributing almost 12% to GDP. Total revenue generated from the tourism sector is estimated to increase to RM62 billion (Euro 15.5 billion) in 2012. In conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2013/2014, the Government has allocated RM358 million (Euro 89.5 million) under development expenditure, an increase of 42%, to target 26.8 million tourist arrivals. To cater to the expected influx of tourists to Malaysia in the next few years, there are many hotel projects in the pipeline. Particularly for hot tourists spots such as Pulau Langkawi, the island will be re-developed. The Langkawi Five Year Tourism Development Master Plan will be launched with an allocation of RM420 million (Euro 105.0 million). The re-development includes restructuring the Langkawi Development Authority, setting up a park rangers unit, upgrading museums, beaches and small businesses as well as providing a more efficient transportation system. In addition, foreign investors are also targeting Malaysia as a suitable destination to expand their groups operations. Among the interested groups are Frances Accor, the leading operator of hotels in the Asia Pacific which plans to expand its hotel fleet by opening 10 new hotels in Malaysia by end-2014. Some of it will be ready as early as 2012. The range of hotels will include Pullman, Novotel and Ibis-Style. With this development, it is expected that another 2,500 additional jobs will be created.

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Apart from that, Bulgari Hotel is also in talk with some interested parties on the possibility of opening up resort hotels in tourist attractions area such as Penang, Langkawi and Kota Kinabalu in East Malaysia.
Source : News article from The Star (28th September 2012) Budget 2013 : Tax breaks, affordable housing and cash for the needy .

7.1 LANGKAWI TOURISM BLUEPRINT 2011-2015 To boost tourism in Malaysia, the Government has set to develop the island of Langkawi to become one of the worlds top eco-tourism destination. The Langkawi Tourism Blueprint 2011-2015 was launched on 8th December 2011 with an action plan of RM5 billion (Euro 1.25 billion). For this amount, 52% will be generated by the private sector. The plan aims to develop the island into a top-notch vacation destinations such as Bali, Mauritius, Hawaii and Maldives. With the implementation of the blueprint, it is expected that tourists arrivals in Langkawi will reach 3 million and boost the islands tourism income to RM3.8 billion (Euro 0.95 billion) in 2015. The blueprint will look into three areas for the plan to materialize, that is to offer the basic needs to the tourists including setting up hotels, restaurants, entertainment and attractive destinations while the second is to put in place good infrastructure to give tourists the feel good experience and thirdly to invest in community development and marketing.
Source : National 2012 Budget Article Accor to add 10 hotels in Malaysia New Straits Times, 1st Nov 2011 Article New Bulgari Hotel could be coming to Malaysia, www.homeguru.com.my, 27th April 2011 Article Langkawi Action Plan The Sun, 9th December 2011

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8. DEVELOPMENT IN GROWTH CORRIDORS In the previous 9th Plan Period, the Government has successfully developed and promoted growth in 5 designated economic corridors such as the ones stated below :
Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) Development period : 2007 - 2025 Area : 17,816 sq km Strengths : agriculture, electrical & electronic, oil & gas, biotechnology, automotive, logistics infrastructure Web : www.ncer.com.my Iskandar Malaysia Development period : 2006 2025 Area : 2,217 sq km Strengths : urban development, educational facilities and R&D centers, logistic infrastructure, international resorts and theme parks, healthcare Web : www.iskandarinvestment.com ; www.iskandarmalaysia.com.my

Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) Development period : 2008 2030 Area : 70,708 sqm Strengths : oil-based industry, aluminium, steel, glass, palm oil, tourism, timber-based, livestock, acquaculture and marine engineering Web : www.sarawakscore.com.my

Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) Development period : 2008 2025 Area : 73,997 sqm Strengths : agriculture, furniture, biotechnology, oil & gas, sustainable materials, logistics Web : www.sdc.net.my

East Coast Economic Region (ECER) Development period : 2007 2020 Area :66,736 sq km Strengths : agriculture & acquaculture base, bioresources (oil palm, tobacco), oil, gas and petrochemical, automotive/transport equipment, boat building Web : www.ecerdc.com

As for the 10th Malaysia Plan, the aim is to : Accelerate growth through collaboration with private sector to develop priority industries ; Focusing on selected sectors and clusters with definite competitive advantage to maximize impact and focus execution ; Creating more employment opportunities through encouraging more private investments and facilitating coordination between agencies and supporting ecosystems ; Identify major investors to spearhead development of the corridors ; and In view of this, RM978 million (Euro 244.5 million) has been allocated in the Budget 2012 for this purpose.

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Thus, the Malaysias 5 Regional Economic Growth Corridors present great opportunities to the construction sector through the development of infrastructure. For the period of 2011-2015, the focus of each corridor are as follows : Iskandar Malaysia This corridor is located in Johor, a southern state in Peninsula Malaysia which has attracted investment worth RM59 billion (Euro 14.75 billion) as at February 2010 with 38% actualized in the area of manufacturing, properties, utilities, tourism and logistics. For the whole development period of 10th Malaysia Plan, more investments will be channeled into the areas of education, healthcare, finance, creative industry, logistics and tourism. Among the projects now are the Johor Premium Outlet and MSC Cyberport City. The mentioned development will create economic spin-offs and thus boost the infrastructure projects including road construction in the city center, improvement in the public transport system and City Transformation Project. Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) As mentioned in the name itself, the area covers mainly 4 states in the northern region of Peninsula Malaysia. The states are Kedah, Pulau Pinang, Perlis and four northern districts in Perak. The nature of activities in this area are agriculture, manufacturing and services. The key targeted projects include : Transforming the area into technology driven and efficient food production hub. To move up the manufacturing value chain with high-value added activities. To be a premier tourist destination. Leveraging on its modern and equipped logistics system to become a major trading center in this region. East Coast Economic Region (ECER) Covers the state of Kelantan, Pahang, Terengganu and a part of Johor. Rich with its natural resources, the ECER development plan during the 10th Malaysia Plan would be to develop the sector of tourism, oil, gas and petrochemical manufacturing, agriculture and education. Specific focus is given to special gazetted area namely ECER Special Economic Zone (ECER SEZ). Sarawak Corridor Renewable Energy (SCORE) SCORE is known for its abundant resources for renewable energy especially hydropower. Located in the central region of Sarawak, the state boasts of many rivers that can be used to generate hydropower and thus is a target for investments in power generation. Among the projects to be developed are the development of

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Port City and Halal Hub, development of new heavy industry center, marine engineering and tourism. Greater private industries participation is likely to promote growth in these sectors. Sabah Development Corridor The Strategic Development Area (SDAs) has been targeted for the development of Sabah Corridor. Sectors involved are mainly Agro-related including better production of food crops, livestocks, fisheries and aquaculture, halal products as well as utilizing biotechnology in the process. Apart from that, Sabah is also similar to Sarawak in having rich supply of oil and gas. Thus, one of the aim is also to develop its oil and gas cluster which involves setting up petrochemical complex, creating oil and gas support services, oil refineries and tank farms as well as power plants.
Source : 2012 Budget Report 10th Malaysia Plan

8.1 UPDATE ON GROWTH CORRIDORS Cumulative Investments in Five Economic Growth Corridors (RM billion)
Exchange rate : Euro 1 = RM 4.00 End - June 20121 Corridor Committed Realised 112.0 28.0 95.5 23.75 32.7 8.17 25.9 6.47 24.6 6.15 12.0 3.0 41.4 10.35 22.0 5.5 25.9 6.47 9.4 2.35 Jan June 2012 Committed Realised 36.0 9.0 10.7 2.67 11.9 2.97 8.5 2.12 3.4 0.85 9.5 2.38 3.6 0.9 1.0 0.25 8.5 2.12 1.7 0.42

SDC (Euro bil) Iskandar Malaysia (Euro bil) ECER (Euro bil) NCER (Euro bil) SCORE (Euro bil)
1

From launching date of respective corridors until end-June 2012. Source : Unit Kerjasama Awam Swasta (UKAS) and respective corridors

Source : Economic Report 2012 / 2013 Economic Performance and Prospects * UKAS Public Private Partnership Unit (Prime Ministers Department)

The economic corridors have attracted substantial investments ever since they were launched. Many development projects have taken place during the 9th Malaysia Plan

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and the current 10th Malaysia Plan. These projects have provided growth opportunity to the construction sector due to their multiplier effects. In the first six months of 2012, the corridors have received investments for the following projects : Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) - POIC (Palm Oil Industrial Cluster) in Lahad Datu and Sandakan - Keningau Integrated Livestock Centre - Sabah Agro-Industrial Precint at Kimanis Iskandar Malaysia - ATT Tanjung Bin Terminal Phase 2 - Dato Onn International Specialist Hospital At Iskandar, apart from the recently received projects, several other key projects have been progressing at various phases of development which include : - Johor Premium Outlets (JPO) It was officially opened in December 2011 with over 80 designers and branded stores. - LEGOLAND Malaysia Theme Park Opened in September 2012, it is the first LEGOLAND in Asia with seven unique themed areas. - Pinewood Iskandar Malaysia Studios Expected to be operational by end-2013. It aims to spur the development of Iskandar Malaysia as a regional and international film production hub. - Educity It is a fully integrated knowledge-based hub comprising renowned universities and international schools. These include Newcastle Medical University, Netherlands Maritime Institute of Technology, Raffles University Iskandar, University of Southampton, University of Reading as well as international schools such as Raffles American School and Malborough College Malaysia. East Coast Economic Region (ECER) - worlds first bioisobutanol factory in Kertih BioPolymer Park, Terengganu - tourism projects in Mersing, Johor

Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) - manufacturing in the Electrical &Electronics subsector

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Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) - manufacturing in Samalaju Industrial Park

Source : Economic Report 2012 / 2013 Economic Performance and Prospects, Ministry of Finance Malaysia

CONCLUSION The Malaysian construction scene is set for great development with the ongoing implementation of the 10th Malaysia Plan. Given the development allocations and facilitation funds, the industry is set to benefit from the abundant opportunities that will arise from the plan. These opportunities including high impact projects will create multiplier effects that will enhance the demand and domestic growth for the entire economy especially the construction sector. Niche sectors such as the development of green townships and sustainable living are also areas which Malaysia is pursuing. Apart from technology, human expertise is also needed to propagate the achievement of an high income economy. The industry needs to transform its resources in the area of knowledge, entrepreneurial, competency and innovation. As such, the opportunities for foreign collaboration and partnership is great.

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