KUALA LUMPUR (April 1): The government’s green light to continue 121 infrastructure projects worth almost RM14 billion is a shot in the arm for the construction industry, said Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM).

“The announcement is definitely a great confidence booster for the construction industry, as the general sentiments before the announcement was that there were not many projects on the ground in the first quarter of 2019,” said its president Foo Chek Lee.

Yesterday, the government announced that a total of 121 infrastructure projects valued at RM13.93 billion nationwide offered through direct negotiations and limited tenders by the previous Barisan Nasional Government will continue, after price negotiations by the Pakatan Harapan Government resulted in cost savings of RM805.99 million, reducing the amount to RM13.13 billion.

Foo said the announcement would not only help boost the construction economy, but would also generate employment for those involved in the construction industry value chain.

“MBAM is very appreciative that the Government made the announcement at a critical time for the construction industry, as we begin the second quarter of 2019,” he added.