Mega Projects, Buildings Must Address Public Welfare, Societal Needs — PM Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 10 (Bernama) -- Mega projects and buildings must address public welfare and societal needs as ignoring these risks would fuel frustration and resentment, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said the transformation of the construction industry must ultimately translate into tangible benefits, including affordable housing, to avoid a disconnect between development and the welfare of the majority.

“Our focus is on development, which is correct. Our focus is on growth and construction, which is practical. But when we lack understanding of societal needs, we will only invite resentment,” he said in his keynote address at the opening ceremony of the International Construction Week 2026 here today. 

Anwar expressed concern over gigantic projects and buildings that have no relevance to the welfare of the majority, pointing to frustrations in many cities where societal needs have been largely ignored.

Recalling the works of prominent development economists such as Samir Amin of Egypt and Malek Bennabi of Algeria, Anwar said the concept of “indigenisation” is critical to avoid blindly copying foreign urban models.  

“Yes, you must learn and adopt the best from the West and the East, but you must always remember it must fit into your own domestic national requirements, that is precisely why we fail in developing many of the cities.

“Cities, modern cities, not necessarily only involve the construction industry, but it reflects also the issue of the entire planning and governance, hence (modelling) Kuala Lumpur like London or New York is absurd because of the different climate, different environment and different priorities,” he said.

He also commended the Works Ministry for taking these needs into account in crafting its growth agenda, stressing that they form part of the economic framework and are not only relevant to ministries overseeing the environment or economy.

He said the 13th Malaysia Plan sets a target of delivering 500,000 affordable homes by 2030, as part of the wider national aspiration of one million homes between 2026 and 2035.

“Now, technology must help us deliver these homes more efficiently, without compromising, of course, safety, quality and liveability.

“And I would add cost,” he said, stressing that competitiveness must be key in the tender process.

On modular construction, Anwar said the roadmap must be supported by stronger domestic and manufacturing capabilities, investment, market demand, skilled talent, and an enabling policy and regulatory environment.

He said this must encompass concerns over material quality, building facades that maintain their beauty with an indigenous touch, and the environment.

Otherwise, he said, the industry risks returning to the formation of concrete jungles that ignore environmental quality and societal welfare.

Anwar also stressed the need to develop an ecosystem in which companies are not merely users of modular technology but active participants in its development, production and commercialisation.

He said construction must take into account technology, cost, environmental preservation and beauty, rather than focusing solely on buildings.

– BERNAMA