KUALA LUMPUR – The Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) has launched the Cement Rahmah Initiative to help mitigate the impact of rising construction costs on affordable housing projects priced below RM300,000 per unit.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kar Ming said the scheme, in collaboration with the Malaysia Cement and Concrete Association, aims to make housing development more sustainable amid global economic uncertainty.
“Through Cement Rahmah initiative, we are aiming to offer cement packs at a price much lower than the market rate,” he said during the preview of Archidex 2026.
Nga highlighted that ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are placing additional pressure on the property and construction sectors, particularly through fluctuating prices of key building materials such as steel, cement, and reinforced bars.
“Key building materials such as steel, cement and reinforced bars are among the inputs most likely to see price volatility should the conflict persists,” he said.
The Tluk Intan MP also noted that the government is leveraging Malaysia’s position as a net energy exporter to bolster fiscal resilience.
“Furthermore, Malayan Government is also leveraging Malaysia’s position as a net energy exporter to build a robust fiscal buffer,” he said.
According to Nga, rationalising operating expenditure could unlock up to RM10 billion in savings, which will be redirected into critical sectors and targeted subsidies. He emphasised the Madani government’s commitment to maintaining fuel subsidies and welfare assistance programmes to help Malaysians cope with the rising cost of living.
On affordable housing, Nga said the government exceeded its 12th Malaysia Plan target by approving and constructing 511,544 units.
“Last year, finally, we surpassed our target to approve and build the construction of more than 500,000 affordable housing units under the Twelfth Malaysia plan (12MP). We managed to achieve 511,544 units of affordable homes,” he added.
He also announced that ‘FastTrack’ approvals would continue for developers building affordable housing projects.
Beyond housing, Nga highlighted government efforts to improve public hygiene nationwide, noting that over 12,000 public toilets have been upgraded in partnership with the Education Ministry.
Nga stressed the government would not compromise on cleanliness enforcement, revealing that more than 4,000 littering offenders had been penalised.
“They are actually paying 2,000 compound to us,” he said, adding that offenders were also required to carry out community service, including sweeping roads and cleaning drains for up to 12 hours.
On public safety, Nga revealed plans to install 10,000 high-definition CCTV cameras with facial recognition across Kuala Lumpur to reduce crime and enhance urban security.
“We are going to instal 10,000 CCTVs, and all CCTVs are high definition with facial recognition,” he said, adding that the government aims to position Kuala Lumpur among the world’s top ten safest cities.
The minister spoke during the preview of ARCHIDEX 2026 and the ASEAN Real Estate Conference (AREC), set to run from July 29 to August 1 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre. Nga noted that this year’s edition would be the largest in the event’s history, with 39,000 square metres of exhibition space, over 900 exhibitors, and more than 2,200 booths. – May 12, 2026