KOTA BHARU, May 21 — The increase in diesel prices has affected the construction industry, with building material costs currently rising by between 20 and 30 per cent, said the Malaysian Housing Contractors Association (PKPM).

PKPM president Dr Muhsin Abdul Ghani said the situation has also led to construction costs rising by around 10 to 15 per cent compared with before, causing some customers to take a more cautious approach, including postponing plans to build homes.

“There are some customers who panic and hit the brakes, while others remain positive and continue with their construction projects. When prices go up, they usually do not come down again.

“Rising construction costs have also pushed up house prices by around 10 to 15 per cent compared with before. In Kelantan, houses that previously cost around RM150 to RM160 per square foot to build have now risen to between RM170 and RM180 per square foot,” he told reporters at the PKPM Home Building Expo 2026 here today.

“In Kuala Lumpur, construction costs can reach between RM250 and RM300 per square foot, leading to a drop in sales of around 30 to 50 per cent,” he said, adding there are concerns that rising costs could create opportunities for scam syndicates promoting prices well below market value to lure buyers.

“Scammers are highly skilled at convincing customers through persuasive promotions, leaving buyers easily misled by cheap housing offers that risk becoming abandoned projects,” he said.

Muhsin said the association would propose that the government grant income tax exemptions to individuals building homes, as an incentive to support the construction sector. — Bernama

 

GUA MUSANG, May 20 — A temporary diversion on the Gua Musang-Lojing road, closed since December 3 last year due to a landslide, will open from Thursday (May 21).

Kelantan Public Works, Infrastructure, Water, and Rural Development Committee chairman Datuk Dr Izani Husin said reopening the route is crucial to restoring transport connectivity between Kelantan, Pahang, and Perak, which has been disrupted since the landslide.

“The reopening of this route is undoubtedly important in restoring the transport network and revitalising the interstate economic sectors, particularly involving agriculture, tourism, and logistics.

“On behalf of the state government, we will continue to do our best. I also express my appreciation to the Ministry of Works and the Works Minister for their concern and close cooperation in addressing this issue,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Since the route is a temporary diversion, he advised motorists to stay cautious when passing through the area.

It was previously reported that Section 107.6 of the Gua Musang-Lojing Road (FT185) at Pos Blau had collapsed, believed to have been caused by underground water movement. — Bernama 

KUALA BERANG, May 17 — A civil servant was arrested after police discovered firearms and suspected drugs in his possession during a patrol operation conducted by the Hulu Terengganu District Police Headquarters on May 10.

Hulu Terengganu police chief Sharudin Abdul Wahab said the suspect, a man in his 40s, was detained by personnel from the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Division at about 6.20pm by the roadside in Kampung Tok Lawit near here.

He said inspections uncovered two pistols, two kerambit blades, a pair of handcuffs and several transparent packets believed to contain drugs.

“While patrolling around Kampung Tok Lawit, police stopped a Nissan Grand Livina multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) due to expired road tax and insurance.

“However, the suspect’s suspicious behaviour prompted further inspection, which led to the discovery of a pistol, kerambit, handcuffs and plastic packets suspected to contain drugs inside the vehicle,” he said in a statement today.

Sharudin said a urine screening found the suspect, who is from Kelantan, tested positive for methamphetamine and also had a criminal record related to narcotics offences.

Initial investigations also revealed that the suspect allegedly obtained the firearm from a man in Jeli, Kelantan.

Police are still investigating the purpose and use of the firearm. The suspect’s remand has been extended for another five days, starting today, to assist investigations under Section 8 of the Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act 1971.

The investigation also involves Section 8 of the Arms Act 1960, Section 6 of the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act 1958, Section 89 of the Police Act 1967 and Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, he said. — Bernama