Resuming construction sector will benefit subsectors, small players

RESTARTING construction projects and related services would help the country cushion the economic fallout from the coronavirus. The sector, which accounts for almost 5% of the country’s estimated RM1.3 trillion economy, has tanked since the Movement Control Order (MCO) was imposed, but the government has relaxed selective construction activities. The segment has experienced among the biggest negative chain effects compared to other segments. Socio-Economic Research Centre ED Lee Heng Guie said the sector’s economic contribution is about 4.5% of the GDP, but it interrelates to 140 subsectors.