The Unit Price Index Of Building Materials

A month-on-month comparison of construction materials and selected areas showed an increase in the unit price index for selected materials such as steel, steel and metal sections, and cement for all areas of Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak.

The unit price index of steel, which recorded a slight increase of 0.9 per cent as compared to February 2023 (1.5%). The increase in the price index of steel was in tandem with the increasing trend of the iron ore and steel prices at the global level.

Other than steel, cement as one of the most important components in the construction industry, also registered increase in price. The unit price index of cement rose by 1.1 per cent in March 2023 as compared to February 2023. However, the increase was at a slower rate as compared to the last two months. Among the main factors contributing to the price increase were the rise in production costs, including the price of raw materials such as limestone, coal (which is used in burning process), energy, and shipping costs.

In addition, a year-on-year comparison of the unit price index on building materials recorded an increase between 1.2 and 10.2 per cent in March 2023 as compared the same month a year ago.

The unit price index for cement and bricks and walls increased by 10.2 per cent and 8.0 per cent respectively in March 2023 as compared to March last year. Meanwhile, the unit price index for steel recorded a decrease of 0.6 per cent.

Average Price of Selected Building Materials

The average price per unit of steel consisting of mild steel round bars and Mycon 60 high tensile deformed bars was RM3,691.66 per metric tonne, recording a 0.8 per cent increase as compared to the previous month (February 2023: RM3,662.23 per metric tonne).

The average price of cement (Ordinary Portland) also increased 1.1 per cent to RM22.40/ 50 kg as compared to RM22.15/ 50 kg (February 2023).

The full publication of Special Release 2 (For Building and Structural Works), March 2023 can be downloaded through eStatistik portal.

Released by:

DEPARTMENT OF STATISTICS MALAYSIA
7 April 2023

Contact person:

Baharudin Mohamad 
Public Relation Officer
Strategic Communication and International Division
Department of Statistics Malaysia
Tel : +603-8885 7942
Fax : +603-8888 9248
Email: baharudin[at]dosm.gov.my