By Chan Wei Chao (REN 39846), Team Leader, Bricksmen Team · IQI Realty Sdn. Bhd. · Updated 11 November 2026
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged Malaysia to build its own modular construction industry to help deliver affordable homes, instead of relying on imported systems. He was speaking at the opening of International Construction Week and BuildXpo Malaysia 2026 at MITEC, Kuala Lumpur, on 10 November 2026.
What modular construction is
In modular construction, building parts are made in a factory and then transported to the site for assembly. Done well, it can make building faster and more consistent than building everything on site.
What Anwar said
- Build local capability: Malaysian companies should develop, manufacture and commercialise modular technology, and eventually export it.
- What is needed: investment, market demand, skilled workers, supportive policies and regulations, and stronger local manufacturing.
- Quality first: technology must improve housing delivery while keeping safety, quality and liveability, and costs must be controlled.
- Design for Malaysia: the modular roadmap should cover material quality, facades with a local identity and environmental protection, rather than copying London or New York. He warned against creating “concrete jungles”.
- Support SMEs: smaller local contractors should get access to training, technology and business opportunities.
- Procurement: competitive, transparent tenders to control costs.
The housing targets
| Target | Details |
|---|---|
| 13th Malaysia Plan | 500,000 affordable homes by 2030 |
| Wider aspiration | One million homes between 2026 and 2035 |
What it means for Penang buyers
Modular construction will not change prices overnight, and no cost or time-saving figures were given. If it scales up, it could help more affordable homes get built faster. For now, buyers should still judge each project on the developer’s track record, location and price. Read our recent reports on Penang home prices versus local incomes and the proposed shared ownership model.
Affordable and lower-priced projects in Penang:
| Project | Area | Indicative price | Completion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taman Harmoni Vista | Teluk Kumbar | RM300,000–RM400,000 | 2027 |
| Iconic Harmony | Bukit Mertajam | From RM330,000 | 2028 |
| Harbour View Residence | Butterworth | RM417,000–RM549,000 | Q1 2029 |
| Laguna Bay Residences | Teluk Kumbar | From RM432,000 | 2027 |
Frequently asked questions
What is modular construction?
Building parts are made in a factory, then transported to site and assembled.
What is the government’s affordable housing target?
500,000 affordable homes by 2030 under the 13th Malaysia Plan, and one million homes between 2026 and 2035.
Will modular homes be cheaper?
No cost figures were given. Anwar said costs must be controlled while keeping safety and quality.
Looking for an affordable home in Penang?
Tell me your budget and I’ll shortlist projects that fit. WhatsApp or call +60 10-313 9113.
Sources
- EdgeProp: Anwar urges local modular construction push for affordable housing
- The Edge Malaysia: Malaysia targets one million affordable homes by 2035 with modular construction technology
This article is general information based on published reports as of 11 November 2026. It is not investment advice; project prices are indicative and depend on availability.