{
  "id": 11352484,
  "title": "CIDB: Act 520 amendment won't lift construction costs",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/cidb-act-520-amendment-wont-lift-construction-costs",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-02T04:17:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/business/corporate/2026/10/1546044/cidb-act-520-amendment-wont-lift-construction-costs"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The CIDB deputy chief executive, Datuk Dr Ts Gerald Sundaraj, has stated that the recent amendment to the Fourth Schedule of Act 520 is unlikely to cause an increase in construction material prices. The main objective of the amendment, according to Gerald, is to ensure that construction products and materials used in Malaysia comply with the required standards, rather than adding unnecessary costs to the industry. He expressed confidence that this amendment would not affect the price of goods but would provide assurance that developers, builders, and contractors are using quality products. Gerald emphasized that the use of quality materials would also ensure better performance during the maintenance phase, as they tend to last longer and require fewer replacements. He explained that testing costs would vary depending on the type of construction product and the necessary tests, such as tensile tests for rebar, rather than having a standard fee. The six-month transition period for compliance, beginning in February 2027, should be sufficient for industry players to adjust, as it is not the first time the Fourth Schedule has been modified.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: The latest amendment to the Fourth Schedule of Act 520 is unlikely to drive up construction material prices, according to Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) deputy chief executive (operations) Datuk Dr Ts Gerald Sundaraj.",
  "key_points": [
    "CIDB deputy chief executive states amendment unlikely to raise construction costs",
    "Act 520 amendment aims to ensure compliance with required standards",
    "Quality materials will improve performance and reduce maintenance replacements"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The amendment to Act 520 ensures construction materials meet required standards without adding unnecessary costs, providing assurance of quality products and potentially reducing long-term maintenance expenses.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}