{
  "id": 13111079,
  "title": "Expand price variation clause to other materials, says builders’ group",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/expand-price-variation-clause-to-other-materials-says-builders-group-13111079",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-09T11:25:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/10/09/expand-price-variation-clause-to-other-materials-says-builders-group"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Builders' group, MBAM, has urged Malaysian authorities to broaden the application of the price variation clause (VOP) to materials other than diesel and bitumen. President Kenneth Liew welcomed the reintroduction of the clause in the 2027 budget, stating it aids in managing increasing diesel and bitumen costs. Liew also advocated for revisiting the RM100 million allocated to address flash floods in the Klang Valley through enhanced flood retention ponds and river maintenance. He expressed concern over the meager size of the Klang Valley flood allocation in comparison to the magnitude of the issue. Liew highlighted that certain public infrastructure projects, such as the elevated autonomous rapid transit project in Johor Bahru and the Lebir dam in Kelantan, are still in the planning or agreement stages. He stressed the need for clearer implementation timelines, funding commitments, and procurement schedules for these projects to benefit industry players. Liew further welcomed the implementation of the Government Procurement Act next year, emphasizing that transparent, rule-based procurement will safeguard public funds and contractors. He expressed optimism about the 2027 budget's potential to strengthen infrastructure, boost economic activity, and generate employment opportunities for Malaysian businesses and workers.",
  "summary": "Master Builders Association Malaysia says the budget's success must be measured by timely delivery of projects and the quality of infrastructure.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Expand price variation clause to other materials, says builders’ group",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/expand-price-variation-clause-to-other-materials-says-builders-group",
        "published": "2026-10-09T11:25:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}