The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) reported a mixed trend in the prices of key construction materials across the country in April 2025, with increases in sand and cement prices, while steel continued its downward trajectory.
According to DOSM’s latest report, the unit price index of sand rose between 0.1% and 3.8% across most regions in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak compared to March. The sharpest increase was seen in Pahang (3.8%), followed by Perak (2.9%), with Johor and Kuching both recording 1.6% hikes.
In contrast, the unit price index of steel saw a continued decline, falling between 0.1% and 3.4% in April. The steepest drops were recorded in Pulau Pinang, Kedah & Perlis, and Kota Kinabalu (each down 3.4%). Pahang (-0.8%) and Kuching (-0.6%) also experienced decreases. This marks the fourth consecutive month of falling steel prices.
Similarly, steel and metal sections registered a decrease ranging from 0.1% to 2.6%, with Perak again recording the most significant decline at 2.6%.
Looking at an annual comparison from April 2024 to April 2025, the unit price index of cement increased by up to 3.5%, with Johor and Tawau leading the rise, followed by Pahang (3.3%). On the other hand, steel prices dropped significantly year-on-year, with reductions ranging from 1.1% to 17.2%, the largest of which was in Perak (-17.2%).
As for the average prices of selected materials, Ordinary Portland cement rose slightly by 0.2% to RM23.70 per 50kg bag in April, compared to RM23.60 in March. Meanwhile, the average price of steel, including mild steel round bars and Mycon 60 high tensile deformed bars, dipped by 0.4% to RM3,490.80 per metric tonne, down from RM3,505.30 in March.
The latest data reflects broader cost dynamics in the construction sector, with certain materials becoming more expensive due to supply constraints or demand pressures, while others—particularly steel—continue to decline amid global market adjustments.
