Malaysian Construction Material Prices Rise in May 2026

The price index for iron units experienced a notable increase between 0.1% and 1.3% in May 2026, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM). The highest monthly rise for iron was recorded in Pahang, reaching 1.3%, followed by Sibu and Miri, each seeing an 0.8% increase.

Sand prices also climbed during May 2026, with month-on-month changes ranging from 0.4% to 9.7%. Sandakan registered the most significant increase at 9.7%, while Johor and Sibu both saw a 3.7% rise. Similarly, the price index for aggregate units saw month-on-month increases between 0.3% and 4.7% across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak. Sandakan again recorded the highest jump at 4.7%, followed by Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, and Negeri Sembilan at 3.9%, and Johor at 3.6%.

Cement prices, meanwhile, showed a smaller increase, with month-on-month changes between 0.2% and 2.1% in several areas across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak. Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr. Mohd Uzir Mahidin noted that year-on-year comparisons from May 2025 to May 2026 reveal substantial price increases for iron, ranging from 1.1% to 10.0% in most areas, with Perak seeing the highest jump at 10.0%.

Year-on-year, cement prices increased between 1.0% and 7.5%, with Miri experiencing the highest rise at 7.5%, followed by Kuching (7.4%) and Perak and Pahang (6.9% each). The year-on-year increase for sand prices was even more significant, ranging from 1.0% to 22.9% across all regions. The average price for mild steel round bars and high tensile deformed bars saw a slight increase of 0.4% to RM3,517.50 per metric ton, up from RM3,504.20 in April 2026. Ordinary Portland cement also saw a small monthly price increase of 0.3% to RM25.95 per 50kg bag.