Builders’ associations have urged the domestic trade and cost of living ministry to investigate the steep rise in concrete and cement prices since last month.

The Builders Associations from Johor, Melaka, Penang and the Perak Contractors Association said they hoped the matter would get the attention of the ministry and be resolved quickly.

“We also appeal to the ministry to carry out a review on whether there is any party that may have violated the Competition Act,” they said in a joint statement today.

They noted that the Act prohibits anti-competitive agreements and abuse of dominant position in the market during the implementation of these price increases.

According to the associations, the prices of concrete and cement had gone up by 15% last month after a 15% increase in March.

They said this had put the entire construction industry under severe pressure.

“However, we hope that all parties in the construction industry can continue in this difficult business environment in a more sustainable way,” they said.

Source: FreeMalaysiaToday.com