[image: 1781071314796-cement-price.jpg]
Miri and Kuching now lead the nation in cement price increases, with annual hikes of 7.5% and 7.4% respectively — the highest in Malaysia, according to the latest DOSM data.
The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) released its Special Release for Building and Structural Works for May 2026, showing average cement prices across Malaysia rose from RM23.04 per 50kg bag in May 2024 to RM25.95 in May 2026.
But Sarawaks two largest cities saw the biggest jumps.
Miri recorded the highest year-on-year increase at 7.5%, with Kuching close behind at 7.4%. Nationwide, the year-on-year range was just 1.0% to 7.5%.
Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin noted that cement prices also rose month-on-month across all regions, increasing between 0.2% and 2.1% in May alone.
Other construction materials are not spared either:
Steel prices rose 0.1% to 1.3% month-on-month nationwide, with Sibu and Miri among the higher increases
Sand prices increased up to 9.7% in some areas, with Sibu recording a 3.7% jump
Aggregate prices climbed 0.3% to 4.7% nationwide
The Building Cost Index (BCI) confirmed the broader trend, with Sarawak recording month-on-month increases of 0.1% to 1.1% across all building categories.
At the national level, Ordinary Portland cement now averages RM25.95 per 50kg bag, while steel bars sit at RM3,517.50 per metric tonne.
For homeowners planning renovations and developers with ongoing projects, these numbers mean real cost pressure ahead.
Location: Kuching & Miri, Sarawak
Source: DayakDaily / DOSM - https://dayakdaily.com/construction-costs-rise-as-miri-kuching-record-nations-steepest-cement-price-hikes/
What do you think?
