KUALA LUMPUR, 2 February 2026 – Malaysia is set to implement a comprehensive workforce reform in the construction sector, with plans to accredit all foreign construction workers under the Construction Skills Competency Certificate (SKKP) framework by 2030. The initiative aims to raise industry standards, strengthen safety compliance, and enhance overall professionalism across the sector.
The policy will be overseen by the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), which will be responsible for ensuring that foreign workers deployed at construction sites nationwide possess recognised and certified skill competencies. The accreditation process is expected to align foreign labour capabilities with Malaysia’s construction standards and internationally recognised best practices.
According to industry authorities, the move forms part of a broader effort to modernise the construction workforce and improve project quality, while addressing longstanding concerns related to safety, skill gaps, and inconsistent workforce standards. Both existing and incoming foreign workers will be required to undergo skills assessment and certification prior to employment or continued engagement in the industry.
The accreditation roadmap also complements ongoing digitalisation efforts by CIDB, including personnel registration systems and worker identification initiatives designed to enhance transparency, monitoring, and regulatory compliance throughout the construction value chain.
Industry stakeholders have generally responded positively, noting that a fully accredited workforce could help reduce workplace incidents, improve operational efficiency, and elevate public confidence in construction projects. The initiative is also expected to encourage greater investment in structured training and skills development across the sector.
Nevertheless, industry players have highlighted the need for careful implementation to minimise potential disruptions, particularly in relation to labour availability, project timelines, and compliance costs. Authorities have indicated that the accreditation will be introduced progressively to allow sufficient time for adaptation by employers and workers alike.
As Malaysia advances toward the 2030 target, collaboration between regulators, employers, training providers, and industry bodies will be critical to ensuring a smooth transition toward a more skilled, regulated, and sustainable construction workforce.