Impacts of Covid-19 Outbreak on Civil Engineering Activities in The Malaysian Construction Industry: A Review

Abstract

The Covid-19 is a worldwide pandemic that has changed and disrupted the world economic perspective. The construction industry, which has already been a major growth engine for the economy, has also been totally shut down. The pandemic is having a wide-ranging effect on construction and infrastructure projects globally. All developments and projects have been put on hold until further notice. Indeed, the current pandemic is a significant cause of project delays in Malaysia that influenced in all industries. The evolution of the disease and its impact on the construction industry is extremely uncertain. As a result, it is wise to discuss the impact of Covid-19 on the construction industry at the beginning and end of the crisis in order to prepare for the potential risk and learn lessons for future planning. The aim of this research is to determine the impact of Covid-19 in civil engineering construction industry. In Malaysia, the entire construction and repair work progress that have been subjected to Movement Control Order (MCO) was suspended and thus causes project suspension, labor impact and work loss, time overrun, cost overrun, and financial consequences. In order to control the Covid-19 transmission, Malaysia implemented Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) during the restriction period of the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO). Besides, it is recommended to utilize the construction technologies in order to overcome the problem that occurred due to Covid-19. The usage of construction technologies could develop a sustainable country and those technologies can be beneficial in the post Covid-19 as a new norm in Malaysia.