KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 6 — Malaysia’s construction industry players are feeling troubled by the increased prices of cement and hope to see a drop soon, Utusan Malaysia reported today.

Citing several industry players, the Malay daily reported that the average 50kg bag of cement jumped 30 per cent from RM17 to RM22.50 when Parliament was dissolved in October to pave the way for the 15th general election.

Cement is among several items classified as Scheduled Controlled Goods, and the government regulates its price.

According to Utusan, the price has yet to come down even after a coalition federal government has formed.

"Before GE15, the price was RM17 per bag of cement. When the Parliament was dissolved and when the interim government ran the country, the price continued to rise to RM22.50 per bag and continues until today.

"Cement is a government-controlled product, the price cannot be increased at will, not to mention it happens during a change in government administration.

"We really hope that the new government will monitor this matter and lower the price back to the previous price,” president of the Malay Contractors Association of Malaysia Datuk Seri Mohamed Fadzill Hassan was quoted as saying.

He added that the price increase in cement has had a domino effect on other construction materials such as gutters, roofs and ready-mixed cement and that contractors across the country are struggling with cost control.

Adnan Mohd Farok, secretary-general of the Malaysian Housing Contractors Association, also told the newspaper that cement prices have been soaring since Parliament was dissolved and that some rogue traders were taking advantage of the situation to profit.

"This is a result of political instability. Some parties are suspected of taking advantage of increasing the price of building materials, thus affecting construction projects whether small or large.

"The price increase will definitely increase the price of other materials that are related to cement. Until today, the price still hasn't dropped and remains at RM22.50 for a 50 kilogramme bag,” he was quoted as saying.