Assessing the Impacts of COVID-19 Outbreak on the Construction Sector in Sarawak

Abstract

COVID-19, first identified in Wuhan, China in November 2019, rapidly spread globally, leading to a worldwide pandemic. This novel Coronavirus disease profoundly affected every aspect of our lives, from societal and economic to political dimensions. Consequently, many countries, including Malaysia, were forced to enforce lockdowns as a safety and health precaution. Regrettably, as stay-at-home orders were enforced, many industries experienced significant setbacks. Hence, this led to unprecedented challenges to the global construction industry, including the construction sector in Sarawak, Malaysia. The lack of sufficient research on the specific implications for the construction industry in Sarawak during the COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbates the problem. Therefore, the aim of this research was to identify the impacts of COVID-19 on the construction industry in Sarawak. To address this, the researchers utilized a comprehensive quantitative research approach, distributing a structured questionnaire survey primarily to those within the construction domain in Sarawak. Respondents were selected from the CIDB's Grade 7 contractor directory, with 393 questionnaires distributed and 153 responses collected. The data obtained from a Five-Likert Scale Survey were analyzed using SPSS software. By employing this rigorous quantitative approach, the research sought to gather comprehensive insights from various stakeholders in the construction arena regarding the multifaceted impacts of the pandemic. Research findings revealed substantial challenges within the construction sector in Sarawak due to the Covid-19 pandemic. These challenges included labour shortages, disruptions in the supply chain, and financial constraints. Regulatory challenges intensified the disruptions, leading to delays or complete halts in numerous projects. The financial implications not only presented immediate hurdles but also cast doubts on the sustained feasibility of various ongoing endeavors. Despite the challenges, the pandemic prompted innovations in the construction industry. This research serves as a guiding blueprint for the future, potentially mitigating the adverse effects of future pandemics on the sector.