KUALA LUMPUR: The value of construction work done in the second quarter of this year (Q2) increased by 42.6% to RM28.20bil from a year ago but showed a decline from the first quarter due to the restrictions imposed from the Covid-19 pandemic.

       The value fell by 10.5% in Q2 from the RM31.4bil in Q1, according to the Statistics Department in its quarterly construction data issued yesterday.

       Chief statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the special trades activities sub-sector expanded by 75% in Q2 from a year ago.

       The other three sub-sectors, namely, civil engineering (59.5%), non-residential buildings (37%) and residential buildings (18%) registered growth from a year ago.

       Mohd Uzir said the value of construction work done was dominated by the civil engineering sub-sector since fourth quarter 2015 and it accounted for the largest segment at 40.7%.

       The value of construction work for non-residential buildings was 28.2%, residential buildings at 22.6% and special trades activities at 8.6%.

       The private sector continued to account for more than half of construction activity at 53.7% or RM15.2bil. On the other hand, the public sector accounted for 46.3% or RM13.1bil.

       “For the first half 2021, the value of construction work done recorded was RM59.6bil, with a 8.7% growth as compared to the same period last year,” he said.