Ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic on construction operations in developing countries: Malaysian experience

Abstract

Purpose – This study explored the ramifications of COVID-19 on construction operations in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach – Following a detailed literature review, 37 ramifications are identified and divided into nine aspects. A self-designed survey is then employed to seek the perceptions of construction practitioners around the Klang Valley region regarding the significance of the ramifications. A total of 203 valid responses are subjected to statistical analyses to prioritise the ramifications. Findings – All the potential ramifications are perceived to be significant, with the five utmost critical ramifications being rescheduling the project timeline, compliance with government SOP, delay in the handover project, compulsory COVID-19 test for all workers and the extra cost incurred to provide COVID-19 test for workers. Practical implications – This study highlights the ramifications of COVID-19 on construction operations and deliberately informs construction organizations regarding the shortcomings of recent construction management. Besides, the insights suggested that industry practitioners devise corresponding strategies for project sustainability in future similar crises. Originality/value – The findings serve as a valuable reference and are benign to industry professionals and researchers from developing nations, especially nations that share similar characteristics to Malaysia.

Keywords

• Construction industry
• Construction operations
• COVID-19 pandemic
• COVID-19 ramifications
• Developing countries