The Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Execution of Construction Projects in Kuala Lumpur

Ooi, Zi Quan (2023) The Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Execution of Construction Projects in Kuala Lumpur. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University College.

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Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected the construction industry in Malaysia. Many researchers have conducted studies on the effects of the pandemic on the construction industry. However, the existing literature solely focuses on illustrating the impacts of the pandemic on the construction projects during the execution phase is very limited. Therefore, this dissertation paper aims to bridge the research gap by studying the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the execution of construction projects in Kuala Lumpur. Moreover, the dissertation paper also explores the measures to control and offset the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the construction projects in Kuala Lumpur during the execution phase. After conducting a literature review, suspension of projects, supply chain disruptions, cash flow problems, workforce issues and contractual disputes are the most prominent issues affecting the construction projects during the execution phase. On the other hand, adopting technologies, strict implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), supply chain management, government interventions and financial aids and contractual provisions are the ways to minimize the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the execution of construction projects. This dissertation paper is a quantitative research. Hence, a questionnaire was formulated based on the results found in the literature review. 700 questionnaire survey forms were distributed to the respondents to collect data to verify the results found in the literature review. The respondents were G4 to G7 contractors in Kuala Lumpur that had ongoing construction projects during the COVID-19 pandemic. The data collected were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The data analysis techniques included Cronbach's Alpha Coefficient, Pearson Correlation Coefficient, Frequency Distribution and Central Tendency. The results revealed that price hikes in building materials, suspension of projects and delay in material supply were the top three most impacting issues of the COVID-19 pandemic on the execution of construction projects in Kuala Lumpur. On the other hand, additional expenses for PPE and regular disinfection was the most insignificant impact. Besides, the results showed that government interventions and financial aid, strict implementation of SOPs and government should expedite payments for government projects were the three most crucial measures to control and offset the COVID-19 impacts. On the contrary, using proforma invoices was the most unimportant mitigative measure