Theme-play: CEMENT to cost 10% more come May 1

The price of bagged cement is due to rise by 10% to between RM15.50-RM16.50 per bag from May 1. Each bag weighs 50kg. Steel millers and cement manufacturers in Malaysia face higher production cost as world oil price has been on the rise. Master Builders Association of Malaysia (MBAM) president Ng Kee Leen said, "The cement manufacturers  have wanted to raise prices for the past year." Builders are thinking of buying raw materials like cement from abroad as they are cheaper. Following this, MBAM said pricier steel bars and cement would mean costlier construction projects, be it government funded or jobs procured from property developers. (BT)