Updated 2026-09-15

Construction Costs

House Construction Cost Planning: Pasir Mas, Malaysia

Pasir Mas house cost planning using the World Bank ICP 2021 national construction price-level index of 44.5, plus a GeoNames-based local comparable-search shortlist.

On this page

Last updated September 15, 2026 · National screening observation from the [World Bank ICP 2021 API](https://api.worldbank.org/v2/sources/90/country/MYS/classification/PX.WL/series/1501200/time/YR2021/data?format=json) and [ICP data documentation](https://www.worldbank.org/en/programs/icp/data); locality and population from the [GeoNames MY dump](https://download.geonames.org/export/dump/MY.zip) (CC BY 4.0 snapshot 2026-08-26, GeoNames ID 1736372). The PLI is not a city cost/m² rate, current escalation series or tender estimate.

Direct answer

For early house construction cost planning in Pasir Mas, the World Bank ICP reports a 2021 Malaysia construction price-level index of 44.5, with the world equal to 100. This is a national comparison—not a Pasir Mas MYR/m² rate or tender estimate—so replace it with current local evidence before budgeting or procurement. The observation covers construction across Malaysia in 2021; it does not measure a Pasir Mas market basket or current house tenders. GeoNames 1736372 records the locality at 6.0493, 102.1399, with snapshot population 230,424. That ranks Pasir Mas 41 of 50 listed places, while Kota Bharu is the nearest listed peer at about 14 km. Use these facts only to plan the comparable search. Obtain current local rates on a consistent area basis, then reconcile scope, taxes, fees, contingency and escalation. Retain the source, base date and reviewer when local evidence replaces the screening ratio.

Content and cited inputs reviewed by Scott Barrington, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-08-26 · Updated 2026-09-15.

What does the 44.5 construction index mean?

The World Bank ICP 2021 construction PLI for Malaysia is 44.5, compared with a world benchmark of 100. It is a national spatial price comparison assembled for the 2021 reference year. It does not say that house work in Pasir Mas costs 0.445 times a current world rate.

Which Pasir Mas inputs are known?

The reproducible locality point is 6.0493, 102.1399 (GeoNames 1736372). Its snapshot population is 230,424, ranked 41 of 50 listed places; GeoNames classifies it as a second-order administrative seat in administrative area 03. These facts shape the local comparable search, not the price.

What must a project estimate add?

For a Pasir Mas house project, reconcile dwelling size, structural system, envelope specification, kitchens and bathrooms. Use a consistent gross-floor-area basis and record the following before reliance.

Estimate fieldScreening recordProject requirement
National contextICP 2021 PLI 44.5Retain only as dated cross-country context
Local MYR/m² rateNot suppliedCurrent comparable with named source and base date
Area and scopeGross floor area; scope unresolvedMeasurement standard, specification and procurement route
AdditionsNot suppliedTaxes, fees, site work, contingency and escalation
ReviewAutomated source and arithmetic QAQualified local cost review

Pasir Mas comparable-location search screen

This shortlist is computed from the checked GeoNames snapshot. Distance and population help prioritize where to request comparables; neither is used as a cost multiplier.

Listed placeGreat-circle km from Pasir MasSnapshot populationAdmin area
Kota Bharu14568,90003
Kuala Terengganu137426,50013
Sungai Petani188544,85102
Alor Setar197417,80002
Bukit Mertajam200212,32909
Kampong Baharu Cheras Batu Sebelas336232,10012
Teluk Intan257232,80007
Paya Terubong219226,71209

Price-level normalization worksheet

For a validated reference rate R from a country with construction PLI P, the transparent screening calculation is R × (44.5 ÷ P). At P = 100 the dimensionless ratio is 0.445; no world cost rate is asserted. Keep the reference rate's currency, base date, area basis and scope attached.

InputRecorded valueRelease condition
Target national PLI44.5 (World = 100, 2021)Screening context only
Reference construction PLI PUser-supplied from the same ICP classification/yearMust match reference rate country
Validated reference rate RUser-suppliedNamed source, currency, date, area and scope
Local Pasir Mas adjustmentNot assertedReplace with current local comparable evidence
Result statusScreening normalizationNot a budget, quote or tender estimate

Sources and method

National screening observation from the World Bank ICP 2021 API and ICP data documentation; locality and population from the GeoNames MY dump (CC BY 4.0 snapshot 2026-08-26, GeoNames ID 1736372). The PLI is not a city cost/m² rate, current escalation series or tender estimate.

Frequently asked questions

Does the 44.5 index give a house cost per m² for Pasir Mas?

No. 44.5 is the World Bank ICP 2021 national construction price-level index for Malaysia, with the world equal to 100. It is a cross-country screening statistic, not a Pasir Mas MYR/m² rate, escalation index, quote or tender estimate.

How should a Pasir Mas house estimate replace this screening benchmark?

Collect current Pasir Mas comparables on a consistent gross-floor-area basis, reconcile dwelling size, structural system, envelope specification, kitchens and bathrooms, and state base date, currency, taxes, fees, site work, contingency and escalation. A qualified local cost professional should review the resulting project estimate.

The AI-powered workspacefor architects.