Updated 2026-09-15

Construction Costs

Retail Construction Cost Planning: Selayang Baru Utara, Malaysia

Selayang Baru Utara retail cost planning using the World Bank ICP 2021 national construction price-level index of 44.5, plus a GeoNames-based local comparable-search shortlist.

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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 7795834). The PLI is not a city cost/m² rate, current escalation series or tender estimate.

Direct answer

For early retail construction cost planning in Selayang Baru Utara, 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 Selayang Baru Utara 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 Selayang Baru Utara market basket or current retail tenders. GeoNames 7795834 records the locality at 3.2549, 101.6668, with snapshot population 542,409. That ranks Selayang Baru Utara 16 of 50 listed places, while Batu Caves is the nearest listed peer at about 3 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 retail work in Selayang Baru Utara costs 0.445 times a current world rate.

Which Selayang Baru Utara inputs are known?

The reproducible locality point is 3.2549, 101.6668 (GeoNames 7795834). Its snapshot population is 542,409, ranked 16 of 50 listed places; GeoNames classifies it as a populated place in administrative area 12. These facts shape the local comparable search, not the price.

What must a project estimate add?

For a Selayang Baru Utara retail project, reconcile shell condition, tenant fit-out, servicing, trading constraints and landlord works. 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

Selayang Baru Utara 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 Selayang Baru UtaraSnapshot populationAdmin area
Batu Caves3254,08312
Taman Petaling6423,06214
Setapak9353,26812
Wangsa Maju10215,60014
Bukit Rahman Putra12607,00012
Sungai Petani296544,85102
Kota Kuala Muda297544,98402
Kuantan194548,01406

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 Selayang Baru Utara 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 7795834). 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 retail cost per m² for Selayang Baru Utara?

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 Selayang Baru Utara MYR/m² rate, escalation index, quote or tender estimate.

How should a Selayang Baru Utara retail estimate replace this screening benchmark?

Collect current Selayang Baru Utara comparables on a consistent gross-floor-area basis, reconcile shell condition, tenant fit-out, servicing, trading constraints and landlord works, and state base date, currency, taxes, fees, site work, contingency and escalation. A qualified local cost professional should review the resulting project estimate.

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