sustainability

Article
Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Construction Work
Progress: An On-Site Analysis from the Sarawak Construction
Project, Malaysia
Jawa Anak Gara 1, *, Rozana Zakaria 1, * , Eeydzah Aminudin 1 , Khairulzan Yahya 1 , Abdul Rahman Mohd Sam 1 ,
Loganathan 1 , Vikneswaran Munikanan 2 , Muhamad Azani Yahya 2 , Noraziah Wahi 3
and Siti Mazzuana Shamsuddin 3

1 Department of Civil Engineering, University of Technology Malaysia, Johor Bahru 81310, Malaysia;
[email protected] (E.A.); [email protected] (K.Y.); [email protected] (A.R.M.S.);
[email protected] (L.)
2 Department of Civil Engineering, Universiti Pertahanan National Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia;
[email protected] (V.M.); [email protected] (M.A.Y.)
3 Department of Architecture, Planning and Surveying, University Technology MARA,
Shah Alam 40450, Malaysia; [email protected] (N.W.); [email protected] (S.M.S.)
* Correspondence: [email protected] (J.A.G.); [email protected] (R.Z.)

Abstract: The spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the economy of the world as well as
the construction industry in Malaysia. Many projects were plagued with time and cost overruns due
to the COVID-19 pandemic. Site work progress came to an abrupt halt, and productivity stagnated.
With that in mind, this study was conducted on the basis of first-hand experience in dealing with
Citation: Gara, J.A.; Zakaria, R.; the COVID-19 pandemic and how it has affected the construction industry. This study investigated
Aminudin, E.; Yahya, K.; Sam, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on construction projects in Sarawak, Malaysia. The target
A.R.M.; Loganathan; Munikanan, V.; respondents were the clients, consultants, and contractors involved in projects under the purview
Yahya, M.A.; Wahi, N.; Shamsuddin, of the Public Works Department Sarawak. The purpose of the research was to obtain a better
S.M. Effects of the COVID-19 understanding of the current situation, in readiness for a similar situation in future. To achieve the
Pandemic on Construction Work
objectives of the research, a questionnaire survey of current ongoing projects was used for this study’s
Progress: An On-Site Analysis from
data collection purpose. To analyse the data, SPSS version 26 and the Analytical Hierarchy Process
the Sarawak Construction Project,
(AHP) method were used to achieve frequency analysis and to determine the priority importance
Malaysia. Sustainability 2022, 14, 6007.
of the effects of this pandemic on those construction projects. The findings of this study provide
https://doi.org/10.3390/su14106007
necessary information to construction stakeholders in Sarawak on how to deal with such pandemics
Academic Editor: Carlos in the future and to create awareness, foster resiliency, connote preventive measures, avert delays,
Oliveira Cruz
and manage progress control.
Received: 3 March 2022
Accepted: 27 April 2022 Keywords: COVID-19; site work progress; construction project delays; future awareness
Published: 16 May 2022

Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral

with regard to jurisdictional claims in
1. Introduction
published maps and institutional affil-
iations. The world is facing the deadly coronavirus, which is better known as the COVID-19
outbreak. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the world economy, and
the construction industry is among the most affected in its productivity and supply chain.
At the time of this writing on 30 July 2021, Malaysia has recorded 1,095,486 confirmed cases
Copyright: © 2022 by the authors. and 8859 deaths (KKM daily report on COVID-19 via MySejahtera), and the highest number
Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. of daily cases was recorded on 29 July 2021, with 17,170 confirmed cases. From March 2021
This article is an open access article to June 2021, the daily number of confirmed cases ranged between 4000–6000 cases and can
distributed under the terms and
be seen in Figure 1. There were various Standard Operation procedures (SOP) introduced
conditions of the Creative Commons
to curb this pandemic. The government has imposed Movement Control Orders (MCO,
Attribution (CC BY) license (https://
MCO2, MCO3, EMCO, RMCO, CMCO, and TMCO) nationwide as a preventive measure
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/
to circumvent the pandemic. Besides that, there was a State of Emergency proclamation
4.0/).

Sustainability 2022, 14, 6007. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14106007 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability

Sustainability 2022, 14, x FOR PEER REVIEW 2 of 17

Sustainability 2022, 14, 6007 2 of 17

preventive measure to circumvent the pandemic. Besides that, there was a State of Emer-
gency proclamation
(12 January (12 January
to 1 August 2021) totocurb
1 August 2021) to rise
the alarming curbofthe alarming cases
COVID-19 rise ofinCOVID-19
Malaysia.
cases in Malaysia. Only essential economic sectors were allowed
Only essential economic sectors were allowed to operate. As for the construction to operate. Asindustry,
for the
construction industry, only critical activities and critical projects are allowed
only critical activities and critical projects are allowed to operate. To resume operation, to operate.
To
theresume
approval operation, the approval
of the Ministry of the Ministry
of International Trade and of International
Industry (MITI) Trade
mustandbe Industry
obtained
(MITI) mustSOP
with strict be obtained
to comply.with strictof
A team SOP to comply.on
enforcement A team
duty of enforcement
checks for the SOP on duty checks
compliance
for the SOP compliance
is conducted from time istoconducted
time to make fromsure
timeit to
is time
abidingto make
by thesure
SOP it is
andabiding by the
to minimize
SOP and to minimize the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Therefore, the
the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Therefore, the study on the effects of the COVID-19 study on the effects
of the COVID-19
pandemic on the pandemic on the Sarawak
Sarawak construction construction
project is essential project is essential
in preparing forin
howpreparing
to deal
for
withhowsuchto adeal with such
pandemic a pandemic
in the future. in the future.

Figure 1.
Figure Dailynumber
1. Daily numberofofconfirmed
confirmed COVID-19
COVID-19 cases
cases in
in Malaysia
Malaysia between
between March
March and
and June
June 2021
2021 as
as
reported by
reported by the
the Ministry
Ministry of
of Health
Health Malaysia.
Malaysia.

The construction
The construction industry
industryplays
playsananimportant
importantrole in Malaysian
role in Malaysianeconomic
economicdevelopment
develop-
and growth. There would be a significant impact on the economy if the
ment and growth. There would be a significant impact on the economy if the construction construction
projects are
projects are being
being delayed.
delayed. The
The alarming
alarming situation
situation impacting
impacting the the construction
construction industry
industry
badly includes road projects, buildings, and infrastructure projects. Shared accommodation
badly includes road projects, buildings, and infrastructure projects. Shared accommoda-
at a construction site was identified as one of the causes of the spread of COVID-19 at project
tion at a construction site was identified as one of the causes of the spread of COVID-19
sites [1]. Studies by many researchers concurred that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted
at project sites [1]. Studies by many researchers concurred that the COVID-19 pandemic
the construction industry worldwide [2]. Working from home may be impractical in the
has impacted the construction industry worldwide [2]. Working from home may be im-
construction industry as a physical activity must be held at project sites [3]. The economic
practical in the construction industry as a physical activity must be held at project sites
growth was affected as almost all of the construction projects experience critical delays. The
[3]. The economic growth was affected as almost all of the construction projects experience
Movement of Control Order (MCO) and the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) imposed
critical delays. The Movement of Control Order (MCO) and the Standard Operating Pro-
by the Malaysian Government restrict the construction activity from operating in full swing.
cedure (SOP) imposed by the Malaysian Government restrict the construction activity
The contractor had since encountered financial problems, a shortage of materials, a lack of
from operating in full swing. The contractor had since encountered financial problems, a
manpower, as well as losses due to the pandemic outbreaks.
shortage of materials, a lack of manpower, as well as losses due to the pandemic out-
Project progress delay is a global phenomenon for construction projects, including
breaks.
Malaysia’s. However, a significant number of construction workers who tested positive
Project progress
for COVID-19 furtherdelay is a the
delayed global phenomenon
project for construction
work progress projects, pandemic
[4]. The COVID-19 including
Malaysia’s. However, a significant number of construction workers who
has caused a disruption in major construction activities, and many construction sites tested positive
were
for
significantly impacted with the end being nowhere in sight. Meanwhile, the outbreak ofhas
COVID-19 further delayed the project work progress [4]. The COVID-19 pandemic the
caused
COVID-19 a disruption
pandemic in hasmajor
added construction
a tremendous activities,
negativeand many
impact andconstruction
worsened the sites were
industry
significantly
where the wholeimpacted
worldwith
wasthe end being nowhere
experiencing in sight.
project delays andMeanwhile,
time and costtheoverruns
outbreak [5].
of
the COVID-19 pandemic has added a tremendous negative impact and worsened
On-going construction project progress went haywire. Besides that, construction projects the in-
idled down due to lockdowns, shortage of manpower as well as deferred material deliv-
ery [6]. Due to these unprecedented situations and uncertainties, the project work progress
 dustry where the whole world was experiencing project delays and time and cost ov
runs [5]. On-going construction project progress went haywire. Besides that, constructi
Sustainability 2022, 14, 6007
projects idled down due to lockdowns, shortage of manpower as well as deferred 3 of 17
mater
delivery [6]. Due to these unprecedented situations and uncertainties, the project wo
progress was delayed and may cause a time overrun. In work progress monitoring, the
delays consequently cause projects to deviate from their original scheduled completi
was delayed and in
stated maythecause a time
contracts overrun.
due In work
to lockdowns andprogress monitoring,
social distancing these
rules at delays
construction si
consequently cause projects to deviate from their original scheduled completion
[7]. This study focused the attention on battling the effects of uncertainties stated induring co
the contracts due to lockdowns and social distancing rules at construction sites [7]. This
struction that may affect the construction projects and investigated the strategy to res
study focused the attention on battling the effects of uncertainties during construction that
ently deal with such issues in the future.
may affect the construction projects and investigated the strategy to resiliently deal with
The selection of Sarawak as a case study is based on the number of projects dela
such issues in the future.
during the pandemic under JKR Sarawak (Public Works Department Sarawak), as illu
The selection of Sarawak as a case study is based on the number of projects delays dur-
trated in Figure 2. Sarawak has 21 critical projects compared to 92 projects for all of t
ing the pandemic under JKR Sarawak (Public Works Department Sarawak), as illustrated
states in Malaysia (Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, Minister in Prime Minister’s Depa
in Figure 2. Sarawak has 21 critical projects compared to 92 projects for all of the states in
ment, New Straits Times, 12 February 2022) [8], which has contributed 22.8% of the criti
Malaysia (Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, Minister in Prime Minister’s Department, New
projects during the pandemic. The data show that there is a need for the study and a rea
Straits Times, 12 February 2022) [8], which has contributed 22.8% of the critical projects
iness for a similar situation in the future. Unlike the other public works departments
during the pandemic. The data show that there is a need for the study and a readiness for a
the other
similar situation in thestates in Unlike
future. Malaysia, the Public
the other publicWorks
works Department
departments ofin Sarawak is not under t
the other states
in Malaysia, the Public Works Department of Sarawak is not under the purview of Federal Saraw
purview of Federal Public Works, which is administered by the State of Sarawak.
has which
Public Works, its ownisinterpretation
administered ordinance
by the State2005 under Chapter
of Sarawak. 61, Sarawak
Sarawak has its ownLaw. The structu
inter-
pretation ordinance 2005 under Chapter 61, Sarawak Law. The structure and organizationin Penins
and organization are also different from the Federal Ministry of Public Works
lar Malaysia.
are also different from the Federal Ministry of Public Works in Peninsular Malaysia.

Figure 2. Project
Figuredelays (critical/sick)
2. Project and the trend
delays (critical/sick) ofthe
and project
trenddelays during
of project the pandemic.
delays during the pandemic.
The development project in Sarawak is highly challenged by the geographical location.
The projects have been scattered over rural and urban regions, and, during the pandemic,
the travel distance is very challenging. The ability of the data is one of the criteria to
ensure the study could be completed on time. Hence, the positive impacts of the COVID-19
pandemic increase the utilization of online businesses and the latest advanced technology
to be explored for business survival [9]. The pandemic created new opportunities to
fast track projects and buildings and opens up opportunities for retraining semi-skilled
Sustainability 2022, 14, 6007 4 of 17

workers [4]. The negative impact of COVID-19 could be reduced if those involved in the
construction industry, such as stakeholders, project managers, contractors, engineers and
subcontractors, appropriately responded to the pandemic [6]. The COVID-19 pandemic,
which spread across the world, demanded proper crisis management and timely warning
systems development to reduce damage or unsustainable consequences to construction
businesses. The construction players should learn from these difficult times to determine
the appropriate measures to recover the construction supply chain from challenges such as
financial difficulty as well as to find a way out from the severe effects of the pandemic.
Nevertheless, the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak has severely hit the construction
industry with job losses and companies closing down their business. Several lockdown and
travel restrictions forced construction projects to downsize and fold. Apart from that, many
lives were at risk in an unprecedented number of deaths and hospitalizations [4]. In order
to flatten the curve, governments and employers have encouraged workers to work from
home [3]. With a nationwide lockdown imposed by the government, people were made
to stay at home except for those in essential services. This posed a major dilemma to the
construction projects in Malaysia, where construction site activity simply cannot operate or
work from home. The workers will not be paid if they do not turn up on site for work. In
addition, the construction industry also experiences a shortage of material and manpower
as most construction workers are foreigners. Since there is a limited study focusing on
the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia on construction projects, especially in
Sarawak, this study was aimed to discover the effects as well as to offer solutions in the
event of a similar situation in the future.
This research study aimed to determine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on
Sarawak construction projects. It is also hoped that the research would help Sarawak
construction projects to recover from severe financial losses due to the pandemic and
to explore new strategies. Therefore, it is important to find out practices that can be
adopted by the construction industry to respond to this challenging time. The findings are
expected to be useful for the construction industry’s survival, preserving the job security
and maintaining the construction progress as well as productivity in anticipation of future
pandemic reoccurrences.

2. Effects of COVID-19 and Efforts to Curb the Effects of COVID-19

Zamani et.al [5] conducted a study on the effect of COVID-19 on building construction
projects, [9] the impacts of COVID-19 on infrastructure projects, [10] the risk of tunnel
projects’ progress during the COVID-19 pandemic, and [11] the COVID-19 pandemic lock-
down to project success in Malaysia. The causes of delays were a lack of materials, a
shortage of workers, changes in design, financial problems, a lack of machinery, workers’
problems, requirements of the local authority, requirements of the client, contractor man-
agement, and consultants. However, that study did not specify the effects of delays caused
by pandemics such as COVID-19. Therefore, this study is important to determine how the
site work progress was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the way forward for sus-
tainable construction if such delays occurred in the near future. Preparing the construction
industry with new norm construction methods and adopting new guidelines and standard
operating procedures (SOP) at project sites are essential.
Project delays, a shortage of manpower, an increased cost, and a shortage of mate-
rials were the effects of COVID-19 [6]. Effectively controlling manpower and materials,
avoiding reworks, and adopting social distancing are the efforts to curb the effects of
the pandemic [9]. Whilst the lesson learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic would be used
to improve the existing systems, more fast-track projects create new opportunities if a
similar situation occurred, create awareness, foster resiliency, connote preventive measures,
avert delays, and manage progress control [4]. According to [12], inadequate funding,
the inadequacy of resources, and project variations were the major project delay factors.
However, competency, commitment, continuous involvement in the project development,
the relationship with other project stakeholders, and the adaptability to changes in the
Sustainability 2022, 14, 6007 5 of 17

project plan are critical factors affecting project planning, scheduling, and communication
to prevent project delays. Besides that, the project team leader’s ability to manage the
relationship with stakeholders is important as well. Adequate design details and spec-
ifications, skillful workers, involvement in monitoring the project progress, and project
budget monitoring are the factors determining the success of the project [13]. In order to
improve the project performance, the construction industry needs to look into strategies
that alleviate opportunistic behaviors and promote a better working relationship among
project stakeholders [14].
The above-discussed causal factors for project delays are described further by Table 1
on its definition and code that were later used in the AHP analysis.

Table 1. Causal factor for project delays.

Code Causal Factors Definition References

Failure of implementing the project effectively.
E1 Project delays [5,7,12,15]
The project encountered time overrun.
Less productivity as the demand of skilled
E2 Shortage of manpower [5,15]
manpower is constrained.
E3 Increased project cost Project costs more than as expected. [11,16]
E4 Logistics problems Delivery delays would cause the project delays. [5]
E5 Financial constraints Project delays due to financial problems. [5,10]
E6 Price escalations The price of materials rising rapidly. [4,5]
Delays in payment occurring during
E7 Payment delays [5,7]
the pandemic.
E8 Shortage of materials Slow work progress due to material problems. [5,7,10]
Delayed inspection Slow in inspection and approval causing
E9 [4]
and approval project delays.
Increase in disputes Delays caused by the pandemic increase disputes
E10 [4,7]
and claims and claims.

The challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic offer the above causal factors of project
delay. The project management team have to overcome the challenges and risk by devel-
oping the strategy to curbing COVID-19, adopting new safety measures including social
distancing, and rigorously managing the project risks. One of the options is adopting smart
site work progress monitoring.

2.1. Smart Site Work Progress Monitoring

Site work progress monitoring is one of the most challenging tasks during the con-
struction stage due to the uniqueness and the complexity of projects. It is challenging for
the construction industry players to continue monitoring the site work progress during
this COVID-19 pandemic. With new normal and unprecedented measures, monitoring the
project site is not an easy task. A closed site work progress monitoring is important during
construction-phase activities to ensure compliance to the drawings, contract specifications,
time, cost, and quality required by the clients. Tracking progress, productivity, and per-
formance is one of the most important duties of the superintendent to ensure the entire
project meets the project schedule [15]. It is to determine the actual project progress as
compared to the planned project schedule. Accurate measurements, analysis, visualization,
and videos of as-built status (actual) are critical tasks in ensuring successful project mon-
itoring. Automated project monitoring systems are necessary to ensure project delivery
excels and the updated schedule, progress, cost, and performance of the project are timely
and comprehensive to facilitate good decision making [16].
With the availability of many smart technologies to capture images for automated
progress measurement and monitoring nowadays, they could be utilized during this
COVID-19 pandemic’s restricted movement. New advanced technologies such as drone
technology with 3D systems are used to calculate and track the construction site work
Sustainability 2022, 14, 6007 6 of 17

progress efficiently for better monitoring. However, according to [15], the construction
industry still facing challenges from a lack of holistic, automated, and real-time monitoring
systems to address the construction issues. The authors [17] had developed methods for
aerial data capturing and 3D reconstruction using Augmented Reality (AR) for construction
site monitoring and documentation to allow relevant information to be accessed directly
from sites. To this extent, the AR system has to be registered to the physical world envi-
ronment based on remote localization and online tracking to visualize actual progress and
real-time information.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the site work progress assessment and supervision
were also directly done from photos captured by the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). The
UAV drone with the latest remote sensing technologies was the perfect choice for automated
productivity measurements. High-level computing devices, new app technologies, artificial
neural networks, and IoT are smart tools to assist in the calculation and progress assessment.
For example, in road construction, the measurements were based on volumes, areas, and
linear measurements, which are matched perfectly using UAV drone technology. The
project manager will be frequently checking the work program and monitoring; however,
site works monitoring requires multiple approaches due to the nature of longitudinal
infrastructures. Any deviations to the work schedule definitely may incur cost and time
overruns. Besides monitoring the time and cost, the project manager’s duty is also to ensure
that the project quality, safety, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) are implied.

2.2. Smart Construction Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

In the traditional project monitoring process, the availability of accurate real-time
data in showing the site work progress is very limited. Many projects still practice this
traditional method. However, a smart construction monitoring system is based on more-
organized real-time data, which are collected using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
mounted with sensors such as a photo or a video camera, a thermal imaging camera, and
new advanced infrared sensors. The data collected are then analyzed using advanced
software for better monitoring and decision making. The data from UAVs are analyzed
using various software to extract useful information for project monitoring and a better
decision-making process [18].
In addition, the UAVs data can be useful for construction scheduling, costing, real-time
recording, reporting, verification, and planning. The UAVs’ data acquisition may signifi-
cantly reduce the traditional construction monitoring as well as provide convenient and
smart methods of site work progress management, planning, operation, and monitoring.
The important applications of UAVs in construction include:
i 3D Map Creation
The UAVs provide real-time data and aerial construction monitoring through 3D
object creation and area orthophoto graphic maps. This serves as a better control over
the site activities for closer monitoring of the construction work progress. The manage-
ment or the clients are able to access the most recent visual information for fresh work
progress updating. The project team or the management can detect deviations from the
original schedule.
ii Aerial Photography and 3D Scanning of Construction Projects
Aerial photos and videos can be used to provide project team visualizations or tracking
of site progress at the early construction stage for better rectification and monitoring of any
defects or deviations to the work schedule.
iii Routing Construction Progress Monitoring
During the construction phase, the UAVs can visualize the site and activities by record-
ing how the project is going. The assessment of construction progress is determined by a
work-in-progress from the photos or videos recorded from the UAVs. Road construction is
spread over a long distance; the use of a traditional method may be time-consuming, but
Sustainability 2022, 14, 6007 7 of 17

the use of UAVs can shorten the time for inspection or assessment. Before the start of the
construction activity, the UAV images and video can be used to perform site planning and
layout management.
iv Volumetric Measurement
Photogrammetry techniques on a large area such as a road, the volume of work
(earthworks), and productivity can be measured or calculated in a more accurate manner
where the differences may be in centimeters. Using this technique, the mission can be
accomplished quickly, cost-effectively, and with minimal disruption to the daily work at
the site. Besides that, the photos and videos can be analyzed with modern software such as
Pix4D to calculate the length, area, or volume of the work done. Using UAVs works for
one week can be done in days. The amount of material (earthworks) moved, excavated,
and filled along the road construction can be calculated to determine the work volume and
productivity. The inspection, tracking, and monitoring jobs are much easier with the new
technology such as UAVs.

3. Methodology
The study was conducted on the projects under the purview of Public Works Sarawak
(JKR Sarawak), where the data collection was for the month of July 2021 to determine
the seriousness of the pandemic’s impact on the construction, especially for the ongoing
projects. To achieve the objectives of the study, quantitative data were obtained through a
google questionnaire survey distributed to the target respondents. The questionnaires were
sent to the client (JKR), the contractor and the consultants involved with the project under
JKR Sarawak supervision. The data obtained from the survey questionnaires were analyzed
using SPSS version 26. There were 37 respondents to this questionnaire survey. The results
were presented using tables and charts for easier comprehension by the readers. The AHP
analysis was used to present the analysis of the results. AHP analysis has the advantages to
check, determine the logical priority, and rank the results as well as to help and support the
analysis from SPSS. Even though the AHP analysis is an old method, it is still relevant in
this study. This study used a sample size of 37 respondents, which claimed the sample size
is enough for this research. Once again, the AHP analysis method has no general rule on the
sample size, whereby it is not necessarily a large sample, and it range from 5 to 9000. Some
researchers argued that AHP is a subjective method for research focusing on a specific issue;
hence, it is not necessary to employ a large sample [19], it is define by statistical methods [20].
Others also argued that because AHP is based on expert judgments, judgments from even
a single qualified expert are usually representative [21–24].
The AHP analysis method was used to rank the effects of the pandemic and efforts in
curbing the pandemic as the accuracy of pairwise comparison is more reliable. The relative
importance of every finding was analyzed and presented, which may have a significant
impact on the construction industry. The criteria used in AHP techniques were collected
through a questionnaire survey.
Figure 3 illustrates the research frameworks as a guideline to the researcher so that the
research can be conducted systematically and following the research methods and research
stages. First, the research needs to define the problem of why the study is needed. Then,
the objective of the study, the literature review, data collection, as well as data analysis
using SPSS version 26 and AHP analysis to determine the results from the study need to
be set up. Finally, the conclusion and recommendation from the study are tabled. The
respondents of the study were the construction players currently involved with projects
affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Their experience during the pandemic is useful to
make the study more relevant, and the results of the study can later be used as preparation
if a similar situation arises in the future.
 ysis using SPSS version 26 and AHP analysis to determine the results from the stud
to be set up. Finally, the conclusion and recommendation from the study are table
respondents of the study were the construction players currently involved with p
affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Their experience during the pandemic is us
Sustainability 2022, 14, 6007 make the study more relevant, and the results of the study can later be used
8 of 17as prep

if a similar situation arises in the future.

Figure
Figure 3. 3. Study
Study methodology
methodology flow chart.
flow chart.

The findings from a total of 37 respondents to the questionnaire were presented.

The findings from a total of 37 respondents to the questionnaire were presente
Participants comprised both genders with different backgrounds, age groups, levels of
ticipants comprised
education, both genders
working positions, with different
and experience backgrounds,
in the construction age The
industry. groups,
data levels
cation,
and working
information positions,
from and
the findings experience
were gathered toindetermine
the construction
the effects industry.
of the COVID- The data a
19 pandemic on the construction industry as well as project sites. Table
formation from the findings were gathered to determine the effects of the COVID-1 2 shows the
demography
demic on the of construction
respondents inindustry
terms of the
as organizations
well as project they represented.
sites. Firstly, the
Table 2 shows the demo
analysis was conducted with SPSS from the survey questionnaire on the actual working
of respondents in terms of the organizations they represented.
conditions of the project under supervision of the Public Works Department, Sarawak.
Firstly, the analys
conducted
The withwas
AHP analysis SPSS from the
conducted survey
to check andquestionnaire on thepriority,
determine the logical actualtoworking
rank the condit
the project
results, and tounder supervision
help support of thefrom
the analysis Public Works
SPSS. Department,
The validity Sarawak.
and reliability of theThe AH
questionnaires were checked with a Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient of 0.814, which
ysis was conducted to check and determine the logical priority, to rank the results, indicates
a high reliability. This indicates that the questionnaire was developed with no ambiguities
help support the analysis from SPSS. The validity and reliability of the question
and that it avoids jargon questions.
were checked with a Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient of 0.814, which indicates a hig
bility.
Table This indicates
2. Demographic that the questionnaire was developed with no ambiguities an
analysis.
it avoids jargon questions.
Demography Respondents Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent
Government
15 40.5 40.5 40.5
Agency
Respondents’
Consultant 2 5.4 5.4 45.9
organization
Contractor 20 54.1 54.1 100.0
Total 37 100.0 100.0
Sustainability 2022, 14, 6007 9 of 17

Table 2. Cont.

Demography Respondents Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent

Managing
2 5.4 5.4 5.4
Director
Project
3 8.1 8.1 13.5
Director

Designation in Project
13 35.1 35.1 48.6
the company Manager
Project
8 21.6 21.6 70.3
Engineer
Other 11 29.7 29.7 100.0
Total 37 100.0 100.0
Diploma 7 18.9 18.9 18.9
Bachelor 21 56.8 56.8 75.7
Academic
qualification Master 8 21.6 21.6 97.3
Other 1 2.7 2.7 100.0
Total 37 100.0 100.0
Less than
5 13.5 13.5 13.5
5 years
5–10 years 11 29.7 29.7 43.2
Construction
experiences 11–20 years 14 37.8 37.8 81.1
More than
7 18.9 18.9 100.0
20 years
Total 37 100.0 100.0
Less than
2 5.4 5.4 5.4
5 million
5–10 million 5 13.5 13.5 18.9

Highest 10–50 million 14 37.8 37.8 56.8

contract 50–100 million 5 13.5 13.5 70.3
amount
involved 100–500
6 16.2 16.2 86.5
million
More than 500
5 13.5 13.5 100.0
million
Total 37 100.0 100.0

4. Respondent’s Demographic
Based on Table 2, there were 20 or 54.1% respondents who are contractors; 15 respon-
dents or 40.5% respondents were from government agencies; and 2 or 5.4% respondents
were from consultant organizations. Table 1 also illustrates the positions of the respondents
in the company that they represent. The majority of respondents were in senior positions,
such as project manager roles, representing 35.1% or 13 respondents out of 37 respondents
who took part in the survey. Project Engineers were 21.6%; Project Directors were 8.1%;
and Managing Directors were 5.4%; the rest were from other groups or job positions. In
terms of academic qualification, 56.8% or 21 out of 37 respondents were graduates with
bachelor’s degrees; 21.6% held a master’s degree level of education; and 18.9% or 7 respon-
dents were diploma holders. Meanwhile, one respondent was a high school graduate with
significant experience in the construction industry. Only 13.5% of the respondents had less
than five years’ experience in construction, while another 86.5% showed well-experienced
respondents in construction projects who participated in this questionnaires survey. Those
respondents split, with 29.7% of them in the range of 5–10 years, 37.8% between 11–20 years,
and 18.9% with more than 20-years’ experience in the construction industry, especially in
Sarawak. The majority of respondents had been involved with contracts of more than RM
5 million at 94.6%. While 13.5% were involved with project amounts between RM 5 million
Sustainability 2022, 14, 6007 10 of 17

to RM 10 million, 37.8% of them were involved with project amounts in the range of RM
10 million to RM 50 million. Respondents involved in projects between RM 50 million
to RM 100 million were 13.5%. For RM 100 million to RM 500 million, 16.2% of respon-
dents were involved, and for projects greater than RM 500 million, 13.5% of respondents
were involved.
The main objectives of this study were to determine the construction players’ point of
view on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the efforts to curb and manage the pandemic,
as well as to determine and look for new opportunities to gain from the pandemic. The
lessons learnt from the pandemic were useful for our readiness in the event of such a
pandemic occurring in the future. Hereby, the findings of the study will be important for
construction players’ future referrals. Meanwhile, the AHP techniques intensity scale was
used for AHP pairwise comparison by Saaty (1995) as the basis for the analysis in this
study [21,25].

5. The Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Site Work Progress Using the
Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP)
In order to determine the ranking and hierarchy of the findings, the Analytical Hier-
archy Process (AHP) method analysis was used. In pairwise comparisons, the identified
factors were assessed against the hierarchical effects of the pandemic, efforts to manage it,
and the new opportunities to gain from the pandemic. The AHP pairwise comparison was
used as the hierarchy of the results for greater accuracy and reliability. Table 3 shows the
intensity scale used for the AHP pairwise comparison.

Table 3. Intensity scale for AHP pairwise comparison as used by Saaty (1995).

Intensity of Importance Definition Explanation

Two activities contribute equally to
1 Equal importance
the objective.
Weak importance of one Experience and judgment slightly favor one
3
over another activity over another.
Essential or Experience and judgment strongly favor one
5
strong importance activity over another.
Very strong or Activity is strongly favored, and its
7
demonstrated importance dominance is demonstrated in practice.
The evidence favoring one activity over
9 Absolute importance another is of the highest possible order
of affirmation.
2, 4, 6, 8 Intermediate values When a compromise is needed.
1/3, 1/5, 1/7, 1/9 Values for inverse comparison

Table 4 presents the variables on the effects of COVID-19 on the construction industry,
efforts to manage the pandemic during the challenging time, and new opportunities gained
from the pandemic. Table 5 displays the results of the Random Index, and further analyses
were taken. Table 6 is for the AHP pairwise comparison matrix calculation in order to
determine the priority or ranking of the research findings on factors affecting site work
progress during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sustainability 2022, 14, 6007 11 of 17

Table 4. Results and findings of the current pandemic study.

Effects of the COVID-19 Efforts to Manage the New Opportunities

on the Construction Project during the Time Gained from the
Projects of Pandemic Challenges Pandemic
Managing the project Ability to secure loans
Project delays
risks and low-interest rates
Adopted new safety
Surplus of skilled
Shortage of manpower measures in the
workers in the market
The goal that needs to be construction industry
achieved from the study More fast-track projects,
Effects of the COVID-19 Increase in project cost Social distancing medical projects, and
pandemic on transportation projects
construction work
progress Logistic problems
Financial constraints
Payment delays Lesson learnt in
Developed a strategy to
Shortage of materials address the challenges improving the existing
of COVID-19 systems
Delay in inspection and
approval
Increase in disputes and
claims

Table 5. Random Index.

Size of the Matrix (n) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Random Consistency (RI) 0 0 0.58 0.9 1.12 1.24 1.32 1.41 1.45 1.49

Table 6. AHP pairwise comparison matrix calculation table to determine the priority or ranking of
the research findings.

Pairwise Comparison Matrix

E1 E2 E3 E4 E5 E6 E7 E8 E9 E10
E1 1.00 2.00 1.00 0.50 3.00 1.00 3.00 0.50 1.00 3.00
E2 0.50 1.00 1.00 1.00 0.33 1.00 1.00 1.00 0.33 0.50
E3 1.00 1.00 1.00 0.33 1.00 1.00 2.00 1.00 3.00 1.00
E4 2.00 1.00 3.00 1.00 2.00 0.33 1.00 1.00 0.11 3.00
E5 0.33 3.00 1.00 0.50 1.00 1.00 1.00 3.00 0.50 1.00
E6 1.00 1.00 1.00 0.33 1.00 1.00 0.33 1.00 1.00 1.00
E7 0.33 1.00 0.50 1.00 1.00 3.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
E8 2.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 0.33 1.00 1.00 1.00 0.11 2.00
E9 1.00 3.00 0.33 0.33 2.00 1.00 1.00 0.11 1.00 1.00
E10 0.33 2.00 1.00 0.33 1.00 1.00 1.00 0.50 1.00 1.00
Sum 9.50 16.00 10.83 6.33 12.67 11.33 12.33 10.11 9.06 14.50
Sustainability 2022, 14, 6007 12 of 17

Table 6. Cont.

Normalised Pairwise Comparison Matrix

Criteria
E1 E2 E3 E4 E5 E6 E7 E8 E9 E10 Sum
Weight
E1 0.11 0.13 0.09 0.08 0.24 0.09 0.24 0.05 0.11 0.21 1.34 0.13
E2 0.05 0.06 0.09 0.16 0.03 0.09 0.08 0.10 0.04 0.03 0.73 0.07
E3 0.11 0.06 0.09 0.05 0.08 0.09 0.16 0.10 0.33 0.07 1.14 0.11
E4 0.21 0.06 0.28 0.16 0.16 0.03 0.08 0.10 0.01 0.21 1.29 0.13
E5 0.04 0.19 0.09 0.08 0.08 0.09 0.08 0.30 0.06 0.07 1.06 0.11
E6 0.11 0.06 0.09 0.05 0.08 0.09 0.03 0.10 0.11 0.07 0.78 0.08
E7 0.04 0.06 0.05 0.16 0.08 0.26 0.08 0.10 0.11 0.07 1.00 0.10
E8 0.21 0.06 0.09 0.16 0.03 0.09 0.08 0.10 0.01 0.14 0.97 0.10
E9 0.11 0.19 0.03 0.05 0.16 0.09 0.08 0.01 0.11 0.07 0.89 0.09
E10 0.04 0.13 0.09 0.05 0.08 0.09 0.08 0.05 0.11 0.07 0.78 0.08
CI and CR
E1 E2 E3 E4 E5 E6 E7 E8 E9 E10 Sum Sum/Weight
E1 0.13 0.27 0.13 0.07 0.40 0.13 0.40 0.07 0.13 0.40 2.14 16.00
E2 0.04 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.02 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.02 0.04 0.56 7.67
E3 0.11 0.11 0.11 0.04 0.11 0.11 0.23 0.11 0.34 0.11 1.41 12.33
E4 0.26 0.13 0.39 0.13 0.26 0.04 0.13 0.13 0.01 0.39 1.87 14.44
E5 0.04 0.32 0.11 0.05 0.11 0.11 0.11 0.32 0.05 0.11 1.31 12.33
E6 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.03 0.08 0.08 0.03 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.68 8.66
E7 0.03 0.10 0.05 0.10 0.10 0.30 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 1.09 10.83
E8 0.19 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.03 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.01 0.19 1.01 10.44
E9 0.09 0.27 0.03 0.03 0.18 0.09 0.09 0.01 0.09 0.09 0.96 10.78
E10 0.03 0.16 0.08 0.03 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.04 0.08 0.08 0.72 9.17
11.27
Lambda max = 11.27; CI = 0.14; CR = 0.09; CI = Lambda max − n/n − 1; CR = CI/RI; Consistency Ration = 0.9 < 0.1
Then OK. Legend: E1—Project delays. E2—Shortage of manpower. E3—Increased project cost. E4—Logistic
problems. E5—Financial constraints. E6—Price escalations. E7—Payment delays. E8—Shortage of materials.
E9—Delayed inspection and approval. E10—Increase in disputes and claims.

By applying AHP, the effects of COVID-19 on construction work progress can be

prioritized according to the ranking in ascending order as illustrated in Figure 4. The results
of the Analytical Hierarchy Process show that project delay (priority vector = 16) is the
highest-ranking factor affecting the work progress on-site during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This is followed by logistic problems (14.44), financial constraints (12.33), an increased
project cost (12.33), payment delays (10.83), delays in inspection and approval (10.78), a
shortage of materials (10.44), an increased project cost (9.17), price escalations (8.66), and a
shortage of manpower (7.67). The findings from the analysis identified that the COVID-19
pandemic had caused many projects’ progress to be delayed and may complete beyond the
period stipulated in the contract that has been signed. The construction company have to
adjust their schedule in order to avoid major losses. Logistic problems and the inability to
access the worksite due to movement restrictions imposed by the government also caused
the delay. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many contractors to experience financial
difficulties and constraints.
 (8.66), and a shortage of manpower (7.67). The findings from the analysis identified that
the COVID-19 pandemic had caused many projects’ progress to be delayed and may com-
plete beyond the period stipulated in the contract that has been signed. The construction
company have to adjust their schedule in order to avoid major losses. Logistic problems
Sustainability 2022, 14, 6007
and the inability to access the worksite due to movement restrictions imposed by the gov-
13 of 17
ernment also caused the delay. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many contractors to
experience financial difficulties and constraints.

Figure4.4.The
Figure Thepriority
priorityranking
rankingfactors
factorsaffecting
affectingsite
sitework
workprogress
progressduring
duringthe
theCOVID-19
COVID-19pandemic.
pandemic.

In parallel, the project cost may escalate as the price of material increases due to
movement control orders and restrictions imposed by the government. Besides that, most
contractors experience payment delays due to delays in inspection and approval by the
clients. A shortage of materials and manpower with strict SOP imposed by the government
and project sites had caused decreased project site productivity and slow progress. The
delay may cause a project overrun from the original project schedule and may cause many
disputes. In addition, a delay in material delivery and a shortage of materials at the
construction site were also experienced by the respondents as a result of social distancing
and quarantine requirements that may cause a smaller workforce within the supply chain.
An inability to predict the Movement of Control Order and restrictions to be lifted leads to
an increase in disputes and the extension of time claims as the contractors are arguing about
the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is significantly causing schedule disruptions.
Table 7 portrays the AHP pairwise comparison matrix calculation in determining
the priority or ranking of the research findings on the efforts to curb and manage the
COVID-19 pandemic.
Figure 5 shows the AHP priority ranking to curb and manage the effects of the
COVID-19 pandemic in the viewpoint of construction players on their project site to reduce
slow work progress. Generally, AHP calculation shows that managing the project risks
is important and ranked first in curbing the pandemic as well as minimizing the low site
productivity. The adaptation to social distancing should be practiced on-site during these
challenging and unprecedented times. As there was much concern about the spreading
of the virus, new safety measures must be adopted at the construction site. New normal
safety guidelines and Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) may help prevent COVID-19.
The respondents also believe that better and more realistic strategies are important to
address the COVID-19 challenges between construction supply chains. The findings from
the analysis also show that project work progress shall be monitored closely despite the
fact that the risk of infection by the virus could be high. The advanced new technologies
would be useful in managing the project from time to time. Online meetings and smart
technology monitoring tools such as UAV utilization in a new normal are essential in
managing construction in the future, where advanced technologies including IoT and
robotics are new solutions when the movement of control is imposed by the government.
Sustainability 2022, 14, 6007 14 of 17

Table 7. AHP pairwise comparison matrix calculation table to determine the priority or ranking of
the research findings.

Pairwise Comparison Matrix

EM1 EM2 EM3 EM4 Score Ranking
EM1 1.00 2.00 3.00 5.00 11.00 1
EM2 0.50 1.00 0.33 5.00 6.83 3
EM3 0.33 3.00 1.00 3.00 7.33 2
EM4 0.20 0.20 0.33 1.00 1.73 4
SUM 2.03 6.20 4.67 14.00 26.90
Normalised Pairwise Comparison Matrix
Criteria
EM1 EM2 EM3 EM4 SUM
Weight
Sustainability 2022, 14, x FOR PEER REVIEW
EM1 0.49 0.32 0.64 0.36 1.81 14 of 17
2.20
EM2 0.25 0.16 0.07 0.36 0.84 1.37
EM3 0.16 0.48 0.21 0.21 1.08 1.47
EM4 0.10 0.03 0.07 0.07 0.27 0.35
ing of the virus,CI new
and CRsafety measures must be adopted at the construction site. New nor-
mal safety guidelines
EM1 and Personnel
EM2 Protective
EM3 Equipment
EM4 (PPE) SUM may helpWeights
prevent
COVID-19.
EM1 The respondents
2.20 also
4.40 believe that
6.60 better and more realistic
11.00 24.20 strategies are im-
11.00
EM2 0.68 1.37 0.46 6.83 9.34 6.83
portant
EM3
to address0.49
the COVID-19
4.40
challenges
1.47
between construction
4.40
supply
10.76
chains.
7.33
The
findings
EM4 from the analysis
0.07 also show
0.07 that project
0.12 work progress
0.35 shall be
0.60 monitored closely
1.73
despite the fact that the risk of infection by the virus could be high. The advanced 5.38 new
technologies would be useful in managing the project from time to time.
Lambda
5.38
Online meetings
and smart technology monitoring tools such Maxas UAV utilization in a new normal are es-

sential in managing construction in the future, CI 0.10

where advanced technologies including
CR 0.08
IoT and robotics are new solutions when the movement Consistency Ratio 0.08 < 0.1 Hence, OK the gov-
of control is imposed by
ernment.

Figure5.
Figure 5. The
The priority
priority ranking
ranking on
on the
the efforts
effortsto
tocurb
curband
andmanage
managethe
theCOVID-19
COVID-19pandemic.
pandemic.

Besides, in
Besides, in these
these challenging
challenging andand unprecedented
unprecedented times,times, the
the respondents
respondents still
still believe
believe
that there
that there are
arenew
newopportunities
opportunitiesto togain
gainamid
amidthe theCOVID-19
COVID-19pandemic.
pandemic. TheThe lesson
lesson learnt
learnt
duringthe
during thepandemic
pandemiccreates
createsthe
thesystems
systemsand andimproves
improvesthe the current
current monitoring
monitoring and
and man-
manag-
ing project
aging systems
project systemsin Sarawak construction
in Sarawak constructionprojects. The The
projects. pandemic could
pandemic give give
could the prospect
the pro-
for companies
spect to secure
for companies to loans
securewith
loanslow-interest rates even
with low-interest though
rates evennot manynot
though respondents
many re-
are in favor of that. In addition, there are still respondents who believe in more
spondents are in favor of that. In addition, there are still respondents who believe in more fast-track
projects
fast-track such as medical-related
projects projects. Due
such as medical-related to the
projects. COVID-19
Due pandemic,
to the COVID-19 many people,
pandemic, many
especially skilled workers,
people, especially lost their
skilled workers, job,
lost and
their job,some
and respondents believe
some respondents there there
believe may be maya
be a surplus of skilled workers in the market due to lesser ongoing works and projects
during the pandemic.
As mentioned in Tables 4 and 8 and Figure 4, the effects of COVID-19 on the con-
struction industry are severe, and efforts to manage the pandemic during the challenging
Sustainability 2022, 14, 6007 15 of 17

surplus of skilled workers in the market due to lesser ongoing works and projects during
the pandemic.
As mentioned in Tables 4 and 8 and Figure 4, the effects of COVID-19 on the construc-
tion industry are severe, and efforts to manage the pandemic during the challenging time
and new opportunities gained from the pandemic are a good lesson learned by the industry.
In the Construction 4.0 framework, several image processing, software, computer vision,
and geometrical processing techniques are developed to generate 3D models from collected
images. The 3D UAVs model provides information about the construction process and
serves as a valuable tool for decision making and cost control. It is very important to moni-
tor the materials entering and leaving the construction site. The volumetric comparison
between the BIM model and the UAVs model at various construction stages is useful to
track the material and construction progress.

Table 8. The new opportunity to gain.

N Minimum Maximum Mean Std. Deviation Variance

Lesson learnt for
improving the 37 1 5 3.35 1.086 1.179
existing systems
Ability to secure
loans and 37 1 5 2.43 1.119 1.252
low-interest rates
More fast-track
projects, medical
37 1 5 2.43 1.237 1.530
projects, and
transportation
Surplus of skilled
workers in 37 1 4 2.41 1.189 1.414
the market
Valid N (listwise) 37

6. Conclusions
This research was conducted to determine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on
project work progress in the Sarawak construction industry. The research focused on the
on-site work progress affected during the pandemic. The other performance measurement
such as design issues, planning, and scheduling issues were not within this scope. The data
were collected from a questionnaire survey distributed via WhatsApp. The AHP pairwise
comparison method was used to make the analysis data more accurate and reliable. The
objective of the study was to prepare the project site on methods to address the project
progress due to lockdowns and new SOP. Despite some limitations in this study, the study
captured some important findings related to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic that
may cause delays to the site work progress. There could be some additional effects not
captured in this research as the questionnaire was designed based on the experience of
the researchers. The findings were from what the respondents experienced during the
pandemic from various construction players. Limited responses from only 37 respondents
could affect the result of the study.
From the findings, construction projects in Sarawak were badly affected during the
COVID-19 pandemic. Many projects were being stopped, slowing site work progress and
productivity as all sites operated minimally in compliance with the government’s directive
of only 30% of workers being allowed on site to maintain social distancing. As a result, many
construction sites have experienced financial losses due to project overruns and added costs
such as social distancing, site sanitizing, and protective equipment directives imposed by
the government. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in project grounding
as a shortage of materials due to the lockdown caused an inconsistent supply of materials
from suppliers. Numerous lockdowns and travel restrictions imposed by the government
had caused major disruptions and impacted heavily on the shortage of manpower as well as
Sustainability 2022, 14, 6007 16 of 17

supply chain activities. With the end nowhere in sight, the construction site has to prepare
beyond normal, through a new working system to survive in the industry. Understanding
the current situation and the assistance of the findings from this research may help the
industry alleviate its suffering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In order to reduce the contractors’ burden, it was suggested that the government or the
clients allow the contractor to claim losses such as overhead costs, machinery maintenances
costs, and related costs incurred during the pandemic. The government may introduce
some initiatives to address the pandemic impacts, especially on government projects.
Detailed discussions on the mechanism to reduce the impacts of COVID-19 should be
done between the government and the construction stakeholders involved. The COVID-19
pandemic has opened the construction players’ eyes to the importance of embracing new
technologies to reduce manpower as well as shorten construction periods. This study was
an important contribution to the construction industry, and the findings could be used in
the future in the event of another elongated pandemic occurrence. It is with our fervent
hope that the study will lead to further improvement and create awareness, foster resiliency,
connote preventive measures, avert delays, and manage progress control in the event of a
similar situation occurring in the future.

Author Contributions: J.A.G.—Original draft preparation and writing; R.Z.—Review, reading and
editing; E.A., K.Y., A.R.M.S., L., V.M., M.A.Y., N.W. and S.M.S.—Review, visualization, supervision,
project administration, comments, helping in investigation, resources, conceptualization, analysis
and validation. All have contributed to the successful of the study. All authors have read and agreed
to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: This research received no external funding.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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