In a statement, its minister Lim Guan Eng said this matter should be further examined “to determine whether it is caused by monopolistic practices of local industry players in Sarawak”.

“Cement is a basic building material and a drastic price increase will inevitably feed into the economy negatively, and eventually hurt consumers,” he said.

Lim said the government had tackled similar concerns in West Malaysia, referring to Putrajaya’s assurance that there would be no increase in the price of cement, following speculation of a 40% surge in prices.

He said the assurance was to alleviate fears that major cement producers in the country were abusing their market power to raise prices unfairly.

Earlier this week, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Saifuddin Nasution said there would be no price hikes following a meeting with 21 cement stakeholders.