By 2026, only builders with ISO anti-corruption certifications can bid for government projects over RM100 million.

BANGI : Starting in 2026, only construction companies certified with the ISO 37001 Anti-Bribery Management System (ABMS) will be eligible to bid for Malaysian government contracts exceeding RM100 million. This requirement applies specifically to Class G7 construction firms registered with the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB).

The National Governance Committee, led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has approved this initiative to ensure that companies demonstrate their commitment to combating corruption in tender processes under the Finance Ministry.

The ABMS certification aims to help companies detect, prevent, and respond to bribery incidents, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations. A two-year grace period has been established to allow companies to prepare for certification; during this time, they may continue to bid for government contracts. However, after the grace period, those without ABMS certification will be barred from bidding on Finance Ministry projects.

This measure is part of a broader strategy to protect government projects from corruption and financial leakages. An international study highlighted that the global construction industry suffers losses of approximately RM5 trillion annually due to corruption.