Malaysia Elevator and Escalator Market - Size & Growth Forecast 2025-2030

INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

The Malaysia elevator and escalator market size by new installations accounted for 2.69 thousand units in 2024 and is expected to reach 3.54 thousand units by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.72% during the forecast period. Increasing demand for high-rise structures and the government's focus on infrastructure in key economic cities have propelled Malaysia’s elevator business to new heights. Also, one of the primary market drivers is the country’s rapid urbanization and infrastructure development. This has led to a surge in the construction of high-rise buildings, both residential and commercial, which requires efficient vertical transportation solutions like elevators and escalators, thereby supporting the Malaysia elevator and escalator market growth. Additionally, the government’s focus on boosting tourism through initiatives such as Visit Malaysia 2026 (launched in 2024), and long-term economic strategies has led to a significant increase in investments in the hospitality industry.

Recent Developments in the Malaysia Elevator and Escalator Market

1. In August 2024, Otis unveiled its Gen3™ connected elevator platform at its ‘Platform for Possibility’ launch event in Kuala Lumpur.
2. In 2024, Mitsubishi Electric Building Solutions Corporation announced its new elevator type, ‘NEXIEZ-Fit’, which is an elevator that combines superior cost performance with carefully selected specifications.
3. In September 2024, Kone announced its New 2025-2030 Strategy “Rise”.

KEY INSIGHTS

1. The Malaysia elevators market by the installed base is expected to reach 89.1 thousand units by 2030.
2. Elevators used in the residential sector accounted for the largest share of around XX% in 2024, despite low purchasing power due to high interest rates. The market is set to recover in 2025 from high government expenditure on construction projects.
3. The machine room traction segment accounted for the largest industry share due to its high popularity.
4. The Malaysia-installed base escalators market is expected to reach 17.4 thousand units by 2030.
5. Escalators used in public transit accounted for the largest share in 2024 due to increasing public transit projects in the pipeline.
6. The parallel escalators segment accounted for the largest market share in 2024 due to the high preference for commercial elevators.
7. The modernization market in Malaysia is expected to surpass USD 130 million by 2030.
8. Real estate developers are optimistic about Malaysia’s property market in 1H 2025, driven by expected economic growth and stable interest rates. Key legislative changes, such as the Urban Redevelopment Act and updates to the Housing Development Act, are set to influence the industry.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES & DRIVERS

Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is Expected to Create Future Opportunities in the Malaysia Elevator and Escalator Market

1. The integration of AI in the Malaysia elevator and escalator market reflects a growing trend in the modernization of urban infrastructure. AI-driven solutions enhance safety, efficiency, and user experience in public and private transportation systems.
2. AI monitors real-time data from sensors installed in elevators and escalators to predict and prevent potential malfunctions. This reduces downtime and improves the reliability of equipment. Companies like KONE and Otis have already implemented AI-based predictive maintenance globally, including in Asia-Pacific regions like Malaysia.

Growth In the Tourism and Hospitality Industry

1. The Malaysia elevator and escalator market growth is closely tied to the dynamic resurgence of the country’s tourism industry, driven by government initiatives, infrastructure development, and the growing popularity of medical and eco-tourism.
2. The growth of medical tourism is another key factor boosting the Malaysia elevator and escalator market. Malaysia’s reputation for providing affordable, high-quality healthcare with a focus on patient experience has positioned the country as a leading destination for health-conscious travelers.
3. In alignment with the National Tourism Policy 2020-2030, the Malaysian government is actively working to transform the country into one of the world’s top 10 tourist destinations.

Sustainable Construction and Green Building Penetration to Be Major Demand Drivers in the Malaysia Elevator and Escalator Market

1. Malaysia’s shift towards sustainable construction has gained momentum, driven by increased collaboration between the government and private sector. Organizations like Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) and SP Setia have initiated strategic partnerships to incorporate smart energy and renewable energy solutions into housing developments.
2. The construction phase of buildings contributes approximately 15% of greenhouse gas emissions. By adopting sustainable construction practices, such as Industrialized Building Systems (IBS), the sector has reduced carbon emissions and waste generation during construction.
3. Malaysia’s commitment to green and resilient urban development is evident through initiatives like the Malaysia Smart City Outlook 2021–2022, which focuses on integrating technology to build sustainable communities.

Revival of the Construction Industry to Propel Demand

1. The Malaysia elevator and escalator market is poised to rise significantly, driven by a resurgence in the construction industry fueled by increased private and public investments, infrastructure projects, and a rebound in tourism.
2. The government has prioritized infrastructure development with a USD 20.1 billion allocation (23%) of the 2024 budget, for major projects like the Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT), the Sabah Pan Borneo Highway, and the Sabah Sarawak Link Road (SSLR).
3. To ensure the sector’s competitiveness amid rising tender prices, the government is enhancing public-private partnerships (PPPs) and driving key projects such as the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road Phase 2 and the Pan-Borneo Highway upgrades.

INDUSTRY RESTRAINTS

Skilled Labor Shortage in The Country to Hamper the Demand

Malaysia is grappling with a severe skilled labor shortage, particularly in the construction and manufacturing sectors, which is set to impact the Malaysia elevator and escalator market growth. Slow hiring processes, bureaucratic delays, and a reliance on foreign labor have left the country short by over a million workers, with only 90,000 more foreign hires allowed under the current cap of 2.5 million. This shortage has led to a freeze on new foreign worker quotas as of November 2024, further straining industries like manufacturing and construction that rely heavily on skilled labor.

High Dependency on Imported Equipment

A major challenge in the Malaysia elevator and escalator market is the heavy reliance on imported equipment, which drives up operational costs and limits the availability of locally produced alternatives. Most of the vertical transportation systems used in the country are supplied by international manufacturers from regions such as China, Japan, South Korea, and Europe. Also, fluctuations in currency exchange rates further complicate the situation, as a weaker Malaysian ringgit against foreign currencies increases procurement costs. This often results in higher prices for end-users or reduced profit margins for suppliers and service providers.

VENDOR LANDSCAPE

1. Mitsubishi Electric, Otis Elevator, TK Elevator, Schindler Group, and KONE Corporation are the top manufacturers in the Malaysia elevator and escalator market.
2. Other prominent players in the Malaysia elevator and escalator market are Hitachi Ltd., Fujitec Co., Ltd, Hyundai Elevator Co., Ltd., Toshiba Elevator and Building Systems Corporation, Sigma Elevator, EITA Elevator, Nippon Elevator, Stannah Lifts Holdings Ltd., Dover Elevator, Delfar Elevators and others. These leading players continuously innovate to provide state-of-the-art technology, ensuring safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
3. In 2024, KONE introduced the High-Rise MiniSpace™ DX elevator in Southeast Asia. This advanced elevator is designed to serve buildings exceeding 60 floors, offering enhanced energy efficiency, customization options, and sustainability features.
4. In 2023, Hitachi received orders for 160 elevators, escalators, and moving sidewalks, for the Hong Kong West Kowloon Station Complex in China.