A Literature Review on the Critical Factors Contributing to Project Abandonment in Construction Projects
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37134/kupasseni.vol14.sp.12.2026Keywords:
Project Abandonment , Rescue Contractors, White Knights, Construction ManagementAbstract
Abandoned construction projects in Malaysia erode economic value, harm the environment, and weaken public trust, while rescue contractors face elevated financial, legal, and reputational risks. This conceptual paper integrates findings from prior studies and documented cases to identify recurring critical factors of abandonment and to map them to project phases. Seven categories are highlighted, with financial challenges, regulatory and policy constraints, and technical and operational issues most prevalent; further contributors include stakeholder engagement problems, economic instabilities, systemic limitations, and unforeseen external risks. Understanding the relative prominence and phase specific manifestation of these factors clarifies why even rehabilitated projects can remain vulnerable without stronger financial controls, streamlined regulatory interfaces, quality assurance, and proactive risk governance. The synthesis provides a practical basis for stakeholders, particularly rescue contractors, to prioritise interventions and improve completion outcomes.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Mohd Dhiya Hafreez Kamil, Mohd Najib Abd Rashid, Mohamed Rizal Mohamed
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