AVOIDING VS. ACCEPTING RISK: EVALUATING THE RISK MANAGEMENT OF A MOSQUE CONSTRUCTION IN KUALA LUMPUR

Abstract

Risk management is a critical component in ensuring the successful delivery of construction projects, especially in the public sector, where resources, regulations, and stakeholder interests must be carefully balanced. This study examines the practical application of the Garis Panduan Pengurusan Risiko Bagi Projek Kerajaan (Guidelines on Risk Management for Government Projects) through a case study of a mosque construction project in Kuala Lumpur, focusing on two fundamental risk response strategies: avoidance and acceptance of risk. This study examines how risk can be identified, classified, and treated effectively during the construction phase. Data was collected through stakeholder workshops and document analysis, leading to the identification of project-specific risks, including design changes, late approvals, and religious considerations such as qibla direction alignment. The findings demonstrate that by applying the JKR guideline, certain risks can be proactively avoided through early planning, while lower-impact risks can be strategically accepted with monitoring. The study also highlights how unique characteristics of public religious buildings require tailored risk mitigation approaches. Ultimately, this research affirms the relevance and adaptability of the JKR (2017) guideline in guiding systematic risk management in government-funded construction projects and provides practical insights into future implementation.