Malaysia, a fast-growing and developing country, faces pollution and sustainability issues due to its rapid constructions and industrials development During transition towards Circular Economy (CE), better product and packaging designs collection, sorting systems, and recycling infrastructure are critically needed to reduce virgin material use and promote a circular waste path. Therefore, this study aims to integrate the CE concept into the design and construction stages of infrastructure projects in Malaysia by identifying the critical barriers to implement it. Using barriers from related literature, a questionnaire was developed and distributed to construction projects stakeholders ranging from clients, contractors, consultants as well as related authorities. A total of 155 survey were returned representing 82.8% response rate. Then, the Cronbach’s alpha test was used to check reliability levels of the questionnaires (i.e. Likert scale question), while normalized mean value was used to establish the critical factors that affecting the CE implementation. The findings suggested that the critical barriers are lack of financial and economic support, lack of knowledge and understanding and inadequacy of incentives. In order to accomplish the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), this study will act as a guide for stakeholders on how to include the CE idea into the design and construction of infrastructure projects. This study will provide stakeholders with a new paradigm for infrastructure design and construction using the CE concept, which can create jobs and economic growth by investing in eco-innovations, secondary raw materials, recycling processes, industrial symbiosis, and maintaining product integrity.