Posted on 19 Jan 2023
On 17 August 2022, South East Asia Iron & Steel Institute (SEAISI) paid a courtesy visit to CIDB at Sunway Putra Tower, Kuala Lumpur.
CIDB’s Main Function
CIDB aims to develop the capacity and capability of the construction industry through enhancement of quality and productivity by placing great emphasis on professionalism, innovation and knowledge in the endeavour to improve the quality of life. 1 CIDB’s strategic plan focuses on:-
i. Reduced dependency on foreign workers
ii. Adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) for construction
iii. Increased Safety Management at the workplace
iv. Enhancement of Quality work-manship
v. Continuous Training Programmes to upgrade con-struction skills.
CIDB and Future Trends
CIDB was represented by Ir M. Ramuseren, Senior General Manager, Technology Develop-ment Sector and Mohamad Fazirul Izat, Manager, Tech-nology Development Sector. Repre-sentatives from SEAISI were Mr Yeoh Wee Jin, Secretary General and Ms Madeline Kam, Sales and Marketing, Assistant Manager.
Matters discussed in the meeting included: -
i. Ways to reduce carbon footprint
ii. CIDB’s strategic plan (2021 – 2025)
Carbon footprint has a negative impact on the environment which cause health issues by affecting respiratory disease arise from the smog and air pollution. The discussion focused on ways to reduce carbon footprint such as:-
1. Green Cement
The discussion noted that there are many ways to reduce carbon footprint. Green cement can be used as a substitute for general cement as it is environmentally friendly thus minimizing the carbon footprint.2
2. Reduction of Energy Consumption
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning represent around 40% of electricity consumption in a building. Commercial businesses are focusing on energy initiatives for more sustainability.3
3. Enhancement of Digitalization
Digitalisation and decarbonisation will allow sectors to undergo changes which will alter traditional models. Digitalisation will promote climate protection, clean air and preserve the biodiversity.
4. Green Hydrogen
By 2050, Malaysia aims to become a carbon neutral country. Coal-fired power plants will no longer be used. The focus will be on environmentally friendly electricity. Green hydrogen will save 830 million tonnes of CO2.4
5. Carbon Tax
The 12th Malaysia Plan has proposed a carbon tax in line with the target to reach zero carbon admission.
Malaysia hopes to move towards carbon neutrality by 2050.5 The implementation of Renewable Energy Act by the government is an initiative to encourage the energy sector to renew.6
6. Malaysian Construction Industry Standards (CIS)
CIS or referred as CIS 7:2014 was developed as a quality assessment for construction works standard by the Technical Committee on Quality Assessment in Construction, with the assistance of Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia (CIDB).
SEAISI also invite CIDB to present papers on: -
i. Digital Design and Construction Trends
ii.Safety and Health Assessment
System in Construction (SHASSIC) during the coming SEAISI Steel Mega Event & Expo.
The Secretary General of SEAISI is confident that the Steel Mega Event & Expo will increase public awareness of the urgency of zero carbon by 2050.
Sources:
1https://www.cidb.gov.my/en/about-us/corporate-info/mision-vision-objectives
2https://theconstructor.org/concrete/green-cement-types-applications/5568/
3https://www.ey.com/en_my/energy-resources
4https://www.iberdrola.com/sustainability/green-hydrogen
5https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/malaysia-not-ready-carbon-tax-its-way-experts-say
6https://themalaysianreserve.com/2022/03/10/mustapa-net-zero-carbon-framework-may-be-announced-this-year/
Source:SEAISI
