COVER FEATURE
INGENIEUR
COVER FEATURE
INGENIEUR
SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION EXCELLENCE FOR A BETTER FUTURE IN MALAYSIA
By Tan Sri ( Dr ) Ir . Jamilus Hussein Chairman , Thrust Working Group ( TWG ) Environmental Sustainability Construction Industry Transformation Programme , CIDB Malaysia
Sustainable construction addresses two major global challenges : the significant environmental impact of the construction industry and , balanced against this , the economic and social benefits of the industry . In order to ensure the achievability of these challenges in a successful manner , various types of sustainable-related initiatives , techniques and rating tools have been developed for the construction industry worldwide . This article identifies the types of natural disasters that commonly occur and key challenges of sustainable construction in Malaysia . The article also identifies programmes and initiatives , which have been developed by the Malaysian Government and other Government-implementing agencies in order to promote and support a comprehensive and sustainable construction industry . The major flood experience in 2014 served as a timely reminder to the Malaysian Government to start building the nation ’ s resilience towards sustaining the impact of unexpected natural disasters . Thus , it was decided to shift its “ business as usual ” approach , onto a more robust “ moving forward ” approach in the recent Malaysia Plan . The Construction Industry Transformation Plan ( CITP ) was developed to prepare Malaysia ’ s construction industry for robust competition at the global level where extensive emphasis is placed on quality , safety & professionalism , environmental sustainability , productivity and internationalization as primary thrusts of the long-term transformation programme . The aim of transforming the construction industry in Malaysia seems more feasible and achievable through the recent introduction of the Sustainable Construction Excellence Centre ( MAMPAN ).
8 VOL 69 JANUARY-MARCH 2017