by ANIS HAZIM / pic by MUHD AMIN NAHARUL
THE Works Ministry will continue to promote sustainable development through the lifecycle of the construction sector in line with the National Construction Policy 2030.
Its Senior Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof (picture) said that the ministry will place special attention in addressing several issues such as development planning, implementation of design, green procurement, and construction management method.
“To this end, the construction sector needs to vigilantly align its approach with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in facing the rapid and evolving global environment,” Fadillah said in his keynote address at the Malaysian Rating Corp 360: Sustainable Infra 2021 virtual conference yesterday.
The construction sector also needs to assist the government in ensuring that the country’s international sustainability commitments are applied in all aspects of national construction development.
He pressed for NGOs and industry players to be put in place sooner through the Works Ministry’s rigorous continuous engagements with all stakeholders.
“This is to enhance the capabilities and capacities of industry players in embracing a sustainably built environment and stronger collaboration between government agencies,” he said.
According to him, the Malaysian construction industry recorded an estimated loss of RM42 billion since the start of the Movement Control Order in March 2020.
“Consequently, the construction sector declined by 19.4% in 2020 and by 10.4% in the first quarter (1Q) of 2021.
“However, the growth rate of the construction sector has increased significantly by 40.3% during the 2Q of this year,” he noted.
Meanwhile, he foresaw that sustainable infrastructure will enhance the life quality of the people, increase positive social impacts and help protect the country’s vital natural resources.
“It is of utmost importance for us to plan, design, construct and maintain infrastructure in a way that properly manages any potential impacts on environmental, social, health, safety and risks,” he added.