KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia stands firm on its commitment to manufacture building materials, like cement, sustainably, says Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.

“The cement industry plays an important role in the development and growth of the Asean region.

“It is also a major contributor to socio-economic growth, job opportunities, new innovations and economic advancement,” he said during the 26th Asean Federation of Cement Manufacturers (AFCM) Technical Symposium and Exhibition Malaysia at a hotel here yesterday.

While acknowledging the challenges faced, he urged the cement industry to adopt and commit to green practices.

“Adapting green technologies and committing to sustainability are essential for ensuring the long-term competitiveness of the cement sector,” Nik Nazmi added.

Manufacturing cement traditionally results in a high-carbon footprint due to the first step in cement-making – limestone calcination, where limestone is heated at a very high temperature.

The chemical reaction from this leads to the release of large amounts of carbon dioxide into the environment.

Meanwhile, Nik Nazmi said Budget 2025 will position Malaysia to lead regionally in energy transition, the promotion of cleaner technologies and reduction of environmental impacts.

There are incentives for green technology investments, tax exemptions for eco-friendly projects and allocations to increase renewable energy sources.

“These efforts are to strengthen Malaysia’s clean energy goals while enabling green growth in industries across sectors,” he added.

He commended cement manufacturers in Malaysia for making significant investments to modernise their plants in the past two years, reducing coal and electricity consumption via advanced production technologies and more efficient equipment.

“More than RM200mil has been invested in air pollution control systems, leading to marked improvements in emissions and environmental outcomes,” he said.

He suggested that the cement industry consider carbon dioxide removal and carbon capture, utilisation and storage.

As for Malaysia chairing Asean next year, Nik Nazmi said the country is dedicated to supporting initiatives such as the Asean Free Trade Area and Asean Economic Community.

Malaysia also looks forward to increasing its economic influence outside of the region via the Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council and China Summits in 2025, he added.

At the event, Cement and Concrete Association of Malaysia chairman Datuk Yeoh Soo Keng said cement not only “shapes our physical landscape but also contributes to our economic and social fabric”.

She said through AFCM, a cross-border collaboration and innovation has been established.

This symposium, she said, hopes to be a platform to strengthen ties between industry partners and find new ways to reduce carbon emissions as the industry works towards net-zero targets by 2050.

“Our mission is to promote innovation, tackle industry challenges and drive sustainable practices that will define the future of the cement industry,” added Yeoh.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/11/06/committed-to-a-greener-future