YTL Cement, CIDB launch facility to repurpose construction waste

New Straits Times

6 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: YTL Cement Group, a leading integrated building materials provider, has taken a major step toward circular construction with the launch of Malaysia's first pilot facility to process and repurpose concrete aggregates (RCA).
Developed in partnership with the Construction Research Institute of Malaysia (CREAM), the research arm of the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), the facility marks a significant milestone in the country's move toward more sustainable and resource-efficient construction practices.
Strategically located in Jalan Chan Sow Lin, close to high-density construction areas, the facility was officially launched by CIDB Malaysia chief executive Zainora Zainal and YTL Cement director Datuk Aziyah Mohamed.
The facility transforms fresh returned concrete—estimated to make up around 5 per cent of the nation's annual 30 million cubic metres of concrete production—into reusable aggregates. These can replace up to 30 per cent of natural aggregates in new concrete mixes, while finer by-products are utilised for road base layers or brick-making materials. By cutting down on waste and reducing dependence on virgin raw materials, the facility contributes to a low-carbon, regenerative construction ecosystem.
"This initiative reflects our commitment to supporting national efforts in sustainable development. This model can be replicated in other locations with high volumes of construction activity. Most importantly, we aim to shift industry perceptions in viewing returned fresh concrete not as waste, but as a resource that can drive sustainability," said Aziyah.
The RCA facility began operations in June 2025 and stands as the first tangible outcome of a 2023 Memorandum of Understanding between YTL Cement and CREAM. The strategic collaboration focuses on three core areas: talent development, research and development, and the industry's transition toward sustainable construction.
Zainora, meanwhile, lauded the project as a model of effective collaboration between public and private stakeholders.
"The RCA facility shows how public and private sectors can work together to accelerate innovation and realise national policy goals. This is a success story from the MoU between CREAM and YTL Cement."
"I hope that this will set the standard and encourage more industry players to consider using RCA in their building materials and for them to be inspired to create more such initiatives across the country.
"This is important as we collectively strive to advance sustainable construction practices in Malaysia for the long term in line with our National Construction Policy 2030's aspirations."
YTL Cement and CREAM will also intensify joint research into the application potential of RCA by-products, particularly aggregate fines, in other construction materials. The goal is to unlock further efficiencies, reduce environmental impact, and catalyse innovation across Malaysia's construction value chain.