18 hours ago
Steel innovation for lasting sustainability
ACROSS Malaysia, cities and homes face a critical challenge as climate change escalates. Life-changing heatwaves and floods now profoundly impact lives, demanding immediate action to safeguard the nation's future.
The construction industry must adapt to play a crucial role in shaping a more resilient future. This shift requires the use of smarter materials and greener structures for all.
As Malaysia's leading steel manufacturer, Malaysia Steel Works (KL) Bhd (Masteel) is taking charge in building a sustainable and responsible future for the country's buildings and infrastructure. The company's commitment to net-zero fuels continuous innovation.
Innovation in action: Masteel's Direct Casting and Direct Rolling process cuts carbon intensity by eliminating fossil fuels in billet heating.
Masteel has adopted advanced processes that redefine steelmaking. The company's pioneering Direct Casting and Direct Rolling technology eliminates the use of fossil fuels in billet heating, significantly reducing carbon intensity. Its six-phase roadmap to net-zero by 2050 is well underway, having already achieved a remarkable 51.2% reduction in Scope 1 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as of 2024.
Masteel's energy efficiency programme optimises operations through real-time monitoring. Since August 2024, the company has achieved an average reduction of 33.7% in GHG emissions per metric tonne of steel, made possible by over RM57mil in investments for carbon capture monitoring.
The company's technological evolution embraces the future of steelmaking. Masteel utilises low GHG emission Induction Furnaces (IFs), recognised worldwide for their high efficiency. These furnaces produce carbon and alloy steel from raw materials sourced from the circular economy. The company also sets industry benchmarks, being the first steel mill in Malaysia to adopt an ultra-low GHG process.
Beyond carbon, Masteel's commitment to holistic resource management ensures the conservation of precious resources through its zero-water discharge practice, which recycles all process cooling water.
Recognised for excellence: Masteel executive director Shirley Ng receiving the Gold Award for Energy Efficiency at The Star's ESG Positive Impact Awards 2024, in the presence of OCBC Malaysia chief executive officer Tan Chor Sen (left) and Star Media Group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt.
Masteel also drives industry decarbonisation through innovative partnerships. The company's collaboration with The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) supports policy advocacy, promotes Climate Change Leadership in Asean and aligns with Malaysia's National Industrial Master Plan.
Looking ahead, Masteel actively engages with academia to pursue new horizons. The company has partnered with experts from Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) to jointly explore carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), pushing boundaries for cleaner solutions.
Honoured for innovation: Masteel liaison officer Brian Tai, representing Masteel executive vice chairman Datuk Seri Tai Hean Leng, accepting the Gold Award for Innovative Partnership from Chan, with Tan (left) in attendance at The Star's ESG Positive Impact Awards 2024.
Masteel's sustainability pursuits have earned the company independent recognition. It was honoured with two Gold Awards at The Star's ESG Positive Impact Awards 2024 for green steel production and decarbonisation leadership, affirming its progress in responsible manufacturing.
Masteel offers a distinct advantage for all stakeholders, ensuring sustainability and market competitiveness as regulations evolve, including the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB)'s new green criteria and the rising Green Building Index (GBI) benchmarks.
The company's responsibly manufactured green steel helps achieve:
> Enhanced regulatory compliance: Seamless alignment with green construction requirements;
> Elevated ESG credibility: Strengthened corporate profile and property value;
> Boosted brand reputation: Demonstrated commitment to sustainability;
> Future-proof investments: Positioning projects ahead with low-carbon materials.
To learn more about the company, its products and sustainability initiatives, visit
