The material shift: From traditional to sustainable

Malaysia has seen impressive construction advancements since its early days. From traditional wooden homes to today’s solid concrete structures, progress has brought with it a sense of responsibility.

Recent years show a promising shift towards sustainably sourced timber, reflecting growing environmental awareness. This steady progress calls for a closer look at the innovative materials shaping Malaysia’s construction future.

But first, a brief glance at the past reveals how far construction materials have come.

Traditional materials

Past studies highlight numerous materials and minerals used in traditional construction, with timber being a key one.

Derived from tropical hardwoods, timber has been used for thousands of years, contributing to hundreds of unique architectural designs due to its strength, durability and versatility. As a renewable resource, sustainably sourced timber helps reduce the carbon footprint and remains one of the most widely used construction materials today.

Clay was primarily used for bricks and finishes. Historically, sun-dried bricks were common, with local clay pits providing the raw materials whose properties varied by regional soil types.

Clay is durable, fire-resistant and capable of withstanding seismic activity, making it a reliable choice for construction. Made primarily from clay, sand and silt, these bricks are first dried and then kiln-fired at 900°C to 1,200°C to ensure strength and durability.

Since clay is a natural material derived from soil, the colour of the bricks varies by production location. These bricks can be solid, hollow or thin, and are used in different parts of buildings, including structural and facade elements.

In tropical Malaysia, clay bricks are common in residential and commercial projects due to their excellent thermal insulation and aesthetic appeal.

Lime plaster, made from sand, wate, and non-hydraulic hydrated lime, was widely used as a finish on structures built before 1919. It allows moisture evaporation and minimises cracking.

Though largely replaced by plasterboard and Portland cement after the 1950s, lime plaster remains vital for traditional conservation.

Non-metallic mineral products

The non-metallic mineral industry is a major pillar of the construction sector, producing a wide range of products including glass, ceramics, clay items, cement and concrete. It also covers materials like silica sand, kaolin, lime products, marble, quartz and granite.

When it comes to ceramics, traditional ceramics encompass wall and floor tiles, roofing tiles, bathroom fixtures, tableware, and bricks. Meanwhile, fine and advanced ceramics – a newer focus in Malaysia – are used in high-tech fields such as electronics, aerospace and medicine.

The cement products category includes various types such as ordinary Portland cement, hydraulic cement, slag cement, fly ash cement, blended cement, and other cementitious materials, highlighting the industry’s diversity and growth potential.

In 2024, total approved investments for the construction industry reached RM5.3bil, with domestic investments accounting for RM3.1bil (58%) and foreign investments RM2.2bil (42%).

According to the Malaysian Investment Development Authority, this sector has generated 2,905 jobs through 56 approved projects.

Modern methods

The advent of Industrialised Building System (IBS) represents a modern approach to construction that is gaining traction in Malaysia. IBS encompasses various techniques and components manufactured in a controlled environment, which in this case is either on-site or off-site before being assembled at the construction site.

IBS boasts numerous advantages, including enhanced efficiency, which leads to quicker project completion timelines.

The system is associated with sustainability, often resulting in reduced waste and minimised environmental impact.

Cost-effectiveness is another benefit of IBS, achieved through optimised resource utilisation and lower labour requirements.

This construction method addresses labour shortages within the industry and aligns with Malaysia’s broader agenda to promote green building practices.

The government actively supports the integration of IBS into construction projects via various incentives, aimed at enhancing productivity and fostering technological innovation in the sector.

Symbolism of Malaysia’s shift

Malaysia’s tallest building, Merdeka 118, stands out as a prime example of how successful a building can be while keeping to its sustainable roots.

It received the prestigious Green Building Index (GBI) platinum rating, showcasing an incredible ability to mix environmental sustainability with business practicality. Besides GBI Platinum certified, it also achieved LEED Platinum certification.

The tower is proof that large commercial projects can thrive while still putting a strong emphasis on eco-friendliness.

As Malaysia continues to grow, more construction projects are taking up the challenge of being eco-friendly. Across the country, many new buildings are now designed with sustainability in mind, thanks to the introduction of green building standards like GBI and GreenRE.

These standards encourage architects and builders to use energy-efficient designs and environmentally friendly materials, helping to tackle local environmental issues while keeping up with global trends.

In addition to using sustainable materials, there is a push towards incorporating alternative energy sources in new constructions. The presence of solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems and energy-efficient lighting are now more prevalent than ever.

The shift to smart buildings is also gaining momentum, with advanced technology making it easier to manage energy use and enhance the comfort of those who live and work in these spaces.

Collaboration is key in this transformation.

Government agencies, businesses and educational institutions are making headlines with mergers, joining forces to promote innovation in the construction industry.

Workshops and training programmes are helping to equip workers with modern skills, ensuring they are ready to implement the newest technologies. Universities and technical schools are also stepping up by offering courses focused on sustainable architecture and engineering, creating a new generation of professionals who understand the importance of green design.

Looking ahead, Malaysia’s construction industry is barrelling towards an exciting future.

By embracing innovative materials and modern techniques while keeping sustainability at the forefront, the sector can meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.

The challenge will be finding the right balance between urban development and caring for the environment.