{"data":{"news":{"items":[{"title":"YTL Cement, CREAM launch Malaysia’s pilot repurpose concrete aggregates facility","date":"2025-08-01 08:38:41","id":5950,"author":"","blurb":"","blurb_image_uid":"https://dxfpracgmlczp.cloudfront.net/2025/07/1753945787981_Photo_1_6ce4b470c4 copy.jpeg","blurb_expanded_image_uid":null,"article":"\n\t\n\n\n

Malaysia’s building materials group YTL Cement, in partnership with the Construction Research Institute of Malaysia (CREAM) – the research arm of the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), has launched a pilot project facility to repurpose concrete aggregates (RCA).

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The use of RCA offers a practical solution for managing and repurposing construction waste, conserving natural resources and minimising environmental impact. RCA also decreases reliance on virgin materials from distant quarries, supporting a more sustainable and circular construction process. This new facility is closer to urban construction sites, reducing the need for long-distance transportation, thus lowering associated carbon emissions.

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The RCA facility – strategically located on Jalan Chan Sow Lin, Kuala Lumpur – crushes and processes returned concrete into aggregates capable of replacing up to 30% of natural aggregates in new concrete mixes. Finer materials are then repurposed into road base or raw materials for brick making, thereby significantly reducing industry reliance on virgin resources.

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Operational since June 2025, the facility repurposes fresh returned concrete which accounts for an estimated 5% of Malaysia’s annual 30 mil cu m concrete production into valuable reusable aggregates. The term ‘repurposed’ reflects YTL Cement’s commitment to reducing waste, supporting circular economy principles and mitigating the long-term environmental impact of construction activities.

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The opening of the RCA facility follows the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between CREAM and YTL Cement in 2023, which focuses on three key pillars: development of construction personnel, research and development (R&D), and facilitating the construction sector’s transition towards sustainable practices.

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“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 Datuk Aziyah Mohamed, director of YTL Cement.

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“The RCA facility shows how public and private sectors can work together to accelerate innovation and realise national policy goals,” said Zainora Zainal, chief executive of CIDB Malaysia on the importance of collaboration. “This is a success story from the MOU between CREAM and YTL Cement.”

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Ms Zainal added, “I truly 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.”

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Beyond that, as part of the R&D pillar, YTL Cement and CREAM will also be working on furthering joint research and development efforts on the usage potential of RCA by-products, including aggregate fines for other building and construction purposes. These are geared towards driving greater innovation and sustainability efforts within the industry.

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All images: YTL Cement

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YTL Cement has awarded a RM1 million research grant to the Construction Research Institute of Malaysia (CREAM), a subsidiary of the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia.

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This grant follows a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the two organisations in April this year, highlighting their shared mission to achieve construction excellence and support of the industry’s transition to sustainable construction.

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CREAM and YTL Cement signed the MOU to collaborate in developing the local construction industry’s workforce, research and innovation, as well as enhance the understanding and adoption of sustainable construction practices among industry players.

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Dato’ Sri Michael Yeoh, managing director of YTL Cement and co-chair of the MOU steering committee, said, “As a company that has been assisting with the development of Malaysia for over 70 years, we know the importance of investing in our nation’s progress while simultaneously addressing our construction needs in a sustainable manner.

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“The RM1 million research grant reflects our steadfast dedication to supporting CREAM’s efforts in promoting industry growth with well-trained personnel, championing research and development, and advancing sustainable construction practices.\"

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Dato’ Sr Mohd Zaid Zakaria, chief executive of CIDB and co-chair of the steering committee, added, “CIDB has been championing a socially and environmentally responsible construction industry in Malaysia. However, we cannot do it alone, as partnerships with industry stakeholders and key players are paramount in making our sustainable transition a reality.

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“The collaboration between YTL Cement and CREAM represents a significant stride towards reshaping the construction industry as their efforts are crucial to accelerating change among construction industry players.”

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The RM1 million research grant will be channelled to kickstart three main initiatives:

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Construction personnel development
\n\tCREAM and YTL Cement will jointly design training and accreditation programmes for youths to be certified as concrete technicians and batchers. It is hoped that this will assist in attracting, retaining and growing skilled workers in the construction industry.
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Research and development (R&D)
\n\tCREAM will work together with YTL Cement’s team of experts to conduct R&D on lower embodied carbon alternatives in materials and construction methods.
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Support the construction sector’s transition to sustainable construction
\n\tCREAM and YTL Cement are collaborating to facilitate the adoption of sustainable construction practices in Malaysia.
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Ir. M. Ramuseren, CEO of CREAM, highlighted, “We aspire to be a globally recognised institute for research and development that drives quality, innovation, technology and skills towards achieving sustainability in the construction industry. In realising this, YTL Cement’s research grant has played a significant role in further empowering our research capabilities and efforts to meet the evolving demands of Malaysia’s construction industry.”

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Malaysia’s building materials group YTL Cement has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Construction Research Institute of Malaysia (CREAM) to support the transition of the local construction industry to sustainable construction. CREAM is a subsidiary under the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia responsible for the research and development for the construction industry.

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YTL Cement will be supporting CIDB’s initiatives in developing the construction industry’s workforce, research and innovation, and in enhancing the understanding of sustainable construction practices among industry players.

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“This MOU marks the beginning of a meaningful collaboration between government and industry to achieve construction excellence and promote sustainable practices, in line with the nation’s 2050 carbon-neutral aspiration,” said YTL Cement.

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Datuk Ir. Ahmad ‘Asri Abdul Hamid, chief executive of CIDB, said, “CIDB is dedicated to building Malaysia’s sustainable future by developing a socially and environmentally responsible industry. Through this MOU, we hope to drive meaningful change as we develop the capacity and capability of the construction industry as well as set the standards for sustainable construction practices in Malaysia. We are glad to be able to collaborate with like-minded players like YTL Cement, as we share a common goal to future-proof the construction sector.”

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“YTL Cement has been part of Malaysia’s growth for over 70 years and we want to continue supporting the nation’s development and construction needs,” added Dato’ Sri Michael Yeoh, managing director of YTL Cement. “This collaboration gives us the opportunity to contribute our expertise and experience to support CIDB in their many initiatives.”

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The MOU between CREAM and YTL Cement focuses on three key areas: human resource development, research & development, and supporting the construction sector to transition to sustainable construction.

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Human resource development
\n\tCIDB and YTL Cement will jointly design training programmes for youths to be certified as concrete technicians and develop the training syllabus for accreditation programmes of qualified personnel in operations. It is hoped that this will assist in attracting, retaining and growing skilled workers in the construction industry.
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Research & development (R&D)
\n\tYTL Cement is offering access to its laboratory and testing facilities. CREAM will work together with YTL Cement’s team of experts to conduct R&D on lower embodied carbon alternatives in materials and construction methods.
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Support the construction sector’s transition to sustainable construction
\n\tCIDB and YTL Cement will work together to increase awareness on the embodied carbon of construction sector by providing channels for discussions and knowledge transfer among industry practitioners and experts.
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In moving forward, YTL Cement and CIDB will be forming joint working committees to drive the initiatives under these three key areas.

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