Construction Waste Management Strategies Towards Sustainable Practices in Malaysia

Abstract

Malaysia has witnessed substantial rapid growth in construction waste management (CWM). However, this expansion has brought with it an obvious dilemma, namely an increasing amount of construction waste. The main aim of this study was to examine the critical issues of CWM in Malaysia, considering its various impacts on the environment, economy and society. Waste from various building materials increases with time, placing a heavy burden on ecosystems, public health and the economy. This study develops a strategic approach to CWM in Malaysia. The study focuses on identifying the common practices of construction waste and its’ relevant future strategies for enhancing sustainability. The method approach for this study was qualitative research, which consists of observation and semi-structured interview techniques. Respondents were from developers, management teams, contractors and site supervisors with expertise in CWM. Open-ended questions were designed and distributed to the respondents during the interview session to achieve information related to the current practice, challenges and solutions for improving CWM practices in Malaysia. The study highlights the importance of incorporating safety, health and environmental factors into CWM to facilitate the transformation of Malaysia's construction industry into a more ecologically conscious and productive sector. This will ultimately lead to a future characterized by enhanced security, improved sanitation and greater sustainability.