Steel industry should take advantage of ETP, urges Judin

KUALA LUMPUR: Leaders of the steel industry should seize the various opportunities offered by the Economic Transformation Plan (ETP), especially key projects under the Greater KL Plan, said Public Works Department director-general Datuk Seri Judin Abdul Karim.

He highlighted major infrastructure works aimed at improving regional and intra-city connectivity such as the high-speed rail system that will link the Greater KL and Klang Valley area with Singapore as well as the mass rapid transit (MRT) system.

"With the support and initiative provided by the Government, we should be united and look at the opportunities available and join forces as we march towards the goal of making the country a developed nation by 2020," he said on Tuesday, Nov 2.

Other opportunities include the proposed network of pedestrian walkways within the city which is intended to raise tourism and commercial potential, he added.

Judin also called upon the steel industry to progress in ensuring that steel remained the material of choice due to its superior quality and time-saving benefits despite concerns about its price.

"Steel should not be seen as having aesthetic value alone but as a new technology with economic, environment and social sustainability. We need to find the most effective way to create awareness to our stakeholders and potential investors as well as users on the importance of steel in complementing other industries to grow," he said.

He also hoped that the country would keep contributing towards the industry's development and success and lead in the development of new areas and new instruments.

"We hope the Government will further help us to undertake whatever is possible to ensure that the Malaysian market remains attractive and highly competitive. Backed by our strong socio-economic fundamentals, and unwavering commitment, we will continue to lead the efforts in promoting the steel industry to grow steadily into the future," he said.

Judin was speaking at the biennial convention titled "Steel Construction – A World Perspective" hosted by the Malaysian Structured Steel Association (MSSA), which comprises engineers, fabricators, contractors, architects, designers, surveyors, academics and students from various tertiary institutions in Malaysia.