There is an ample supply of cement in Malaysia, and the present production capacity will be able to meet the rise in demand expected for this year, according to a statement by the Cement and Concrete Association of Malaysia.  The association’s director, Grace Okuda, said there is actually excess kiln and grinding capacities. The present installed kiln and current grinding capacities of the industry amount to 17.8Mt and 28.3Mt, respectively.  The industry has forecast cement demand of 16.66Mt this year, up from 15.24Mt in 2003, which, according to Okuda, association members can easily meet.  However, Okuda said the shortages of two other vital materials for the construction sector, sand and steel, are of immediate concern and may pose future problems for cement producers.
Published under Cement News