Martin Wilkes’ presentation delivered exclusively at Cemtech Asia 2012 looked at the state of the Malaysian cement sector and its place in the overall Asian market. He also reported on developments in Sarawak where there are changes in production, the logistics of transporting cement and the improved distribution base in eastern Malaysia.

Asia accounts for approximately 73 per cent of total global cement consumption. Of this figure the Southeast Asian sector makes up approximately 11 per cent of Asian cement demand or 17.7Mt of total cement sales in the region.

Malaysia’s cement capacity is estimated at 29Mta. Output has been increasing in recent years. In 2010, cement production rose by three per cent and last year, it grew on average by seven per cent. The eastern part of Malaysia in particular has seen its output jump, with additions of more than 10 per cent under escalating developments and new initiatives to improve distribution in the area.