Key Barriers and Countermeasures for Implementing 10R Circular Economy for Construction and Demolition of Malaysian Infrastructure Projects

Abstract

The construction and demolition (C&D) sector in Malaysia contribute significantly to economic growth but also faces challenges related to excessive waste generation and resource inefficiency at the same time. The adoption of a 10R circular economy (CE) framework emphasizing strategies such as Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Refurbish, Remanufacture, Repurpose, Recycle, Recover, and Rethink has the potential to transform C&D waste management practices, aligning with global sustainability goals. However, implementing such a framework in Malaysian infrastructure projects is hindered by various barriers; including limited awareness, inadequate policy frameworks, high implementation costs, and resistance from industry stakeholders. Therefore, this study aims to i) identify barriers and countermeasures for implementing 10R CE for C&D of Malaysian infrastructure projects and ii) determine key barriers and countermeasures for implementing 10R CE for C&D of Malaysian infrastructure projects. At the first stage, all the barriers and countermeasures will be identified from secondary data collection. Then, the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) survey is developed based on five (5) barriers and (5) countermeasures and conducted with ten (10) selected experts. Based on the outcome, there are three (3) critical barriers and two (2) critical countermeasures determined; namely i) lack of marketing strategies, ii) limited technology research and development capabilities, and iii) insufficient product competitiveness. Whereas the two (2) critical countermeasures with highest priority ranking are consisted of i) strengthening market research and marketing and ii) strengthening talent cultivation and technological innovation. This study holds significant value for the C&D sector in Malaysia as it addresses critical barriers hindering the adoption of the 10R CE framework. By exploring practical countermeasures, the research contributes to the advancement of sustainable practices, resource efficiency, and environmental stewardship within the industry. This study aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11), responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), and climate action (SDG 13).