KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s anti-dumping duty for cheap steel imports is expected to be introduced early next year, says Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) chief executive Judin Abdul Karim.

Judin said the CIDB Act 1994 has been amended to allow more power for the agency in efforts to curb imports of low-quality steel, especially from China.

“We are working with the International Trade and Industry Ministry and just waiting for the final clearance, but we believe the duty will be enforced next year,” he told reporters at the International Constructional Steel Conference 2012 here yesterday.

He said the import duty would curb steel dumping from countries like Taiwan, China, Indonesia, South Korea and Turkey which are hurting the domestic steel industry whose players include Ann Joo Resources Bhd, Lion Industries Corp Bhd, Southern Steel Bhd and Kinsteel Bhd.

MITI was reportedly investigating dumping practices from certain exporters and may be close to making its conclusions following petitions from local producers that imports are being sold at prices that are hurting the domestic industry.

Recently, the Malaysian Iron and Steel Industry Federation has pushed the government to introduce an anti-dumping law for steel products being imported into Malaysia.

Its president, Soh Thian Lai, said the local industry is pressured by an influx of cheap metal, especially from China.

Judin added that the Malaysian constructional steel producers must realise that in the long term, innovation and quality of their products will win over cheap imported materials.

“Larger markets which have a much larger economies of scale may be able to offer significantly cheaper steel products; however, it is the responsibility of the construction industry players to put priority on the quality of the materials when weighing down their options.

“I would like to urge local contractors to use locally fabricated steel as it carries the necessary standards certification, and the trade transaction is much more efficient, and it also contributes positively to the country’s overall economy,” he said.

He said the quality of a construction is only as good as the materials used, apart from the design and work process, and the Malaysian structural and constructional steel players must expand their horizons beyond the boundaries and comfort of the local market to ensure long-term growth and business sustainability.