The construction industry will benefit from a sustainable environment in the long run even if the cost of construction is initially high in a sustainable environment, says Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia chairman Ir Hamzah Hasan.

The low maintenance cost in a sustainable environment would reduce the net cost of the development in the long run compared to the conventional ways, he said.

"It is very important for us to safeguard the depleting sources for future usage," he told reporters at the Technical Consultancy Development Programme for Asia and the Pacific (TCDPAP) 2011 Conference themed "Sustainability in a Globalised World" here on Monday.

A sustainable environment would protect sources of materials used in the construction industry, thus ensuring competitiveness in the industry as well.

The conference was officiated by Ministry of Work deputy secretary general Nasir Mat Dam.

Meanwhile, Hamzah said CIBD’s office in India which was opened last month by deputy prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin during his visit to the South Asian country would open more opportunities for Malaysian contractors to participate in the country's construction industry.

Located in Gurgaon, near New Delhi, the office would facilitate Malaysian contractors doing business there and act as a reference centre for industry players interested to enter the Indian market, he said. - Bernama