Housing affordability has been a major concern issues in Malaysia especially those living in major cities like Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. Purchasing a “dream home” is one of those life accomplishments that top nearly everyone’s bucket list. Searching for a home comes with different considerations; housing market outcomes can be influenced by a range of different factors. In the long run, house prices will tend to converge to the cost of new housing construction. For that reason, this study aims to identify the determinants affecting the purchase decision among middle-income groups. The data was collected through questionnaire survey that was distributed in the Klang Valley area. The data was gathered then analysed using descriptive analysis and inferential statistical tests. Findings identified factors that have driven up the demand for housing, and in particular for home ownership, in recent years. It reveals that the affordable house price factor is the most important consideration in buying a house. This study would shed light for the developers in developing housing schemes based on the consumers’ preferences and could become a basis for the government to revise the current housing scheme policy’s design specifically in Malaysia.

The rapid economic and industrial growth experienced in the Asian region has significantly increased waste production, particularly single-use plastic. This surge in waste poses a significant challenge for these countries’ municipal solid waste management systems. Consequently, there is a pressing need for progressive and effective solutions to address the plastic waste issue. One promising initiative involves utilizing used plastic to produce components for asphalt pavement. The concept of plastic road technology has gained traction in Asia, with 32 countries displaying varying levels of interest, ranging from small-scale laboratory experiments to large-scale construction projects. However, as a relatively new technology, plastic road implementation requires continuous and comprehensive environmental and health risk assessments to ascertain its viability as a reliable green technology. This review paper presents the current findings and potential implementation of plastic-modified asphalt in Asian countries, with particular attention given to its environmental and human health impacts. While plastic asphalt roads hold promise in waste reduction, improved asphalt properties, and cost savings, it is imperative to thoroughly consider the environmental and health impacts, quality control measures, recycling limitations, and long-term performance of this road construction material. Further research and evaluation are needed to fully understand the viability and sustainability of plastic asphalt roads. This will enable a comprehensive assessment of its potential benefits and drawbacks, aiding in developing robust guidelines and standards for its implementation. By addressing these considerations, it will be possible to optimize the utilization of plastic waste in road construction and contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.

Housing has always been a significant aspiration of family expression and distinctly priciest investment by household. It plays a momentous role in the country's economy and so central to the societal well-being that is emplaced in the United Nation Universal declaration of Human rights. Yet in developed and developing world alike, cities struggle to provide decent housing for lower and middle income population. The provision of affordable housing is a major policy concern around the world with Malaysia being no exception; rising income hardly keep pace with price hike of housing unit and housing interventions has majorly concentrated on demand side leading to a non-responsive supply sector. Therefore, this paper highlights affordable housing issues pertaining Malaysia. It formulates Malaysian Map of affordability and conducts an evaluation of global housing schemes to better identify policy priorities for Malaysia. It's significant to harmonize supply and demand side factors in the housing market to ensure that housing supply fits the needs of citizens based on the location, price and target group. In case of Malaysia supply oriented initiative are of urgency in short and medium run. This must be supported by long term demand side schemes in parallel. Convergence of these two factors is essential for a balanced equilibrium and obtaining affordability.

For decades, as a developing country, construction industry remains as one of the largest and most important industries in Malaysia especially in terms of job creation. However, project failures in terms of project delay and cost overrun are observed more severe than the global average. While there are many reasons that may contribute to these problems, but recent studies carried out globally by the well-known researchers in project management have found that the competency of project manager, being one of the most important persons from initiating, to closing of the project, is one of the most crucial factor affecting project success. Many developed nations have come out with their project management assessment and certification standards, in order to train, assess, and certify the qualified project managers that are equipped with the necessary and required competencies and skills, but there is an absence of project manager’s competencies assessment and certification standards in Malaysia until to date. This paper presents the literature review that have been carried out on the need for a competencies assessment framework for the Malaysian construction project managers.