Govt drafting code for indoor air quality

July 25, 2007

Article from IEQ Review

x=b9WQtKg ,bvtv58G) July 24, 2007

by thestar.com

KUALA LUMPUR*: The Government is in the final stages of drafting an

international standard for Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) into the

nation's building codes and practices.

Deputy Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Datuk Kong Cho

Ha, who announced this, said they were fine-tuning the draft to be

issued for public comment soon.

" Most of our time is spent indoors, and yet we neglect the fact that

Malaysia does not incorporate any standards on the subject unlike

other developed countries.

" Building ventilation, air quality and space indirectly impacts the

welfare of its occupants in terms of safety, health and

environment, " he said.

Kong added that the IAQ draft would take into account the local

environment conditions, while maintaining emphasis on achieving

international standards.

It is being undertaken by the Standards Malaysia, the official

representative in international standardization bodies under the

Ministry.

Kong, who earlier opened a seminar on Sustainable Approach on

Environmental Quality Performance: Toward the Improvement of Indoor

Air Quality and Building Conservation here on Tuesday also

highlighted the implications of development.

" As we surge ahead in the race for development, urban centres are

growing, and this growth does not come without a price.

" Concerns about the builtup environment are no longer limited on

policy-making levels, since the public is becoming more aware and

vocal.

" These include the impact of development on the environment and

related issues such as sustainability, " he said.

He urged developers and players in the construction industry to

improve their building standards.

file=/2007/7/24/nation/20070724120712 & sec=nation

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