Hot Rolled Steel in Malaysia: Applications, Grades, and Market Overview (2025)

Hot rolled steel in Malaysia is a fundamental material used across multiple sectors including construction, infrastructure, automotive, shipbuilding, and general fabrication. Its strength, formability, and cost-effectiveness make it an essential input for downstream manufacturing and structural applications nationwide.

This article outlines the key uses, material grades, sourcing practices, and market trends surrounding hot rolled steel in Malaysia.

What Is Hot Rolled Steel?

Hot rolled steel is steel that has been rolled at high temperatures (above 900°C), allowing it to be shaped and formed easily during the manufacturing process. The steel is then cooled and cut to required lengths or coiled for further processing.

Hot rolled steel products in Malaysia are typically supplied in the form of:

• Plates
  
  
• Sheets
  
  
• Coils
  
  
• Slit strips
  
  
• Structural sections (channels, I-beams, angles)

Common Applications of Hot Rolled Steel in Malaysia

Construction and Infrastructure

Hot rolled steel is widely used in building frames, bridges, flyovers, platforms, guard rails, and structural beams. Its strength and load-bearing capability make it ideal for civil and structural engineering.

Shipbuilding and Marine Fabrication

In the marine sector, hot rolled plates are used for hull plating, bulkheads, and deck structures of vessels and barges. The material complies with classification standards such as ABS, DNV, and LR.

Automotive and Transportation

Hot rolled coils and sheets are used in chassis frames, wheel rims, axle housings, and structural parts in commercial vehicle manufacturing.

General Engineering and Fabrication

Workshops and OEMs use hot rolled steel to fabricate machine components, frames, storage tanks, flanges, and ductwork.

Pipe and Tube Manufacturing

Hot rolled coils are the primary raw material for ERW (Electric Resistance Welded) pipe and tube production used in water transmission, gas lines, and scaffolding.

Grades and Specifications of Hot Rolled Steel in Malaysia

Malaysian manufacturers and fabricators source hot rolled steel in a wide range of grades to suit different strength and formability requirements:

• Mild Steel Grades (SS400, Q235, S275): Used in general fabrication, welding, and structural components.
  
  
• High-Strength Low Alloy (HSLA) Grades (S355, A572): Used in heavy structures requiring greater yield strength and durability.
  
  
• Boiler and Pressure Vessel Steel (SA516, Q345R): Used for tanks, vessels, and heat exchangers under pressure.
  
  
• Shipbuilding Steel (AH36, DH36): Certified grades for marine and offshore applications.
  
  
• Automotive Steel (SPHC, SPHD): Designed for forming and stamping in automotive parts manufacturing.

Sourcing Hot Rolled Steel in Malaysia

Okaya Malaysia Sdn Bhd offers hot rolled steel products sourced from global mills and supports Malaysian industries with local logistics, certification compliance, and just-in-time delivery for large-scale or ongoing fabrication needs. 

Hot rolled steel in Malaysia is sourced from both local re-rollers and international steel mills, primarily from China, Japan, South Korea, and India. Distributors and service centres in Malaysia offer stockholding, cutting, and logistics services.

Key sourcing factors include:

• Certification: Ensure compliance with structural or industry-specific standards (e.g., BS EN 10025, ASTM A36).
  
  
• Dimensional Availability: Match thickness, width, and coil weight with downstream processing requirements.
  
  
• Surface Condition: Depending on use, choose from mill-scale finish, pickled & oiled, or shot-blasted options.
  
  
• Lead Time and Inventory: For urgent projects, suppliers with local stock and cutting services provide a significant advantage.
  
  
• Technical Support: Projects with demanding specifications may require supplier consultation on steel grade suitability.

Benefits of Using Hot Rolled Steel

Malaysian businesses and fabricators favour hot rolled steel for its:

• Cost Efficiency: Lower cost per tonne compared to cold rolled or coated alternatives.
  
  
• High Formability: Easy to cut, bend, weld, and shape into structural or mechanical parts.
  
  
• Scalability: Suitable for both large structural builds and small fabricated components.
  
  
• Strength and Durability: Sufficient tensile strength and ductility for most general-purpose engineering applications.
  
  
• Wide Availability: Readily stocked in various grades and sizes throughout Malaysia.

Challenges in Procurement and Use

Partnering with experienced steel distributors ensures better planning, consistency, and value across procurement cycles. But despite its advantages, certain challenges must be managed:

• Surface Finish: Mill scale may require pickling or additional surface treatment before painting or coating.
  
  
• Dimensional Tolerance: Compared to cold rolled steel, hot rolled products have looser thickness and flatness tolerances.
  
  
• Corrosion Susceptibility: If left uncoated, hot rolled steel is prone to rust, especially in humid or marine environments.
  
  
• Price Volatility: Subject to fluctuations in global raw material prices, logistics costs, and regional demand cycles.

Market Outlook for Hot Rolled Steel in Malaysia (2025–2030)

According to the World Steel Association, Southeast Asia will remain one of the fastest-growing steel-consuming regions through 2030, with Malaysia contributing significantly due to its industrial base and infrastructure plans. Hot rolled steel demand in Malaysia is expected to remain strong, supported by both government-led infrastructure development and industrial expansion.

Growth Drivers:

• Mega Infrastructure Projects: MRT3, ECRL, highways, and port upgrades drive steel consumption for structural elements.
  
  
• Urban Development and Green Building: Commercial and residential tower construction relies on structural steel framing and baseplates.
  
  
• Shipbuilding and Offshore Fabrication: Shipyards and oil & gas contractors require large-format hot rolled plates for hull and platform fabrication.
  
  
• Manufacturing Sector Growth: The expansion of automotive, appliance, and machinery industries sustains demand for hot rolled coil and sheet stock.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between hot rolled and cold rolled steel?

Hot rolled steel is produced at high temperatures and has a rougher surface and looser tolerances. Cold rolled steel is further processed at room temperature for improved surface finish and dimensional accuracy.

2. Is hot rolled steel suitable for welding and fabrication?

Yes. It is widely used in welding and fabrication shops due to its formability and compatibility with common welding techniques.

3. Can hot rolled steel be galvanized or coated?

Yes. However, surface preparation such as pickling may be required to remove mill scale before applying coatings.

4. Where can I buy hot rolled steel in Malaysia?

Okaya Malaysia Sdn Bhd supplies certified hot rolled steel products for construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing applications with technical support and delivery options.

Hot Rolled Steel Malaysia

Hot rolled steel remains a core material in Malaysia’s industrial landscape. From bridges and buildings to pressure vessels and machinery, its versatility and structural performance support key sectors of the economy.

Sourcing from experienced suppliers like Okaya Malaysia Sdn Bhd ensures consistent quality, reliable logistics, and the right grades for project-specific needs. As Malaysia moves toward more complex infrastructure and manufacturing challenges, hot rolled steel will continue to play a foundational role.