is looking for alternative materials to cope with the rising steel and cement prices, which has impacted the construction industry. Group managing director Datuk Azmir Merican said at present, the company was able to absorb the increasing material costs. "We are looking at how our procurement (staff) can source the right materials. We are even looking for substitute or alternative materials. "So, as much as possible, we will try to absorb the cost increase rather than passing it on to the customers," he told a briefing on Sime Darby Property's performance for the first quarter (Q1) of the financial year ending Dec 31, 2021 (FY21) today.