ESG

Prasarana Malaysia Berhad has unveiled its new digital platform, the Vendor ESG Hub, a strategic initiative aimed at elevating environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices across its vendor ecosystem. The platform, developed to support the nearly 5,000 vendors registered with the company—including more than 3,000 local small and medium enterprises (SMEs)—marks a significant step in Prasarana’s commitment to integrating sustainability throughout its operations. Group President and Chief Executive Officer, Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah, described the platform as a purposeful move to strengthen ESG adoption among both local and international suppliers. Speaking at the launch event in Petaling Jaya, he emphasised the need for the supply chain to align with global ESG standards. “The Vendor ESG Hub portal offers practical resources, guides and digital tools tailored to help vendors understand, assess and gradually implement ESG principles,” he said. “The platform is structured around four key components—Assess, Inspire, Learn and Do—each designed to build vendor capability and readiness for a sustainable business future.” The initiative was launched in conjunction with the Health, Safety, Security, Environment and Sustainable Development (HSSE & SD) Week 2025, underscoring Prasarana’s long-term commitment to ESG integration. Implementation will be phased, with 30 to 50 companies selected for initial participation in education and awareness programmes related to ESG practices. These will span both domestic and international vendors, including partners from Europe, China and Japan. “We are engaging with all our vendors—local and global—to explore how their practices can be enhanced to support sustainability goals,” Azharuddin noted. “One of our long-term priorities is the reduction of carbon emissions in vendor operations. While ESG is a broad domain, this platform allows us to focus on tangible actions, such as equipping our partners with the knowledge and tools to lower emissions in their day-to-day processes.” The launch of the Vendor ESG Hub further reinforces Prasarana’s role as a key enabler of sustainable transformation within the public transportation ecosystem and broader industry supply chains. -Business Times

SIRIM Berhad has been officially designated as the sole inspection authority and issuer of the Certificate of Approval (COA) for the importation of waste plastic into Malaysia, effective 1 July 2025. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), the move is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance environmental governance in line with the MADANI Economy framework, which prioritises green growth and climate resilience. The ministry stated that COAs for waste plastic imports will only be granted if all regulatory conditions under Malaysian law are fulfilled, and provided that the exporting countries are parties to the Basel Convention, an international treaty controlling transboundary movements of hazardous waste and its disposal. “Malaysia will not hesitate to take firm action against individuals or companies that attempt to circumvent import regulations or are involved in illegal waste trafficking,” the ministry emphasised. MITI reaffirmed its commitment to promoting a legitimate, responsible and environmentally sound trade ecosystem that supports the nation’s sustainable socio-economic objectives. The ministry also stressed that Malaysia’s policies remain aligned with international standards and multilateral commitments to environmental protection. Importers seeking to bring in waste plastic are advised to consult the official guidelines published by SIRIM, which outline the procedures and inspection requirements. The documentation is accessible at: https://www.sirim-qas.com.my/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/faq-importationof-waste-plastic-1.pdf. SIRIM, a statutory body under MITI, is Malaysia’s leading industrial research and technology organisation and a national authority on quality assurance. -Bernama

In conjunction with United Nations (UN) Environment Day, Soroptimist International Region of Malaysia (SIROM), Heineken Malaysia Berhad (HEINEKEN Malaysia), and Sokong by Yayasan Malaysiakini, proudly presented Sustainability Day 2025—a community-powered initiative aimed at promoting eco-friendly practices and building more sustainable food systems. Held at GCC Farm in Bentong on 14 June 2025, the event highlighted two practical and impactful approaches to sustainability: aquaponics farming and organic composting. These methods provide scalable solutions that empower communities to actively contribute to food security, environmental preservation, and climate resilience. Participants engaged in hands-on workshops, educational demonstrations, and community dialogues, making it a meaningful day of learning, collaboration, and action. This effort reflects the spirit of the 2025 UN Environment Day theme: “Our Land. Our Future. We Are #GenerationRestoration.” “Sustainability Day is about more than awareness—it’s about action,” said Rebecca Lai, President of SIROM. “Aquaponics and composting provide scalable, low-carbon impact solutions to food waste, water conservation, and urban farming challenges. These practices demonstrate how communities can take charge of their own sustainability.” Aquaponics, a method that integrates aquaculture and hydroponics, uses up to 90% less water than conventional farming and supports chemical-free, year-round food production. Meanwhile, organic composting transforms kitchen and garden waste into nutrient-rich soil, reducing landfill use while enhancing soil health and biodiversity. These practices directly support Malaysia’s sustainability agenda and align with several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—notably Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), and Climate Action (SDG 13). “At HEINEKEN Malaysia, we believe true progress begins at the grassroots. Our partnership with Soroptimist International began in 2017 and has been a testament to the power of community-driven change, where food security, sustainability, and women’s empowerment come together to build resilient futures. Together, we’re not just growing crops, we’re cultivating opportunity and long-term impact,” said Renuka Indrarajah, Corporate Affairs & Legal Director of HEINEKEN Malaysia. The event embodies a shared dedication to inclusive, community-led climate action. As part of its Brew a Better World sustainability strategy, HEINEKEN Malaysia continues to invest in environmental sustainability and community empowerment. Puteri Afiqah Mazelan, Community & Marketing Manager of Sokong by Yayasan Malaysiakini, added: “At Sokong, we’re proud to connect changemakers and grassroots organisations who are doing the real work on the ground. Sustainability Day is a great example of how collective action—supported by strong partnerships—can spark long-term change.” As a digital fundraising and impact platform, Sokong is committed to amplifying causes that matter—whether through community engagement, public awareness, or funding for environmental and social initiatives. SIROM, a national body under Soroptimist International South East Asia Pacific, continues to lead efforts in empowering women and uplifting communities through sustainable development and environmental education. Sustainability Day 2025 is more than just a celebration of green practices—it is a reminder of what’s possible when communities, corporations, and civil society come together. Hand in hand, HEINEKEN Malaysia, Sokong, and SIROM are planting the seeds of lasting change—one household, one garden, one community at a time.

CIMB Group Holdings Bhd has announced a RM200 million commitment over five years (2026–2030) under its “Kita Bagi Jadi Komuniti” (KBJK) platform, reinforcing its ambition to empower communities and drive inclusive growth across Malaysia. The initiative underscores the bank’s long-term strategy to promote economic empowerment, strengthen community wellbeing, and enhance financial inclusion through skills development, particularly in digital and financial literacy. The pledge was unveiled by CIMB Group Chief Executive Officer Novan Amirudin in Kuala Lumpur. He emphasised the socio-economic urgency of closing income inequality gaps, stating that nations with greater disparity often experience less sustainable development. “In contrast, a thriving, inclusive society that leaves no one behind benefits all its members. At CIMB, our purpose to advance customers and society is simple but powerful,” he said. As part of the KBJK platform, CIMB introduced several targeted programmes aimed at key segments of society. Among them is the Women Entrepreneur Empowerment Programme, designed to provide customised financing and networking support for women-led enterprises. The initiative aims to assist 300 women entrepreneurs over a three-year period. In collaboration with the Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency (AKPK), CIMB is also delivering ‘Jaga Duit’ workshops – a financial literacy programme tailored for low-income employees within its corporate and SME client base. Nearly 1,500 individuals have already participated in these sessions. Additionally, through the ‘Let’s Duit’ initiative led by TNG Digital, around 1,000 senior citizens nationwide have received practical, hands-on training in digital payment tools, helping them navigate the digital economy with greater confidence and safety. CIMB continues to build on a strong foundation of social investment. Between 2021 and 2024, the group has disbursed over RM125 million in community-focused initiatives, keeping it firmly on track to meet its RM150 million target by end-2025. During the same period, the bank has channelled more than RM50 billion in financing to support low-income customers and SMEs, reaffirming its role as a responsible financial intermediary driving inclusive economic impact. Through TNG Digital, CIMB has also facilitated nearly RM1 billion in salary disbursements to over 40,000 migrant workers while expanding financial access for refugees and gig economy participants. -Bernama