ESG

The National Climate Change Bill is set to undergo at least a first reading in the current parliamentary session, marking a significant step toward strengthening climate governance and supporting Malaysia’s carbon reduction commitments, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh said. Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat, Syed Ibrahim highlighted that the ministry is finalising the National Carbon Market Policy, which will complement the bill by establishing a legal framework to regulate greenhouse gas emissions and oversee carbon trading activities, including Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMO), in line with Malaysia’s commitments under the Paris Agreement. Both the bill and the policy are designed to improve transparency and accountability through rigorous carbon emission measurement and reporting, directly supporting the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC). Syed Ibrahim also pointed to Malaysia’s potential to become a regional carbon trading hub, which could drive sustainable green economic growth across the region. The ministry conducted at least 13 engagement sessions with state governments and held public consultations between October and December last year. Further dialogues with industry players and non-governmental organisations are planned to ensure the bill and policy are effectively implemented.

CIMB Group Holdings Bhd has been upgraded to the highest MSCI ESG Rating of AAA, recognising the bank’s strong performance in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices compared to global peers. According to CIMB, the upgrade from AA reflects enhanced disclosures, stronger consumer protection, improved workforce management, and a solid environmental score of 9.2. MSCI ESG Ratings assess how well companies manage industry-specific ESG risks that could affect financial performance. Companies are ranked from AAA to CCC based on their resilience relative to peers, using a rules-based methodology and data from corporate disclosures and alternative sources. Group CEO Novan Amirudin said the rating underscores CIMB’s success in integrating sustainability into both operational and strategic decisions. “Sustainability is a core part of our Forward30 strategy, driving growth and impact rather than being treated as a separate agenda,” he said. The MSCI upgrade follows other recent recognitions, including CIMB being ranked #1 globally among financial institutions in the 2025 Financial System Benchmark by the World Benchmarking Alliance and #2 globally for Inclusive Finance. These accolades highlight the bank’s transparency in governance and efforts to expand financial access while supporting a fair socio-economic transition. Novan added that external recognition is only part of the journey. CIMB is prioritising support for customers navigating the sustainability transition and aims to mobilise RM300 billion in sustainable finance by 2030. Initiatives include expanding sustainability advisory, carbon and nature finance solutions, and helping SMEs through workshops, transition risk guidance, and sustainability-linked financing tied to measurable outcomes. “What sets CIMB apart is our ability to turn ambition into action, helping clients through the transition and delivering meaningful real-economy impact across ASEAN,” he said.

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming has announced a RM3 million allocation for six Taman Rekreasi Madani projects in Penang. He said three parks will be built on the island, while the remaining three will be located on the mainland — two in Permatang Pauh and one in Jawi, Nibong Tebal. Each project, costing RM500,000, must be completed by Christmas this year, with no delays allowed, Nga said at the ESG certification presentation ceremony for the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) at the Royale Chulan Hotel. MBPP became the first city council in Malaysia to receive two ESG certifications from Sirim QAS International Sdn Bhd, covering ESG systems and social accountability management systems. Nga congratulated MBPP and expressed hope that its achievement would inspire the other 155 local councils nationwide. He also said MBPP will be nominated to represent Malaysia in the Dubai International Best Practices for Sustainable Development Award 2026.

Indonesia has announced it will revoke permits held by 28 resource companies, including major gold miner PT Agincourt Resources, following investigations linking alleged forest mismanagement to deadly floods in Sumatra last December that killed over 1,000 people. The affected permits, covering more than a million hectares, include activities such as logging, pulpwood plantations, mining, and hydropower, the government said. Authorities found the companies had violated forest area regulations, according to State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi. An area affected by a deadly flash flood following heavy rains in Aceh Tamiang regency, Aceh province, Indonesia, Dec 4, 2025. Other notable firms impacted include pulp producer PT Toba Pulp Lestari, owned by billionaire Sukanto Tanoto. The government’s move is part of a broader crackdown on Indonesia’s natural resources sector under President Prabowo Subianto, which has seen state seizure of parts of nickel and coal mines, as well as over four million hectares of oil palm plantations. Shares of PT Astra International, Agincourt’s parent through listed subsidiary PT United Tractors, fell 13% following the announcement. Trading in Toba Pulp Lestari has been suspended since Dec 17 while its operations are audited. Both companies are awaiting formal government decisions. Of the land affected, roughly 900,000 hectares will be restored to conservation forest, including nearly 82,000 hectares in Tesso Nilo National Park in Riau province. The Environment Ministry has also filed lawsuits against six companies in North Sumatra, seeking more than US$280 million (RM1.14 billion) for environmental damage. Environmental groups have urged the government to halt new permits in the revoked areas and impose strict sanctions, warning that reissuing licences could cause further ecological harm.

SD Guthrie Bhd as committed to developing a living wage policy for its Malaysian operations, with the framework targeted for completion in the first quarter of 2026. In a statement on Friday, the group said the policy will be introduced in phases, starting with about 8,000 non-plantation employees. The initial phase is expected to be completed by December 2026 and will be guided by the Employees Provident Fund’s Belanjawanku Expenditure Guide. The initiative aims to promote fairer wages while supporting Malaysia’s broader socio-economic goals. It forms part of major shareholder Permodalan Nasional Bhd’s efforts, alongside other government-linked investment companies, to implement living wage policies under the government’s GEAR-uP reform programme led by the Finance Ministry. SD Guthrie said the policy will align with its existing labour commitments and international standards, including compliance with Malaysian labour laws such as the Employees’ Minimum Standards of Housing, Accommodations and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446), as amended in 2019. The framework will also take into account regional cost-of-living differences and existing employee benefits. The group adheres to standards set by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil and the International Labour Organization. SD Guthrie operates across 11 states in Malaysia, with 121 estates, 31 mills, and downstream and renewable energy facilities, employing more than 35,000 workers from multiple countries. Shares in SD Guthrie rose 1.25% to RM5.69 on Friday, valuing the group at RM39.35 billion. The stock is up nearly 15% year to date.

Jobstreet by SEEK today announced the renewal of its collaboration with TARA Foundation, continuing its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative to support underprivileged students across Malaysia. The partnership helps TARA Centres provide free after-school tuition and meals to children from low-income communities. Since the collaboration began in 2023, Jobstreet by SEEK has sponsored 50 complimentary job advertisements, enabling TARA Foundation to recruit staff and serve over 1,000 students nationwide. Under the renewed agreement, valid until 31 July 2026, Jobstreet by SEEK will continue providing complimentary job postings for tutors, administrators, and support staff across TARA Foundation’s 29 learning centres. The updated partnership also grants TARA Foundation access to Jobstreet by SEEK’s latest recruitment innovations, including AI-assisted job description writing, seekAi high-fit candidate prediction, analytics, and SEEK Pass for verified credentials. These tools streamline hiring processes, helping TARA Centres focus on delivering education and support to students. Supporting “Mission Zero Dropouts” TARA Foundation’s “Mission Zero Dropouts” programme addresses high school dropout rates among B40 students by offering structured academic support, nutritious meals, and a safe learning environment. Nearly 99% of school dropouts in Malaysia come from B40 families, highlighting the importance of organisations like TARA Foundation in providing academic and emotional support to help children stay in school. Krishna Raj, Human Resources Director at TARA Foundation, said:“Our centres rely on committed educators and administrators. Jobstreet by SEEK’s support has been invaluable in helping us recruit the right people to serve our growing number of centres.” Empowering Purpose-Driven Hiring Jobstreet by SEEK’s CSR efforts aim to bridge talent gaps while strengthening communities. By supporting TARA Foundation, the platform enhances access to meaningful roles, promotes skills development, and improves hiring efficiency. Early results show a faster, more diverse applicant pool with stronger alignment to job requirements, demonstrating tangible benefits of the collaboration. Nicholas Lam, Managing Director of Jobstreet by SEEK, added: “Supporting TARA Foundation aligns with our mission to help Malaysians find meaningful careers. We are honoured to ease their hiring process so they can focus on transforming lives for the next generation.”  Driving National Impact This renewed partnership reinforces Jobstreet by SEEK’s broader commitment to workforce development and community support. It exemplifies purpose-driven collaboration, enabling organisations—both corporate and non-profit—to access top talent efficiently while contributing to sustainable social impact.

MSIG Insurance (Malaysia) Bhd (“MSIG Malaysia”) has reinforced its commitment to coastal conservation through an ongoing partnership with the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), supporting a mangrove planting initiative at Kuala Selangor Nature Park (KNSP). The activity saw 20 Kelab Pencinta Alam (KPA) school eco clubs plant 1,200 mangrove saplings, sponsored by MSIG. MSIG Malaysia’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Toshibumi Suzuki (6th from left, third row), MSIG representatives, students and teachers from 20 from Klang Valley schools at the planting site.  This initiative is part of a broader, multi-year collaboration with MNS aimed at rehabilitating Malaysia’s mangrove ecosystems. Since 2019, MSIG and MNS have planted more than 10,587 saplings across Peninsular Malaysia. Additional plantings this year include 1,200 saplings across Selangor, Kedah, Perak, Melaka, Johor, and Kota Kinabalu, with another 400 scheduled before year-end. MSIG employees have actively participated as volunteers, contributing their time to the planting activities nationwide. MSIG Malaysia’s Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Ang Yien Chia (8th from left, first row), led the Senior Management Team members and MSIG staff volunteers in the mangrove planting activity, facilitated by Malaysian Nature Society (MNS). Leadership CommitmentMs. Ang Yien Chia, Chief Executive Officer of MSIG Malaysia, led the Senior Management Team and staff volunteers at the event. She said, “Since 2019, our partnership with MNS has helped restore critical mangrove ecosystems across Malaysia. Beyond planting trees, we aim to strengthen coastal communities and build long-term environmental resilience. Engaging young Malaysians in these efforts ensures that the next generation values and protects our natural heritage.” MSIG Malaysia’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Toshibumi Suzuki delivers the opening remark at the programme. Mr. Toshibumi Suzuki, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, added, “Mangroves act as natural insurance—stabilising coastlines, reducing storm surges, supporting biodiversity, and mitigating climate change. Our work with MNS reflects the belief that environmental protection and community resilience go hand in hand.” MSIG Malaysia’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Toshibumi Suzuki handed the mangrove saplings to participating students at the planting site.  Nationwide Conservation ImpactThe MSIG-MNS programme has reached diverse locations nationwide, including: Sungai Cherating, Pahang Kuala Bagan Tiang, Perak Kampung Pulau Ketam, Perlis Kuala Selangor Nature Park, Selangor Delta Kelantan, Kelantan Sungai Merbok, Kedah Tanjung Tuan, Melaka Taman EcoCare, Terengganu Tanjung Piai, Johor Lukut, Negeri Sembilan Nibong Tebal, Penang Darau Wetlands, Sabah (new site added in 2025) These efforts restore degraded coastal habitats, enhance biodiversity, and strengthen natural buffers for communities vulnerable to flooding and erosion. MSIG Malaysia’s collaboration with MNS extends beyond volunteer activities, reflecting a long-term vision to create shared value by fostering environmental resilience and sustainable ecosystems. Future initiatives will continue to focus on ecological restoration and community support.

Following the company’s flood preparedness announcement in October, CelcomDigi Berhad (CelcomDigi) has activated its nationwide flood relief efforts to ensure those affected remain safe, connected and supported. In collaboration with the Malaysian Relief Agency (MRA) and Malaysian Red Crescent (MRC), the company has commenced the delivery of essential aid and connectivity solutions to several temporary relief centres (Pusat Pemindahan Sementara – PPS) nationwide to benefit more than 50,000 affected people. Teams have deployed 60 charging stations and 80 WiFi units across relief centres in eight states to keep families connected with loved ones and access essential communication services. The company’s 24/7 operations teams are also on standby to swiftly deploy power generators to base stations in flood-hit areas, ensuring minimal disruption to network services. Beyond connectivity, CelcomDigi has enabled MRA with four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles, rescue boats and volunteers to help residents stranded in severely flooded areas. In parallel, the company has activated its Flash-SMS broadcast, enhanced with AI-powered postcode targeting to ensure timely alerts reach customers in flood-risk areas. To date over 5.1 million flash-smses have been broadcasted to alert families. Essential household and personal supplies are being distributed to support families during their stay at relief centres. Alongside company-led aid, employees have also contributed cooking essentials and food packs as a gesture of their personal support. Other relief packages also include general relief kits, female dignity kits, ready-to-eat meals, baby care packs, and bedding sets—items selected to provide comfort and meet immediate needs. CelcomDigi is working with the government and relevant agencies for more coordinated relief efforts. The company has also readied its resources and employees to support more Malaysians nationwide – whether customers, dealers, or partners – during this time of need. In tandem with these efforts, a refreshed Flood Preparedness Kit that includes updated safety guidelines and practical checklist is made available in English and Bahasa Malaysia via CelcomDigi’s social media platforms and on CelcomDigi app.

DXN Holdings Bhd a leading global nutraceutical manufacturer, has been recognised as the winner of the Social Category Award at The Exchange Asia ESG PLUS Awards 2025. This recognition reflects DXN’s long-standing commitment to empowering communities, advancing social inclusion and supporting long-term societal well-being across the markets in which it operates. The Exchange Asia ESG PLUS Awards celebrate organisations that demonstrate measurable progress and leadership in the areas of Environment, Social and Governance (“ESG”). The recognition reflects DXN’s sustained commitment to fostering a compassionate and inclusive global society grounded in wellness, education, dignity and empowerment. Representatives, from left to right: Mr. Mahmood Hisham, Chief Operating Officer of DXN, YB Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Binti Ahmad, Deputy Minister of Women, Family & Community Development, Puan Sri Datin Seri Dato’ Akmal Abdul Salam, Chairwoman of the ESG PLUS Awards 2025. DXN’s social impact initiatives span a wide spectrum, including poverty alleviation, education support, healthcare access, nutrition programmes and global mindfulness development. Central to these efforts is the belief that businesses have a responsibility to uplift society while creating sustainable value. In the financial year ended 28 February 2023 (“FY2023”), DXN channelled more than RM5.3 million into community programmes, followed by RM11.9 million in the following year, enabling meaningful outreach through partnerships with Yayasan Prihatin, public institutions such as Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (“UTAR”), and regional community networks. DXN promotes children’s health through its One Dollar One Child (“ODOC”) campaign, supporting undernourished children with health check-ups, nutrition guidance, and medical care, across Malaysia, India, and other countries by June 2025. In Malaysia, the Company partners with government-linked and charitable organisations to deliver impact through initiatives like Malaysia Madani, MYGrocer mobile markets, school programs, and a RM3.5 million donation to UTAR for an Ayurvedic clinic that advances holistic healthcare. On receiving the Social Category Award, Executive Chairman and Founder, Datuk Lim Siow Jin (拿督林孝仁) said, “At DXN, our philosophy has always been to inspire health, dignity and opportunity for every individual who comes into contact with our work. This award is a meaningful recognition of the many communities, volunteers, partners and DXN members who have walked this journey with us. We believe true social impact is created when compassion is translated into action, and when people are empowered to improve their own lives. This Award motivates us to expand our efforts further, so that our work continues to bring tangible change to families and communities around the world.” DXN’s strong showing in the Social Category also reflects its deep commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of its global workforce. As part of its ongoing human rights journey, the Company has introduced enhanced worker engagement and protection mechanisms designed to ensure transparency, dignity and respect for all workers across its operations. This initiative underscores DXN’s belief that listening to workers is essential to building ethical, resilient and future-ready supply chains. It also aligns with international labour standards and complements DXN’s broader ESG commitments. DXN’s performance in the Social Category reflects its structured ESG strategy and its commitment to creating long-term positive impact for communities worldwide. The Company will continue strengthening its social initiatives, expanding global partnerships and driving responsible value creation across all markets in which it operates.