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Not just about hitting numbers


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Not just about hitting numbers
Homegrown pride: Fadillah (centre) making a booth visit after the launch of Mapan ESG Summit 2026 in WTC Kuala Lumpur. — ART CHEN/The Star

 
KUALA LUMPUR: Environ­mental, social and governance (ESG) principles must become a way of life rather than be treated as a mere corporate reporting requirement if Malaysia is to remain competitive and achieve sustainable development, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

Fadillah, who is also the Energy Transition and Water Transfor­ma­tion Minister, said ESG has evolved into a strategic framework that determines a country’s ability to attract quality investments, strengthen businesses, and improve the people’s well-­being.

“ESG should not be seen merely as a compliance burden or a requirement to satisfy investors. 

“It is a development framework that strengthens national compe­titiveness, builds business resi­lience and ensures today’s progress does not come at the expense of future generations,” he said when opening the Mapan ESG Summit here yesterday.

Fadillah warned that countries failing to adapt to the global shift towards sustainability risk losing investments, weakening indus­trial competitiveness and facing greater challenges in safeguar­ding public welfare.

He said the government had introduced several complementary policies, including the National Energy Transition Road­map (NETR), the New Indus­trial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030, the National Entrepreneurship Policy 2030, and the Madani Economy framework to drive Malaysia’s transition towards a low-carbon, high-value economy.

Fadillah said the country’s sustainability agenda must benefit businesses of all sizes, particu­larly micro, small and medium enterprises, which constitute about 97% of businesses nationwide.

“ESG should be viewed as a strategic instrument to streng­then MSME competitiveness, improve access to financing and new markets, and ensure the transition to a low-carbon eco­nomy is fair and inclusive.”

Fadillah also said sustainability should create opportunities instead of becoming an added burden, noting that businesses embracing ESG would be better positioned to expand into international markets and attract strategic partners.

He reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, adding that the transition would be carried out in a practical and orderly manner while balancing economic growth, environmental protection and affordability.

“Our focus is on energy and water security, sustainability and, most importantly, affordability.

“There is no point producing energy if people cannot afford to pay for it.”

Fadillah also urged stronger collaboration among the government, industries, financial institutions, universities and civil ­society, saying sustainability challenges such as climate change, water security and global supply chain disruptions required a whole-of-nation approach.

“ESG should ultimately be measured by its impact on people’s lives rather than the number of policies introduced.

“The real success of ESG is when it improves living stan­dards, strengthens family secu­rity and creates a better future for our children.”

 
Article By KHOO JIAN TENG
Source: Not just about hitting numbers (Wednesday, 29 Jul 2026). The Star. Retrieved from https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/07/29/not-just-about-hitting-numbers
 

 
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This report has been prepared and issued by Bond and Sukuk Information Platform Sdn Bhd (“the Company”). The information provided in this report is of a general nature and has been prepared for information purposes only. It is not intended to constitute research or as advice for any investor. The information in this report is not and should not be construed or considered as an offer, recommendation or solicitation for investments. Investors are advised to make their own independent evaluation of the information contained in this report, consider their own individual investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs and should seek appropriate personalised financial advice from a qualified professional to suit individual circumstances and risk profile.
 
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