BMCC | Advancing Sustainability: A Look at Malaysia's Latest Environmental Initiatives

BMCC Newsletter #359 - Green Edition #24 (26 June 2023)

Dear Subscriber,

Advancing Sustainability: A Look at Malaysia's Latest Environmental Initiatives

We are pleased to bring you the latest updates on Malaysia's sustainability initiatives, highlighting significant developments that impact various sectors. These updates showcase Malaysia's commitment to environmental stewardship and the pursuit of a more sustainable future.

Mandatory Onboarding Programme on Sustainability for Directors of Public Listed Companies (PLCs)

The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) and Bursa Malaysia introduced a new mandatory onboarding programme called the Mandatory Accreditation Programme (MAP) Part II: Leading for Impact (LIP).

This extension of the existing MAP, focuses on corporate governance, emphasising the roles, duties, liabilities, and other obligations of directors under the Bursa Malaysia Main Market and ACE Market Listing Requirements.

Starting from 1 August 2023, first-time directors of PLCs and directors of listing or transfer applicants must complete the LIP within 18 months from the date of appointment or admission, respectively. Existing directors of PLCs have 24 months from the effective date to fulfil the LIP requirement.

Read more here.

Collaboration between UK Research Institutions and Malaysian Palm Oil Industry

The Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) foresees that collaboration between UK research institutions and Malaysian palm oil producers will strengthen sustainability practices and advance the industry.

As the UK prepares to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Transpacific Partnership (CPTPP), the MPOC emphasises the importance of enhancing the palm oil industry's sustainability practices, recognising Malaysia's global position in sustainable palm oil production. This collaboration opens up new trade opportunities and fosters closer ties between the two nations.

Promoting Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Transition

The NRECC is actively encouraging energy efficiency practices and the adoption of renewable energy sources. As part of these efforts, the ministry is facilitating the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to empower consumers in controlling their electricity bills.

The following measures have been implemented:

Relaxation of Capacity Limit for Net Energy Metering (NEM) Rakyat Programme: Users can now install solar PV systems based on specified technical criteria.
Increased Capacity for NEM NOVA Programme and SelCo Programme:The allowable capacity for solar PV systems has been raised to 85%.
Participation of High-Voltage Consumers in SelCo Programme:The SelCo Programme is now open for applications and participation by high-voltage (HV) consumers.
Effective Date of New Regulations:The updated regulations under the NEM and SelCo programmes will come into effect on 15 July 2023, based on the latest guidelines provided by the Energy Commission.
Enhancements by Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB): Further incentives for the installation of solar PV systems will be announced soon.

MAJU - the SME ESG Hub: Elevating Sustainability for SMEs and Sustainable Supply Chains

The UN Global Compact Network Malaysia & Brunei is proud to present the upgraded version of MAJU - the SME ESG Hub. This platform aims to provide SMEs and sustainable supply chain enthusiasts with a comprehensive platform to enhance their sustainability efforts.

This one-stop resource offers content in English and Malay, organised around four gateways: Inspire, Plan, Act, and Communicate.

The hub incorporates localised case studies, tools for sustainability planning, including scope 1 & 2, as well as learning videos, eLearning modules, and ESG-Start, a sustainable SME maturity assessment tool that enables peer benchmarking, provides a maturity report, and offers a supply chain dashboard.

These resources are available for free!

Please visit www.esghub.my.

For optimal viewing, please assess the site via desktop.

These updates demonstrate Malaysia's dedication to sustainability across various sectors, emphasising the importance of responsible governance, collaboration, and transitioning towards cleaner energy sources. By staying informed about these developments, we can collectively contribute to a more sustainable future in Malaysia.

Join Our Energy Committee and Sustainability Network

BMCC members who are passionate about making a difference in the sustainability and energy sectors are encouraged to join our Energy Committee and Sustainability Network. By being part of these groups, you can actively contribute to discussions, initiatives, and collaborations that drive positive change.

For more information and to express your interest, please reach out to Asyraf@bmcc.org.my.

Astrazeneca and Sime Darby Motors Signed a MoU to Encourage the Adoption of Electric Vehicles in Malaysia

AstraZeneca and Sime Darby Motors Malaysia joined forces to promote the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) among AstraZeneca employees. The collaboration was solidified through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between key representatives from both companies.

This partnership, the first of its kind in Malaysia, aims to offer corporate rates to AstraZeneca employees for owning EV vehicles, including BMW, BYD, and Hyundai models. This initiative aligns with the growing focus on environmental sustainability and combating climate change within the corporate sector. To commemorate this milestone, the signing ceremony took place on World Environment Day.

Malaysia Airlines | Annual Sustainability Report

Malaysia Airlines is excited to share its progress towards a sustainable future in its latest annual Sustainability Report. From reducing carbon footprint to implementing eco-friendly initiatives, read how they have been working tirelessly to make positive impacts on the environment in this report.

With each passing year, Malaysia Airlines strive to be responsible stewards of our planet and are thrilled to share the incredible strides on its sustainability journey.

Together, let's continue to build a better future for generations to come!

Read the full report here.

Malaysia Airlines | Voluntary carbon offset initiative for customers

Malaysia Airlines introduced a voluntary carbon offset programme, allowing customers to offset the carbon emissions from their flights by supporting verified offsetting projects when booking on the airline's website.

In collaboration with CHOOSE, a climate tech company from Norway, the programme signifies an important step for parent Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) in its commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, as outlined in the MAG Sustainability Blueprint.

Arup Jururunding | Arup won the 'GreenRE Platinum Rating' for their New PJ Office's Interior

Arup, a global firm of engineers, designers, and consultants dedicated to sustainable development, has been awarded the ‘GreenRE Platinum Rating’ for the interiors of their new offices in the city of Petaling Jaya. This marks the first time the platinum certification has been awarded to an office interior in Malaysia.