Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) account for 97% of all business establishments in Malaysia and employ around 48% of the country’s workforce. While the pressure to provide sustainability-related disclosures and adopt relevant practices has thus far been on bigger companies, SMEs are increasingly affected as well. A special feature in the recent Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) 2023 annual report, titled “Supporting SMEs transition to greener practices”, highlights the risks, opportunities, steps and toolkits for SMEs in this low-carbon transition.

Helping SMEs cope with climate change

It took only one meeting between Anish Mathew Samuel and Chakrapani Ruddraramker, who both went to the same business school in Manila, to quit their jobs and set up a company to trade eco-friendly products, thanks to their passion for sustainability.

This was 10 years ago. Soon, they be...

Agriculture: On a quest to make organic farming affordable

As it stands, all development projects seeking approval in Malaysia are subject to one regulatory process for assessing their environmental impact, known as Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) under the Environmental Quality Act 1974 (EQA 1974). EIAs are a planning tool. By laying out a formal...

Views: A rubber stamp on environmental degradation?

There were few positive headlines about ESG and sustainable funds in the last few years. In 2022, the returns of many of these funds were negatively impacted by their underexposure to energy counters and overexposure to technology stocks. In 2023, declining fund flows and a net outflow were recor...

Finance: Waiting for more maturity in ESG

East Ventures, a venture capital firm that focuses on Southeast Asia (SEA), has launched a free web-based greenhouse gas (GHG) calculator called Ecovisea for companies to measure their emissions. Ecovisea, which stands for emissions calculator and visualisation SEA, was developed in collaboration...

Toolkit: A new free carbon emissions calculator

A parallel is often drawn between sustainability reporting and financial reporting. Both are mandatory for Malaysian public-listed companies (PLCs) and must be published online annually. Yet, compared with financial reports, sustainability reports seem to engender less trust and the comparability...

Cover Story: How credible is sustainability reporting?

Concert tours generate a significant carbon footprint — from the travel of artistes and attendees to waste generated at venues and merchandise sales. Given the large audiences that popular concerts attract, these events also consume a lot of resources and energy.

After the crowd has lef...

Waste: Can concerts be green?

PUTRAJAYA (March 27): Datuk Abdul Razib Dawood, chief executive officer of the Energy Commission (ST), revealed that ST is currently in talks with the government to give condominium owners an exemption from having a distributor licence to install electric vehicle charging bays (EVCB).

Energy Commission to speed up EV charger licensing process

The Covid-19 pandemic and other geopolitical factors have caused disruptions in local, regional, national and global food supply chains, prompting us to focus on traditional farming systems. These are the products of ingenious combinations of knowledge, techniques and practices that contribute to...

Views: Preserving traditional farming in Malaysia

Hydrogen is touted as the next alternative green energy solution. There are several projects and plants being developed in Malaysia as envisioned in the Hydrogen Economy and Technology Roadmap, and even more are under development globally.

Exploring hydrogen as an energy source

In 2014, a live venomous viper, 12 toads and a variety of insects were found in a package with “happy birthday” markings during a routine check at a post office in Ipoh.

This story is a favourite for Renee Yee, who is TRAFFIC’s training and capacity building officer in Southeast Asia.

Biodiversity: TRAFFIC seeks to clamp down on illegal wildlife trade

Two years ago, Sime Darby Plantation Bhd (SDP) pledged to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. By now, one would have heard similar pledges from many corporates. But how can one know whether this is enough to halt climate change, and whether it can be achieved?

As scrutiny on clai...

Q&A: Why Sime Darby Plantation had its climate targets validated

In the dynamic landscape of constant innovation and disruption, the maxim “women hold up half the sky” encapsulates the essence of diversity’s pivotal role in fostering innovation and driving success.

While companies may boast diverse workforces, it is the strategic harnessing of this d...

Views: Unleashing DEI: A catalyst in transforming Malaysian businesses

In a society that views differently abled individuals through a lens of pity or sympathy, the potential of such individuals to actively contribute to the workforce is often overlooked.

According to a study by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DoSM), 58% of persons with disabilities...

Cover Story: Enabling the differently abled

Canadian police on Friday made arrests linked to the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in the province of British Columbia in June 2023, a source directly familiar with the matter said.

The source, who requested anonymity given the sensitivity of the case, said the Royal Canadian Mounted Police would brief media later on Friday.

Canada police make arrests linked to murder of Sikh leader Hardeep, says source

Just over six months ahead of the US election, the world is starting to consider what a return to a Trump presidency might mean. While Americans might be weighing up the difference between the two candidates domestic policies, the rest of the globe is more interested in what foreign policy decisions he might make.

What a second Trump presidency might mean for the rest of the world

The European Commission has warned three Chinese electric vehicle makers that they have not supplied sufficient information for its anti-subsidy investigation, according to two people familiar with the case.

If the Commission concludes that the provided information from sampled companies BYD, SAIC and Geely is insufficient, it could use evidence available elsewhere to compute tariffs, a move that can inflate them.

EU says information from three Chinese EV makers insufficient

Wall Street's main indexes advanced on Friday after a softer-than-expected jobs report revived hopes of the Federal Reserve cutting interest rates this year, while gains in Apple and Amgen also helped.

US job growth slowed more than expected in April and the increase in annual wages fell below 4% for the first time in nearly three years. The unemployment rate came in higher than estimated.

Wall St rallies after soft jobs data allays rate jitters

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has given the assurance that salary increase for civil servants starting this December, as announced two days ago, can be implemented through strict financial management.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the projected salary adjustment, estimated to cost over RM10 billion from next year onward, is feasible with disciplined financial oversight.

Civil servants salary hike achievable through prudent financial management — Anwar

Mastering Artificial Intelligence (AI) is crucial to ensure Malaysians themselves determine the cultural and moral values within this technology.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said if AI is not mastered, the values and morals embedded in it will be determined by those who control the technology, particularly from Western countries.

Master AI to shape own moral values, cultural impact in technology — PM

Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate Pang Sock Tao has unveiled a five-pronged manifesto for the Kuala Kubu Baharu (KKB) state by-election.

Themed 'Kekal Kuala Kubu', the manifesto focuses on economic aspects; facilities; environment and recreation; heritage and culture; and the people's well-being.

KKB polls: PH candidate unveils five-point manifesto

Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi hopes more Johoreans living outside Johor will return to the state and contribute ideas to ensure progress and development in the state that they were born in.

According to Onn Hafiz, the state government has initiated efforts to attract Johoreans who have progressed in their professional careers to come back and serve the state in efforts to turn Johor into developed status.

Onn Hafiz hopes Johoreans living elsewhere can come back and contribute ideas to develop the state

MJets Air Sdn Bhd has entered into an aircraft charter agreement with Teleport Everywhere Pte Ltd (Singapore).

MJets Air is the commercial air cargo operator of MMAG Aviation Consortium Sdn Bhd, under the umbrella of MMAG Holdings Bhd, while Teleport, which caters to Teleport Commerce Malaysia Sdn Bhd, is an integrated logistics solutions provider and logistics venture of Capital A Bhd.

MJets Air inks aircraft charter agreement with Teleport Everywhere

KUALA LUMPUR (May 3): Here is a brief recap of some business news and corporate announcements that made the headlines on Friday:

Boustead Heavy Industries Corp Bhd’s (BHIC) planned disposal of its 20.77% stake in Lumut Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd (Lunas) to the Ministry of F...

BHIC, Berjaya Corp, F&N, Pestech, PetGas, XOX, TT Vision, Uzma, SLP, WTK, Ranhill Utilities and Sarawak Cable

Ranhill Utilities Bhd will cooperate with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) throughout an investigation involving its employees, it said on Friday.

“We are alarmed and take serious note of the matter. We shall cooperate fully with MACC in its investigation if required,” Ranhill said in a bourse filing.

Ranhill to cooperate with MACC over bribery probe on employees

Seventy-eight property owners in Hatten Square, Melaka, have obtained a summary judgement from the High Court there against the main developer, MDSA Development Sdn Bhd, which requires the company to pay them RM2.009 million in rental arrears for a mix of commercial and residential units, and the return of RM591,143.90 as payment for refurbishments that were never done.

Judge Mohd Radzi Abdul Hamid allowed the plaintiffs' application for a summary judgment as he ruled that there was no arguable case.

78 property owners obtain summary judgment against Hatten Square developer over unpaid rents, non-existent refurbishments

Practice Note 17 (PN17) outfit Sarawak Cable Bhd announced that Datuk Seri Fong Joo Chung has stepped down as non-independent non-executive deputy chairman, effective immediately.

Fong, 75, resigned due to personal reasons, prevailing circumstances, and recent developments concerning the company, the cable manufacturer said in its filing.

Fong Joo Chung steps down as Sarawak Cable deputy chairman

KUALA LUMPUR (May 3): Here is a brief recap of some business news and corporate announcements that made the headlines on Friday:

Boustead Heavy Industries Corp Bhd’s (BHIC) planned disposal of its 20.77% stake in Lumut Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd (Lunas) to the Ministry of F...

Pestech International Bhd has lost an appeal to stop the tampering of machineries used in the Gemas-Johor electrified double track project by main contractor Syarikat Pembenaan Yeoh Tiong Lay Sdn Bhd (SPYTL).

Pestech loses another appeal in Gemas-JB double track dispute

Here’s a quick look at some of the stories that made headlines today.

EVENING 5: Five things you need to know today

Boustead Heavy Industries Corp Bhd’s (BHIC) planned disposal of its 20.77% stake in Lumut Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd (Lunas) to the Ministry of Finance (Inc)-owned Ocean Sunshine Bhd has turned unconditional after shareholders of BHIC endorsed the RM1 deal.

BHIC’s stake sale in LCS contractor to MOF turns unconditional

The Road Transport Department (RTD) has issued a recall notice for 600 units of Chery's Omoda 5 model vehicles, effective immediately, in response to a widely circulated incident on social media that occurred on April 28.

In a statement, the RTD announced that they have summoned Chery Corporate Malaysia Sdn Bhd to conduct a thorough investigation and gather additional information to ensure the safety of both vehicle owners and road users.

RTD issues immediate recall of 600 Chery Omoda 5 SUVs

Perak Mufti Datuk Seri Wan Zahidi Wan Teh said accusing any party of insulting Islam must be proven before considering a boycott.

He said one of the crucial elements in criminal behaviour is intent or "alqasdul jinaei" (criminal intent).

Allegations of insulting Islam must be proven before boycott — Perak Mufti

The Energy Commission (EC) has raised the tariff to transport gas via Peninsular Malaysia’s gas pipeline, owned and operated by Petronas Gas Bhd (PetGas), to RM1.096 per gigajoule per day (GJ/day) for 2024, versus a base of RM1.063 GJ/day under Regulatory Period 2 (2023-2025).

PetGas gets nod for gas transportation tariff hike; regas sees mixed adjustment

HSBC has no current plans to sell more assets, its chairman Mark Tucker said on Friday at the annual shareholder meeting of the bank, which has scaled back its presence in Western markets in recent years as part of a sweeping overhaul.

HSBC has no plans to dispose of further businesses, chairman says

Penang-based automated test equipment (ATE) maker TT Vision Holdings Bhd is looking to raise RM25.27 million via a private placement of up to 23.4 million shares or 5% of its enlarged share base.

This is the group’s first fund-raising exercise since its listing on the Bursa Malaysia ACE Market in January last year.

TT Vision aims to raise RM25m via private placement to fund solar energy venture

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has given the assurance that salary increase for civil servants starting this December, as announced two days ago, can be implemented through strict financial management.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the projected salary adjustment, estimated to cost over RM10 billion from next year onward, is feasible with disciplined financial oversight.

Uzma Bhd has secured a contract from Sarawak Shell Bhd (SSB) and Sabah Shell Petroleum Company Ltd (SSPC) to provide integrated production and integrity chemical and associated services.

Uzma unit secures integrated production contract from Shell

Stern action will be taken against retailers, distributors and importers of products with labels discriminating against palm oil, said Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.

He said those found guilty could be fined up to RM250,000 under the Trade Descriptions (Prohibition of Use of Statement, Expression or Indication) (Oil Palm Product and Palm Oil Goods) Regulations 2022.

Stern action on traders discriminating against palm oil products — Johari

The housing problem that has plagued 245 families involving five estates in Bestari Jaya (formerly Batang Berjuntai) in Hulu Selangor for decades will finally be resolved in the near future.

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the government will announce good news next week in relation to the estate workers who had been evicted without a home to live in.

Nga: Govt to announce good news on housing issue involving five estates in Bestari Jaya

Just over six months ahead of the US election, the world is starting to consider what a return to a Trump presidency might mean. While Americans might be weighing up the difference between the two candidates domestic policies, the rest of the globe is more interested in what foreign policy decisions he might make.

Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate Pang Sock Tao has unveiled a five-pronged manifesto for the Kuala Kubu Baharu (KKB) state by-election.

Themed 'Kekal Kuala Kubu', the manifesto focuses on economic aspects; facilities; environment and recreation; heritage and culture; and the people's well-being.

The Congress of Union of Employees in the Public and Civil Services Malaysia (Cuepacs) has urged all parties not to politicise the issue regarding the welfare of civil servants, including the pay hike announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Wednesday (May 1).

Its president, Datuk Dr Adnan Mat, said Cuepacs was disappointed when the issue of a pay hike for civil servants was politicised to the extent that it gave rise to the move to frustrate the government's intention by denying support in Parliament.

Don't politicise issue on welfare of civil servants — Cuepacs

Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi hopes more Johoreans living outside Johor will return to the state and contribute ideas to ensure progress and development in the state that they were born in.

According to Onn Hafiz, the state government has initiated efforts to attract Johoreans who have progressed in their professional careers to come back and serve the state in efforts to turn Johor into developed status.

ESG

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