THE Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry has released the MITI Sustainability Report 2024, reaffirming its ongoing commitment to sustainable governance, transparent reporting and the advancement of Malaysia’s national environmental, social and governance objectives.
Now in its second edition, the report builds on the foundation laid in 2023 and presents a more comprehensive, data-driven account of the ministry’s operational performance, organisational progress and policy contributions towards a greener, more resilient and future-ready economy.
The report reflects MITI’s continued leadership in Malaysia’s industrial transformation.
In 2024, Malaysia recorded RM370.5 billion in total approved investments and achieved RM1.5 trillion in exports, representing a 5.7 per cent increase compared with the previous year.
The performance underscores sustained global confidence in Malaysia’s competitiveness, governance framework and long-term economic prospects, while reinforcing national efforts towards economic diversification and sustainable industrial growth.
At the organisational level, the report highlights several milestones demonstrating how sustainability principles have been embedded within MITI’s internal operations.
Female representation in senior management reached 70 per cent, reflecting the ministry’s commitment to inclusive and progressive leadership.
Water usage efficiency across MITI facilities also improved, with total water consumption declining by approximately 15 per cent year on year.
Significant progress was also recorded in waste management. Through targeted waste minimisation programmes and improved operational efficiency, MITI reduced total waste generated to 68.12 tonnes in 2024 from 309.45 tonnes in 2023, representing a 78 per cent reduction.
The publication of the report aligns with the government’s broader sustainability agenda, particularly as 2024 marked the introduction of several landmark national policy initiatives led by MITI and its agencies.
These include the National Semiconductor Strategy, the Circular Economy Policy Framework, the Green Investment Strategy and the Decarbonisation Pathway for Malaysia’s manufacturing sectors. Together, these initiatives aim to accelerate the transition towards low-carbon industries, enhance resource efficiency and support long-term economic transformation in line with global sustainability imperatives.
To further strengthen ESG integration across Malaysia’s industrial ecosystem, MITI introduced the ESG Excellence Award under the 2024 Industry Excellence Awards.
The inaugural category attracted participation from 21 organisations, reflecting growing readiness among industry players to embed ESG principles into corporate strategies, operational processes and community impact initiatives.
The report also notes that MITI strengthened its sustainability reporting capabilities in 2024 by developing a pool of eight certified Global Reporting Initiative professionals among its officials, reinforcing the ministry’s commitment to high-quality and credible sustainability disclosures.
MITI reiterated its resolve to drive a competitive, resilient and sustainable industrial landscape, underpinned by transparency, sound governance and whole-of-nation collaboration.
As Malaysia advances towards its target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, the ministry said it will continue to champion policies, partnerships and institutional reforms that support an innovative, inclusive and sustainable economic future.
MITI is the key driver in positioning Malaysia as a preferred destination for quality investments and enhancing the country’s standing as a globally competitive trading nation.
Its mandate is aligned with ensuring rapid economic development and supporting Malaysia’s aspiration to achieve developed nation status. - December 22, 2025
