KPKT To Nominate MBPP For Dubai International Best Practices Award 2026

GEORGE TOWN, Jan 17 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) will nominate the Penang City Council (MBPP) to represent Malaysia for the Dubai International Best Practices Award for Sustainable Development 2026 following its success in obtaining Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) certification.

Minister Nga Kor Ming said the nomination was based on MBPP’s proven ability to uphold the principles of sustainability, good governance and community well-being.

“Following MBPP’s recognition as the first PBT (local authority) in Malaysia to receive the ESG certificate, KPKT will nominate MBPP to compete at the Dubai Award 2026,” he said at the ESG Certificate Recognition and Presentation Ceremony here today.

MBPP is the first government agency and local authority in the country to receive the SIRIM QAS International certification for SIRIM 55:2023 Environmental, Social and Governance Systems and SIRIM 50:2021 Social Accountability Management Systems.

Nga said the achievement demonstrated the effectiveness of the local authority’s holistic approach to environmental, social and governance aspects.

He said that the implementation of ESG was in line with the MADANI Malaysia aspirations, which emphasise sustainability, the well-being of the people and integrity as key foundations.

“KPKT views local government agencies as the front line in translating the country’s sustainability policies to the grassroots level, as cities in Malaysia are not only centres of economic growth but also key determinants of the people’s quality of life and the nation’s competitiveness on the global stage,” he said.

Nga said MBPP had implemented various comprehensive initiatives, including sustainable solid waste management, energy efficiency, conservation of natural resources, community well-being, social inclusion and urban safety.

He, however, stressed that ESG certification should serve as a starting point for continuous improvement, with ESG practices integrated into all aspects of planning, implementation and monitoring of PBT programmes to ensure the benefits are felt by the people.

--BERNAMA