SME Malaysia, NRES To Strengthen Collaboration On Sustainable SME Growth

KUALA LUMPUR, May 6 (Bernama) -- The SME Association of Malaysia (SME Malaysia) and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) are committed to advancing collaboration in driving a more inclusive and sustainable future for Malaysia’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

In a statement today, the association said the commitment was reaffirmed during a recent strategic engagement with Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup.

“The meeting underscores a shared commitment to aligning Malaysia’s SME ecosystem with national sustainability priorities, while ensuring that SMEs remain competitive and resilient amid evolving global environmental, sustainability and governance (ESG) expectations,” it said.

SME Malaysia said the engagement focused on three strategic priorities, namely enhancing SME capabilities in ESG practices to support integration into global supply chains, advocating for practical, SME-centric policy frameworks and improved access to financing to facilitate sustainable transformation, and expanding initiatives to equip SMEs with the knowledge, tools, and partnerships required for the green transition.

It noted that a key highlight of the discussion was Malaysia’s potential carbon tax framework.

“The minister emphasised that policy considerations should not be limited to targeted sectors or large corporations alone, but must also incorporate the perspectives of SMEs.

“The minister expressed support for enabling SMEs to provide input to the ministry actively, ensuring that policy development remains consultative, inclusive, and reflective of the broader business ecosystem,” the association stated.

SME Malaysia national president Chin Chee Seong said the association reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the government through a public-private partnership model to advance Malaysia’s sustainability agenda and alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“The association looks forward to contributing meaningfully to the growth of a resilient and competitive green economy, while ensuring that policy formulation remains inclusive and representative of SMEs across all sectors,” he added.

-- BERNAMA