Malaysia’s housing ministry nominates Penang City Council for the 2026 Dubai International Best Practices Award for Sustainable Development.
GEORGE TOWN: The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) will nominate the Penang City Council (MBPP) to represent Malaysia at the Dubai International Best Practices Award for Sustainable Development 2026.
The nomination follows MBPP’s 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 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 a certificate presentation ceremony.
MBPP is the first government agency and local authority in the country to receive the SIRIM QAS International certification for SIRIM 55:2023 ESG 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 the implementation of ESG was in line with the MADANI Malaysia aspirations, which emphasise sustainability, people’s well-being and integrity.
“KPKT views local government agencies as the front line in translating the country’s sustainability policies to the grassroots level,” he added.
Nga said MBPP had implemented various comprehensive initiatives, including sustainable solid waste management and energy efficiency.
Other initiatives focus on conservation of natural resources, community well-being, social inclusion and urban safety.
He stressed that ESG certification should serve as a starting point for continuous improvement.
ESG practices must be integrated into all aspects of planning, implementation and monitoring of local authority programmes to ensure public benefits.
