Sunway Malls Champions Sustainability Movement

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24 (Bernama) -- Sunway Malls is stepping up its sustainability agenda with the introduction of Malaysia’s first food digester and the attainment of international SIRIM certifications, underscoring its commitment to environmental, social and governance (ESG) values.

The announcement coincides with the United Nations Day and the launch of its ‘From This to That’ campaign, which promotes eco-conscious lifestyle habits through recycling, reusing and reimagining everyday materials. 

According to Sunway Malls, the new food digester builds on the success of its first food composter launched in 2019, which marked the beginning of its journey to food waste diversion efforts.

“Unlike the food composters that turn food scraps into soil, the food digester turns scraps into greywater and later be upcycled into liquid fertiliser. Plans are in place to partner with specialists to upcycle the greywater into liquid fertiliser,” said Sunway Malls in a statement today, adding that the first food digester is now operational at Sunway Velocity and will be installed at Sunway Pyramid by the end of 2025, with more malls to follow.

In a major milestone, Sunway Pyramid has become the first mall in Malaysia and the 16th organisation nationwide to receive the SIRIM 55 ESG certification, including securing ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety Management) and ISO 9001 (Quality Management) certifications, reflecting the group’s commitment to international standards across its operations.

Meanwhile, Sunway Malls Chief Executive Officer HC Chan said sustainability remains integral to the group’s business philosophy.

“ESG is an important and integral part of today’s business. Our commitment to ESG is a covenant of trust with our employees, customers and communities. It is how we ensure growth is inclusive, ethical and sustainable for every stakeholder,” he said in the same statement.

Apart from introducing the first food digester, Sunway Malls was also the first in the nation to launch Smart Toilet Systems to improve water efficiency and Smart Parking to reduce carbon emissions and eliminate the printing of parking tickets, which diverts 0.5 tonnes of paper waste from the landfill annually.

While also upgrading infrastructure for Electric Vehicle (EV)  bikes, motion-activated escalators, rainwater harvesting and rooftop solar panels to conserve natural resources and build independence through innovation. 

Through partnerships with Kloth Cares and recycling vendors, Sunway Malls promotes textile recycling and waste reduction among tenants and shoppers. Community-driven initiatives like book donation corners, reusable bag exchanges and upcycled art murals further embed sustainability in daily life.

The ongoing ‘From This to That’ campaign, which runs from Oct 22 to Nov 9 across Sunway Velocity Mall, Sunway Pyramid, Sunway Big Box, and Sunway Kluang Mall, features eco-friendly workshops, green bazaar and collaborations with eco-partners such as Kloth Cares and Fipper.

The group is also working with sustainable brands like Uniqlo, The Body Shop and Timberland, to amplify the sustainable impact through recycling drives, upcycling initiatives and greener retail choices.

Under the campaign, shoppers can redeem eco-friendly gifts such as the upcycled Handy Holder and participate in the Treasures & Treats Lucky Draw with prizes worth up to RM30,000, including a pre-loved luxury bag valued at RM16,000.

“By combining innovation, collaboration and community engagement, Sunway Malls is transforming the shopping experience into a movement for sustainable living,” read the statement.

--BERNAMA