MRC Unveils Three ESG Initiatives To Advance Rubber Industry's Sustainable Transition
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 7 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC) today launched three key initiatives to reinforce the rubber industry's commitment to sustainability and environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices.
Chief executive officer Muhammad Eizaaz Muhammad Redzuan said the initiatives marked a significant shift in MRC’s role, positioning the agency as a strategic enabler of responsible and sustainable growth, beyond its traditional function of promoting exports.
“To build on this momentum, I am proud to announce that MRC will today launch three significant sustainability initiatives,” he said in his welcoming remarks at the Malaysian Rubber Industry ESG Conference (MREC 2025) here today.
The first initiative is the 'Sustainable Transition for Rubber Industry Development & ESG Fund', or STRIDE Fund, which builds upon MRC’s existing Hiring Malaysian Workers Fund.
“STRIDE will specifically support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in hiring dedicated sustainability officers and accessing expert ESG consultancy—helping them move from compliance to competitiveness,” he said.
The second initiative involves the launch of a set of guidelines and tools titled 'Navigating ESG: A Practical Guide for Rubber and Rubber Products Manufacturers in Malaysia'.
Muhammad Eizaaz said the MRC ESG Guidelines and Self-Regulated Checklist offer a practical starting point for companies seeking to enhance their ESG practices, initiate reporting efforts and prepare for evolving regulatory requirements.
The third initiative is the 'Low Carbon Transition Roadmap for Malaysian Rubber Manufacturers', designed to serve as a blueprint for companies to begin their decarbonisation journey.
“It will help manufacturers implement meaningful emissions reduction measures and eventually commit to credible net-zero targets,” he added.
He said the three initiatives together provide a clear and actionable framework for companies to remain relevant, responsible and resilient while aligning with ESG principles amid a rapidly evolving global landscape.
-- BERNAMA