Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) is a crucial concept within Malaysia’s journey toward inclusive economic development and environmental conservation. As a rapidly developing country, Malaysia faces the dual challenge of achieving robust growth while preserving its ecological balance. SCP provides the framework for harmonising economic activities with environmental responsibility.The adoption of SCP in Malaysia aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12): “Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.” It ensures that growth does not come at the cost of future generations' ability to meet their needs.
Sustainable consumption and production (Malaysia) has embedded SCP into several national blueprints and strategies. These include:
The 12MP (2021–2025) explicitly promotes sustainable development, green growth, and low-carbon practices. It aims to reduce the environmental footprint of the country’s production and consumption sectors.
This initiative targets the implementation of green technologies in energy, manufacturing, transport, buildings, and waste management sectors. The GTMP 2017–2030 sets goals for lowering carbon intensity and increasing resource efficiency.
This policy promotes alternatives to plastic packaging and aims to eliminate single-use plastic by 2030, supporting SCP goals through waste minimisation and eco-innovation.
Malaysia's industries are moving towards energy-efficient processes, waste minimisation, and cleaner production technologies. Sectors such as palm oil, electronics, and automotive are integrating eco-design, renewable energy, and lean manufacturing.
To support sustainable production, Malaysia promotes:
These sustainable approaches help reduce carbon emissions, improve soil health, and preserve Malaysia’s diverse ecosystems.
Malaysia’s renewable energy sector is pivotal to SCP. The government promotes solar, hydro, and biomass energy through:
These schemes encourage producers to shift away from fossil fuels toward clean energy solutions that reduce environmental degradation.
Increasingly, Malaysian consumers are showing interest in sustainable products. Campaigns by the Ministry of Environment and Water (KASA) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are driving public awareness about sustainable shopping, energy saving, and waste segregation.Key consumption trends include:
The Malaysian government is implementing SPP policies that prioritise the purchase of eco-friendly goods and services. This encourages industries to produce sustainably and fosters green innovation.
The implementation of the National Cleanliness Policy (Dasar Kebersihan Negara) encourages citizens to adopt 3R principles: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Malaysia is moving from a linear economy to a circular economy by:
While SCP adoption is growing, Malaysia still faces several challenges:
Addressing these barriers requires strong political will, stakeholder collaboration, and continuous education.
IKEA Malaysia has integrated sustainability into its core operations—offering reusable packaging, energy-efficient lighting, and recycling bins in all stores.
Sunway’s developments include green-certified buildings, solar-powered campuses, and waste-to-energy systems, reflecting its commitment to the SCP model.
Nestlé has shifted to paper-based straws and aims for 100% recyclable packaging by 2025. Their “Project RELeaf” initiative supports reforestation to offset carbon emissions.
Achieving SCP in Malaysia depends on a collective effort from government agencies, businesses, and citizens. Companies must integrate sustainability into their supply chains, while individuals should make responsible choices in daily consumption.
Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable consumption and production is growing stronger. With increasing green investments, regulatory frameworks, and public awareness, the nation is on track to become a model for sustainability in Southeast Asia.Future trends include:
The goal is to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation by promoting efficient resource use, reducing pollution, and encouraging green innovation.
Malaysia promotes green consumption through awareness campaigns, eco-labeling programs, government procurement policies, and incentives for buying sustainable products.
Industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, construction, and energy are integrating green practices, using renewable energy, and applying life-cycle assessments.
The public sector sets regulations, leads sustainable procurement, and provides financial incentives for green businesses and consumers.
Individuals can reduce waste, recycle, buy local and sustainable products, conserve energy, and support companies that follow ethical and environmental practices.