03/06/2026

ESG WEDNESDAY | JUNE 3, 2026

12

Dutch Lady accelerates green energy transition

Sustainability push in Langkawi gains ground, but gaps remain, says hotel GM KUALA LUMPUR: While industry players note that many international-class hotels in Langkawi are already operating in accordance with established environmental benchmarks, questions remain about whether these efforts are sufficiently coordinated at island level or are largely confined to individual properties. In this context, Aloft Langkawi Pantai Tengah is emphasising efforts to improve sustainability on the island, which are gaining ground, although progress remains uneven. General manager Shanmugam Thangavelu said there are signs of broader movement, where government-linked agencies such as the Langkawi Development Authority have stepped up initiatives, particularly in addressing recycling – long seen as a persistent challenge. “One recent effort involved a recycling competition organised by E-Idaman Sdn Bhd, a waste management company in the northern region, encouraging hotels to increase contributions of recyclable materials such as plastic bottles, cardboard and paper. “In 2024, Aloft Langkawi Pantai Tengah ranked second in Kedah for its recycling efforts, reflecting a growing push to build awareness and foster healthy competition among operators. “Beyond government-led initiatives, private sector involvement remains limited. Unlike in more developed urban centres such as Penang, where companies actively engage businesses on waste management and recycling solutions, similar services are less visible on the island,“ Shanmugam told SunBiz . He said some other collaborations have also emerged. “About two years ago, Aloft Langkawi Pantai Tengah partnered with an NGO, Suri, to repurpose unused denim uniforms into bags and hats. These items were then sold, with proceeds channelled towards charitable causes,“ he said, adding that the adoption of greener technologies is gradually increasing. Further, he said electric vehicle (EV) usage is now picking up. Hotels that have installed charging stations are seeing more frequent use of the facilities by guests, including visitors arriving from the mainland. Furthermore, transport operators are exploring a shift towards EVs, driven in part by rising fuel costs. Still, Shanmugam said, industry players acknowledge that sustainability involves multiple moving parts. “While hotels may implement internal measures, external factors – such as food deliveries packaged in plastic – remain a challenge. Operators are working with suppliers to reduce packaging waste, including transitioning to reusable containers where possible.” Moving on, Shanmugam said efforts are under way to streamline logistics. “Instead of frequent deliveries, hotels are consolidating shipments to reduce the number of trips, lowering both carbon emissions and operational costs amid higher fuel prices. Overall, stakeholders describe Langkawi’s sustainability journey as a work in progress – one that is moving forward, but still has considerable ground to cover.“ Ű BY JOHN GILBERT sunbiz@thesundaily.com

BANDAR ENSTEK: Dutch Lady Milk Industries Bhd (DLMI) has entered into a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Pekat Solar Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pekat Group Bhd (Pekat) to accelerate its transition to renewable energy through the deployment of rooftop solar system at its DLMI@Enstek manufacturing facility. Under the agreement, Pekat will design, install, own and operate the system, while DLMI will purchase the electricity generated. This model allows DLMI to adoptrenewable energy without upfront capital investment, while enhancing cost predictability and long-term operational efficiency. The project will involve the construction and installation of solar panels across key buildings at the site, including the Distribution Centre (DC), Administration Building and Employee Parking. Once operational, the system is expected to generate approximately 4.9 million kWh of renewable electricity annually, offsetting up to 24% of the plant’s total electricity consumption. Construction is expected to commence in June 2026, with operations projected for December 2026. The project will run under a 15-year agreement, strengthening DLMI’s o Firm enters long-term partnership with Pekat to reduce carbon footprint

DLMI managing director Veronika Utami ( pic ) said: “At DLMI, our responsibility goes beyond nourishing Malaysians with quality and nutritious dairy products. It also means doing so in a way that is sustainable for the future. This partnership reflects a deliberate step in strengthening how we operate, reducing our environmental footprint while ensuring resilience in a changing energy landscape.” Pekat Group CEO, Tai Yee Chee shared: “This partnership with DLMI is more than a solar installation – it is a testament to what is possible when industry leaders take decisive actions in building a more resilient and sustainable Malaysia. Pekat is honoured to support DLMI in reducing its carbon footprint and driving energy cost efficiency. Together, we are demonstrating that sustainability and operational excellence are not trade-offs, but complementary pursuits that define the future of Malaysian manufacturing.” This collaboration reflects DLMI’s continued focus on strengthening how it operates while building greater resilience into its operations. As energy remains a critical input in manufacturing, initiatives like this position DLMI to take a more structured, forward looking approach to powering its facilities. As energy remains a critical input in manufacturing, initiatives like this position DLMI to take a more structured, forward looking approach to powering its facilities. The company remains focused on delivering consistent quality and value to Malaysian consumers while ensuring its operations are fit for the long term.

ability to manage energy cost volatility while supporting long-term business continuity. This initiative supports DLMI’s target to achieve a 30% reduction in emissions and energy intensity by 2030. It also aligns with Malaysia’s National Energy TransitionRoadmap (NETR), reinforcing the private sector’s role in advancing the country’s renewable energy ambitions. Dutch Lady Milk Industries Bhd is part of Royal FrieslandCampina N.V.

Mara Inc expands renewables portfolio with solar PV projects KUALA LUMPUR: Mara Incorporated Sdn Bhd (Mara Inc), a wholly owned subsidiary of Mara Corporation Sdn Bhd (Mara Corp.), continues to strengthen its position as an investor in the renewable energy sector through the development of Solar Photovoltaic (Solar PV) installations, across two Mara educational institutions in Selangor at Universiti Kuala Lumpur MIDI Campus (UniKL MIDI) and Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia (UPTM).

As project owner, Mara Inc. has appointed DwiSaujana (M) Sdn Bhd as the Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Commissioning (EPCC) contractor to deliver the project in its entirety. In line with its efforts to expand its green energy portfolio, Mara Inc. is actively pursuing opportunities in the development of solar photovoltaic (PV) projects across both the public and private sectors. The initiative reflects the company’s continued commitment to advancing Malaysia’s transition towards sustainable and low-carbon energy solutions, while further strengthening Mara Inc.’s role in driving the national green economy agenda. At the same time, Mara Inc. is registered with the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) Malaysia and holds licences as a Registered Photovoltaic Investor (RPVI) and Registered Photovoltaic Service Provider (RPVSP). These credentials enhance the company’s credibility and underscore its technical, operational, and investment capabilities across the solar energy value chain, positioning Mara Inc. to play a more integrated role in the development, implementation, and management of renewable energy projects nationwide.

Senior director of investment at Majlis Amanah Rakyat Dr Azmi Amat Murjan (centre) witness the document exchange with strategic partners recently.

in advancing our renewable energy portfolio. It reinforces our commitment to supporting Malaysia’s sustainable energy transition and the broader green economy agenda. MARA Inc. is positioned to deliver up to approximately 172MWp of cumulative solar capacity by end 2027, driven by a phased, scalable rollout across identified assets.” he added. The Solar PV systems will enable both campuses to benefit from long-term energy cost optimisation while promoting a more sustainable campus environment. In addition, the installations will serve as a practical learning platform for students in renewable energy and green technology fields.

Mara Inc. CEO Faizul Idzhar Ahmad Yazi said the initiative represents a significant step forward in MARA Inc.’s green investment strategy. “Each installation is expected to generate approximately 505.04 kWp at both UniKL MIDI and UPTM. “Collectively, the projects are projected to deliver substantial annual electricity cost savings while reducing carbon emissions by an estimated 185.79 tonnes of CO ĸ per year,” he added. He said that the initiative reflects Mara Inc.’s dual role as both investor and developer in green technology. “This project marks an important milestone

Banking & Finance

Education News/Health & Wellness TUES

ESG

Property

WED

MON

THUR