THE Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has made history as the first local government agency in Malaysia to receive the ‘SIRIM 55:2022 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Systems’ and ‘SIRIM 50:2021 Social Accountability Management Systems’ certifications.
In recognition of this landmark achievement, MBPP was also honoured by the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) as the first local government agency to obtain SIRIM certification under these categories.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said MBPP is expected to continue taking a leading role and set the benchmark for other local authorities in integrating ESG principles across urban planning, implementation, and service delivery.
Chow highlighted that the ESG recognition is not just an award, but a shared mandate to advance sustainable practices comprehensively and continuously.
“This achievement reflects MBPP’s institutional capability, the maturity of its management systems, and its commitment to managing city development transparently, systematically, and with integrity.
“The state government remains fully committed to providing strategic support and collaboration to ensure that this vision is realised effectively,” he said at the certification presentation ceremony at Royale Chulan Hotel today.
Chow expressed confidence that, with the combined efforts of the state government, MBPP, all localities, and the Federal Government, Penang will continue to strengthen its position as a model state for sustainable development, both nationally and internationally.
Meanwhile, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming praised Penang, saying the state continues to lead through such achievements and that these would be emulated by the rest of the 155 local governments in the country.
Nga also said that MBPP won the ‘Excellent Local Government Award’ (City Category) at the 2025 Minister of Housing and Local Government Excellence Awards (AKM 2025) last year.
He added that MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran also secured third place in the ‘Best Leadership Award’ (City Category) at the same event, further enhancing the local council’s list of accolades.
He also noted that MBPP also received the ‘Global Award for Sustainable Development in Cities’ (Shanghai Award) in 2023.
“Following these achievements, the ministry will be nominating MBPP to compete in the global stage for the ‘Dubai International Best Practices Award for Sustainable Development 2026’,” Nga said.
At the event, Nga also announced a RM3 million allocation to build six Madani recreational parks in Penang, three on the mainland, including one in Jawi and two in Permatang Pauh, and the remaining three on the island.
Nga said that RM500,000 will be allocated to each park and that the projects must be completed by Christmas this year.
Rajendran said the journey of ESG implementation at the MBPP began in December 2024, starting with introductory sessions and awareness programmes for senior management.
This was followed by training in stages for all MBPP staff across administrative departments, and a comprehensive data collection and coordination process carried out by SIRIM QAS International.
“With strong support and commitment from all parties, MBPP will continue to lead in ESG implementation, in line with Penang’s vision for a sustainable and resilient state,” he said.
He added that the recognition should serve as a catalyst for greater achievements and further strengthen MBPP’s efforts in advancing urban sustainability, resilience, and social equity.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat
Video by Muhammad Iqbal Hamdan