The International Labour Organization has supported the launch of a new sustainability training package designed to help Malaysian employers adapt to rising compliance standards. Introduced during an orientation session hosted by the Malaysian Employers Federation in Kuala Lumpur, the programme was developed by the University of Malaysia and will be officially launched in early 2026. Its release comes at a pivotal time, as employer demand for practical guidance on Environmental, Social, and Governance standards and human-rights due diligence has increased significantly.
Malaysia’s policy landscape underwent major reforms in 2025 that shifted the country toward more structured expectations around responsible business conduct. Sustainability reporting was aligned with international ISSB standards, the national i-ESG Framework was introduced as an industry roadmap, and the government launched its National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights for 2025–2030. These changes collectively signal a move from voluntary ESG practices to more formal requirements, elevating the importance of capacity-building for businesses.
During the workshop, the Prime Minister’s Department highlighted key priorities of the National Action Plan, including stronger protections for workers, ethical recruitment measures, improved safeguards for migrant workers, wage transparency, and curbing excessive overtime. The department is also conducting feasibility studies on mandatory human-rights due diligence and the possible creation of a human-rights tribunal.
With several ministries now contributing to ESG and human-rights policy development, Malaysian employers are facing a more complex regulatory environment. In this context, MEF’s training, guidance, and advocacy will play a vital role in helping businesses understand new expectations, adapt to upcoming legislation, and strengthen responsible practices across their operations.
