Kuala Lumpur: The small and medium enterprise (SME) industry is urged to be more actively involved in businesses that emphasize sustainability elements, including the implementation of sustainable development goals (SDGs). Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad stressed the need for a comprehensive approach involving the government, large companies, government-linked companies, and multinational corporations to enhance the capabilities of SMEs in adapting to these changes.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysia plays a significant role in the furniture industry, and there is a growing demand, particularly overseas, for green or sustainable furniture. Nik Nazmi highlighted this during the opening ceremony of the ‘Sustainaboleh’ programme and the Green Factory Experiential Concept Store. The event was attended by Sepulo Holdings Bhd and The Green Factory chairman Tunku Zain Al-‘Abidin Tuanku Muhriz and The Green Factory founder Harith Ridzuan.

Nik Nazmi noted that efforts to strengthen the implementation of SDGs in local industries are showing positive progress. However, he acknowledged that much work remains, particularly in meeting global market demands related to hygiene and sustainability standards. He pointed out that new regulations concerning climate change, sustainability, and forestry present challenges for SMEs, many of which may not afford a chief sustainability officer. In contrast, listed companies are more familiar with such requirements from Bursa Malaysia.

In his speech, Nik Nazmi commended The Green Factory team for their efforts in making sustainable products more accessible, providing experiential learning, and demonstrating a commitment to raising environmental awareness in Malaysia. He emphasized the importance of initiatives like ‘Sustainaboleh,’ which involved 100 youths from the Klang Valley, as a platform for young people to learn quickly, share passionately, and eventually become custodians of Malaysia’s future.