Rehda Forms ESG Committee to Strengthen Sustainability Leadership in Malaysia’s Property Sector

The Real Estate and Housing Developers' Association Malaysia (Rehda) has established a dedicated Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) committee, marking a significant step towards elevating sustainability standards across the nation’s real estate landscape.

Rehda president Datuk Ho Hon Sang said the newly formed committee will position Rehda as a national advocate for responsible development practices, while guiding developers in adapting to evolving ESG requirements.

Driving ESG Awareness and Industry Alignment

Ho shared that the committee’s mandate includes:

• Enhancing ESG understanding among Rehda members

• Adapting global sustainability frameworks to fit Malaysia’s regulatory environment

• Monitoring government policy developments

• Providing industry feedback to ensure ESG-related regulations are practical and effective

He noted that more developers—across residential, commercial, and industrial segments—are embracing ESG commitments. This shift is evident not only in sustainable housing and retail developments, but also in growth segments such as commercial property in KL, transit-linked office space in Bukit Jalil, and energy-conscious industrial hubs with demand for industrial land in Selangor, factory units in Puchong, and industrial property in the Subang area.

Ho emphasised that these efforts strengthen public trust, enhance long-term asset value and help future-proof the sector.

Recognising Excellence Through GreenRE

Rehda will further promote sustainable development through the upcoming GreenRE Sustainable Development Awards, which honour top-performing green-certified projects nationwide.

GreenRE—established in 2013—has certified more than:

• 800 projects,

• totalling over 400 million sq ft of gross floor area,

• across Malaysia and international markets including the UK, Australia, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand.

These certifications span homes, malls, data centres and large mixed-use townships, reflecting rising developer commitment to ESG-aligned design and operations.

Supporting National Housing Goals

Ho also applauded the Ministry of Housing and Local Government for its push towards digitisation and streamlined planning approvals, initiatives expected to boost transparency and investor confidence.

He highlighted that the property sector remains a key contributor to Malaysia’s GDP, employment and social development. Strengthening collaboration between the public and private sectors is crucial to ensuring a resilient, inclusive and future-ready housing ecosystem.