WEIL Hotel Becomes Malaysia’s First ESG-Certified Hotel, Setting a New Benchmark for Sustainable Hospitality

WEIL Hotel in Ipoh has officially earned its place in Malaysia’s history as the first hotel in the country to receive ESG (environment, social and governance) certification under the ESG Certification for Hotels & Resorts Programme by the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH). The award marks a significant step for the hospitality industry as it shifts towards more responsible and future-focused operating standards.

The certification—launched in 2023—is a joint initiative between MAH, SGS (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, and Saimatrix Integrated, with the support of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac). The evaluation process involved structured training, stringent audits and the implementation of a comprehensive sustainability action plan aligned with the National Tourism Policy 2020–2030.

A Pioneer in Hotel Sustainability

Already known as Ipoh’s first five-star hotel, WEIL Hotel continues to lead the industry through its adoption of advanced green technologies. Its sustainability initiatives include:

• Smart energy management, such as motion-sensor lighting, optimised air-conditioning systems and high-efficiency chillers

• Water-saving fixtures and in-room filtration systems, significantly reducing reliance on single-use plastic bottles

• A 100% food waste composting system, converting kitchen waste into nutrient-rich soil enhancers for landscaping and local green areas

• Green procurement practices and eco-friendly housekeeping methods

These initiatives not only support environmental preservation but also enhance guest comfort through more efficient and responsive building systems.

Sustainability That Enhances Guest Experience

WEIL Hotel’s chief engineer, Wong Yow Seng, highlighted that their building management system plays a central role in balancing sustainability and comfort. Through real-time monitoring and smart optimisation, the hotel reduces unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining the high standards expected of a premium establishment.

“Sustainability isn’t a compromise—it’s an ongoing journey that elevates our guest experience while reducing environmental impact,” Wong shared.

A National Model for ESG Adoption

According to MAH CEO Isaac Mohan Raj, the ESG certification initiative has been shaped through collaboration with government bodies, hotel associations and global organisations, including MAHO, MYBHA and the UNDP. WEIL Hotel now serves as a national case study demonstrating that ESG principles can be embedded into everyday operations.

“This milestone shows what Malaysian hotels can achieve with leadership, commitment and a clear strategy,” Isaac noted.

SGS (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd’s business assurance sub-regional manager, Kenny Looi, added that WEIL Hotel’s certification reflects Malaysia’s growing readiness to adopt internationally recognised sustainability standards. With Visit Malaysia Year 2026 approaching, he said the achievement signals the industry’s readiness to host environmentally conscious travellers seeking meaningful and responsible accommodation options.

A Step Forward for Malaysia’s Tourism and Property Landscape

As Malaysia positions itself for sustainable growth, developments like WEIL Hotel’s ESG certification complement the country’s broader goals—including greener hospitality, improved urban planning and stronger environmental governance. These efforts progress in tandem with growing demand for eco-conscious developments across various sectors, including commercial property in KL, sustainable industrial land in Selangor, newer factory developments in Puchong, and the rise of green-certified industrial property in the Subang area. Together, they reflect a nationwide shift toward more environmentally aligned investment and development models.