KUALA LUMPUR: The response has been more positive from the corporate sector in integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles into their investments and businesses, says Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.

The Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister said that, with greater awareness, the private sector was eagerly coming forward to incorporate the ESG goals.

Nik Nazmi said this after witnessing the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between UEM Sunrise Bhd (UEM Sunrise) through its joint-venture subsidiary Mega Legacy (M) Sdn Bhd with Universiti Malaya (UM) Faculty of Science to assess the water quality of the Kepong Metropolitan Park Lake next to its Kiara Bay development.

The MOU is to formulate treatment plans to ensure the lake remains conducive to future community initiatives such as recreational activities and the preservation of its biodiversity and aquatic life.

Mega Legacy chairperson Zaida Khalida Shaari and UM Faculty of Science Dean Prof Dr Zulqarnain Mohamad signed the MOU.

On the effort by UEM Sunrise, Nik Nazmi said the private initiative taken by the developer was proof that much could be done to protect and improve Malaysia’s environment through common efforts by all sectors.

“Of course, we are coming up with higher standards in terms of regulations and legislation, but at the same time there is nothing to stop companies and the corporate sector from doing more.

“This is a great example of how a company can do more.

“So, we will facilitate and assist them in whatever manner we can, especially good practices that should be emulated by other corporations as well,” he said.

The MOU has two phases.

In the first stage, RM50,000 has been allocated by UEM Group to test water quality for the presence of heavy metals and sediments as well as the lake’s microbiological contents.

This will determine the necessary actions needed for the second phase based on the findings and recommendations to restore the quality of the lake.

The findings will also determine Kiara Bay’s 29.4ha township design development and future placemaking programmes.

UM will compare the analysis results of the lake water against the National Lake Water Quality Criteria Standards by the National Hydraulic Research Institute of Malaysia and the ministry as well as the National Water Quality Standard.

When asked about the timeline for phases, UEM Sunrise chief executive officer Sufian Abdullah said an investigation into the whole situation was required before they could deliberate on the desired outcome of the action plan.