Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Action Plans: An Assessment of Disclosure Practices among Malaysian Listed Companies

Abstract

This study investigates the disclosure of corporate greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation action plans within the annual and sustainability reports of Malaysia's 100 largest companies from 2016 to 2019. Employing content analysis, we assess the varying degrees of integration and alignment of these strategies. Our findings reveal a notable improvement in the disclosure of GHG emission reduction action plans throughout the reporting period, evident in both the increased number of reporting companies and the enhanced quality of information provided. However, a significant challenge identified is the lack of standardized guidelines and frameworks for measuring diverse GHG emission reduction strategies and initiatives. This research enhances the existing literature on corporate GHG disclosure by offering granular insights into the reporting practices of Malaysian companies. We emphasize the critical need for greater consistency in GHG reporting and recommend further studies to fully comprehend the influence of different methodologies on public policy and investment decisions. Ultimately, this paper highlights Malaysian companies' efforts in GHG emission reduction and proposes strategies to bridge current gaps in mitigation and adaptation disclosure.