KUALA LUMPUR: The Securities Commission (SC) has released a consultation paper seeking public feedback on a principles-based Sustainable and Responsible Investment (SRI) Taxonomy for the Malaysian capital market (SRI Taxonomy).

       In a statement, SC said the SRI Taxonomy was developed to enable capital market participants to identify economic activities that are aligned with environment, social and sustainability objectives.

       This will facilitate a more informed and efficient decision-making for fundraising and investment.

       “The SRI Taxonomy also provides guiding principles in financing a credible transition to enable more companies to leverage market-based instruments in meeting their transition finance needs.

       “The SRI Taxonomy aims to accelerate the development of the SRI asset class and promote greater awareness and adoption of sustainability practices within corporate Malaysia. It provides voluntary guidance for capital market participants to undertake sustainable economic activities based on the principles provided,” SC said.

       The SRI Taxonomy was developed by an Industry Working Group (IWG), chaired by the SC.

       Members of the IWG comprise the World Bank Group Inclusive Growth & Sustainable Finance Hub in Malaysia as the lead technical expert and representatives from Bursa Malaysia, asset and fund management companies, investment bank, asset owner and other sustainable finance specialists.

       The consultation paper is available on SC’s website. Interested parties and members of the public cam submit their comments and feedback to the SC by March 31, 2022 through this link.