The Malaysia Retailers Association (MRA) is pleased to announce the successful launch of the Retail ESG Standard (RES) at the MRA Sustainability Symposium on 9 September 2026.
This initiative reflects MRA’s continued commitment to supporting retailers as they navigate the evolving Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) landscape and take meaningful steps towards a more sustainable and responsible retail industry.
Watch the RES Launch Video:
Watch the RES Launch Video
Media Coverage:
MRA launches Retail ESG standards designed for retailers – The Edge Malaysia
About the Retail ESG Standard (RES)
Sustainability should be practical, achievable and relevant to businesses of different sizes and at different stages of their sustainability journey.
Developed specifically for the Malaysian retail industry, the Retail ESG Standard (RES) provides a practical and structured framework to help retailers understand, assess and progressively strengthen their ESG practices.
The RES framework offers retailers a clearer starting point for their sustainability journey, enabling them to evaluate their current practices, identify areas for improvement and work towards continuous progress at a pace suited to their business.
How Can RES Help Retailers?
Through the RES platform, retailers can:
- Understand what ESG implementation involves and identify where to begin.
- Assess their current level of ESG performance and readiness.
- Identify opportunities for improvement, innovation and continuous progress.
- Navigate key sustainability considerations through a practical and structured assessment checklist.
The RES platform is FREE for all retailers, making it accessible to businesses of all sizes, whether they are just beginning their ESG journey or looking to strengthen their existing sustainability initiatives.
Explore the Retail ESG Standard
RES Certification: Independent Verification and Recognition
For retailers ready to take the next step, RES Certification is available through an independent audit process.
Certification provides an additional level of assurance and recognition of a retailer’s ESG practices. It can help strengthen corporate reputation, build stakeholder and consumer confidence, and contribute positively to employer branding.
Retailers are encouraged to explore the RES platform first to understand their current ESG position and identify areas for improvement before considering certification.
Special RES Certification Fees for MRA Members
As part of MRA’s continued commitment to supporting its members in strengthening their sustainability practices, exclusive certification fee privileges are available to MRA members.
The following verification fees apply according to annual revenue:
| Annual Revenue | Verification Fee | Special MRA Member Privilege |
|---|---|---|
| Up to MYR 1 million | MYR 2,000 |
FREE for the first 50 eligible MRA members in this revenue category until 9 March 2027.
Thereafter, a 10% discount applies until 9 September 2029. |
| Above MYR 1 million to MYR 3 million | MYR 3,000 | 10% discount until 9 September 2029 |
| Above MYR 3 million to MYR 10 million | MYR 5,000 | 10% discount until 9 September 2029 |
| Above MYR 10 million to MYR 20 million | MYR 7,000 | 10% discount until 9 September 2029 |
| Above MYR 20 million to MYR 50 million | MYR 12,000 | 10% discount until 9 September 2029 |
| Above MYR 50 million | Subject to individual quotation, based on the size and complexity of the scope | 10% discount until 9 September 2029 |
Important Notes
- Verification fees are payable regardless of whether the retailer achieves the required level for certification.
- RES Certification must be renewed every three years, with verification fees payable at the applicable rates.
- The complimentary certification offer is limited to the first 50 eligible MRA members in the annual revenue category of up to MYR 1 million and is available until 9 March 2027, subject to availability.
- Members are encouraged to contact the MRA Secretariat to confirm eligibility, availability and the applicable certification fees before proceeding.
Start Your ESG Journey with RES
Whether your business is taking its first steps towards sustainability or already has established ESG initiatives, RES offers a practical way to understand your current position and identify the next steps for improvement.
You do not need to have everything in place before getting started. What matters is taking the first step, assessing your current practices and progressively building your ESG capabilities in line with your business needs.
MRA encourages all retailers to explore the RES platform, assess their ESG readiness and consider RES Certification when they are ready for independent verification and formal recognition.
The detailed guidelines on the RES Certification process are available on the RES website:
https://retail-esg-standard.com/
Regardless of whether a retailer pursues certification, MRA hopes that RES will serve as a valuable, accessible and practical resource for retailers throughout Malaysia.
Together, we can continue to strengthen sustainability practices, build a more resilient retail industry and move towards a more responsible future for Malaysian retail — one step at a time.
Further Enquiries
For enquiries about the Retail ESG Standard, RES Certification or special MRA member privileges, please contact the MRA Secretariat.