Journal of the National Research University Higher School of Economics

The study aims to assess the decarbonization efforts of corporations in Malaysia in relation to the country’s national net-zero emission targets. A qualitative approach was adopted, employing two focus group discussions (FGDs) with a total of 18 participants. The FGD questions were developed based on the participants’ expertise and experiences. Thematic analysis was utilized to analyze the collected data. This study sheds light on key decarbonization practices in Malaysian companies, which place greater emphasis on environmental regulatory compliance and cost-saving measures. However, investment in decarbonization remains a small part of overall capital investment and receives little attention from corporate leadership. The importance of addressing the concerns raised by this study is key to realizing Malaysia’s Determined National Commitment (NDC) to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. This study contributes to the existing literature by providing insights into the decarbonization efforts of corporations in Malaysia, specifically in the context of the country’s national net-zero emission targets. The research utilizes a qualitative approach and applies thematic analysis to explore the perceptions and motivations driving decarbonization initiatives. The study also highlights the role of government pressures and the need to address critical business concerns for successful decarbonization.