The launch ceremony of the Penang Green Hotel Excellence Programme was held earlier today at the St. Giles Wembley Hotel, marking a significant step forward in the state’s sustainability journey.
The event was led by State Exco for Housing and Environment, Dato Seri Sundarajoo Somu, alongside State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai, YB Wong Yuee Harng, Penang Mayor Dato A. Rajendran, Dr. Annuar Mohamed, Director of MOTAC Penang, as well as key industry stakeholders.
In his address, Sundarajoo emphasised the critical role of sustainable development.
“As Penang continues to grow as a vibrant destination, we must recognise that the built environment, including hotels, plays a significant role in resource consumption,” he said.
“Hotels operate around the clock and require substantial amounts of energy, water and materials to support daily operations. Improving how these resources are managed is therefore essential in reducing environmental impact while ensuring long-term sustainability.”
He added that today’s travellers are increasingly conscious of their environmental footprint.
“They are seeking not only comfort and memorable experiences, but also destinations that demonstrate responsibility towards the environment.”
In response to this shift, Sundarajoo explained that the Penang Green Hotel Excellence Programme has been designed to guide and support hotels in adopting sustainable practices.
“The programme focuses on four key areas critical to responsible hotel operations: energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and green procurement. These pillars provide a practical and measurable framework for improving environmental performance while strengthening operational efficiency.”
He also announced that the first 20 hotels to successfully pass the audit will receive a full waiver on application and audit fees.
Meanwhile, Wong underscored the growing importance of sustainable tourism in shaping Penang’s future.
“We are taking a bold step toward a more sustainable future for Penang’s hospitality sector. As we look toward Visit Malaysia 2026 and the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026, Penang continues to thrive, with over 8 million passenger movements projected at our airport,” he said.
“However, our goal is to transition from high-volume tourism to high-value, responsible tourism, positioning Penang as the ‘Green Capital of Southeast Asia’.”
Highlighting evolving travel trends, he noted that 97% of travellers, particularly Gen Z and Millennials,now prioritize eco-friendly stays.
“Our strategy is clear: Penang must be the destination where ‘Luxury meets Low-Carbon’.”
He added that the programme is not only about environmental responsibility but also business sustainability.
“Reducing energy and water consumption directly protects the bottom line against rising utility costs. Furthermore, ESG compliance is now a key requirement in attracting premium global MICE events to our shores.”
The initiative is spearheaded by the Penang Green Council, led by CEO Josephine Tan and her team. The event was also attended by members of MAH Penang, MyBha, and other industry representatives.
