Delivering on zero-carbon promise

(From left) Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din, Pos Malaysia chairman Datuk Seri Syed Faisal Albar, Fahmi and Brewer during the launch of Pos Malaysia’s Sustainability Roadmap in Kuala Lumpur.

POS Malaysia Bhd is committed to reducing its net carbon emissions to zero by 2050, as stated in its sustainability roadmap.

The post and parcel sector is a significant contributor of greenhouse gases, primarily through the operation of delivery vehicles as well as sorting and processing facilities, it said in a statement.

As such, Pos Malaysia’s six initiatives will focus on alternate delivery methods, fleet optimisation, green buildings, waste management, sustainable packaging and digital learning, the statement added.

Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil, who launched the sustainability roadmap at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) in Kuala Lumpur, said there was now greater need for postal companies to strike a balance between profit and adopt more sustainable and environmentally responsible practices.

“This effort started in 2020 when postal and parcel industry players expressed a commitment to reduce carbon footprint and conduct 100% paperless business operations by 2025,” he said.

Pos Malaysia chief executive officer Charles Brewer said the company delivered to over 11 million addresses and had more than 7,400 vehicles.

“So there is a need to switch to greener and more sustainable transportation.”

He said Pos Malaysia was already using electric bikes in Kuala Lumpur and was expecting to have 200 of them in operation by the third quarter of this year.

“By 2025, the company is aiming for 28% of the entire fleet to be electric, and 100% by 2030.

“Along with the electric fleet, Pos Malaysia will use telematics to improve driver safety and further reduce emissions,” he added.

Brewer highlighted that even though their target for net zero carbon emissions is 2050, they aimed to achieve it by 2040.

“Pos Malaysia has a responsibility to help pave the way for a more sustainable future.

“We will transform our fleet to electric, source renewable energy and educate our employees on how to be better,” he added.

Apart from carbon emission reduction, Pos Malaysia is also looking to recycle 50% of operational waste and reduce overall waste generation, increase renewable and recyclable inputs for all packaging products to 80%, and migrate 50% of staff training to a digital platform, said Brewer.

He also said the company had added solar panels to three facilities, which are capable of generating an estimated three million kWh of electricity annually – equivalent to offsetting 1,450,000kg of carbon dioxide or enough electricity to power 282 homes for a year.