KUALA LUMPUR: Kossan Rubber Industries Bhd, in collaboration with Pantas Software Sdn Bhd, has launched Greening Value Chain (GVC) programme to help SMEs within its supply chain network to decarbonise their operations.
The GVC enables the suppliers to access Bank Negara's low carbon transition facility (LCTF) of RM2 billion to fund SMEs' working capital or capital expenditures related to low-carbon practices at an affordable rate.
Kossan group managing director and chief executive officer Tan Sri Lim Kuang Sia said GVC was a win-win situation for the company and its suppliers.
Lim said the initiave was a significant step in Kossan's continuous efforts to be greener.
"This is only one step out of many more to come in Kossan's sustainability journey. We are committed to being a carbon-resilient company and we extend our Green DNA investment to our strategic supply chain partners under the GVC programme," he said at the launch here today.
Pantas chief executive officer and co-founder Max Lee said it would assist the SMEs to begin measuring greenhouse gas emissions and report on sustainability indicators in a consistent and efficient manner to help achieve national carbon reduction targets.
He said the SMEs would receive free access to carbon accounting software solutions developed by Pantas along with training and consultation services provided by GVC service provider partners.
"This includes Malaysia Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation, Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia Bhd, British Standards Institution, and AmBank Bhd to kickstart their carbon management journey," he added.
Lee said the company believed that an integrated software solution, relevant training and awareness were essential to get SMEs onboard Kossan's sustainability efforts to ensure a just transition.
"Apart from assisting SMEs in measuring and disclosing the relevant climate data, Pantas will also work with partners to help SMEs set and achieve carbon reduction targets," he added.
Following the GVC rollout, Pantas and the selected service provider partners will hold regional training sessions to equip SME suppliers with valuable insights into climate change, including the importance and methods of carbon management and reporting.
The SMEs will gain an in-depth understanding of the assurance process and access to climate-related financing products.
The first training session will be held on March 21 in Lanai Kijang here.