After obtaining a good sustainability score that qualified it as an index constituent in the Dow Jones Sustainability Emerging Markets Index, Sime Darby Property Bhd has been recognised as an index component of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI).

The recognition was announced by S&P Dow Jones Indices and RobecoSAM AG, the investment specialist focusing on sustainability investing, Sime Darby Property said in a statement.

It was the only real estate industry player from Malaysia to be included in the index, alongside other property players from the Philippines, Thailand, South Africa, and Chile, Sime Darby Property said.

The recognition proves its commitment over the years to sustainability by embedding such practices in it business value chain, its group managing director Datuk Seri Amrin Awaluddin said.

"This is a truly great honour for the Sime Prop (Sime Darby Property) team. It is an important milestone in our sustainability journey and we could not have achieved this without the support of our employees and stakeholders," he added.

Sustainability is an important agenda for the group, Sime Darby Property said and he added its initial focus on operational efficiency was strengthened by corporate social responsibility efforts and has been expanded to embed sustainability into its business practices.

"As a developer of large-scale developments and townships, SimeProp delivers impactful townships that last for generations, while minimising any negative impact on the environment.

"Our business practices and management approaches also promote the 10 principles of the United Nations Global Compact that include human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption," he added.