91% of Malaysians Open to Sustainable Products, Yet Price Remains Main Barrier

A recent survey shows Malaysians support sustainable choices. Ninety-one percent want eco-friendly items. The report, Malaysia Consumer Trend Report 2025, finds a gap between this intent and actual purchase. Price holds many back.

Key Barriers to Sustainable Consumption

The survey of 500 people shows three main blocks:

• Cost: Most Malaysians will pay up to 10% extra. This small increase stops many from buying.
• Credibility Issues: Thirty-two percent doubt eco-friendly claims.
• Convenience: About 18% say sustainable options are hard to get.

Sustainability Behavior in Malaysia

See Toh Wai Yu, CEO of Central Force International, notes that Malaysian habits do not connect well. Only 48.8% practice the 3Rs—reduce, reuse, recycle—each day. In Selangor, waste reaches 10,000 tonnes per day. This fact calls for better practices.

Motivating Green Choices

Rewards might bridge the gap. About 26.2% say prizes would boost eco-friendly acts. Even with cost pressures, festive spending stays strong. Wholesale and retail trade grew by 5.7% year-on-year. Peak seasons reached RM154 billion.

Business Opportunities

The report advises businesses to target sustainable shoppers. They should focus on:

• Offering affordable sustainable products
• Proving eco-friendly claims clearly
• Making products easy to get
• Giving clear incentives

Aligning green options with buyers’ budgets and values can grow sustainable consumption in Malaysia.

Source: Malaysia Consumer Trend Report 2025, Reach Publishing Sdn Bhd
Date: September 18, 2025
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Design Delight Studio curates high-impact, authoritative insights into sustainable and organic product trends, helping conscious consumers and innovative brands stay ahead in a fast-evolving green economy.