July-August. 2026 | @ green • MAPAN ESG SUMMIT 2026 15

� Swift Haulage is reshaping logistics through technology, efficiency and cleaner operations.

�Fleet electrification is only one part of Swift Haulage’ s broader transformation.

TEAM SWIFT: Loo with members of the Swift Haulage team at the company’ s booth during the Summit.

�The company is preparing logistics infrastructure for a more sustainable future.

For Swift Haulage Bhd( Swift Haulage), that transformation is extending beyond the shift to electric vehicles, encompassing route optimisation, digitalisation, greener facilities, automation and the development of new cold-chain capabilities.

Group CEO Loo Yong Hui said sustainability was increasingly an operational requirement rather than a separate corporate initiative, and the company is taking a combination of approaches to improve efficiency and reduce emissions.

As a result, electrifying its commercial fleet has become a key part of Swift Haulage’ s decarbonisation strategy.

“ For Swift, Scope 1 emissions contribute over 90 per cent of carbon emissions, particularly the carbon emissions produced from our diesel or internal combustion engine vehicles,” he said.

Speaking at the MAPAN ESG Industry & Academic Summit 2026 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, Loo said Swift operated its first electric commercial vehicle in 2024 and planned to expand its EV fleet significantly in the coming years.

“ From this year onwards, we have a plan to embark on increasing the fleet

GOING FOR GOLD: Loo accepting the Decarbonisation Award( Climate Excellence – Gold) on behalf of Swift Haulage.

significantly over the next few years, in line with our commitment by 2030 to no longer purchase internal combustion engine vehicles going forward”.

However, Loo acknowledged that moving a commercial fleet towards full electrification was not without challenges, particularly concerning total cost of ownership( TCO) and charging infrastructure.

He said advances in vehicle technology, particularly from Chinese manufacturers, had helped narrow the cost gap, while uncertainty over fuel prices and rising global temperatures were creating a stronger case for electric commercial vehicles.

He mentioned:“ We see there’ s a tipping point now,” he said, adding that technology advancements had“ brought down the total cost of ownership significantly”.

The availability of charging infrastructure remains another consideration, particularly for a logistics operator with vehicles travelling across the country.

Loo said Swift was prepared to invest in its own EV charging stations at locations where it operates, supporting the expansion of its electric fleet.

CHARTING THE NEXT PHASE

At the same time, the company is taking a broader approach to emissions reduction rather than relying solely on electrification.

Route optimisation, reduced idling, improved vehicle efficiency and productivity, and the use of newer Euro 5 diesel trucks are among the measures being deployed.

“ It’ s not just one strategy, it’ s a combination of strategies to achieve the target,” Loo said.

Loo also explained that technology had been central to Swift’ s approach since the company was established 15 years ago, with the group initially focusing on acquiring best-in-class trucks to improve fuel efficiency, uptime and maintenance performance.

Looking ahead, Swift also plans to incorporate greener infrastructure into its expansion, with future facilities and warehouses targeted for green certification.

Among them is the Shah Alam International Logistics Hub, whose first phase comprises a 2.8 million sq ft net lettable

Loo Yong Hui

area and a four-storey warehouse targeted for green certification.

The company is also expanding its cold-chain capabilities, with the Shah Alam facility featuring up to 10,000 pallet positions for frozen and chilled products. Loo said the company is considering further developments in Johor and Penang to serve the southern and northern regions.

Beyond decarbonisation, automation and digitalisation are expected to play a growing role in Swift’ s logistics operations.

“ We also believe sustainable logistics is no longer a buzzword, but it’ s a musthave. It’ s the now, present and future of logistics,” Loo said.

Swift Haulage, the main sponsor and corporate partner of the MAPAN ESG Industry & Academic Summit 2026, was also recognised at the event, with Loo accepting the Decarbonisation Award( Climate Excellence – Gold) on behalf of the company.

For the group, Loo said its longer-term strategy remains centred on balancing people, the planet and profitability.

“ We firmly believe in a 3P, people, planet and profit. So, without sustainable logistics, you cannot achieve the 3P”. – @ green