COVER STORY
March-April. 2026 | @ green
COVER STORY
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equipment, recycling initiatives, and efficiency-driven practices were initially motivated by performance, but they also delivered environmental benefits.
" What we did previously was about efficiency. Now, we are aligning those efforts with ESG, making it more structured and measurable," Loo said.
This shift from implicit to intentional sustainability marks a turning point. The company has formalised its approach by establishing a Green Logistics division focused on reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, and delivering measurable sustainability solutions to clients.
At the centre of this effort is the adoption of electric vehicles. Swift has already deployed several electric prime movers and plans to expand its fleet significantly, adding at least 50 more units.
Beyond that, the company has set a longer-term ambition to stop the purchase of internal combustion engine trucks entirely by 2030 in favour of cleaner alternatives.
Other initiatives include installing solar panels at warehouses and charging facilities to complement electrification. This ensures that emissions are reduced not only during vehicle operation but also during energy generation.
Furthermore, Swift has committed to developing only green-certified warehouses that incorporate energy-efficient systems, sustainable materials, and renewable energy solutions.
These facilities are designed to deliver both environmental and operational benefits, reinforcing the idea that sustainability and efficiency are not mutually exclusive.
NAVIGATING COST AND COMPLEXITY
Despite clear progress, the transition towards sustainable logistics is not without its challenges. One of the most significant barriers remains the cost.
STRATEGIC ESG ALLIANCE: Swift Haulage Berhad( Group Chief Executive Officer( GCEO), Loo Yong Hui) collaborates with MAPAN ESG Industry & Academic Summit 2026( General Chair, Ben Ong) to advance sustainability initiatives..
DRIVING GREEN
FORWARD: Swift’ s EV trucks signals shift towards lowemission logistics and sustainable transport solutions.
“ What we did previously was about efficiency. Now, we are aligning those efforts with ESG, making it more structured and measurable."
- Loo Yong Hui
While electric vehicles are environmentally beneficial, they require substantial upfront investment, which poses a challenge in a price-sensitive industry.
Customer adoption also plays a critical role. While multinational corporations, particularly those based in Europe, have shown dedicated support for green logistics solutions, broader uptake is still evolving.
The willingness to pay a premium for sustainability varies across markets, creating a gap between ambition and implementation.
" The transition to electric vehicles is necessary, but it comes with cost implications. It requires support not just from us, but from customers and the wider ecosystem," Loo said.
To address this, Swift is exploring ways to reduce costs, including sourcing more competitively priced electric vehicles, and leveraging technological advancements.
At the same time, the company is investing in systems that provide end-to-end emissions tracking, enabling customers to understand better and manage their carbon footprint.
Beyond technology and cost, the transition is also influenced by external factors such as policy and infrastructure. Government incentives, regulatory frameworks, and energy pricing all play a role in shaping how quickly sustainable logistics can scale.
LEADING THROUGH COLLABORATION
The shift towards sustainable logistics cannot be achieved by individual companies acting alone. It requires coordinated efforts across industries, supported by dialogue, knowledge sharing and collective action.
This is where platforms such as the MAPAN ESG Industry & Academic Summit 2026 play a significant role. For Swift, participation reflects a commitment to building awareness and contributing to a broader conversation on sustainability.
" We want to build awareness and accelerate green logistics. At the same time, we want to learn from others. This is a shared responsibility for the entire business community," Loo stated.
Such engagement highlights a broader shift in how companies approach ESG. Rather than treating it as a compliance exercise, it is increasingly seen as a strategic priority that shapes long-term direction.
For logistics providers, this means taking on a more active role in enabling sustainable supply chains and supporting clients in achieving their environmental goals.
Looking ahead, Swift ' s ambitions extend beyond Malaysia. The company aims to position itself as a leader in green logistics across the region, demonstrating that sustainability is not just an optional add-on but a fundamental requirement for the industry ' s future.
" The future of logistics will be defined by sustainability. It is not just something nice to have, it is a necessity," Loo said.
For Swift, the path forward is clear. By aligning its operations with ESG principles, investing in sustainable technologies, and engaging in industry-wide dialogue, the company is positioning itself not just to adapt to change but to help shape it. – @ green