30+ Malaysian 100 listed Companies fail 30% Women on Board Target; PM Seeks Explanation

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, has demanded for an explanation from Bursa Malaysia’s several top 100 listed companies regarding their failed attempt to meet the 30 percent female participation board target.

In the top 100s, a total of 39 firms are yet to meet the targets for the same. In the top 100 listed companies, the average percentage of females who are occupying the board positions was only 32.2 percent as of October 10, 2024.

PM Datuk Seri stated, “The government is calling, urging, and demanding an explanation as to why this target has not been achieved by the said companies. [They] are given another year to consider increasing the participation of women in the board of directors.”

“This programme, organised by Bank Negara Malaysia and the Securities Commission Malaysia, will provide training facilities and then connect participants with suitable potential employers for reemployment,” PM added.

This particular initiative is being driven from a global business-led campaign 30% Clum that was founded in UK and was launched in 2015 in Malaysia. Its goal is to facilitate a minimum of 30 percent of female representation on the listen companies’ boards.