Authors:
UmiNadirah Mat Yusuf, NolilaMohd Nawi, NittyHirawaty Kamarulzaman, and Norsida Man ,Malaysia |
Abstract:
Small and Medium-sized enterprises manufacturing sector contributed significantly to Malaysian
economy. Specifically, food and beverages SMEs industry play an important part in fulfilling the
increasing food demands in Malaysia. However, there is a rising concern on the environmental
degradation caused by the aforementioned sector and sustainable practices have been identified
as an approach to minimize the effect of manufacturing activities towards environmental
degradation. Thus, the aim of this research is to examine the adoption of sustainable
manufacturing practices among food and beverages SME’s in Peninsular Malaysia. This study
was based on a quantitative approach and the primary data were collected using structured
questionnaire via face to face interview with 375 manufacturers. Data collected were analysed
using descriptive and chi square analysis. Majority of the respondents agreed that improving
brand image, reducing overall business costs and increasing profit as benefits gained by the
SMEs from adopting sustainable practices. Chi-square analysis revealed that region of business
profile is significant in the adoption of sustainable practices among food and beverages SMEs in
Peninsular Malaysia. The findings provide further evidence that the adoption of sustainable
practices in their manufacturing activities not only provide economic benefits but more
importantly, minimize the effect towards environmental degradation. |
