Does ESG disclosure create value to firms? The Malaysian case

Abstract

We examine whether ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) disclosure creates value to Malaysian firms. Based on the dataset of 37 Malaysian publicly traded firms, our results obtained from various panel regression models show that the overall ESG disclosure score and its environmental and governance pillars are positively associated with Tobin's Q. This implies that Malaysian firms which act in accordance to social norms will be rewarded by the market. The outcomes of this research highlight the importance of non-financial data disclosure in Malaysian market.