Sustainable Environment Challenges in Malaysian Public
Universities: A Systematic Literature Review
Wan Samsul Zamani Wan Hamdan1*, Md Yusof Hamid2, Khairi Khalid3
Department of Development, University Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam Campus, Selangor, Malaysia
*Corresponding author
Received: 06 November 2025; Accepted: 14 November 2025; Published: 21 November 2025
ABSTRACT
This systematic literature review discusses the myriad challenges hindering environmental sustainability in
Malaysian public universities. As institutions responsible for educating future leaders and advancing
innovation, universities play a pivotal role in addressing the problem of global environmental degradation.
This paper synthesizes current literature on the main environmental challenges faced by these institutions,
including waste management, energy consumption, water resource management, and loss of biodiversity.
Furthermore, it explores policy structures and sustainable practices currently in place, highlights the vital roles
of each stakeholder, and demonstrates best practices through relevant case studies, including Universiti
Malaya, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Putra Malaysia, and Universiti Teknologi MARA. In
addition, the review identifies significant barriers to implementing sustainable practices, including budget
constraints, lack of awareness, and resistance to change. Based on these findings, the article suggests future
directions toward integrating sustainability into academic programs, fostering collaborative research activities,
and strengthening community engagement to support environmental stewardship in Malaysian universities.
Keywords: Environmental sustainability, green campus, public universities, Malaysia, sustainable practices.
INTRODUCTION
Modern universities are faced with the great challenge of embracing sustainability initiatives and moving
towards green initiatives in line with the dominant sustainability (Habib M. Alshuwaikhat, 2008). Over the
years, many scientists have warned that the Earth's ecosystem is severely jeopardized and that its status will
continue to decline unless drastic intervention is undertaken by humanity (Najad, Ahmad, & Zen, 2018). The
unorganized use of scientific discoveries and technological innovations since the industrial revolution has been
a root cause leading to a sharp rise in environmental degradation. As such, in the modern era, the pursuit of
green initiatives is timely and essential in maintaining a sustainable environment to ensure the well-being of
future generations (Najad, Ahmad, & Zen, 2018). Various communities, including universities, are now rushing
to create a green profile, product, or image in order to promote a greener environment for the good of humanity
(Habib M. Alshuwaikhat, 2008).
Universities have always been playing a crucial part in generating future leaders who will be responsible for all
the developments that occur in the future (Keat, Yaacob, & Hashim, 2016). Universities are the institutions that
enable individuals to develop and enhance their self-identity and be visionary regarding the future. Irrefutably,
universities across the world are faced with numerous challenges emanating from the increased use of natural
resources and energy consumption due to the growing number of students enrolled and the newest equipment
that consume electricity in teaching and learning processes (Keat, Yaacob, & Hashim, 2016). Malaysia, being a
developing country, is no exception. Public universities in Malaysia are facing the same issues concerning
environmental protection and the sustainability of the world (Muhiddin, Isa, Sakip, Nor, & Sedhu, 2023).
Owing to the environmental issues facing the world, universities have to take an active role in generating
solutions to ensure the environment is safeguarded. The primary purpose of this study is to examine the issues
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