Integrated Reporting (IR) is a relatively new concept that is considered one of the most recent trends in corporate reporting; it is still an emerging research area in different parts of the world. Malaysia is an appropriate emerging economy to investigate IR adoption. Large Malaysian public listed companies (PLCs) are encouraged by the Malaysian Code on Corporate Governance (MCCG) of 2017 to adopt IR based on the international IR framework. By combining the stakeholder theory and the agency theory, this article proposes a conceptual framework to explore the moderating effect of sustainability reporting on the relationship between corporate governance mechanisms and IR disclosure level for the Malaysian PLCs. To obtain the data related to IR and the other variables, the study suggests using a content analysis method on the annual reports of the top 100 Malaysian PLCs based on their market capitalization. The proposed conceptual framework could be very useful; it can assist PLCs having sustainability practices to adopt the IR framework, reduce information asymmetries, increase information transparency, and create value. This study contributes to the literature by investigating the IR practices and their determinants in Malaysia after the introduction of MCCG 2017.

Purpose This study aims to investigate the performance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of public listed companies (PLCs) in Malaysia through their SDGs disclosure. In addition, it examines the impact of integrated reporting (IR) quality on the SDGs’ performance. Design/methodology/approach Data are collected from an initial sample of Malaysia’s top 100 market-leading PLCs from 2016 to 2020. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to test the research hypotheses. Findings The results reveal an increasing trend in SDGs’ performance. Companies contributing toward the 17 SDGs grew from 14% in 2016 to 78% in 2020. On a priority basis, the average score of the five years showed that the Malaysian PLCs are paying more attention to SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth (53%); SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production (43%); and SDG 13 Climate Action (42%). In addition, the fixed effects regression analysis proves that companies with higher IR quality are more likely to provide better SDGs disclosure. Practical implications This study provides insights to policymakers, investors and management on the vital role of businesses in supporting the SDGs’ achievement and how IR reveals a turning point in achieving the United Nations SDGs’ agenda. Social implications This study provides a clearer understanding of the activities seeking to achieve the SDGs and the influence of IR on them. This opens the debate for future research. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is a pioneer in examining whether the quality of IR influences SDGs disclosure among large companies in one of the emerging economies in Southeast Asia in its early application stage.

Integrated reporting (IR) is the most recent business reporting paradigm that seeks to improve information quality and create sustainable value. This study investigates the impact of the Malaysian Code on Corporate Governance (MCCG) 2017 on the voluntary IR disclosure quality. Data is collected from the top 100 Malaysian public listed companies from 2016 to 2020. The study used content analysis and a developed IR disclosure index on panel data of companies that fully adopt IR. The results show ongoing growth in IR adoption among Malaysian companies; most of them are aware of its benefits. The study provides empirical evidence on the positive influence of MCCG 2017 on the IR disclosure quality using the random effects generalised least squares regression model. The trend analysis confirms that Malaysian companies enhanced their IR disclosure quality, especially after 2017. The results also show that the research sample has reported 70% for each IR content element in 2020. In this regard, the highest reported element is 'risks and opportunities'. Thus, several companies have established enterprise risk management frameworks and risk committees. This study contributes to the literature by providing an intensive investigation of the IR practices in Malaysia's earliest adoption stages preceding and following the MCCG 2017.