Boycotts as ethical action: Islamic Consumerism and its influence on ESG in Malaysia: Boikot sebagai tindakan beretika: Kepenggunaan Islam dan pengaruhnya terhadap ESG di Malaysia

Sri Wahyu Sakina Ahmad Sanusi; Noor Aimi  Mohamad Puad; Noor Raudhiah  Abu Bakar

doi:10.53840/almimbar.146

Authors

Sri Wahyu Sakina Ahmad Sanusi Fakulti Ekonomi, Perakaunan dan Pengurusan, Universiti Islam Selangor (UIS)
Noor Aimi Mohamad Puad Kuliyyah of Economics and Management, Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia
Noor Raudhiah Abu Bakar Fakulti Ekonomi, Perakaunan & Pengurusan, Universiti Islam Selangor (UIS)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53840/almimbar.146

Keywords:

boycott, ESG, sustainability, Islamic ethics, consumer activism, governance

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Boycotts particularly those directed at Israeli-affiliated products have emerged as a compelling form of collective consumer activism driven by ethical, political, and religious motivations. In the Malaysian context, such movements transcend mere political symbolism, embodying an expression of Islamic ethical consumerism that intertwines moral accountability, social justice, and economic agency. Concurrently, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles have become integral to corporate sustainability, shaping how organizations demonstrate responsibility, transparency, and stakeholder trust. This conceptual paper explores the intersection between Islamic ethical boycotts and ESG practices, proposing a theoretical framework that explains how values-based consumer activism can operate as an informal governance mechanism influencing corporate behaviour and sustainability strategies. Rather than presenting empirical findings, the study synthesizes multidisciplinary literature across Islamic ethics, consumer boycott theory, ESG frameworks, and socio-political activism to advance an integrated understanding of how ethical consumer movements shape corporate governance and strategic responses. The proposed framework illustrates three interlinked dimensions: (1) the role of Islamic ethical values in shaping boycott motivations, (2) the capacity of boycott activism to trigger corporate ESG adaptation, and (3) the moderating influence of national socio-political contexts. By articulating these connections, this paper contributes to the growing discourse on ethical consumerism in Muslim-majority societies and offers actionable insights for corporations seeking to align ESG commitments with stakeholder values and societal expectations. The conclusion highlights theoretical, policy, and managerial implications while suggesting pathways for future empirical validation.

Keywords: boycott, ESG, sustainability, Islamic ethics, consumer activism, governance

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