Many MENGOs, are known to undertake a variety of activities, ranging from awareness raising, policy analysis, field research, community development, capacity building, fund raising, advocacy, demonstration projects, education, training, campaigning, etc, on a broad spectrum of issues and initiatives, ranging from environment, consumer, community, gender, poverty, health, rights of the disabled, governance, ecotourism, sustainable livelihood, etc.

The more well-established MENGOs in Malaysia are known to focus their attention essentially on green (protection and/or promotion of nature and natural resources, including species, ecosystems, habitats and processes), brown (pollution, environmental degradation), blue (marine) or energy issues and initiatives.

A number of issue-oriented environmental NGO networks or coalitions have emerged over the years in response to specific environmental concerns and considerations (e.g. Pesticide Action Network, Sustainable Development Network, Climate Action Network, Biodiversity Action Network, Dams Action Network, Malaysian Climate Change Group, the Hills Network etc).

Some of the MENGOs also undertake regional and international activities as well, especially in relation to international environmental conventions.

There have been calls by EPU in the past for the establishment of an umbrella organisation or a focal point for the different MENGOs.

Compared to environmental NGOs from other countries, it is fair to state that most of Malaysian environmental NGOs are skilled and possess a strong background of knowledge, motivation and commitment.