Mangrove restoration collab takes root along Tg Karang coast

Happy volunteers taking part in restoring mangroves on the Kuala Selangor coast.

A total of 450 mangrove saplings have been planted at Banjar North Forest Reserve in Tanjong Karang as part of a joint conservation effort on the Kuala Selangor coast.

The Mangrove Forest Conser­vation Project, aimed at restoring and protecting mangrove ecosystems, is a collaboration between DRB-Hicom and Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM).

The event saw volunteers from DRB-Hicom’s Sahabat programme and UiTM students pitching in to plant Rhizophora mucronata (bakau kurap) during the launch of the project.

According to a media statement from DRB-Hicom, the project will ultimately see 1,000 saplings planted, with continuous monitoring to support the rehabilitation of the coastal area impacted by erosion.

Speaking at the launch, DRB-Hicom chief communication officer Cairil Irwan Amir said the Mangrove Forest Conser­vation Project reflected the company’s emphasis on sustainability, which included active engagement with academic institutions and local communities.

“This programme is a long-term investment in our environment and our people.

The ‘bakau kurap’ planting is part of the collaboration between DRB-Hicom and UiTM.

“By working hand-in-hand with UiTM, we hope to not only have a positive impact on the environment, but also contribute towards better education and wider community development,” said Cairil.

The Mangrove Forest Conser­vation Project is a three-year collaboration with UiTM’s Built Environment Faculty, which includes ongoing monitoring of the mangrove forest in the area, soil-carbon stock analysis, and educational workshops with the local community.

“This project gives our employees first-hand knowledge and experience to understand the real impacts of environment degradation.

“Our partnership with UiTM and links through various operating companies create a wide foundation towards engaging and supporting the local community, while contributing meaningfully to the national sustainability agenda,” Cairil added.

The project will also be supported by a host of DRB-Hicom subsidiaries such as Bank Mua­ma­lat, Proton, EON and DRB-Hicom University of Automotive Malaysia.

Also present at the launch were representatives from DRB-Hicom, UiTM Built Environment Faculty and Selangor Forestry Department.