(From left) Sam, Wan Mohd Shukri, Mohammad Aidil, Mohammad Nizar, Ismail and Prasheem posing with the book ‘100 Native Tree Species in Malaysia’.
A life insurer has launched a landmark publication titled 100 Native Tree Species in Malaysia.
Developed in collaboration with Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), the publication translates decades of botanical research into accessible knowledge for students, educators and the public.
“We believe long-term environmental protection is strengthened when action is supported by understanding.
“When we educate children early about the value of trees, we shape hearts and minds and grow a future that protects our planet,” MCIS Life chairman Mohammad Nizar Idris said after the unveiling at FRIM’s Campus in Kepong, Selangor.
FRIM director-general Datuk Dr Ismail Parlan said the book was an educational tool designed to foster a sense of shared stewardship.
“By making this rich source of botanical information accessible, we are empowering the next generation to become active custodians of Malaysia’s megadiverse heritage,” he added.
MCIS Life emphasised that the initiative was part of an integrated, system-based approach.
The publication builds directly on the momentum of MCIS Life Legacy Forest launched in 2023 at Sireh Park, Johor Baru.
To date, MCIS Life has planted over 6,000 endemic rainforest trees, contributing to biodiversity, ecosystem resilience and carbon sequestration.
These efforts support the company’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
MCIS Life’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) framework also integrates environmental priorities with social protection, reflecting its core focus on risk mitigation.
Alongside the book launch, the company highlighted its Purple Truck Outreach Programme in partnership with National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM).
The Purple Truck is a 5m-long, solar-powered mobile clinic that provides free cancer screenings and health education to underserved B40 communities.
“Our sustainability approach views the health of the individual and planet as interconnected,” said MCIS Life chief executive officer Prasheem Seebran.
“The statistics drive our purpose: we have conducted over 21,000 health screenings to date.
“Crucially, 1 in 10 men screened recorded abnormal PSA results, and 1 in 10 women screened recorded abnormal breast findings.
“Early detection saves lives, and early education protects ecosystems.
“Both are forms of protection at the heart of our purpose.”
He said the collaboration with FRIM ensured that the book maintained the highest standards of scientific rigour and credibility, to serve as a vital resource for schools and policymakers.
The book is produced as a limited print run for educational use, complemented by a digital edition to broaden access while reducing environmental impact.
Copies of the book, alongside educational materials, will be distributed to selected schools, reinforcing the company’s belief that early education is a critical lever for long-term behavioural change.
Also present at the event were FRIM flora biodiversity programme head Dr Sam Yen Yen, forest biodiversity division director Dr Wan Mohd Shukri Wan Ahmad and assistant research officer Mohammad Aidil Noordin.
