A NATIONWIDE sustainability platform supporting Malaysia’s biodiversity and climate resilience agenda continues to expand its youth outreach initiatives with the Be-Leaf programme.
Amanah Lestari Alam (Alam) in collaboration with Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) mobilised 350 volunteers for the planting of mangrove, rhu and merbau trees, as well as coral, at Pulau Redang in Terengganu.
They also took part in an ocean cleanup targeting ghost nets and plastic debris, community-based upcycling and environmental advocacy, according to a media statement.
It was all in support of KBS’ “Projek Planet Rakan Muda Peringkat Kebangsaan 2026” and 100 million Trees Programme by Natural Resources and Environ-mental Sustainability Ministry.
Spearheaded by Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Bhd (BPMB), Alam is a non-profit entity guided by an autonomous board of trustees and supported by a governance framework aligned with BPMB’s standards.
BPMB Group chief sustainability officer Zakiah Mat Esa said, “Be-Leaf demonstrates how collective action delivers measurable environmental outcomes.
“In Pulau Redang, we planted 150 mangrove seedlings to strengthen coastal resilience, alongside coral conservation and beach restoration.
“By bringing together partners across sectors, we are restoring critical habitats while strengthening environmental stewardship within communities to drive lasting, whole-of-society impact,” said Zakiah.
Programme partner MUFG Bank (M) Bhd touched on collaboration in green efforts.
Its chief executive officer and Malaysia country head Motohide Okuda said, “The initiative reflects the strength of cross-sector collaboration in advancing tangible environmental outcomes, building on our recent mangrove planting efforts in Labuan.
“MUFG is committed to working closely with Alam and like-minded partners to protect natural ecosystems while fostering community engagement.
“Initiatives such as this strengthen coastal resilience, support biodiversity conservation and empower communities, particularly the youth, to play an active role in shaping a more sustainable future.”
Other partners included Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Reef Check Malaysia, Sustainable Ocean Alliance, Ecoswed and The Taaras resort.
The event was also attended by Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari, Terengganu executive councillors, and representatives from Alam, BPMB and MUFG Bank.
In 2025, Be-Leaf delivered a total project value of more than RM365,000 with over 4,000 trees planted and more than 1,000 participants engaged across Terengganu, Perak, Selangor, Melaka and Labuan, the media release said.
Alam focuses on mindset transformation and behavioural change, with youth engagement a core pillar of its approach, recognising young people as key drivers of environmental stewardship.
