MANGROVE conservation efforts received a boost with the planting of 100 saplings at Tanjung Piai National Park in Pontian, Johor, during a corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme involving the Election Commission (EC).
The initiative included a coastal cleanup with participants collecting 17kg of litter from the mangrove forest while raising awareness of the need to protect Johor’s coastal ecosystem.
Johor National Parks Corporation (JPNC) director Sufian Suleiman said Tanjung Piai was chosen for the programme because it was one of the state’s most important mangrove ecosystems.
“It plays a vital role in protecting the coastline, conserving biodiversity and raising public awareness of environmental conservation.”
Sufian said 100 mangrove saplings comprising bakau kurap and bakau minyak species were planted during the programme.
“These species are selected because they are well-suited to the local environment, have a high survival rate and are effective in reducing coastal erosion.
“However, Tanjung Piai’s mangrove ecosystem continues to face threats from coastal erosion, climate change, marine pollution, floating debris and natural wave action.
“Mangrove forests serve as breeding and nursery grounds for fish, prawns and crabs.
“They also reduce coastal erosion by absorbing wave energy, protect shorelines from storms and store carbon, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change,” he elaborated.
Sufian added that the mangrove forest provided an important habitat for a wide range of wildlife, including birds, reptiles and fish, with several migratory and protected bird species depending on the ecosystem.
The programme was also attended by EC chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun, Johor EC director Nor Nekman Jaimon and Pontian Municipal Council (MPPn) president Abdul Azim Shamsuddin.
Sufian said the initiative reflected the importance of collaboration in protecting the environment.
He said JPNC welcomed partnerships with government agencies, corporate organisations and non-governmental organisations committed to environmental conservation.
“Such collaborations strengthen efforts to preserve Johor’s natural heritage while supporting the state’s eco-tourism aspirations under the Visit Johor 2026 campaign,” he added.
