A meaningful milestone: Aranols (centre), together with Nestle’s leadership team and volunteers, celebrate the successful finale of Project RELeaf, achieving the goal of planting three million trees nationwide.
NESTLE Malaysia commemorated a major sustainability milestone with the successful completion of Project RELeaf, planting three million trees across 1,650 hectares nationwide since 2021.
Together with the earlier Project RiLeaf in Sabah, the initiative has now restored a total of four million trees, making it the largest private-sector reforestation effort in Malaysia.
This achievement reinforces Nestle Malaysia’s long-term commitment to environmental stewardship while directly supporting the government’s “Greening Malaysia” initiative to plant 100 million trees.
A collective effort for lasting impact
Project RELeaf was made possible through close collaboration with key partners, including the Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah Wildlife Department, Malaysian Nature Society and plantation partners such as SD Guthrie, TDM Plantation, IOI Plantation, Sabah Softwoods, Sawit Kinabalu and Ikhasas.
Together, these partnerships ensured that reforestation efforts were carried out under strict ecological standards to maximise biodiversity and environmental value.
Committed beyond the milestone
Speaking on the achievement, Nestle Malaysia chief executive officer Juan Aranols emphasised the company’s long-term vision: “Project RELeaf embodies our conviction that businesses must play an active role in safeguarding the environment for future generations.
“Reaching this milestone is a proud moment in our ESG journey and fuels our determination to do even more.”
Building on this momentum, Nestle Malaysia has announced a new commitment to plant another three million trees over the next five years, extending the initiative to Project RELeaf2030.
Communities at the heart of reforestation
A defining strength of Project RELeaf is its community-driven approach. Nestle Malaysia has partnered with local farming and Orang Asli communities across Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah, providing training, tools and resources for seedling cultivation and planting.
To date, over 90 communities have participated in seedling production, with another 120 communities involved in reforestation activities, creating additional income opportunities while fostering environmental awareness.
For participants such as Komuniti Anak Pokok Kinabatangan (KAPOK) head Hasidin Ahmit, the collaboration has been rewarding: “Being part of Project RELeaf has transformed our community’s future.
“Over the years, the training and support we’ve received have not only taught us how to cultivate and care for indigenous seedlings but have also provided a sustainable source of income, improved our livelihoods and given us a sense of security.”
He said that the community was grateful for the collaboration with Nestle, as the revenue generated from these projects greatly benefits the community.
“The earnings in our community have been very encouraging to the point where many of our members were able to buy cars and fix their homes. On top of that, they were able to contribute to their community by donating funds to disabled people and underprivileged families,” he said.
In terms of the environment, he said that they were proud that their efforts were able to help Nestle achieve its reforestation targets.
He said that KAPOK’s success was bolstered by a strong communal spirit.
“Our community moves as one, especially when we enter the forest to forage for seedlings. We are never alone, and we work together to collect the seedlings,” he said.
He said that his team collects various indigenous seedlings for the reforestation projects.
He stated that reforestation efforts are especially important in Kinabatangan, Sabah, which faces constant floods and soil erosion.
“What matters most is knowing that the work we do today will restore our forests and protect the wildlife that defines our home, ensuring that generations to come can thrive. And we look forward to continuing this journey together to create an even greater impact,” he said.
He hopes that the collaboration with Nestle can continue with the renewed aspiration of another three million trees to be planted.
Dedicated seedling cultivator Hasidin says the collaboration with Nestle has been rewarding.
Protecting biodiversity and combating climate change
Guided by the three principles of REforest, REstore and REspect, Project RELeaf forms part of Nestle’s global Forest Positive strategy. In Malaysia, the initiative focuses on restoring riparian zones and wildlife corridors, providing critical habitats for endangered species such as orangutans, proboscis monkeys and the Malayan Tiger.
The project prioritises the planting of native tree species, including Ketapang, Bintangor Laut, Bongkol, Pulai and Sentang, species known for stabilising soil, enhancing biodiversity and restoring degraded ecosystems.
Over the next decade, these restored landscapes are projected to remove up to 700,000 tonnes of carbon, contributing meaningfully to Malaysia’s low-carbon ambitions.
An early moment from Project RELeaf: (From right, in green): former Nestle Agricultural Services head the late Yong Lee Keng who was a driving force behind the initiative, Aranols and Hasidin.
Looking ahead
As Nestle Malaysia moves forward, RELeaf2030 will expand its scope by accelerating agroforestry and regenerative agriculture. By integrating forest species and fruit trees into cocoa and coffee farms, the initiative aims to strengthen crop resilience, diversify farmers’ incomes and restore healthier ecosystems.
Through sustained action and meaningful partnerships, Nestle Malaysia continues to demonstrate how businesses can create shared value, protecting nature, empowering communities and building a more sustainable future for generations to come.
