KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 24 — Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) has successfully finished planting 3,000 tree saplings at Hutan Simpan Kekal Lentang in Benton as part of its ‘Rail to Roots: Rehabilitation of Degraded Forest and Capacity Building’ initiative.
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 24 — Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) has successfully finished planting 3,000 tree saplings at Hutan Simpan Kekal Lentang in Benton as part of its ‘Rail to Roots: Rehabilitation of Degraded Forest and Capacity Building’ initiative.
The initiative, which is a component of MRL's ESG initiatives, was executed in partnership with Yayasan Hijau Malaysia and the Pahang State Forestry Department.
"The program is in accordance with the green initiative and has effectively planted over 17,000 seedlings across 15 nurseries as of May 2025. This progress marks a new beginning for the Orang Asli community, enabling them to earn income while also fostering a more sustainable future," stated MRL Chief Executive Officer Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak in a statement today.
"The initiative encompasses the planting of 3,000 saplings at Hutan Simpan Kekal Lentang, highlighting MRL's dedication to achieving a balance between infrastructure development and environmental sustainability," he stated.
Phase One of the program commenced in December 2024 with an initial 600 saplings, whereas Phase Two introduced an additional 2,400 saplings in various stages throughout 2025.
In celebration of Merdeka, 68 individuals, comprising MRL’s board members, senior management, and staff, planted 68 saplings today, signifying the completion of the final milestone.
The event was presided over by the Chief Secretary to the Government and MRL chairman, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, in conjunction with Datuk Seri Darwis and high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, as well as the Forestry Department.
MRL has additionally provided sponsorship for 15 nurseries benefiting the Orang Asli community in Kampung Ulu Chemperoh, receiving training and assistance from the Forestry Department.
Through a "Buyback Guarantee" program, seedlings cultivated by the Orang Asli can be reacquired, thereby generating sustainable income opportunities.
This initiative earned MRL a Gold award at the ESG Positive Impact Awards 2024 in the Innovative Partnership (Large Companies) category.
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