The newly planted trees will help sustain a healthy coastal environment, essential for both marine life and the fishing industry. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
NIBONG TEBAL: In an effort to preserve coastal ecosystems and support the local fishing community, MBSB Group has launched a significant mangrove tree planting initiative at Sungai Acheh here.
Some 40 volunteers of MBSB branches in George Town, Ipoh, Seberang Jaya, and Sungai Petani participated in planting 250 mangrove saplings, sourced directly from Penang Inshore Fishermen Welfare Association (PIFWA).
The mangroves saplings were planted at PIFWA Mangrove Forest Education Centre in a programme held on Saturday (Sept 7).
This initiative not only contributes to preserving the coastal ecosystem but also provides an economic boost to local fishermen, who cultivate and sell the saplings.
The newly planted trees will help sustain a healthy coastal environment, essential for both marine life and the fishing industry.
The mangrove initiative by MBSB and PIFWA was officiated by the Penang government with the attendance of state trade and entrepreneurial development and rural development committee chairman Datuk Rashidi Zinol, who also took part in planting a mangrove sapling.
"Preserving our coastal ecosystems is vital not only for environmental protection but also for the livelihoods of our communities.
"The collaboration between MBSB Bank and PIFWA is commendable, and I'm proud to lend my support," he said.
The Sungai Acheh assemblyman hopes to see such collaboration between MBSB Group and PIFWA be extended to other communities in the near future.
He said this was crucial to ensure that corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives benefit the local economy.
MBSB Group chief strategy officer Datuk Azlan Shahrim looks forward to efforts such as mangrove planting in a bid to promote green practices and support the local communities.
Rashidi added that the programme could also introduce Sungai Acheh wetlands as an eco-tourism spot to the public.
MBSB Group northern regional manager Raymond Chong said he was happy the programme would help the local community, adding that it takes place annually for the organisation.
Meanwhile, MBSB Group chief strategy officer Datuk Azlan Shahrim said by partnering with PIFWA, MBSB was addressing environmental concerns while enhancing the economic wellbeing of local fishermen.
"This initiative is a key part of our broader CSR strategy, promoting sustainable practices that benefit the communities we serve," he said.
A volunteer from MBSB Group, M.Yoganeswari, said she was excited to participate in the programme.
“I feel happy and want to do more after planting the mangrove saplings,” she said.
Another volunteer, Aida Afrina Khusli, felt scared of the insects and animals in the mangrove.
“I steeled myself and joined anyway because this is a good effort by MBSB Group to preserve the environment,” she said.
PIFWA president Ilias Shafie applauded the programme and described it as a positive trend towards conservation of environment.
He added that the association had planted about 200,000 mangrove trees in Sungai Acheh and Penang island since 2000.
He said this would not be possible without the help of MBSB Group as well as state and federal government agencies.
PIFWA plays an essential role in connecting fishermen with government bodies, addressing critical issues such as coastal erosion, shallow estuaries, and sea pollution. The association also focuses on coastal conservation through activities like mangrove replanting.
This endeavour by MBSB in Penang builds on similar initiatives, which saw 6,700 mangrove saplings planted across Terengganu, Selangor, Negri Sembilan, and Sabah, demonstrating the group’s continued commitment to environmental preservation.
Mangrove rehabilitation is part of MBSB's environmental conservation initiative, which is one of the group’s three pillars, with the other two being economic development and community empowerment.
These efforts aim to promote green practices and support local communities, underscoring MBSB's dedication to sustainability across Malaysia.
