MSM plans to plant 1,000 mangroves in Penang this year

SEBERANG PERAI, June 6 (Bernama) -- MSM Malaysia Holdings Bhd (MSM), through wholly-owned subsidiary MSM Prai Bhd (MSM Prai), plans to plant 1,000 mangroves in stages this year in an area solely dedicated for tree and mangrove planting in Penang.

Group chief executive officer Syed Feizal Syed Mohammad said in conjunction with the World Environment Day 2022, the sugar refiner is reiterating its commitment towards the green initiative of preserving and conserving the environment.

"Mangrove tree planting is an effective nature-friendly approach with benefits in conservation of a wide ecosystem including protecting water quality, stabilising river banks and fostering fish habitat as well as contributing to climate change mitigation," he said in a statement today.

Syed Feizal said 200 mangrove trees were planted at Mangrove Small Education Centre located at Sungai Acheh in Nibong Tebal, Seberang Perai Selatan, yesterday.

The mangrove tree planting programme, in strategic collaboration with Penang Environment Department (DOE) and Penang Inshore Fishermen Welfare Association (PIFWA), is a continuation of efforts following last year’s event, in which 700 mangrove saplings were successfully planted alongside the MSM Prai refinery.

"MSM remains steadfast in its efforts to ensure the sustainability programme and environmental, social and governance (ESG) framework achieve its goals and the best results in the long run,” he said.

He added that apart from the mangrove plants, MSM Prai also contributed funds to the Mangrove Forest Education Centre for its entrance arch and boardwalk repair works.

Syed Feizal said MSM plans to achieve net zero emissions a few years earlier than the stipulated timeline, which is by 2050, through science-based targets such as renewable energy (as in solar) as well as recycling emitted carbon dioxide back into manufacturing process and considering fossil fuel replacement for the fleet, which eventually would make a significant impact on reducing the greenhouse gas emission for the group.

-- BERNAMA