BOH Plantations sets aside 45% of highlands land for forest

KUALA LUMPUR, 1 AUGUST 2026 —

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 20 — BOH Plantations Bhd has set aside 45% of its land in the Cameron Highlands as permanent forest, preserving wildlife habitats and soil integrity while continuing commercial tea cultivation, the company said in a statement.

The 45% forest cover — roughly 1,200 hectares of the 2,668-hectare estate — sits within BOH’s highlands holdings and remains unchanged from prior seasons, the company confirmed. The preserved areas act as water regulators, soil stabilisers on steep terrain and natural buffers against heavy rainfall, it said.

“Forest cover within tea estates contributes to both environmental protection and agricultural resilience,” BOH said. The forests host native flora and fauna, support pollinators and provide ecological corridors that maintain genetic diversity among species, the company added.

BOH’s conservation work includes partnerships with the Global Environment Centre and the Tropical Rainforest Conservation and Research Centre. These collaborations support peat-swamp restoration, biodiversity research and climate-resilient land management.

Within the estates, BOH uses Integrated Pest Management to minimise chemical use, relying on natural predators and cultural controls to protect tea bushes. The approach supports soil fertility and long-term crop quality, the company said.

The initiative aligns with broader efforts in the Cameron Highlands, where tea cultivation coexists with high ecological value forests that regulate water cycles and reduce erosion. BOH’s model shows how commercial plantations can integrate conservation without expanding land use, it said.

The Cameron Highlands’ ecological richness is closely tied to its identity as a tea-growing region, BOH added. By maintaining forest cover and adopting regenerative practices, the estate balances productivity with environmental stewardship.