Six Years of Mangrove Restoration Empowers Six Local Communities

SUNGAI PETANI, KEDAH, 30 SEPTEMBER 2026 —

SUNGAI PETANI, 8 September 2026 – The Global Environment Centre (GEC) and the Sime Darby Foundation (YSD) celebrated the seventh anniversary of the Paya Laut Forest Conservation and Resilient Community Programme, a partnership that has empowered six local communities to take an active role in restoring, managing and protecting mangrove ecosystems in their respective areas.

The event, held in Sungai Petani, marked the culmination of a programme that began in 2020 and has now concluded its seven‑year cycle.

The programme’s success is measured not only by the ecological gains but also by the socio‑economic benefits it has delivered to the communities involved. Since its inception, YSD has committed RM5.7 million to the initiative, while the Malaysian Ministry of Finance (MOF) has provided a matching grant of RM1 million through YSD to support implementation. The combined funding has expanded mangrove restoration efforts, built community capacity, generated income streams, and raised environmental awareness.

“Throughout the programme, we have witnessed how conservation can be strengthened when communities are equipped with knowledge, skills and opportunities to engage directly in safeguarding their ecosystems,” said Dr. Hjh. Yatela Zainal Abidin, Executive Director of YSD. “Science, skills and community spirit have become the catalyst for conservation that benefits both the environment and the people’s livelihoods.” She added that although the programme is now concluding, the legacy built should continue to flourish.

“We hope these six communities will carry on mangrove conservation while generating sustainable income, and that they will inspire others to see that environmental stewardship and community welfare can move hand in hand for future generations.”

The programme’s core focus over the seven years has been mangrove restoration, capacity building, community income generation, and environmental education and awareness. GEC Director Tuan Faizal Parish highlighted the most meaningful achievement: the transformation of the communities themselves. “We have implemented a range of empowerment activities under this programme. Communities that once participated as beneficiaries have now become independent conservation leaders. They can plan, implement and lead conservation initiatives in their own areas.

This community‑based conservation model has attracted regional attention and has become an inspiration for communities in several ASEAN countries, including Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand,” he said.

The closing ceremony was officiated by YB Dato’ Hj. Mohamad Yusoff @ Munir Hj. Zakaria, a member of the Kedah State Government Council and Chairman of the Works, Water Supply, Natural Resources and Environment Committee. In his speech, YB Dato’ Hj.

Mohamad Yusoff underscored the programme’s alignment with the Sixth Environmental Sustainability Pillar of the Kedah Development Plan 2035, noting that effective ecosystem conservation can only be achieved through smart collaboration between government, the private sector and local communities.

He also highlighted the joint initiative with the Kampung Taman Nilam Mangrove Forest Friends Organisation (PSHBKTN), which aligns with the 2.2 million tree planting project under the patronage of His Royal Highness Tuanku Sultan Kedah, Sultan Sallehuddin Ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah. The project aims to plant a number of trees equal to the state’s population over five years, from 2025 to 2030, to preserve and restore Kedah’s ecosystems.

PSHBKTN has planted 5,000 oil‑mangrove trees (Rhizophora apiculata) across 2.5 hectares in Compartment 10, Merbok Forest Reserve, Sungai Petani, achieving a 75 % independence rate. In her remarks, Puan Ramlah binti Hasan, Chairperson of PSHBKTN, praised the organisation’s young members for their perseverance. “This achievement is the result of the hard work of our members, especially the youth. We used to know little about conservation, but now we have more knowledge and confidence.

We have also learned to manage the association, work as a team, plan activities and share experiences with other communities. This is a valuable knowledge that will remain with the community even after the programme ends,” she said.

The ceremony featured a video presentation titled “YSD Project Journey” and the launch of two publications: the “Semening Site Module” and the “Program Memory Book 2023‑2026.” The module provides a guide for seedling planting for community use, while the memory book documents the journey and impact of the initiative across the six project areas.

The event concluded with the presentation of certificates of appreciation to the community groups, recognising their commitment, dedication and contribution to the programme’s success over its seven‑year run.

Related: Sime Darby Foundation (YSD)