CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad has announced a RM1m commitment to enhance conservation efforts in Malaysia’s Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve and Royal Belum State Park. This initiative, part of the EcoSave-i: Our Nature, Our Treasure programme, aims to expand environmental education, protect biodiversity, and engage local communities in Penang and Perak.
The renewed two-year partnership with The Habitat Foundation and Penang Institute will focus on revitalising the endangered Malayan gaur populations in Royal Belum State Park. This includes improving habitat conditions and collaborating with the local Orang Asli community for herd monitoring and habitat maintenance.
Ahmad Shahriman Mohd Shariff, CEO of CIMB Islamic, expressed the bank’s dedication to safeguarding Malaysia’s ecosystems. “Through EcoSave-i, we aim to create inclusive and meaningful opportunities for communities to connect with nature,” he stated.
In Penang, the initiative will continue to protect biodiversity by installing wildlife canopy bridges to aid the movement of endangered species like the Dusky Langur. Public awareness and education will also be prioritised, with programmes designed to engage over 500 participants annually.
The partnership will also introduce sustainability innovations, such as Economical Food Waste Composters developed by Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, to reduce food waste and support urban farming.
Since its launch in 2008, EcoSave-i has contributed over RM12m to conservation efforts across Malaysia. The public can support these initiatives by opening an EcoSave-i account, which channels 0.2% of the total average portfolio balance towards environmental projects.
