Advancing the National 100 million Tree Target under Program Penghijauan Malaysia while Empowering 7,500 Youth through Projek Rakan Bumi – Projek Planet Rakan Muda
Kuala Lumpur: 23 April 2026 – Amanah Lestari Alam (“ALAM”), a nationwide sustainability platform supporting the MADANI Government’s biodiversity and climate resilience priorities, continues to expand youth outreach through its Be-Leaf programme. Recently in Pulau Redang, Terengganu, ALAM and Kementerian Belia & Sukan (“KBS”) mobilised 350 volunteers under its Be-Leaf initiative in conjunction with Program Rakan Bumi – Projek Planet Rakan Muda Peringkat Kebangsaan 2026.
The programme encompassed a range of ecosystem-based activities, including the planting of mangrove, rhu and merbau trees, coral planting, as well as conservation and rehabilitation efforts, alongside beach clean-ups across Marine Park and kampung areas. It also included ocean clean-ups targeting ghost nets and plastic debris, together with community-based upcycling and environmental advocacy initiatives, all in support of KBS’ Projek Planet Rakan Muda Peringkat Kebangsaan 2026 and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (“NRES”) 100 Million Trees Programme under Program Penghijauan Malaysia.
Spearheaded by Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad (“BPMB”), ALAM operates as an independent, tax-exempt not-for-profit company limited by guarantee under the Companies Act 2016, guided by an autonomous Board of Trustees and supported by a governance framework aligned with BPMB’s standards.
Zakiah Mat Esa, Chief Sustainability Officer of BPMB Group, said, “The ALAM Be-Leaf initiative demonstrates how collective action delivers measurable environmental outcomes. In Pulau Redang, we mobilised 350 volunteers and planted 150 mangrove seedlings to strengthen coastal resilience, alongside coral conservation and beach restoration. By bringing together partners across sectors, we are restoring critical habitats while strengthening environmental stewardship within communities to drive lasting, whole-of-society impact.”
Motohide Okuda, CEO and Country Head of Malaysia, MUFG said, “The ALAM Be-Leaf initiative reflects the strength of cross-sector collaboration in advancing tangible environmental outcomes, building on our recent mangrove planting efforts in Labuan. As a long-term partner to Malaysia, MUFG is committed to working closely with ALAM and like-minded partners to protect natural ecosystems while fostering inclusive community engagement. Initiatives such as this strengthen coastal resilience, support biodiversity conservation, and empower communities, particularly youth, to play an active role in shaping a more sustainable future.”
Delivered in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, with support from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Reef Check Malaysia, Sustainable Ocean Alliance, ECOSWED and The Taaras Redang Island Resort, among others, the initiative reflects a strong commitment towards advancing the sustainability agenda within the blue economy.
The event was graced by Y.B. Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari, Minister of Youth and Sports Malaysia, alongside senior management and state EXCO representatives from KBS, NRES and the State of Terengganu, as well as ALAM’s Board of Trustees, BPMB’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee, and leadership representatives from MUFG Bank (Malaysia) Berhad.
In 2025, ALAM Be-Leaf delivered a total project value of more than RM365,000, with over 4,000 trees planted and more than 1,000 participants engaged across five states in Malaysia, namely Terengganu, Perak, Selangor, Melaka and Labuan.
Through ALAM Be-Leaf, ALAM continues to champion mindset transformation and behavioural change, reinforcing the role of partnerships in accelerating environmental action in line with the MADANI vision. Youth engagement remains a core pillar of ALAM’s approach, recognising young people as key drivers of environmental stewardship. By equipping them with the knowledge, skills and platforms to lead initiatives, ALAM strengthens long-term impact and cultivates a generation that actively contributes to sustainable and inclusive development.
To learn more about ALAM, visit https://alam.earth and ALAM’s official social media platforms.
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About Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad (“BPMB”)
Incorporated on 28 November 1973, BPMB is a development financial institution wholly owned by the Minister of Finance (Incorporated). Operating under the regulatory oversight of Bank Negara Malaysia as stipulated by the Development Financial Institutions Act 2002, BPMB holds the highest long-term credit rating of ‘AAA’ from both RAM Rating Services Berhad and Malaysia Rating Corporation Berhad.
Effective 1 May 2025, EXIM Bank and SME Bank became subsidiaries of BPMB. BPMB Group is well-positioned to provide catalytic funding and capacity-building support to Malaysian businesses and facilitate their international expansion in line with the national development agenda.
For more information, visit: www.bpmb.com.my | www.smebank.com.my | www.exim.com.my
About Amanah Lestari Alam (“ALAM”)
Amanah Lestari Alam (“ALAM”) is an independent, tax-exempt not-for-profit company limited by guarantee (“CLBG”) committed to inclusive development through community-driven sustainability and ESG programmes, mooted by Ministry of Finance. While supported in its founding by Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad (“BPMB”) and mooted by Ministry of Finance, ALAM operates as a legally distinct entity under the Companies Act 2016. Its mission is to transform the mindset and behaviour of Malaysians towards environmental stewardship by raising awareness, educating on sustainability issues, and fostering a culture of environmental accountability. ALAM achieves this by collaborating closely with public and private sectors, civil society, and policymakers, serving as a vital bridge between industry and Government to improve governance and deliver impactful sustainability initiatives.
Targeting three key segments i.e. Primary school students, Youths and Adults, ALAM focuses on nurturing a positive relationship between Malaysians, the country’s natural capital, and future generations. Its programmes align with seven United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (“SDGs”): SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities & Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption & Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
For more information, visit: https://alam.earth