11/02/2026

ESG WEDNESDAY | FEB 11, 2026

12

Knowledge as a tool for conservation o MCIS Life launches ‘100 Native Tree Species in Malaysia’ book to foster sense of shared stewardship

KUALA LUMPUR: MCIS Life, a life insurer in Malaysia, recently launched a landmark publication titled 100 Native Tree Species in Malaysia . It was developed in collaboration with the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM). The publication serves as a cornerstone of the insurance company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework, translating decades of botanical research into accessible knowledge for students, educators, and the public. It represents the “Understanding” pillar of MCIS Life’s sustainability philosophy, which is built on a continuum of protection – protecting the environment, protecting health, and protecting communities through action, access and understanding. “We believe that long-term environmental protection is strengthened when action is supported by understanding,” said MCIS life chairman Mohammad Nizar Idris. “When we educate children early about the value of trees, we shape hearts and minds and grow a future that protects our planet.” FRIM director-general Datuk Dr Ismail Parlan said that this book is an educational tool designed to foster a sense of shared stewardship. By making this rich source of botanical information accessible to the general public, they are empowering the next generation to become active custodians of Malaysia’s megadiverse heritage, he added. “With this publication, we demonstrate that knowledge itself is a powerful tool for conservation,” he emphasised. “It aligns with MCIS Life’s Continuum of Protection ESG strategy, integrating environmental education for children with broader initiatives that promote community health and well-being.” The renewed pledge is channelled through the Bank’s flagship EcoSave-i savings account. The commitment was formalised recently at the CIMB Islamic Green Showcase, together with nature conservation partners including Amanah Warisan Negara (AWAN), The Habitat Foundation, Reef Check Malaysia, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), Malaysia Nature Society, WWFMalaysia, Malaysia Forest Fund, Forest House, Leap Spiral, Your Idea Maker, Free Tree Society and Penang Institute. The bank also renewed its agreement with AWAN, the primary custodian of Taman Tugu, for the continuation of the Taman Tugu Adoption and Nature Education Programme for another two years.

insurer’s core business focus on risk mitigation. Alongside the book launch, the company highlighted its Purple Truck Outreach Programme, implemented in partnership with the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM). The Purple Truck is a 17-foot, solar-powered mobile clinic that provides free cancer screenings and health education to underserved B40 communities, where access to early diagnosis remains uneven. “Our sustainability approach views the health of the individual and the health of the planet as interconnected,” said MCIS Life CEO Prasheem Seebran. “Just as we plant trees to protect our environment, we deploy the Purple Truck to protect lives. “The statistics drive our purpose: we have conducted over 21,000 health screenings to date. “Crucially, one in 10 men screened recorded abnormal PSA results, and one in 10 women screened recorded abnormal breast findings. “Early detection saves lives, and early education protects ecosystems. “Both are forms of protection that lie at the heart of our purpose.” The collaboration with FRIM ensures that the publication maintains the highest standards of scientific rigour and credibility. By featuring clear descriptions and key characteristics of local flora, the book serves as a vital resource for schools and policymakers. In line with responsible business practices, the book is produced as a limited print run for educational use, complemented by a digital edition to broaden access while reducing environmental impact. Copies of the book, alongside educational materials, will be distributed to selected schools, reinforcing the company’s belief that early education is a critical lever for long-term behavioural change.

Orphans from welfare home Teratak Ummi on stage with (from left) Ismail, Mohammad Nizar, orphanage caretaker Mohd Syahmi and Seebran at the book launch.

Life has planted over 6,000 endemic rainforest trees, contributing to biodiversity, ecosystem resilience, and carbon sequestration. These efforts support the company’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. MCIS Life’s ESG framework also integrates environmental priorities with social protection, reflecting the

• Action (The Legacy Forest): Translating knowledge into tangible environmental impact. • Access (The Purple Truck): Ensuring community health and resilience through direct outreach. The publication builds directly on the momentum of the MCIS Life Legacy Forest, launched in 2023 at Sireh Park, Johor Bahru. To date, MCIS

Banking & Finance “By embedding these principles into our core financial offerings, we are supporting development that is inclusive, responsible and ecologically resilient for generations to come.” The investment scales up CIMB Islamic’s growing portfolio of nature conservation, biodiversity protection and community-led environmental programmes across eight states including Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Kedah, Penang, Perak, Johor, Terengganu and Sabah. CIMB Islamic CEO Ahmad Shahriman Mohd Shariff said: “Our mission to advance customers and society is built on environmental stewardship and community resilience. Through EcoSave i, we operationalise the Shariah principles by integrating sustainability into everyday banking practices. “The RM20 million investment reaffirms our belief that sustainability is the fundamental lens through which we allocate capital. MCIS Life emphasised that this initiative is not a standalone effort. It is part of an integrated and system-based approach to sustainability that connects three core pillars, namely: • Understanding ( 100 Native Tree Species in Malaysia book ): Providing the scientific foundation and awareness necessary for conservation.

CIMB Islamic Bank commits RM20 million to environmental initiatives KUALA LUMPUR: CIMB Islamic Bank Bhd has committed RM20 million to drive environmental conservation and restoration initiatives across Malaysia from 2026 to 2030. “We are also pleased to extend our support with 12 nature conservation partners, including AWAN, to support a range of impactful environmental initiatives nationwide. Islamic to expand its support from the Peninsula to East Malaysia. Water Catchment and the Ulu Kalumpang Rehabilitation Programme, which focus on long-term watershed protection and restoration of wetland habitats, while empowering indigenous communities with

In the northern corridors, the bank continues to strengthen biodiversity efforts within the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve and Royal Belum State Park, while extending forest restoration and human-elephant conflict mitigation in Ulu Muda, Kedah. Central to its agenda is the protection of the Central Forest Spine. This includes initiatives within the Klang Valley such as the UPSI Edu-Forest initiative, the Rantaian Urban Green Space project, and the Penjaga Gunung Project, which empowers Orang Asli youth as the next generation of forest stewards. In Terengganu, the Bank is deepening its footprint in Setiu, alongside coastal and coral rehabilitation efforts in Redang, Tioman and the Mersing islands. In Sabah, the bank continues to support initiatives such as the Babagon

“As part of this, CIMB Islamic Bank will continue its support for the Taman Tugu Adoption and Nature Education Programme for another two years, reaffirming our commitment to Taman Tugu and expanding the programme’s impact through enhanced outreach to schools and B40 communities. “Over the years, Taman Tugu has transformed into a vital sanctuary for nature-based learning and recreation, located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur and easily accessible to the public, offering Malaysians a unique space to reconnect with our natural heritage and fostering a strong sense of shared responsibility toward nature conservation.” The refreshed commitment through EcoSave-i enables CIMB

sustainable livelihood opportunities. EcoSave-i is Malaysia’s first environmentally focused Islamic savings account, designed to support conservation initiatives and forms a key component of CIMB Group’s broader Green, Social, Sustainable Impact Products and Services (“GSSIPS”) framework, which aims to mobilise RM300 billion in sustainable financing by 2030. Through EcoSave-i, CIMB Islamic contributes 0.2% of the total average portfolio balance per annum from the bank’s own funds towards environmental projects, enabling the public to contribute and support these conservation initiatives by opening an account online or at any CIMB branch nationwide.

Education News/Health & Wellness TUES

ESG

Property

WED

MON

THUR