CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad has announced the renewal of a two-year partnership with The Habitat Foundation and Penang Institute to support conservation efforts in Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve and Royal Belum State Park. This collaboration is part of the CIMBEcoSave-i: Our Nature, Our Treasure initiative, backed by a RM1 million commitment from CIMB Islamic’s EcoSave-i savings account.
The expanded programme will now include Royal Belum State Park in Perak, focusing on supporting the endangered seladang or Malayan gaur. Efforts will involve working with the local Orang Asli community to monitor herds, maintain saltlicks, and identify new grazing areas for healthier animal populations.
Ahmad Shahriman Mohd Shariff, CEO of CIMB Islamic, stated, “We are honoured to continue our collaboration with The Habitat Foundation and Penang Institute to safeguard the PHBR and Royal Belum State Park, two of Malaysia’s most important ecosystems. Through EcoSave-i, we aim to create inclusive and meaningful opportunities for communities to connect with nature, broaden their understanding and actively participate in its protection.”
He added, “The next phase of the partnership marks an important expansion into Royal Belum, where we will strengthen conservation efforts for the seladang, a critically endangered species that is unique to this region and essential to the balance of our forest ecosystems. The combined efforts of all partners along with public support, will elevate the impact of this initiative and reinforce our shared responsibility to protect our natural heritage, in line with CIMB Group’s purpose of advancing customers and society.”
Penang State EXCO for Housing and Environment YB Dato’ Seri Sundarajoo A/L Somu commented on how these projects align with state goals: “The Penang state government has long advocated for a green and resilient future through the Penang2030 Vision, aiming to establish a family-focused, green, and smart state that can inspire the nation. These projects align closely with our Penang2030 goals and highlight the importance of Our Nature, Our Treasure initiative.”
Ooi Geok Ling from The Habitat Foundation said: “Recognition is only the beginning of our journey towards true conservation excellence and deeper nature appreciation. We are heartened that CIMB Islamic stands alongside us in this shared vision.”
Dato’ Dr Ooi Kee Beng from Penang Institute emphasized urban biodiversity: “Biodiversity within a city calls for progressive ways of thinking that can help sustain the integrity of Nature. We believe that a deep appreciation of our rich tropical biosphere calls for inhabitants to have nurturing interactions with their natural surroundings. Accessibility and Appreciation go hand in hand, and knowing one’s natural surroundings leads to a willingness to preserve and protect it. ‘Access with respect’ is a value we need to cultivate in the long run.”
Conservation work in Penang includes installing wildlife canopy bridges at key locations so endangered Dusky Langurs and other animals can safely cross roads. Public education remains central as well; over 500 participants from schools, community groups, and underprivileged backgrounds are expected each year at talks, camps, and guided visits designed to promote environmental stewardship.
Another aspect involves sustainability innovations such as food waste composters developed by Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI). These machines will be installed at selected schools and community sites where each unit processes about one tonne of food waste annually into compost—supporting urban farming initiatives.
EcoSave-i is promoted as Malaysia’s first environmentally focused Islamic savings account. Since 2008 it has contributed more than RM12 million toward conservation programmes nationwide by allocating 0.2% per annum from its total average portfolio balance toward environmental projects.
Members of the public can support these efforts by opening an EcoSave-i account online or at any CIMB branch nationwide. Customers who keep an average monthly balance above RM5,000 without over-the-counter transactions receive a monthly cash incentive.
Further details on EcoSave-i are available at www.cimb.com.my/ecosave.
