Highest Participation with nearly 400 volunteers and over 1,100 trees planted, bringing the Nationwide Count past 7,000 since programme inception.
LABUAN, 22 NOVEMBER 2025 – In a vibrant collaboration between Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad (BPMB) and MUFG Bank (Malaysia) Berhad (MUFG), the ALAM Be-Leaf initiative expanded to Labuan – rallying 390 volunteers, including a strong youth contingent to plant 1,122 mangrove saplings at Taman Ekologi Kinebenuwa. This marks the programme’s fourth chapter this year, following successful efforts in Terengganu, Perak, and Melaka.
With 70% of participants aged 13-35, the initiative emphasises youth-led environmental action, inspiring the next generation of eco-champions to actively protect Malaysia’s coastal ecosystems. The hands-on planting experience allowed participants to witness firsthand how mangroves mitigate coastal risks, support biodiversity, and enhance local livelihoods.
“Through ALAM Be-Leaf, BPMB is leading efforts to restore mangroves, working in partnership with MUFG to empower youth and communities in building a greener, more resilient future. Together, we hope to inspire meaningful action and lasting impact for Malaysia’s coastal ecosystems,” said Datuk Wira Dr. Mohammad Hardee Ibrahim, Group Chief Corporate Development Officer of BPMB.
“As one of the world’s largest financial institutions in the world, MUFG is dynamically pursuing opportunities to expand and invest in Asia’s growth and its communities. We are committed to empowering a brighter future for all stakeholders through a comprehensive spectrum of banking solutions and corporate social responsibilities activities under our flagship programme, MUFG Gives Back. We are proud to collaborate with ALAM to restore coastal ecosystems and foster a culture of environmental stewardship. Recognising that we all have a part to play in caring for our planet, the partnership highlights the importance of collaborative efforts in driving sustainability and creating lasting impact and value for future generations,” said Motohide Okuda, CEO and Country Head of Malaysia, MUFG.
Anchored in Environmental Awareness, Eco-Champions Development, and Biodiversity Conservation – the initiative fosters practical solutions for ecosystem restoration and climate resilience. Each mangrove sapling planted contributes to healthier coastal ecosystems and thriving communities, demonstrating how collaboration between corporates, youth, and the wider community can deliver meaningful, measurable sustainability outcomes.
The Labuan edition of the ALAM Be-Leaf initiative received strong support from key ministries, government agencies, and corporate partners – including Labuan Financial Services Authority, Perbadanan Labuan, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Natural Resources & Environmental Sustainability, Yayasan PETRONAS, and Maybank International Labuan Branch (MILB). This collective backing highlights a unified multi-stakeholder effort.
Including today’s event, ALAM Be-Leaf has planted more than 3,000 mangrove saplings with the support of 843 dedicated volunteers. This growing impact reflects the strength of public–private partnerships and reinforces BPMB’s commitment to long-term environmental resilience and community empowerment.
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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 MUFG Bank (Malaysia) Berhad (MUFG)
MUFG Bank (Malaysia) Berhad (MUFG) is a subsidiary of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc., one of the world’s leading financial groups. MUFG’s presence in Malaysia dates back to 1957 and has since established long-term client relationships comprising local, global, and Japanese corporates. The bank has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Labuan.
In 2008, MUFG established an Islamic banking arm, the first Japanese bank to do so in Malaysia, and has contributed to industry milestones such as the launch of the world’s first Yen-denominated Sukuk. Through its twin hub located out of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), and in tandem with consolidated group subsidiary PT Bank Danamon Indonesia’s Islamic banking entity, MUFG currently provides a comprehensive suite of Shariah-compliant banking products and advisory services in Asia Pacific and globally.
MUFG is also a firm supporter of Malaysia’s renewable energy hub aspirations and pivot towards critical industry sectors, having hosted public engagement sessions such as the flagship MUFG N0W (Net Zero World) regional thought leadership event and a MUFG semiconductor conference in Sarawak and Penang respectively. MUFG Malaysia was twice awarded Best Sustainable Bank (International) by FinanceAsia in 2023 and 2024.
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), 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.