MELAKA, 19 July 2025 – ALAM Be-Leaf 2025 marked another significant milestone in youth-led climate action last, with 231 youths and adults from Melaka and nearby states coming together at Hutan Simpan Sebatu, Melaka, to plant 600 mangrove trees and collect more than 123kg of waste through a plogging session held in support of Penghijauan Malaysia and Rakan Bumi under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) and Rakan Muda initiative.
This third event builds on the success of previous ALAM Be-Leaf 2025 sessions in Setiu, Terengganu, and Hutan Simpan Tanjung Burung, Perak, where participants planted over 1,100 mangrove trees and engaged in environmental education and community-based conservation efforts. In Melaka, three native mangrove species; bakau minyak, kurap, and temu were planted at a newly designated CSR site within Hutan Simpan Sebatu, making this the first corporate social responsibility activity ever conducted at the forest reserve. Following ALAM’s lead, the Melaka Forestry Department has announced plans to designate this area as an official mangrove planting site for future CSR activities.
“The enthusiasm and commitment shown by our youth today affirms that environmental stewardship is a shared responsibility, transcending generations. By planting these mangrove trees, we’re not only restoring ecosystems, but also cultivating a future generation that understands and protects our natural heritage.” said Norsham Abdul Latip, Deputy Secretary General (Natural Resources) of the NRES who was there to officiate the event.
“We’re proud to see youth take ownership of real-world sustainability challenges, not just by planting trees, but by shaping the future of Malaysia’s environmental leadership,” said Wan Faizah Che Din, Chief Executive Officer of ALAM.
“At the Ministry of Youth and Sports, through Rakan Bumi, we remain committed to empowering youth as passionate nature explorers and stewards of the environment. Their actions today will shape the wellbeing of future generations. Every moment spent in nature is a step towards goodness, instilling values, mindsets, and behaviours that nurture a more sustainable tomorrow,” said Zailani Siran, Director of the Department of Youth and Sports Melaka.
This year marks ALAM’s 5th anniversary, highlighting its sustained commitment to youth-driven environmental stewardship and a greener Malaysia. In June, ALAM proudly showcased its community-based efforts at the World Environment Day 2025 celebration, further reinforcing its role in advancing national climate resilience and sustainability ambitions.
Now in its third year since debuting in 2023, ALAM Be-Leaf has mobilised over 3,000 youth and community members and contributed to the planting of more than 20,000 mangrove trees and the collection of more than 1,000 kg of waste across Malaysia. The programme exemplifies a whole-of-society approach by bridging the efforts of the public sector, private sector, academia, and local communities. Each session is designed to immerse youth in ecosystem restoration while promoting environmental values, practical climate knowledge, and intergenerational responsibility.
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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. 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).
About ALAM Be-Leaf Programme
ALAM Be-Leaf is organised by Amanah Lestari Alam (ALAM), an independent, tax-exempt not-for-profit entity founded with support from Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad (BPMB), in collaboration with NRES, in support of the Ministry’s Penghijauan Malaysia 100 Million Tree-Planting Programme and KBS as the implementing partner for Rakan Bumi under the Rakan Muda programme, ALAM Be-Leaf is Malaysia’s flagship youth empowerment initiative for environmental stewardship. The programme offers hands-on sustainability learning through direct community engagement and collaboration across sectors.
The ALAM Be-Leaf 2025 series will continue with two more sessions at new locations to be announced later this year, expanding the reach and impact of the programme. ALAM Be-Leaf offers not just a platform for action, but a movement rooted in hope, resilience, and collective responsibility.
About Rakan Bumi
Rakan Bumi is a youth-led environmental initiative under the Rakan Muda programme by the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS), designed to cultivate a generation of environmentally conscious leaders. As one of the thematic clusters within Rakan Muda, Rakan Bumi empowers youth to engage in nature-based activities such as reforestation, conservation, clean-up efforts, and sustainable living practices. The initiative provides hands-on experiences and platforms for young Malaysians to reconnect with nature, take climate action, and build resilience through collaboration with government agencies, NGOs, and the community. Rakan Bumi reflects the Ministry’s commitment to nurturing holistic, values-driven youth who will become custodians of Malaysia’s natural heritage.
About Penghijauan Malaysia (100 Million Tree-Planting Programme)
The Penghijauan Malaysia: 100 Million Tree-Planting Campaign 2021–2025 is a national greening initiative led by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) and implemented by the Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia. The programme aims to plant 100 million trees across Malaysia by 2025, restoring forest ecosystems, increasing biodiversity, and enhancing national climate resilience. Open to participation from government agencies, private companies, NGOs, and the public, the campaign promotes shared responsibility in environmental restoration. Through efforts like ALAM Be-Leaf and Rakan Bumi, the programme fosters public awareness, civic engagement, and long-term stewardship of Malaysia’s green spaces.
About Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad (BPMB)
Incorporated on 28 November 1973, Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad is a development financial institution wholly owned by Minister of Finance (Incorporated). The Bank holds the highest ‘AAA’ rating from both RAM Rating Services Berhad and Malaysia Rating Corporation Berhad and operates under the regulatory oversight of Bank Negara Malaysia as stipulated by the Development Financial Institution Act 2002.
With Group Total Assets valued at RM34.6 billion as of 31 December 2024, Bank Pembangunan is well-equipped to meet the financing and development needs of Malaysian businesses. Effective 1 May 2025, EXIM Bank and SME Bank became subsidiaries of Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad.