KUALA LUMPUR: In support of forest conservation, Astro recently adopted 27 trees at Taman Tugu, as part of its RimbaKita programme. Astro’s contribution was the result of funds collected through the successful RimbaKita Run/Walk programme held in September this year which drew thousands of participants from diverse backgrounds with a shared passion to protect the environment.

Euan Smith, Group Chief Executive Officer of Astro, believes that every individual and corporate entity are responsible for safeguarding the environment. He stated, “Our RimbaKita campaign emphasizes the significance of actively engaging in our collective commitment towards building a sustainable future. As part of the campaign, we are committed to preserving Malaysia’s natural heritage and together effect lasting change on the planet. We are pleased to do our part in contributing to a healthy ecosystem which will hopefully in the longer-term result in more than 200 trees per acre, similar to a rainforest.”

Amongst the trees Astro will be adopting include the Keruing Gondol (Dipterocarpus kerrii), Pasak (Aglaia argentea) and Meranti Bangkai (Shorea bentongensis). The plants will be attracting diverse fauna, enhancing biodiversity of the site and promoting natural pollination.

Taman Tugu is a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative led by Khazanah Nasional Berhad (Khazanah). The 66-acre site is managed by Amanah Warisan Negara (AWAN), a national heritage trust established by Khazanah. Together with the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM), over a thousand trees, including native species such as Jelutong and Gaharu, have been marked for preservation. Additionally, more than 5,000 trees of 230 indigenous Malaysian rainforest species, with a focus on those endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) have been introduced.

The RimbaKita campaign demonstrates Astro’s commitment to environmental stewardship as it also fosters teamwork and a sense of community within the organization via its employees’ active participation in tree planting efforts.

Astro remains committed to environmental responsibility and will continue to support conservation and sustainability efforts, further reflecting its dedication to a greener future for all.