Bentong: Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) has successfully planted 3,000 saplings at the Lentang Permanent Forest Reserve, Bentong, as part of the Rail to Roots: Forest Degradation Conservation and Capacity Building programme. In a statement today, MRL announced the completion of the programme’s first phase, which began on December 19 with the planting of 600 saplings. The second phase is set to progressively plant 2,400 saplings, starting in the first quarter of 2025.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the 3,000 saplings planted include species like merbau and meranti bukit, focusing on the restoration and preservation of forest biodiversity. As part of the 68th Merdeka Day celebration, 68 participants, including MRL board members, senior management, and staff, planted 68 saplings, achieving the target of 3,000 saplings. The tree-planting ceremony was officiated by Chief Secretary to the Government and MRL chairman, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, alongside MRL chief executive officer, Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak.

The initiative underscores MRL’s commitment to preserving natural resources and acts as a symbolic gesture for this year’s Merdeka Day celebration. Darwis emphasized that the Rail to Roots programme demonstrates MRL’s efforts to integrate environmental sustainability with infrastructure development. By May 2025, the programme aims to have planted over 17,000 tree seedlings across 15 nursery sites.

MRL is sponsoring 15 Orang Asli community nurseries in Kampung Ulu Chemperoh, with training and guidance from the Pahang State Forestry Department (JPNP). The ‘Buyback Guarantee’ initiative will enable the Orang Asli community to generate income by repurchasing the saplings, thereby creating sustainable economic opportunities.