Kuala Lumpur: The National Cooperative Movement of Malaysia (Angkasa) is taking significant steps towards enhancing Malaysia’s national greening initiative by planning to install lighting along the Canopy Walk pathway at Taman Eko Rimba Kuala Lumpur (TERKL). This initiative forms part of Angkasa’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, which aims to celebrate the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC) 2025. The lighting project is a collaborative effort involving the Peninsular Malaysia Forestry Department and the Federal Territory Forestry Department.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Angkasa Board Member Datuk Kamarudin Ismail emphasized that this initiative supports the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and aligns with the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030. “This is another initiative by Angkasa to enhance the appeal of promoting eco-tourism at TERKL, the only green lung area in the heart of Kuala Lumpur,” Kamarudin stated. He further elaborated on the project’s significance in positioning TERKL as a preferred destination on both local and international fronts, especially with Malaysia’s upcoming ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025.

Kamarudin, who also serves as a Board Member of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), revealed that RM30,000 has been allocated for this pilot lighting project. He mentioned the possibility of inviting other agencies to collaborate if the project receives positive feedback.

Discussing the theme for IYC 2025, ‘Cooperatives Build a Better World,’ Kamarudin underscored the cooperative sector’s role as a fair and compassionate economic and social model, reflecting Malaysia MADANI’s aspirations. He highlighted Angkasa’s capacity for economic, social, and environmental development, given its role as the apex body of Malaysia’s cooperative movement, overseeing 16,009 cooperatives with 7.2 million members nationwide.

Since 2021, Angkasa has implemented 36 Malaysia Greening: Caring Cooperatives Million Trees programmes, which have involved planting nearly 6,000 trees and engaging over 10,000 participants. Furthermore, in collaboration with the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry (KUSKOP), the Cooperative Commission of Malaysia (SKM), and the Cooperative Institute of Malaysia (IKMa), Angkasa has planned a series of programmes for IYC 2025. These include the ASEAN Cooperative Dialogue 2025, National Cooperative Empowerment Convention, Coop Treasure Hunt 2025, National Cooperative Month, National Cooperative Day, and the Youth for Cooperative Futures Seminar.