Tanjung tuan: Conservation efforts at the Tanjung Tuan Forest Reserve, renowned for its coastal biodiversity and its role as a stopover site for migratory raptors, are being reinforced through the My Brighter Green Initiative (MBGI) 2026 led by Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) in partnership with the Melaka State Forestry Department and the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, nearly 200 participants comprising students, local communities, government agencies, and strategic partners joined forces to plant 1,000 mangrove saplings, underscoring a commitment to strengthening the coastal ecosystem and protecting local biodiversity. TNB Power Generation Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Shahrir Abdul Latiff stated that Tanjung Tuan Forest Reserve became the third venue for MBGI 2026 this year, after its launch in Kubang Badak, Langkawi, and subsequent continuation at the Tanjung Burung Mangrove Forest in Pantai Remis, Perak.
Shahrir emphasized TNB's long-term commitment to environmental conservation through strategic collaboration with MNS, the Melaka State Forestry Department, and volunteers, including students and local community members. He highlighted that the mangrove saplings are expected to absorb about 1.7 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) annually, supporting TNB's goal of planting 40,000 trees this year.
Taking into account TNB's efforts since 2017, which have seen the planting of 200,000 trees, this initiative is expected to deliver a positive environmental impact by absorbing around 3,400 tonnes of tCO2e annually. This is equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of almost 650 homes, while supporting biodiversity restoration and the Net Zero 2050 aspiration.
Shahrir pointed out that Tanjung Tuan, located on the border of Melaka and Negeri Sembilan, serves as a vital stopover site for migratory raptors from Japan, Korea, and northern Asia, reinforcing the conservation of the area's ecological value. Meanwhile, Melaka State Forestry Director Khirun Nizam Abdul Rahim said the mangrove planting efforts helped restore degraded forest areas, particularly along the coast, and increased tree cover in less fertile locations.
Khirun Nizam noted that the involvement of local communities and field workers through such programs helped raise awareness of the importance of conserving mangrove forests, which serve as natural barriers against coastal erosion, strong winds, and climate change impacts. Mangrove ecosystems also provide essential breeding habitats for marine species, such as shrimp and crabs, which are a source of income for fishing communities.
He added that mangrove forests were mainly concentrated in Kuala Linggi, Tanjung Tuan, and areas around Merlimau, with restoration efforts continuing in degraded sites and areas with reduced tree cover. The initiative also saw TNB extending RM25,000 in contributions to benefit education and the local community, with RM10,000 channelled to Politeknik Premier Port Dickson, RM5,000 to Sekolah Kebangsaan Port Dickson, and RM10,000 to the Kampung Paya community.
Politeknik Premier Port Dickson director Wan Zulkifly Wan Zakaria expressed appreciation for the donation, saying the initiative supported students' development and provided them with opportunities to participate in conservation efforts through MBGI 2026. Puteri Nuratilia Natasha Muhamed Rostam, a Diploma in Secretarial Science student, shared her excitement about participating in the mangrove planting activity, which offered her valuable experience in understanding environmental conservation.
Kampung Paya Village Development and Security Committee chairman Vagidah Rohiman Mohd Kader Mohideen appreciated TNB's involvement, demonstrating the company's commitment to making a positive impact and supporting environmental conservation and local development.