AEON, FRIM Plant 100 Trees To Restore Firefly Habitat In Kuala Selangor

SHAH ALAM, Oct 17 (Bernama) -- AEON Co (M) Bhd (AEON), in collaboration with the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), has planted a total of 100 trees along the Sungai Selangor riverbank in Kuala Selangor in an effort to restore firefly habitat at one of Malaysia's renowned natural attractions. 

AEON, in a statement, noted that through the programme themed Terang di Hujung Dahan, a total of 50 rumbia (Metroxylon sagu) and 50 berembang (Sonneratia caseolaris) saplings were planted along the Kampung Kuantan Fireflies Park riverbanks as both tree species serve as crucial components of the firefly natural habitat.

“This meaningful effort marks an important step toward ecosystem restoration while supporting scientific research to ensure the sustainability of firefly populations for the benefit of future generations. 

“The tree-planting activity, held on Oct 11, was joined by volunteers from various organisations, including the Selangor Water Management Authority (LUAS), Kuala Selangor Municipal Council (MPKS), Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), local community associations such as Inspirasi KAWA and KONGRES (Kelab Generasi Warisan Seri Asahan), as well as AEON volunteers,” the statement read. 

Also present at the event were LUAS director Dr Mohmad Asari Daud, AEON chief human resource officer Dr Kasuma Satria Mat Jadi, FRIM director-general Datuk Dr Ismail Parlan, head of MPOB Plantation Section Mohd Azmi Sunda, and MPKS president representative Muhammad Asyraf Kamarrazaman.

Meanwhile, Kasuma Satria was quoted in the statement as saying that the collaboration is a testament to AEON and FRIM's long-standing partnership in environmental conservation, and that the programme also reflects the company’s unwavering commitment to protecting biodiversity and maintaining the balance of the local ecosystem. 

“We hope the effort will continue to bring light to Kuala Selangor not only through the glow of the fireflies that illuminate the night, but also through our shared sense of responsibility in preserving nature for the well-being of the community and generations to come,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Ismail reaffirmed FRIM’s commitment to implementing and sharing research findings from this program to ensure long-term impact while expressing his appreciation for the participation of private sector partners, particularly AEON, as a corporate entity that exemplifies meaningful and high-impact corporate social responsibility.

The collaboration between AEON and FRIM in conserving the firefly habitat in Kuala Selangor began in 2011 at Tanjung Beluntas. The project was carried out in two phases, covering activities such as site clearing, research, tree planting, and maintenance.

 In 2018, AEON volunteers, together with the Selangor State Economic Planning Unit, implemented a corporate social responsibility (CSR) project involving tree-planting activities to support the firefly habitat in the same area.

To date, AEON has planted more than 1,000 trees in Kuala Selangor, where the growth of fireflies was recorded.

-- BERNAMA