KUANTAN, Oct 2 (Bernama) -- The Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah today officiated the launch of Wasco Forest Phase 2, a tree planting programme covering an area of 670 hectares with the vision of planting one million trees to support reforestation efforts in Lepar Forest Reserve.
Organised by Wasco Berhad (Wasco) and Yayasan Wasco in collaboration with the Pahang Forestry Department, the programme underscores the state’s commitment towards environmental sustainability while contributing to Pahang’s Net Zero 2030 pledge and Malaysia’s Paris Agreement commitments.
Present was Tengku Ampuan of Pahang Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.
Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, Yayasan Wasco Chairman Datuk Mohamed Nizam Abdul Razak and Wasco Group Chief Executive Officer Giancarlo Maccagno were in attendance.
Mohamed Nizam, in his speech, said the initiative reflects Wasco’s contribution to Malaysia's climate goals and global reforestation efforts in restoring degraded land, capturing carbon and protecting Malaysia’s natural heritage.
He said Phase 2 was built on the success of Wasco Forest Phase 1, launched in 2021, which saw the planting of 160,000 trees across 100 hectares, achieving an 87 per cent survival rate.
“This second phase isn't just about planting trees; it is also about stewardship and enhancement, nurturing a secondary forest, strengthening biodiversity and creating a living laboratory where universities and researchers can study ecosystem health for decades to come.
“It is also about community working hand in hand with the Orang Asli, whose knowledge and traditions are integral to the sustainability of these landscapes and whose wisdom is vital to this land's future. Together, these efforts form a story of continuity and ambition from 160,000 trees already planted in Wasco Forest Phase 1, in Berkelah Forest Reserve,” he said here, today.
Mohamed Nizam added that, unlike conventional planting campaigns, Phase 2 focuses on secondary forest enrichment, combining fast-growing species such as Kelampayan with hardwoods, including Merawan and Meranti.
Meanwhile, responding to a question on how Wasco will ensure the long-term survival of one million trees under Phase 2, Maccagno said the company’s commitment goes beyond planting as it includes continuous monitoring and maintenance.
“It is not about planting and walking away. We are committed to constant monitoring. For example, trees planted in 2021 were revisited two years later to determine their survival rate. At the same time, we also measure carbon stock and biodiversity,” he said.
He explained that the reforestation effort is carried out in close collaboration with the Pahang Forestry Department, which provides technical guidance on the type and location of trees to be planted.
Maccagno added that maintenance work includes water flow modification to ensure dry areas receive sufficient hydration, as well as the use of fertilisers in the right manner and quantity, as advised by forestry experts.
“We have people on the ground daily. If any trees show poor conditions, immediate action is taken in consultation with experts. This is our commitment for the next 30 years,” he added.
-- BERNAMA
