ALOR SETAR, Aug 25 — Approximately 3,965 hectares of mangrove forests nationwide have been restored through the planting of more than 9.3 million mangrove trees and other suitable coastal species.
Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said the achievement reflected the government’s continued commitment to conserving and rehabilitating coastal ecosystems.
“Up to 2025, RM71.3 million has been allocated under the National Coastal Mangrove and Suitable Species Tree Planting Programme to carry out planting, maintenance, research, monitoring, and public awareness activities.
“To continue this agenda, RM2 million has been allocated under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) for the conservation and preservation of mangrove forests and coastal areas in 2026, involving Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak,” he said.
Arthur said this in his speech, delivered by Forestry Peninsular Malaysia (JPSM) director-general Datuk Mohd Radhi Chu Abdullah, during the national-level International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem 2026 celebration, themed “Mangrove Ecosystems Towards Blue Economy Sustainability” last night.
The Raja Muda of Kedah Tengku Sarafudin Badlishah Ibni Sultan Sallehuddin officiated the event.
He added that mangrove conservation efforts were carried out through collaboration involving JPSM, the Sabah Forestry Department, the Sarawak Forest Department, the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), and various stakeholders.
The involvement of non-governmental organisations and local communities was also crucial in ensuring the sustainability of conservation efforts through environmental education, public awareness, and ecosystem protection activities.
At the event, Tengku Sarafudin presented certificates of appreciation to four NGOs and community groups for their contributions to mangrove ecosystem conservation, namely Pertubuhan Sahabat Hutan Bakau Kampung Taman Nilam, Kelab Pendidikan dan Kebajikan Puncak, Lembah Bujang, and Persatuan Pendidikan dan Kebajikan Jaringan Nelayan Pantai Malaysia.
The National Mangrove and Coastal Ecosystem Seminar 2026, organised by JPSM in collaboration with FRIM, was also held alongside the event and featured 12 papers, 15 technical posters, and nine exhibition booths showcasing various aspects of mangrove management, research, and conservation.
The seminar provided a platform for researchers, technical officers, government agencies and stakeholders to exchange knowledge and share best practices to strengthen the management of the country’s mangrove ecosystems.
