HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad and Global Environment Centre (GEC) has launched its new partnership under the bank’s latest environmental project — the HSBC GEC Community-Based Raja Musa Forest Reserve Rehabilitation Project in Bestari Jaya (formerly known as Batang Berjuntai), Selangor.

This project is aimed at helping raise awareness of peatlands conservation through environmental education activity and rehabilitation works with the community in the peat swamp forest, particularly among the younger generation.

This project will also promote community ownership and participation in forest rehabilitation work at Raja Musa Forest Reserve (RMFR).

“HSBC is glad to have found a new environmental partner in GEC and we are delighted to be a part of this project,” said Head of Group Com­munications (Malaysia) & Corporate Sustain­ability, HSBC Bank Malaysia, Elizabeth Wee.

Caring lot: HSBC volunteers planting saplings at Raja Musa Forest Reserve.

GEC director Faizal Parish said: “This support from HSBC and other partners has helped establish a new rehabilitation area on the eastern edge of the Raja Musa Forest Reserve as well as enhance cooperation with local communities and other stakeholders.”

“GEC is actively seeking other partners to support rehabilitation in other areas,” he said.

About 1000 ha of the peatlands within Raja Musa Forest Reserve has been degraded due to land development pressure and subsequent encroachment into the forest reserve.

Recently 40 HSBC volunteers planted 400 trees at the Raja Musa Forest Reserve to signify the commencement of the HSBC-GEC Peatland Rehabilitation project.