Kampung Tenglu Laut, on Malaysia’s east coast located in Mersing, Johor, faces the South China Sea and endures rough monsoon waves annually. This project aims to restore a 1-hectare degraded mangrove area that has declined significantly from 3 hectares in 2007. The area shows high vulnerability on the National Coastal Vulnerable Index due to erosion and tidal inundation.
UNIQLO Malaysia and GEC (as programme implementation agency), partners with the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), to implement a two-phase strategy: first installing wave breakers to reduce wave energy and create sediment traps, followed by mangrove planting with two years of maintenance.
This sustainable model that combines ecological restoration with community empowerment, enhances coastal resilience while supports biodiversity and local livelihoods. The initiative aligns with UNIQLO’s ESG priorities and Malaysia’s national conservation policies.
Objectives:
- To rehabilitate degraded mangrove areas through planting activities at Kampung Tenglu Laut, Mersing, Johor;
- To strengthen coastal protection through the installation of wave breakers at Kampung Tenglu Laut, Mersing, Johor;
- To establish effective multi-stakeholder partnerships between UNIQLO, GEC and local communities for sustainable mangrove rehabilitation and protection initiatives; and
- To enhance community capacity through improved mangrove management knowledge, conservation awareness, and active participation in rehabilitation efforts.
Expected Outcomes:
- One hectare of restored mangrove forest.
- Enhanced coastal protection through wave breakers.
- Improved community capacity in mangrove management.
- Strengthened local stakeholder partnerships.
- Contribution to biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.
Phase 1
Key activities:
- Secure approvals and implement mangrove planting on a one (1) hectare degraded site in Kampung Tenglu Laut, Mersing, Johor.
- Implement mangrove planting to achieve approximately 2,000 trees per hectare.
- Achieved survival rate of over 80% including replacement planting
- Install wave breakers to reduce coastal erosion and enhance sediment stability.
- Installed 100-metre wave breaker
- Conduct regular site monitoring with monthly visits during the first six months followed by quarterly assessments.
- Engage local communities and government agencies in conservation efforts.
- Provide training in mangrove rehabilitation techniques and management.
Phase 2
Key activities:
- Site preparation.
- Planting an additional hectare of mangroves.
- Ongoing maintenance and monitoring.
- Enhancement and 50-metre extension of Phase 1’s completed 100-metre wave breaker.
