KOTA TINGGI: Petronas Refinery and Petrochemical Corp Sdn Bhd (PRPC) and Pengerang Terminals (Two) Sdn Bhd (PT2SB) recently launched a mangrove conservation programme, in support of Johor's effort to develop the Sungai Johor Estuary in Pulau Tanjung Surat here as an ecotourism attraction.

The programme was launched by Kota Tinggi District Officer Datin Paduka Hajah Hazlina Jalil. Also present were PRPC senior vice-president and chief executive officer Kamal Bahrin Ahmad and PT2SB chief executive officer Aqeel Hussain.

Both PRPC and PT2SB have invested more than RM500,000 in the programme, which aims to improve the livelihood of the local community in Pulau Tanjung Surat through collaborative synergies. The programme is in partnership with the Pertubuhan Sahabat Hutan Bakau Pulau Tanjung Surat (PSHBPTS).

"We are committed to create more sustainable economic opportunities for the communities in Johor through investments such as this. 

"We also expect this programme to positively impact the environment through reforestation, shoreline protection and the expansion of the mangrove ecosystem in Pulau Tanjung Surat," said Kamal Bahrin.

The programme began in December 2021 and is expected to run until 2023. As of June 2022, more than 8,300 out of the 21,000 planned mangrove trees have been planted along the 2.23ha of identified degraded mangrove area and more than 26 local villagers have since been able to generate additional income.

With 4,700 more trees planned for 2022, the programme is expected to enrich local biodiversity, contribute to carbon sequestration and generate opportunities for ecotourism in the vicinity.

Volunteers from the Pengerang Integrated Complex are also committed towards the programme, working with PSHBPTS, seeding mangrove trees and contributing their personal time to the sustainable effort.

Through PRPC's #ForPengerang masterplan, several other programmes have been instrumental in the development of the local communities. This includes the establishment of six cooperatives, building skills and capabilities via the Local Up-skilling and Vendor Development Programme and advancement of the Livelihood Restoration Programme via mussel and shrimp farming.