Nestle Malaysia has marked a major milestone in its sustainability journey with the successful completion of Project RELeaf, achieving its goal of planting three million trees nationwide, covering 1,650 hectares since 2021.
Combined with the earlier Project RiLeaf in Sabah, the initiative brings the total to four million trees.
As the nation’s largest private-sector reforestation initiative, these efforts demonstrate Nestlé’s enduring commitment to restoring forests, preserving Malaysia’s natural ecosystems, and supporting the Government’s “Greening Malaysia” initiative to plant 100 million trees.
This milestone was achieved through close collaboration with the Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah Wildlife Department, Malaysian Nature Society and plantation partners such as SD Guthrie, TDM Plantation, IOI Plantation, Sabah Softwoods, Sawit Kinabalu and Ikhasas.
Nestle Malaysia chief executive officer Juan Aranols emphasized the company’s commitment to corporate environmental responsibility, stating that Project RELeaf embodies their conviction that businesses must play an active role in safeguarding the environment for future generations.
“Reaching this milestone is a proud moment in our ESG journey and fuels our determination to do even more.
“Building on this momentum, we are launching the next phase of our initiative to plant another three million trees over the next five years,” he said.
A central feature of Project RELeaf has been its community-driven approach. Through partnerships with local farming communities in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah, Nestle provided training, tools and resources for seedling production and planting efforts.
To date, more than 90 farming and Orang Asli communities have participated in seedling cultivation, with another 120 communities involved in reforestation activities, providing additional sources of income while fostering environmental awareness.
Seedling cultivator representative Hasidin Ahmit, who is the head of Komuniti Anak Pokok Kinabatangan (Kapok) from Kg Perpaduan, Kinabatangan, Sabah, said being part of Project RELeaf has transformed the community’s future.
“Over the years, the training and support we’ve received have not only taught us how to cultivate and care for indigenous seedlings but have also provided a sustainable source of income, improved our livelihoods and given us a sense of security.
“What matters most is knowing that the work we do today will restore our forests and protect the wildlife that defines our home, ensuring that generations to come can thrive. And we look forward to continuing this journey together to create an even greater impact,” he said.
Guided by the three “Rs” – REforest, REstore, and REspect – Project RELeaf has been part of Nestlé’s global Forest Positive strategy which focuses on addressing deforestation risks. In Malaysia, this initiative plays a critical role in restoring riparian zones and wildlife corridors and support endangered species such as orangutans, proboscis monkeys and the Malayan Tigers.
The project has prioritised the planting of native tree species such as Tropical Almond Trees or Ketapang, Bintangor Laut, Bongkol, Pulai and Sentang which help enhance biodiversity, stabilise soil and restore riparian habitats.
Over the next decade, these restored landscapes are projected to remove up to 700,000 tonnes of carbon, supporting Malaysia’s transition to a low-carbon future.
Moving forward, Nestlé’s reforestation efforts will continue as the company commits to planting another three million trees over the next five years. RELeaf2030 will bring an added dimension to the acceleration of efforts to advance agroforestry and regenerative agriculture.
By working closely with smallholders and plantation operators to integrate forest species and fruit trees into cocoa and coffee farms, the company aims to strengthen crop resilience, diversify farmers’ income streams and restore healthier ecosystems, creating shared value for communities and safeguarding natural resources for future generations.
