THE Government has successfully restored 3,965 hectares of mangrove forests nationwide through the planting of more than 9.3 million mangrove trees and other suitable species, reflecting the government’s continuing commitment to protecting and restoring coastal ecosystems.
Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said RM71.3 million had been allocated through 2025 for the planting of mangroves and other suitable species along the country’s coastlines.
The funding covers planting, maintenance, research, monitoring and public awareness activities.
“Up to 2025, RM71.3 million has been allocated through programmes involving the planting of mangrove trees and other suitable species along the country’s coastlines to carry out planting, maintenance, research, monitoring and public awareness activities,” he said.
Arthur added that the conservation agenda would continue in 2026, with RM2 million allocated under the 13th Malaysia Plan for the protection and conservation of mangrove forests and coastal areas in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak.
“To continue this agenda, RM2 million has been allocated under the 13th Malaysia Plan to carry out protection and conservation efforts for mangrove forests and coastal areas in 2026, involving Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak,” he said.
Arthur’s speech was read by Peninsular Malaysia Forestry Department director-general Datuk Mohd Radhi Chu Abdullah at the 2026 National-Level International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem celebration.
The event was officially opened by Kedah Crown Prince Tengku Sarafudin Badlishah Ibni Sultan Sallehuddin in Alor Setar.
Arthur said mangrove conservation efforts were being carried out through collaboration involving the Peninsular Malaysia Forestry Department, Sabah Forestry Department, Sarawak Forest Department and the Forest Research Institute Malaysia, alongside various stakeholders.
He said the involvement of 12 non-governmental organisations and local communities had also been an important factor in ensuring conservation efforts could continue through environmental education, public awareness and ecosystem protection activities.
The restoration of nearly 4,000 hectares of mangrove forests underscores the importance of long-term cooperation between government agencies, researchers, civil society groups and local communities in protecting Malaysia’s coastal ecosystems. - August 25, 2026
