Brunei Gas Carriers (BGC), Brunei Shell Marketing Company Sendirian Berhad (BSM), the Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam (MPABD), and Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) joined forces in a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative to safeguard Brunei’s environment through a tree planting and cleaning campaign on Monday.
The leaders of the four organisations, along with staff and stakeholders, gathered at the
Berakas Forest Reserve to plant Kapur Merah (Dryobalanops Beccarii) species of tree
saplings, and conduct a cleanup at the Berakas Forest Reserve Recreational Park.
The day’s efforts resulted in planting 175 trees, enabling habitat restoration, and collecting
over 50kg of waste.
This teamwork, uniting the land, sea, and air sectors, highlights the importance of working
together to protect Brunei’s environment for future generations. Aligned with Brunei’s
Wawasan 2035 vision, which prioritises sustainable development and environmental
protection, the participating organisations are committed to revitalising coastal and green
spaces.
Captain Abdul Mateen Abdurrahman Liew, Managing Director of BGC, commented, “At BGC, marine conservation is at the core of our operations. This initiative allows us to extend our commitment beyond the sea and foster a sense of collective responsibility in protecting Brunei’s ecosystems. Moreover, by engaging in activities like tree planting, we actively contribute to carbon offsetting, which is key in combating climate change and preserving the biodiversity of our land and sea environments.”
Brunei Gas Carriers prioritise reducing its environmental impact within the maritime sector. Using energy-efficient technology, BGC actively supports marine conservation and contributes to cleaner, safer seas.
Captain Mohammed Alexirwan bin Haji Omar, Managing Director of BSM, added, “Being around for 65 years, BSM believes in the power of collective action. Today’s efforts planting trees and cleaning our beaches—demonstrate what we can achieve when we come together for a common goal: protecting our environment. This is not just a one-day event; it is a statement of our commitment to Brunei’s natural heritage. We are all captains and champions of these resources, and through initiatives like this, we are setting a powerful example for future generations.”
As part of its Social Investment initiatives, BSM remains committed to environmental responsibilities. BSM has actively supported activities such as International Coastal Cleanup and tree planting-initiatives.
Captain Zulkiflee bin Haji Ghani, Acting Chief Executive of the MMPABD, stated, “As guardians of Brunei’s ports and coastlines, MPABD is fully dedicated to environmental stewardship. We actively preserve our coastal regions through tree planting and beach cleanup while promoting sustainable development practices. This initiative helps protect marine ecosystems, reduce pollution, and enhance biodiversity, ensuring Brunei’s coastlines remain resilient and healthy for future generations.”
The MPABD ensures Brunei’s port operations adhere to high environmental standards. MPABD leads initiatives to minimise water pollution and protect the country’s coastal and marine environments through regular cleanups and collaborative efforts with stakeholders.
Captain Sabirin bin Haji Abd Hamid, Chief Executive Officer of Royal Brunei Airlines, remarked, “As we near our 50th anniversary on 18th November 2024, it is an honour to collaborate with our esteemed partners on this vital environmental initiative. Over the years, Royal Brunei Airlines has embraced innovation, from fully digitalised cockpits to fuel-efficient aircraft, all in line with the sustainability objectives of Wawasan 2035. We believe that working together and championing eco-friendly practices across industries can pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future for Brunei and beyond.”
All four organisations stand committed to fostering a long-term partnership in the area of sustainable development and environmental protection, and will be collaborating on more initiatives next year for the shared purpose to “Protect Brunei’s Sand, Sea and Sky”.
The Forestry Department was crucial in supporting the initiative and guiding the treeplanting activities. Local company Sphiere Sdn Bhd (Sphiere) supplied the tree saplings and will continue to monitor their growth for one year. Sphiere also showcased its innovative app, developed in collaboration with LiveWIRE, the Forestry Department, JASTRE, and the Brunei Climate Change Office (BCCO) which is called “Atmosphiere”.
This app will track the environmental data of the planted saplings and foster community engagement in conservation efforts. Makan Ceria also supported the event by assisting with logistics and providing volunteers. – JAMES KON
