In the lush heart of Pahang, a bold green vision that began as a 100-hectare pilot in 2021 has flourished into one of Malaysia’s most significant corporate-led reforestation efforts — the Wasco Forest Initiative. Spearheaded by Wasco Berhad, a global energy infrastructure group rooted in Kuantan, the programme has already seen the planting of 160,000 trees under Phase 1 at Hutan Simpan Berkelah and is now expanding to 670 hectares in Hutan Simpan Lepar under Phase 2, with a long-term vision of planting one million trees.
This is not just about planting trees. It is about creating living forests guided by science and community collaboration. In partnership with the Pahang Forestry Department, Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and Eco-Ideal Consulting, Wasco is applying long-term biodiversity and carbon stock monitoring to measure environmental impact. The project also engages local Orang Asli communities, turning reforestation into a shared effort for livelihood and stewardship.
“Addressing climate change requires collective action,” says Gian Carlo Maccagno, Group CEO of Wasco Berhad. “We invite our peers and partners to stand with us. Together, we can accelerate Malaysia’s journey towards Net Zero.”
At the recent launch ceremony of the Wasco Forest Phase 2 initiative, officiated by His Royal Highness Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah, Wasco reaffirmed its commitment to forest conservation and environmental sustainability.
Through this initiative, Wasco continues to demonstrate its dedication to preserving the planet for future generations by planting a diverse range of native tree species – symbolising its pledge to create a lasting green legacy.
Wasco Forest demonstrates that sustainability is not a slogan but a strategy – one that restores ecosystems, supports communities and reinforces corporate Malaysia’s leadership in nature-based solutions.
