Nestlé Malaysia Completes Nation’s Largest Corporate Reforestation Initiative, Planting 3 Million Trees to Restore Ecosystems

 Nestlé Malaysia has marked a significant milestone in its sustainability journey with the successful completion of Project RELeaf, achieving its goal of planting 3 million trees nationwide, covering approximately 1,650 hectares of land since 2021. Combined with the earlier Project RiLeaf in Sabah, this brings the total to 4 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 important milestone was achieved through strong collaboration with the Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia, the Sabah Wildlife Department, the Malaysian Nature Society, and plantation partners SD Guthrie, TDM Plantation, IOI Plantation, Sabah Softwoods, Sawit Kinabalu and Ikhasas.

Juan Aranols, Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Malaysia, said, “Project RELeaf embodies our 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. While Malaysia’s forest cover currently stands at 54%, above the national target of 50%, it is vital to further preserve and restore these precious ecosystems. Building on this momentum, we are launching the next phase of our initiative to plant another 3 million trees over the next five years. As we begin the next phase, we will continue working hand in hand with our partners and communities to drive reforestation under strict ecological criteria, strengthening biodiversity and supporting Malaysia’s climate ambitions.”

Guided by the 3 "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 Malayan Tigers. The project has prioritised the use of native 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. 

A central feature of Project RELeaf has been its community-driven approach. Through partnerships with local farming communities in Kinabatangan, Sabah, and Peninsular Malaysia, Nestlé 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, while another 120 have been involved in reforestation activities, providing additional sources of income alongside fostering greater environmental awareness.

Seedling cultivator representative, En. Hasidin Bin Ahmit, Ketua Komuniti Anak Pokok Kinabatangan (KAPOK), Kg. Perpaduan shared, “Being part of Project RELeaf has transformed our 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.” 

Moving forward, Nestlé Malaysia’s reforestation endeavours will continue with the ambition to plant another 3 million trees by 2030. Project RELeaf2030 will continue to work closely with relevant external stakeholders to maximise the ecological and environmental impact of these efforts. An added dimension to RELeaf2030 will be 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 enhance crop resilience, diversify farmers’ income streams, and restore healthier ecosystems, creating shared value for communities and safeguarding natural resources for future generations.