@Green March/April 2026 | Page 20

LOCAL NEWS

20

LOCAL NEWS

@ green | March-April. 2026
PURPOSE IN EVERY PLANTING: The tree-planting programme forms part of Encorp’ s broader ESG roadmap, integrating reforestation science into future developments.

Planting for growth

ENCORP Berhad( Encorp) has stepped up its environmental, social and governance( ESG) commitments through a collaboration with the Forest Research Institute Malaysia( FRIM), launching a structured tree-planting initiative at the institute’ s Kepong grounds.

The programme was held at FRIM Forest Park, Selangor, which was recently listed as Malaysia’ s sixth UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guided by FRIM researchers, Encorp staff planted 20 indigenous tree species,
with the effort prioritising long-term ecological outcomes over short-term visibility.
Emphasis was placed on scientific planting methods, post-planting monitoring and improving survival rates to ensure meaningful contributions to biodiversity within the protected forest reserve.
More than a symbolic exercise, the initiative served as a practical learning platform for the company. By working closely with FRIM’ s experts, Encorp aims to incorporate native species and reforestation principles into its property
developments, aligning its projects with more sustainable and biodiverse landscape planning.
Group Chief Executive Officer Ahmad Harzimi Mohd Taib said the initiative reflects the company’ s direction as it enters a new phase of growth, guided by responsibility and resilience. He noted that efforts to restore indigenous ecosystems, particularly within a recognised heritage site, demonstrate how development and environmental stewardship can move in tandem.
The collaboration also supports Encorp’ s wider sustainability agenda
under its Green Ventures arm, which focuses on environmental restoration projects by leveraging the Group’ s strengths in land preparation, infrastructure and logistics, including palm oil replanting activities.
In parallel, the initiative aligns with Encorp’ s updated 2026 sustainability roadmap, which places greater emphasis on employee participation and high-impact environmental actions. The approach signals a shift towards more deliberate, science-based ESG practices as the Group advances its long-term sustainability goals.

ESG hospitality benchmark

WEIL Hotel in Ipoh marked a milestone in Malaysia’ s hospitality sector after being recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records( MBOR) as the country’ s first ESG-certified hotel.
The recognition underscored the hotel’ s ongoing efforts to embed environmental, social and governance( ESG) principles across its operations, positioning sustainability as a core part of its business model rather than an add-on.
Managing Director Liew Yu-Wee said the achievement reflected more than a first-mover advantage, noting that it came with a responsibility to improve and contribute to the industry’ s long-term direction continuously.
He added that ESG practices were increasingly shaping how hospitality players operate, with greater focus on resilience, accountability and community impact.
The recognition was presented during a ceremony held in Ipoh, where Liew
HOSPITALITY TAKES CENTRE STAGE: The achievement reflects a broader shift towards structured ESG adoption within Malaysia’ s tourism and hospitality industry.( Photo by: My Ipoh) received the MBOR acknowledgement from its representative Megat Faris Megat Muzafar Shah. The event drew around 100 guests, including representatives from government agencies, tourism bodies and industry stakeholders.
Beyond the record, Weil Hotel had earlier secured ESG certification under a programme led by the Malaysian Association of Hotels in collaboration with SGS Malaysia and SIRIM, with support from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture( MOTAC).
The certification, obtained in November last year, marked another step in aligning its operations with structured sustainability benchmarks.
During the same period, the hotel also received LEED Gold certification for Operations and Maintenance( O + M) from the US Green Building Council, further reinforcing its commitment to internationally recognised green building standards.
Together, these milestones highlighted a growing shift in Malaysia’ s hospitality sector towards more structured, measurable sustainability practices, with Weil Hotel positioning itself at the forefront of this transition. – @ green