What Is CIMB EcoSave-i?
CIMB EcoSave-i stands as a testament to CIMB Islamic’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. It is a green-focused savings account designed to support environmentally friendly projects throughout Malaysia while rewarding customers for their eco-conscious actions.
Empowering Environmental Conservation in Penang with The Habitat Foundation
On 18th March 2023, The Habitat Foundation proudly announced its partnership with CIMB Islamic to enhance environmental conservation efforts in Penang, particularly within the UNESCO Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve (PHBR) landscape. Our collective vision is to transform PHBR into a model of peaceful coexistence between humans and nature, serving as a beacon of environmental awareness and sustainability for ASEAN and Malaysia.
Under this exciting partnership, we have curated four impactful projects focusing on environmental education, human-wildlife coexistence, sustainable waste management, and sustainable hiking. These projects aim to foster a deeper understanding of environmental issues and promote sustainable practices among individuals and communities.
We extend our deepest gratitude to CIMB Islamic for their steadfast support. Additionally, we are honoured to collaborate with esteemed partners such as Penang Hill Corporation, Penang Institute, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Langur Project Penang and Hikers Roundtable, whose collective efforts further enhance the success and impact of these initiatives.
Together, we strive to create a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.
CIMB Islamic x The Habitat Foundation
Explore the four projects:
Economical Food Waste Composter for the Public and Communities
The Economical Food Waste Composter (EFWC) represents a groundbreaking innovation led by Prof. Dr. Che Zalina Zulkifli from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), supported by THF Grants in 2019/2020. This ingenious machine offers a convenient and cost-effective solution to transform substantial amounts of food and garden waste into nutrient-rich compost, significantly reducing turnover time in the process.
Thanks to the collaborative efforts under the CIMB EcoSave-i partnership, THF has successfully implemented the EFWC at the Kampung Baru Community Garden in Air Itam. Residents in the vicinity have received comprehensive hands-on training, empowering them to effectively utilize this technology. Additionally, a second unit has been deployed at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Padang Polo, with forthcoming training sessions planned for both teachers and students.
This initiative not only addresses environmental concerns but also fosters a culture of sustainability and responsible waste management within our communities. Through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions like the EFWC, we are poised to make significant strides towards a greener, more sustainable future.
Bridging the Gap of Our Roads for the Arboreal Animals
The elusive Dusky Langurs and other tree-dependent animals often face perilous threats such as vehicle collisions, electrocution, and falls from elevated platforms as they traverse depleted green patches within urban environments in search of sustenance. Building upon the achievements of the Langur Project Penang (LPP), a citizen science-driven initiative dedicated to primate conservation, THF aims to mitigate these risks by installing road canopy bridges to facilitate safe crossings for arboreal creatures within the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve (PHBR) landscape.
Through a strategic collaboration between CIMB Islamic, THF, and LPP, the first residential road canopy bridge in Malaysia has been realized – Numi’s Crossing in Lembah Permai, Tanjung Bungah. Within merely six days of installation, the team was thrilled to observe langurs utilizing the canopy bridge, a testament to LPP’s expertise in identifying optimal locations for such structures. Numi’s Crossing now stands as a symbol of harmonious coexistence between humans and primates, reflecting the collective endeavor to promote mutual respect and understanding between the two communities.
Communicating the Values of PHBR through Environmental Education and Public Outreach
Biosphere Reserves stand as global landmarks, celebrated for their exceptional natural and cultural significance, offering a glimpse into sustainable development where humanity and nature coalesce seamlessly. To impart these invaluable principles to the communities residing within and adjacent to the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve (PHBR), THF harnesses the support of CIMB EcoSave-i to enrich and broaden existing environmental education modules and outdoor learning sessions.
In 2023, a total of 16 field visits and 5 overnight camping experiences were organized for 13 schools and community groups, extending the benefits to 502 students and youths from economically disadvantaged backgrounds (B40 families). These activities took place across diverse habitats and locations, often in collaboration with esteemed organizations in Penang such as CEMACS USM, Water Watch Penang, Green Acres Orchard & Ecolodge, Project M.A.R.S., and The Habitat Penang Hill.
Additionally, the team facilitated two exhibitions at prominent public venues, including Juru Auto City during the Earth Fest by Grow Community Market and Gurney Plaza, one of Penang’s premier shopping destinations. Building upon these successes, similar initiatives are slated for 2024, with the aim of broadening outreach efforts to engage an even wider audience in environmental conservation and awareness.
Managing the Nature Trails Responsibly & Sustainably
Penang’s renowned hiking trails offer breathtaking vistas of the island’s natural beauty. However, these trails pose significant challenges to unfamiliar visitors, compounded by unsupervised routes carved out by irresponsible hikers. Moreover, the trails have become repositories for litter left behind by users and event organizers alike.
In response to these concerns, the Hikers Roundtable, a community-led organization comprising outdoor enthusiasts, has stepped forward with an innovative solution. They proposed the Multi-agency Standardised (MAS) – Tag system, a concept now endorsed by state authorities. Working hand in hand with the principles of sustainable trail-building, this initiative aims to label and enhance existing trails within the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve (PHBR) landscape, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all users.
Under the strategic guidance of MyChangkul, THF and The Hikers Roundtable are embarking on an ambitious endeavor. They aspire to deploy 76 MAS-Tags across various hills within the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve and on Penang Island. This effort will encompass a comprehensive trail system stretching between 25 km to 50 km.