30,000 native trees to be planted in Johor’s Segamat over three years, led by AEON and FRIM

AEON has announced a major reforestation initiative in Segamat, Johor, aiming to plant 30,000 native rainforest trees across 36 hectares by 2027. The project follows the successful Malaysia-Japan Friendship Forest in Bidor, Perak.

From Bidor to Segamat: A New Green Chapter

On June 21, 2024, AEON and the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) announced the launch of the Segamat Reforestation Project during a ceremony at FRIM’s headquarters in Kepong. The project builds on AEON’s acclaimed efforts in Bidor, where 30,000 rainforest trees were planted between 2014 and 2023 on land once scarred by tin mining.

Following the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) between AEON CO. (M) BHD managing director Naoya Okada and FRIM director-general Dato’ Dr Ismail Parlan, the ceremony included a symbolic tree planting at Padang 44. Trees such as meranti temak nipis, meranti tembaga, and sesenduk were selected for their ecological value.

Three Phases, 36 Hectares, One Vision

The Segamat initiative will be rolled out in three phases from 2025 to 2027, with 10,000 trees planted per phase, mirroring the successful approach in Bidor. The 36-hectare site is expected to transform into a thriving habitat for flora and fauna, contributing to Malaysia’s 100 Million Tree Planting Campaign.

Okada emphasized that the new project reflects AEON’s long-standing environmental mission. “The Bidor project is a testament to what can be achieved when corporate responsibility is combined with scientific expertise,” he said, noting that over 557,000 trees have been planted nationwide under AEON’s green programmes since 1991.

Biodiversity, Research, And ESG Commitments

Dr Ismail praised AEON’s continued dedication to environmental stewardship. He shared that the Bidor site will now serve as a research and seed production hub, while also functioning as an educational site and refuge for migratory birds and other wildlife.

AEON’s initiatives align with its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals, promoting sustainable development, community engagement, and biodiversity restoration. The Segamat project signals a deepening commitment to these objectives, with strong institutional collaboration ensuring scientific guidance and long-term impact.

Bridging Communities And Forests

Beyond ecological benefits, these reforestation projects are designed to engage local communities and promote environmental awareness. Through hands-on participation and corporate-community partnerships, AEON hopes to foster a sense of shared responsibility for forest preservation and climate resilience across Malaysia.

Such initiatives also serve as templates for regional ESG integration, potentially inspiring similar efforts in neighbouring countries where reforestation and biodiversity loss remain pressing issues.

The Segamat Reforestation Project represents more than just trees—it is a symbol of cross-sector collaboration, environmental revival, and sustainable ambition. For communities across Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia, it highlights the power of consistent corporate action in healing ecosystems and shaping a greener future.

Sources: Malay Mail (2025) , SME Asia (2025)

Keywords: AEON Reforestation, Johor Trees, Bidor Forest, ESG Malaysia, FRIM Collaboration, Native Species Planting