Project RELeaf hits four million trees, strengthening ecosystems and community livelihoods nationwide

Corporate sustainability in Malaysia has reached a new benchmark as large-scale environmental action proves capable of delivering both ecological and social impact. Nestlé Malaysia’s long-term reforestation efforts now stand among the country’s most ambitious private-sector green initiatives.

A Major Milestone in Corporate Reforestation
Nestlé Malaysia has successfully completed Project RELeaf, achieving its target of planting three million trees nationwide since 2021. Covering approximately 1,650 hectares, the initiative brings the company’s total to four million trees when combined with the earlier Project RiLeaf initiative in Sabah. This positions it as Malaysia’s largest private-sector reforestation effort and a key contribution to the Government’s Greening Malaysia campaign, which aims to plant 100 million trees nationwide.

Strong Partnerships Driving Impact
The milestone was made possible through close collaboration with the Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah Wildlife Department, Malaysian Nature Society, and plantation partners including SD Guthrie, TDM Plantation, IOI Plantation, Sabah Softwoods, Sawit Kinabalu, and Ikhasas. These partnerships ensured that reforestation efforts met strict ecological standards while scaling impact across Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah.

Supporting Biodiversity and Climate Goals
Guided by the principles of REforest, REstore, and REspect, Project RELeaf aligns with Nestlé’s global Forest Positive strategy to address deforestation risks. In Malaysia, the initiative focuses on restoring riparian zones and wildlife corridors that support endangered species such as orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and Malayan tigers. Native tree species including Ketapang, Bintangor Laut, Pulai, and Sentang were prioritized to stabilize soil, restore habitats, and enhance biodiversity. Over the next decade, these restored forests are projected to remove up to 700,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide, supporting Malaysia’s transition toward a low-carbon economy.

Community-Led Environmental Stewardship
Community participation has been central to Project RELeaf’s success. Nestlé Malaysia worked closely with farming and Orang Asli communities in Kinabatangan, Sabah, and across Peninsular Malaysia, providing training, tools, and resources for seedling cultivation and planting. To date, more than 90 communities have been involved in seedling production, while another 120 have taken part directly in reforestation activities, creating additional income opportunities alongside environmental stewardship.

Livelihoods Linked to Long-Term Conservation
Local communities report tangible improvements in income stability and skills development through the program. Representatives from Kinabatangan-based seedling groups highlighted how the initiative has strengthened livelihoods while reinforcing a shared responsibility to protect forests and local wildlife. This community-based approach has helped ensure long-term care of restored areas while deepening environmental awareness at the grassroots level.

Looking Ahead to RELeaf2030
Building on this momentum, Nestlé Malaysia has announced Project RELeaf2030, targeting the planting of another three million trees by 2030. The next phase will expand into agroforestry and regenerative agriculture by integrating forest species and fruit trees into cocoa and coffee farms. By working with smallholders and plantation operators, the company aims to boost crop resilience, diversify incomes, and restore healthier ecosystems, reinforcing shared value creation across the supply chain.

Nestlé Malaysia’s reforestation journey demonstrates how sustained private-sector leadership can support national climate goals while delivering real benefits to biodiversity and rural communities. For Indonesians and Singaporeans observing regional sustainability trends, Project RELeaf highlights the growing role of cross-sector collaboration in shaping a greener, more resilient Southeast Asia.

Sources: Nestle (2026) , NST MY (2026)

Keywords: Project RELeaf, Tree Planting Malaysia, Forest Conservation, ESG Strategy, Low Carbon Economy