Malaysia Airlines has announced the inclusion of carbon credits from the Kuamut Rainforest Conservation Project as part of its carbon offset programme for passengers and corporate clients. This initiative marks the first certified nature-based carbon project in Malaysia, reflecting the airline’s commitment to sustainability and environmental preservation.
The Kuamut Rainforest Conservation Project, located in Sabah’s Tongod and Kinabatangan districts, covers 83,381 hectares of tropical forest within a 1-million-hectare concession managed by Yayasan Sabah. Over the next 30 years, the project aims to prevent the release of 16 million tonnes of CO2e. Certified against the Verra Voluntary Carbon Standard (VCS), it is expected to reduce emissions by around 500,000 tonnes of CO2e annually while protecting habitats for endangered species such as orangutans, elephants, and the Helmeted Hornbill.
Developed through a public-private partnership that includes the Sabah Forestry Department, Yayasan Sabah, Rakyat Berjaya, and Permian Global (Malaysia), the project also aims to improve local communities’ livelihoods by enhancing health services, education, job creation, and entrepreneurship opportunities. Recognized for its positive environmental and community impact, the project has received a Climate Gold rating from the Climate, Community & Biodiversity Alliance (CCBA).
Philip See, Group Chief Sustainability Officer from Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) said, “As we continue to innovate and expand our sustainability efforts, the Kuamut Rainforest Conservation Project represents a significant step forward in our mission to reduce our carbon footprint and support the preservation of our planet’s ecosystems. We are thrilled to incorporate Malaysia-based carbon credits into our voluntary carbon offset programme, offering our passengers and corporate clients a tangible way to contribute to environmental conservation, while also playing our part in achieving socio-economic development and reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050 in line with the MAG Sustainability Blueprint.”
Ivy Wong Abdullah, CEO of Permian Global Malaysia, praised the airline’s decision to support the Kuamut project. He said, “I am delighted that the Malaysian Aviation Group recognises the hugely important role protecting nature has in helping to address climate change and has chosen to support the Kuamut Rainforest Conservation Project. Protecting threatened natural forests not only prevents greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation and forest degradation but can safeguard rich biodiverse ecosystems. And, when the conservation is coupled with improvements in local well-being and livelihoods opportunities, it can drive transformational change for local communities.”