This post is brought to you by CIMB Islamic.
Out of the eight planets circling the sun in our solar system, Earth is the only planet that has all the right ingredients to sustain life. A result of that is the creation of magnificent landscapes, filled with beautiful plant life and majestic animals. Therefore, it’s the responsibility of every human being on earth to help preserve the gifts of Mother Nature.
However, we have not been doing our part as our planet is currently facing multiple forms of destruction like deforestation, environmental loss, and pollution, which all contribute to climate change in one way or another.
In Malaysia, we are currently experiencing the impact of climate change with frequent storms that cause massive flooding, displacing thousands of people from their homes every year. In addition, there’s also the scorching heat wave that dries up water reservoirs, affecting not only the water supply but also the livelihood of our local farmers and food supply.
Besides human beings, deforestation and environmental loss directly affect the well-being of flora and fauna as they face loss of habitat. On top of that, they too need to deal with the effects of climate change as well.
To help combat climate change, Malaysia was one of the 192 nations to sign The Paris Agreement back in 2016 with the vow to achieve a net-zero emission by 2050. In 2021, the Malaysian government announced the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (12MP), which contained a specific section for environmental sustainability. Malaysia would achieve this by promoting a blue economy, green technology, renewable energy, and adaptation to climate change as well as mitigating it.
Along with the Malaysian government, many local companies have also started lending a hand in protecting the environment. One good example would be CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad, which as of today, has contributed RM3.5 million to 14 green project initiatives. These projects encompass wetland and forest conservation, community development training, and environmental awareness education.
Fraser’s Hill Forest Complex is one example of forest conservation efforts with CIMB Islamic pledging RM443,000 for over three years until 2023 to safeguard the forest from external threats and improve forest management by supporting endemic flora species identification to provide scientific recommendations for conservation.
In Terengganu, CIMB Islamic is helping to preserve the Setiu Wetlands by committing RM3 million to fund, among other things, conservation field research. Other programmes include collaborative engagement with stakeholders and community participation in conservation via citizen science.
Last but certainly not least, is the preservation of up to 1,000 trees, including rare and indigenous species at Taman Tugu in Kuala Lumpur. Over the next three years until 2025, Taman Tugu aims to foster more than 4,000 new mature trees to increase and enhance the biodiversity of the local ecosystem with financial support from CIMB Islamic of up to RM1,500,000.
What can I do to help?
The easiest way you can help environmental conservation efforts is by opening an EcoSave Savings Account-i with CIMB Islamic. As much as 0.2% of the total EcoSave Savings Account-i average portfolio balance is contributed to environmental activities and preservations.
In keeping with the notion of helping the environment, the account is completely paperless and operates without a passbook or physical statements. Account holders are also encouraged to perform paperless transactions by using the CIMB Clicks app or CIMB Octo app to perform bill payments, transfers and checking the account balance.
With CIMB Islamic, helping to conserve the environment comes with great incentives like receiving RM5 every month when you maintain an average monthly balance of RM5,000 with no over-the-counter transactions during that month.
Learn more about the EcoSave Savings Account-i by CIMB Islamic and open an account before 31st December 2022 to receive an RM15 Touch ‘n Go eWallet Reload Pin and be in the running to win an RM1,000 cash prize!
CIMB Islamic through the EcoSave Savings Account-i also sponsors a free public Nature Education Program (NEP) at Taman Tugu which includes a gardening workshop that teaches propagation, fertilisation and more to help you develop a green thumb. Along with the gardening workshop, there is also an environmental talk on the importance of living sustainably and a short jungle walk.
With the skills you learn from this workshop, you could help by cultivating more fauna in your own neighbourhood or just helping the existing ones grow to maintain the greenery. If you’re interested in experiencing this program, be sure to contact the organizer to book a free slot.
It’s more important than ever that we do our part, whether big or small, to help conserve the gifts of Mother Nature as they are vital components in maintaining the ecosystem of our planet Earth.
CIMB Islamic Bank is a member of PIDM.
EcoSave Savings Account-i is protected by PIDM up to RM250,000 for each depositor.
