• A centre to promote urban biodiversity conservation action, research and development for ecological functionality, environmental education, and eco-tourism, among other green efforts;
• This initiative pushes the Company closer to meeting its goal of planting 50,000 IUCN red-listed trees by 2030 via the inclusion of a specialist tree nursery adjacent to the ERKC.

SHAH ALAM, 30 MAY 2022 – Sime Darby Property Berhad (“Sime Darby Property” or “Company”) today unveiled the Elmina Rainforest Knowledge Centre (“ERKC”) which was officially launched by Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sultan Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj Ibni Almarhum Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Alhaj.

Positioned as the ‘Gateway to Malaysia’s Natural Heritage’, the 1.09-acre ERKC in Sime Darby Property’s township of the City of Elmina demonstrates the Company’s efforts to implement good biodiversity practices, focusing on conservation actions, research and development, environmental education, and eco-tourism, among other green initiatives. It is located within the 300-acre Elmina Central Park and is adjacent to the 2,700-acre Bukit Cherakah Forest Reserve.

Sime Darby Property’s Group Managing Director, Dato’ Azmir Merican said that as a responsible corporate citizen, Sime Darby Property is a ‘Force for Good’ towards enhancing sustainable developments and practices at its townships. “In addition to a climate change action plan, good biodiversity practices are fundamental components of a business’ long-term survival as it compels organisations to relook the way their businesses impact the environment,” he said.

Dato’ Azmir added: “At Sime Darby Property, we highlight biodiversity as one of the four core imperatives in our sustainability strategy. We have pledged numerous efforts, initiatives, and programmes to enhance the value of our townships while protecting functioning ecosystems to give a place for nature within our developments. The ERKC charts a new milestone in Sime Darby Property’s sustainability journey toward continuously building sustainable townships and communities.”

In 2019, Sime Darby Property partnered with the Tropical Rainforest Conservation and Research Centre (“TRCRC”) to develop the ERKC and the adjoining 10-acre Elmina Living Collection Nursery (“ELCN’) to be a genetic store for the production and conservation of native tree species including those categorised as Endangered, Rare and Threatened under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (“IUCN”). From the start of its operations in October 2020, TRCRC has successfully nurtured a total of 187 species of plants including over 35,000 seeds sowed and more than 10,000 tree saplings stored in its holding area.

Since 2011, Sime Darby Property has planted over 120,000 trees within its townships to help mitigate the effects of climate change. In extending this effort, the Company has further pledged its goal of planting 50,000 endangered trees red-listed by the IUCN by 2030 and as of last year, more than 21,000 of these trees have been planted in our developments.

As a sustainable property developer, Sime Darby Property is committed to making conscious environmental impacts and deliver on these commitments via its company-specific 2030 Sustainability Goals (“2030 SGs”) which are aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The Company’s 18 Goals focus on creating positive impact and contribute towards the betterment of society, reducing its carbon footprint and create long-term economic value responsibly.

The ERKC provides a space for the community to engage in impactful nature conservation learning activities, educating the younger generation and wider public about the importance of the environment, and act as a resource and research hub for other green NGOs and related bodies.

Tropical Rainforest Conservation and Research Centre’s Executive Director, Dr. Dzaeman Dzulkifli said: “We cannot exist separately from biodiversity. We are dependent on all the ecosystem services it provides. A balanced approach to urban development and environmental conservation is required in order to facilitate a better and more healthy co-existence with the natural world. Working collaboratively with NGOs, different partners and the community is important to build on climate resilience. It is my hope with the ERKC initiative that everyone who comes to visit can improve their environmental literacy and learn about the intricacies of nature and our dependence on it.

Also present at the launch event were Duli Yang Maha Mulia Tengku Permaisuri Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin; Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Raja Muda Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah Ibni Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj; and Selangor State Secretary, Dato’ Haji Haris bin Kasim, among other dignitaries and state agency officials.

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About Sime Darby Property Berhad
Sime Darby Property is a leading property developer with a strong success rate of developing sustainable communities for 50 years. With 25 active townships/developments, Sime Darby Property has a wide reach that encompasses assets and operations across the country. It marks its presence in the UK as part of a Malaysian consortium to develop the iconic Battersea Power Station Project in central London
 
As a responsible corporate player, Sime Darby Property and its philanthropic arm, Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD) actively implement various initiatives to assist underprivileged communities living within and nearby its townships. A multi award-winning property group with numerous international and local accolades, Sime Darby Property is a constituent of the MSCI ACWI Small Cap Index with MSCI ESG Rating of BBB and is rated by the Carbon Disclosure Project.
 
Sime Darby Property is honoured to be recognised with numerous real estate industry awards throughout the years. In 2021, the Group continues to be recognised as a top property developer in ‘The Edge Malaysia’s Top Property Developers Awards’, achieving the feat for the tenth year running. The Group was also named as ‘EdgeProp Malaysia’s Responsible Developer: Building Sustainable Development Award 2021’, as well as the winner in PwC’s ‘Building Trust Awards 2021’ under the FBM Mid 70 Index category.

For more information, log on to www.simedarbyproperty.com.
 
Media Contact: Sharmila Nair | +6012-617 7860 | sharmila.nair@simedarbyproperty.com
For General Enquiries please e-mail group.communications@simedarbyproperty.com

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