Marfiah Ab Wahid
Published on 20 October 2026
KUALA LANGAT, 10 OCTOBER 2026 – Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), in collaboration with TAMCO Switchgear (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., successfully organized the Shaping Our Resilient Ecosystem (SHORE): Sijangkang Mangrove Conservation and Planting Program 2026 at Taman Rekreasi Paya Bakau Kampung Sijangkang, Kuala Langat, Selangor.
Jointly organized by the Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainable Development (IBSD), UiTM, the Institute for Infrastructure Engineering and Sustainable Management (IIESM), UiTM, and TAMCO Switchgear (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. The program brought together approximately 200 participants from the university, industry, local community, and educational institutions.
The program was also carried out in collaboration with Majlis Perbandaran Kuala Langat, Kolej Mawar UiTM Shah Alam, Kolej Melati UiTM Shah Alam, and Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai Bumbun (A), reflecting the collective commitment of various stakeholders to strengthening biodiversity conservation and the sustainability of coastal ecosystems. Led by Dr. Muhammad Fuad Abdullah, Program Director of SHORE 2026, and Mr. Izzul Zulkifli, Head of ESH/ESG, TAMCO Switchgear (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. The initiative successfully brought together participants and strategic partners in advancing a shared sustainability agenda founded on collaboration, collective responsibility, and meaningful action on the ground. Also in attendance were Mr. Amri Ismail, President of Majlis Perbandaran Kuala Langat; Mr. Mohamad Rosli Azhar, Headmaster of Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai Bumbun (A); and Mr. Mohd Suhaimi Sanusi, Manager of Taman Rekreasi Paya Bakau Sijangkang. Their presence further reinforced the spirit of cross-sector collaboration that contributed to the successful implementation of the program.
The event commenced with welcoming remarks by Associate Professor Dr. Siti Aekbal Salleh, Director of the Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainable Development (IBSD), UiTM, followed by Mr. Wong Jun Pin, Chief Executive Officer of TAMCO Switchgear (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. The program also featured an address by Professor Dr. Fazah Akhtar Hanapiah, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM).
In her remarks, Professor Dr. Fazah Akhtar Hanapiah emphasized the importance of collaborative approaches in advancing environmental conservation. She highlighted that the involvement of universities in community-impact initiatives such as SHORE 2026 reflects the important role of higher education institutions in translating knowledge, research, and expertise into meaningful actions that benefit both society and the environment.
Meanwhile, Associate Professor Dr. Siti Aekbal Salleh highlighted that the program provided participants with valuable experiential learning opportunities while enhancing awareness of the importance of mangrove ecosystems. Direct participation in mangrove planting activities also helped foster a stronger sense of shared responsibility towards the conservation of natural resources.
Mr. Wong Jun Pin described the collaboration as part of TAMCO’s corporate commitment to advancing the sustainability agenda while strengthening strategic partnerships among industry, academia, local authorities, educational institutions, and the wider community.
Among the program’s key activities were a safety briefing, demonstration of mangrove planting techniques, light exercise, group formation, and distribution of equipment, followed by the planting of mangrove saplings. The program later continued with site cleanup and equipment collection before concluding at 2.00 p.m.
The implementation of SHORE 2026 also reflected the principles of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) through the active participation of academia, industry, local authorities, educational institutions, and the community.
From an environmental perspective, the program focused on the conservation and restoration of mangrove ecosystems. From a social perspective, the participation of approximately 200 individuals helped strengthen environmental awareness, community engagement, and a shared sense of responsibility for sustainability.
From a governance perspective, the collaboration among multiple institutions demonstrated the importance of coordination, accountability, and strategic partnerships in advancing the sustainability agenda.
Mangrove ecosystems play a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of coastal areas while providing habitats for a diverse range of flora and fauna. Conservation and restoration initiatives such as SHORE 2026 therefore provide a practical platform for enhancing environmental awareness and encouraging collective action towards the protection and preservation of natural ecosystems.
Beyond the planting activity, SHORE 2026 also strengthened the university–industry–government–community collaboration model, demonstrating how cross-sector partnerships can contribute to sustainable development, knowledge transfer, and community well-being.
Guided by the spirit of “Together in Preserving Our Natural Heritage,” SHORE 2026 is expected to serve as a catalyst for future conservation initiatives, sustainability education, and continued strategic collaboration among its participating partners.
