Wasco expands reforestation effort in Pahang with Phase 2, eyes 1 million trees
- BT
- Oct 4
- 2 min read
KUANTAN, 3 October 2025: – Wasco Berhad (“Wasco” or the “Company”), an integrated energy infrastructure group with roots in Pahang, yesterday launched the second phase of its flagship reforestation initiative, expanding the Wasco Forest programme to 670 hectares with a long-term ambition of planting one million trees.
The launch was officiated by His Royal Highness the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, with the presence of Her Royal Highness Tengku Ampuan of Pahang Tunku Azizah Maimunah Iskandariah. The event was also attended by Dato' Sri Wan Rosdy bin Wan Ismail, Menteri Besar Pahang, together with more than 200 corporate and industry leaders, underscoring the broad support for the initiative.
Phase 2 builds on the success of Wasco Forest Phase 1, launched in 2021, which saw the planting of 160,000 trees across 100 hectares, achieving an 87% survival rate. Unlike conventional planting campaigns, Phase 2 focuses on secondary forest enrichment, combining fast-growing species such as Kelampayan with hardwoods, including Merawan and Meranti.
The initiative is guided by scientific expertise and supported by the Pahang State Forestry Department, whose silvicultural knowledge ensures the right mix of species and practices are applied to restore biodiversity and strengthen ecosystems. Together with the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (“FRIM”) and ESG consultancy Eco-Ideal Consulting Sdn. Bhd., Wasco is applying science-based methods to ensure long-term forest health, biodiversity recovery, and measurable carbon sequestration.
Scientific rigour underpins the initiative. A baseline biodiversity and carbon-stock study (2025) is underway, laying the foundation for long-term monitoring. Wasco projects that Phase 1 alone could sequester approximately 40,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide by 2040.
“This is a 30-year commitment to biodiversity, communities, and science,” said Gian Carlo Maccagno, Group CEO of Wasco Berhad. “From 160,000 trees to a vision of one million, Wasco Forest is a legacy we are building for generations. We began in 2021 because nature-based solutions take time. At the same time, we are reducing emissions at source across our operations, from energy efficiency in our facilities to renewable and bio-based alternatives. Together, these steps ensure we act today while investing in tomorrow,” he added.
The initiative supports Pahang’s Net Zero 2030 pledge and Malaysia’s Paris Agreement commitments. Recognising that reforestation delivers its full climate benefits over decades, Wasco began its programme in 2021 to ensure measurable long-term results. As part of the launch, Wasco called on other corporations to join in the Wasco Forest initiative and contribute towards scaling its impact.
“Addressing climate change requires collective action. We invite industry peers and partners to stand with us. Whether by supporting reforestation, investing in renewable energy, or embedding sustainability into their value chains. Together, we can accelerate Malaysia’s progress towards Net Zero,” Maccagno said.
