Malaysia Airlines Extends Carbon Credit Portfolio to Kuamut Rainforest Conservation Project – First Certified Nature-Based Carbon Project in Malaysia

KLIA, 11 September 2024 – Malaysia Airlines will begin offering carbon credits from the Malaysian Kuamut Rainforest Conservation Project, the first certified nature-based carbon project in Malaysia, as part of its carbon offset programme for passengers and corporate clients.

Located in the Tongod and Kinabatangan districts of Sabah, the project has recently issued its first carbon credits, marking a significant milestone in Malaysia’s commitment to sustainability and environmental preservation. The project is developed and managed by a public-private partnership involving the Sabah Forestry Department, Yayasan Sabah,  Rakyat Berjaya, and Permian Global (Malaysia), with support from PACOS Trust and the Southeast Asia Rainforest Research Partnership (SEARRP).

This project protects and restores 83,381 hectares of tropical forest in Sabah, Malaysia within a 1-million-hectare concession managed by Yayasan Sabah. Over the next 30 years, it aims to prevent the release of 16 million tonnes of CO2e.

Certified against the Verra Voluntary Carbon Standard (VCS), the Kuamut Rainforest Conservation Project is estimated to reduce emissions by approximately 500,000 tonnes of CO2e annually. In addition, this project will help conserve habitats for elephants, Banteng, orangutans, and endangered bird species such as the Helmeted Hornbill, Bornean Peacock Pheasant, and Storm’s Stork. Recognised for its impact, the project has received a Climate Gold rating from the Climate, Community & Biodiversity Alliance (CCBA).

This initiative aims to improve living standards, health services, education, job creation, and entrepreneurship opportunities for local communities, while increasing sustainable job opportunities for local community groups.

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.”

 “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,” said Ivy Wong Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of Permian Global Malaysia.

In June 2023, Malaysia Airlines launched its voluntary carbon offset programme and has since expanded it to include corporate clients. This initiative empowers travellers to offset the carbon emissions associated with their flights by supporting high-quality carbon projects. These projects are certified by internationally recognised standards and align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, reinforcing the airline’s dedication to sustainability.

Through the Malaysia Airlines booking platform and MHcorporate portal, travellers and corporate customers are able to address the carbon emissions from their flights by selecting the Kuamut Rainforest Conservation Project as one of the available climate projects.

The programme reflects Malaysia Airlines’ dedication to sustainability, aligning with global initiatives for an environmentally conscious aviation industry. The airline invites corporations to join this collective effort of addressing climate change by reaching out to their Corporate Relationship Manager or log on to the MHcorporate portal, previously known as MHbiz TRAVEL, on Malaysia Airlines website.