Cameron Highlands, long known for its refreshing weather and cool climate, continues to face the serious consequences of deforestation, including landslides and soil erosion.
In response to these environmental challenges, Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) took a proactive approach by incorporating a tree-planting initiative into this year’s international student induction programme.
The reforestation activity was held at Tapak Semaian Terla B, Cameron Highlands, Pahang, on 23 January 2026.
The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) tree planting activity was carried out in collaboration with the Pahang State Forestry Department. It involved 60 international students, symbolically reflecting Majlis Amanah Rakyat’s (MARA) 60 years of contribution to nation-building.
According to the Director of UniKL’s Campus Lifestyle Division (CLD), Dr Mohd Faizun Mohamad Yazid, a total of 300 trees were replanted during the programme.
“This is where we encourage students to give back to society. Through this CSR initiative, we can involve them directly with the community while contributing to the well-being of the Earth and future generations,” he said.
The activity was officiated by the Group Chief Executive Officer of MARA Corporation (MARA Corp), Encik Yahaya Sani. Also present was the President and Chief Executive Officer of UniKL, Prof. Ir. Dr Azman Senin.
For Assiya Orazalina, 19, a Bachelor of Aviation Management student at UniKL Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology (UniKL MIAT), the reforestation programme offered a refreshing experience while meeting new friends.
“I really enjoyed being here in Cameron Highlands, planting trees and meeting people from different countries. It’s really nice and meaningful. We’re helping the ecology while having fun together,” said Assiya, who hails from Kazakhstan.
Her enthusiasm was shared by Sumiya Rakib Tazrin, a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) student from UniKL Royal College of Medicine Perak (UniKL RMP), who successfully planted three trees during the activity.
“I’ve never done any tree-planting before. At first, I thought I wouldn’t like it, but I actually enjoyed it. Planting three trees on my own feels like an achievement.
“It was fun, inclusive, and showed great cooperation among everyone involved,” she said.
UniKL has been advocating reforestation efforts since 2016, beginning with a modest tree-planting initiative that has since evolved into a large-scale, student-led environmental programme.
The initiative aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).
To date, more than four hectares of forest have been rehabilitated, with thousands of trees planted under expert supervision.
Note: In line with Malaysia’s aspiration to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) continues to strengthen and expand its efforts through various initiatives. This article particularly supports SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).
