WWF-Malaysia and CIMB Islamic launch ‘Kontena Tuntung’ to support painted terrapin and Setiu Wetlands conservation efforts

Kuala Lumpur: WWF-Malaysia today launched ‘Kontena Tuntung’, in an effort to conserve painted terrapins, a critically endangered species under the International Union for Conservation of the Environment (IUCN) Red List. The one-stop centre comprises a hatchery and gallery that gathers information on the preservation and conservation efforts of painted terrapins as well as Setiu Wetlands, for the use of the local community and the general public. 

This initiative was made possible through a partnership between WWF-Malaysia and CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad (“CIMB Islamic”), involving RM1 million in annual funding from 2019 to 2022. It focuses on the sustainable and holistic management of Setiu Wetlands and its catchment areas, as well as improving the well-being of the local and surrounding communities through sustainable livelihoods. 

WWF-Malaysia Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Executive Director Sophia Lim said WWF-Malaysia’s conservation work in Terengganu, one of which is in Setiu Wetlands, began in the 1980s. Initially, this effort was only focused on the conservation project of the Green sea turtles and painted terrapins. 

"Currently, the scope of our work includes local community empowerment efforts, scientific studies and land use monitoring, as well as advocacy towards more holistic management and protection of the wetlands, river basin and forests in this landscape," she said. 

"WWF-Malaysia is grateful for CIMB Islamic Bank’s contribution over the past 3 years. This joint venture is very important to protect the painted terrapin; If no appropriate action is taken, we risk losing this precious species to extinction. Various activities, including research studies, are planned to gather basic data on this species for future reference. WWF-Malaysia is pleased to invite all parties to together support conservation efforts for this species to ensure a balanced ecosystem for the benefit of people and nature," she added. 

The RM3 million fund for the three-year collaboration is channelled through CIMB Islamic's first environmentally-focused savings account, EcoSave Savings Account-i (EcoSave), through which the bank contributes 0.2% of its total average portfolio balance per year to support social and green initiatives throughout Malaysia. 

CIMB Islamic Chief Executive Officer Ahmad Shahriman Mohd Shariff said, as a responsible corporate institution, CIMB Islamic continues to support programmes throughout the country that have positive impact on society including environmental conservation and preservation, in line with the principles of value-based intermediation. 

"We are pleased to see various sustainability projects come to fruition through our partnership with WWF-Malaysia, supported by their project management expertise and collaborations with relevant state government agencies and other non-governmental organisations. We hope the establishment of Kontena Tuntung and the conservation efforts of Setiu Wetlands will continue to ensure the future survival of the painted terrapins and other flora and fauna in the catchment areas of Setiu Wetlands for the benefit of future generations," he added. 

Since 2014, CIMB Islamic Bank has mobilised several projects with WWF-Malaysia focusing on environmental sustainability for a total commitment of close to RM5 million in Fraser's Hill, Pahang, Ulu Muda Forest, Kedah and Long Semadoh, Sarawak. 

About WWF-Malaysia 

Established in 1972, WWF-Malaysia is part of WWF, the international conservation organisation. Working to sustain the natural world for the benefit of people and wildlife, WWF-Malaysia’s efforts to conserve nature focus on six major goals - forests, oceans, wildlife, food, climate and energy, as well as freshwater – and three key drivers of environmental problems – markets, finance and governance. Our mission is to stop the degradation of the earth’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature. Find our latest news here: https://www.wwf.org.my/media_and_information/media_centre/ 

About CIMB 

CIMB is one of ASEAN’s leading banking groups and Malaysia’s second largest financial services provider, by assets. Listed on Bursa Malaysia via CIMB Group Holdings Berhad, it had a market capitalisation of approximately RM52.0 billion as at 30 June 2022. It offers consumer banking, commercial banking, wholesale banking, transaction banking, Islamic banking and asset management products and services. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, the Group is present in all 10 ASEAN nations (Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Brunei, Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos and Philippines). Beyond ASEAN, the Group has market presence in China, Hong Kong, India, South Korea, the US and UK.  CIMB has one of the most extensive retail branch networks in ASEAN with 621 branches and around 33,000 employees as at 30 June 2022. CIMB’s investment banking arm is one of the largest Asia Pacific-based investment banks, which together with its award-winning treasury & markets and corporate banking units comprise the Group’s leading wholesale banking franchise. CIMB is also the 92.5% shareholder of Bank CIMB Niaga in Indonesia, and 94.8% shareholder of CIMB Thai in Thailand. 

This content is provided by WWF Malaysia

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