UNIQLO BACKS COASTAL PROTECTION IN JOHOR AMID CLIMATE CONCERNS!

UNIQLO Malaysia is deepening its environmental commitment with a RM200,000 donation to the Global Environment Centre (GEC), supporting mangrove rehabilitation and coastal protection in Johor. 

The initiative, funded through proceeds from UNIQLO’s in-store paper bag charge, reflects the global retailer’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainability and marks a significant milestone as the brand celebrates its 15th anniversary in Malaysia.

This marks the third consecutive year UNIQLO has channelled funds from its paper bag initiative into environmental conservation projects. 

The latest contribution will aid in the restoration of one hectare of degraded mangrove forest in Kampung Tenglu Laut, Mersing, and support the construction of a 100-meter wave breaker to protect the coastline from erosion and flooding during the East Coast Monsoon season.

Dawn Chow, Director of Sustainability and Corporate Public Relations at UNIQLO Malaysia, said the donation is part of the company’s broader mission to support local communities and protect Malaysia’s natural ecosystems. 

She stressed that mangroves play a crucial role in safeguarding coastal areas and biodiversity.

 “At UNIQLO, we always seek to contribute meaningfully to our local communities as a way to give back. As we celebrate UNIQLO’s 15th anniversary in Malaysia, we continue to strengthen our long-term commitment to environmental awareness, preservation, and sustainability. 

“Over the past three years, proceeds from our paper bag initiative have been directed toward meaningful conservation projects across the country. This year, we are proud to support GEC’s critical work in rehabilitating mangroves, natural barriers that not only protect coastal communities from floods but also support biodiversity. Our aim is to create a lasting positive impact for both people and the planet,” said Dawn Chow.

Director of GEC, Faizal Parish (above),  welcomed UNIQLO’s continued support and highlighted the importance of corporate partnerships in advancing environmental goals. 

“Partnerships with corporations like UNIQLO support our ongoing efforts to rehabilitate local mangrove ecosystems and foster effective cooperation among various stakeholders. These partnerships also enable us to engage local communities in raising awareness of the importance of mangrove protection, while also enhancing community capacity through knowledge transfer and active participation in conservation efforts,” said Faizal at the launch of Uniqlo Global Environment Centre Mangrove Conservation Project and handing of mock cheque worth RM200,000 held at Uniqlo The Exchange, TRX recently.

Receiving the cheque were Cheif Financial Officer, Uniqlo Malaysia, Tomohisa Kikuchi and joining the event is the Senior Programme Officer, Forest & Coastal Programme GEC, Prem Kumar Selvarajan.

Continuing his speech, Faizal also emphasised that through public engagement and knowledge transfer, the project aims to raise awareness about the vital role mangroves play in mitigating the impacts of climate change and protecting coastal ecosystems.

In addition to physical restoration, the project will include site preparation, ongoing maintenance and monitoring, and educational outreach to encourage community participation and environmental stewardship. 

By involving residents directly, the project not only addresses ecological concerns but also strengthens local capacity to manage natural resources.

Long-term monitoring and maintenance will also ensure the success and sustainability of the rehabilitation efforts.

Since 2020, UNIQLO has replaced plastic shopping bags with responsibly harvested, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified paper bags. 

The RM0.30 charge for each bag is part of the company’s broader strategy to reduce single-use plastics materials and encourage eco-conscious shopping behaviours.

Customers are also encouraged to bring their own reusable bags when shopping at UNIQLO stores to further contribute to a greener future. 

In previous years, proceeds from the paper bag charge have supported reforestation efforts at Taman Tugu and the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), helping to preserve urban green spaces and promote biodiversity. 

UNIQLO has also renewed its collaboration with Taman Tugu to support ongoing community-based environmental programmes such as the Plant Giveaway and Plant & Hunt, which encourage families and communities to engage in sustainability-focused activities and reduce their carbon footprint.

UNIQLO’s latest initiative further reflects its long-term vision of integrating sustainability and social responsibility into its business operations in Malaysia.

For more information about UNIQLO and its sustainability initiatives, do visit www.uniqlo.com/my.   

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