Pansar Collaborated with Liberty General Insurance Berhad to Plant 1,000 Trees at SAFODA Eco Forest Park, Kinarut, Sabah

4 June 2025, Pansar in collaboration with Liberty General Insurance Berhad, had successfully planted 1,000 trees at SAFODA Eco Forest Park, Kinarut, Sabah as part of a joint sustainability initiative.

This event was held under the theme “Rooting for a Greener Future,” and this tree planting effort brought together up to 100 people and staff from Pansar Headquarters, Pansar Kota Kinabalu branch, Pansar Sandakan branch, Pansar Lahad Datu branch, and Pansar Tawau branch. The event was supported by the Sabah Forestry Development Authority (SAFODA).

This event began with brief welcoming remarks by SAFODA’s R&D Manager Ms. Sonetha, Pansar Berhad Chief Operating Officer Mr. David Tai, and Liberty General Insurance East Malaysia Regional Manager Mr. Kong Chak Shan.

“Every tree planted today represents a step forward in protecting our environment and investing in the future,” said Mr. David Tai. He stressed the value of restoring ecosystems and promoting environmental awareness, and reaffirmed the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in addressing climate challenges. Mr. David also applauded SAFODA’s role in ensuring the sustainability of the forest while bettering the community and expressed Pansar’s pride in partnering with them. He also thanked Liberty Insurance, which always puts the community at heart and helps both Pansar and its customers feel secure, so that they can progress and go beyond.

After that, participants were given safety and planting briefings before proceeding into the forest reserve. The trees were planted in a designated reforestation zone managed by SAFODA, with staff also taking part in knowledge-sharing sessions on biodiversity and forest ecosystem conservation.

The trees planted include native species such as Selangan Batu, a heavy hardwood widely used in construction and shipbuilding, and Talisai Paya (Terminalia procera), which can grow up to 40 metres tall. These are valuable timber species vital for forest sustainability. Mr. David highlighted the importance of trees in absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen through photosynthesis, while also contributing to pollution reduction, water retention, and cooling the surrounding environment.

Each mature tree absorbs approximately 22 kilograms of carbon dioxide annually, removes 1.7 kilograms of pollutants such as ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and particulates, and intercepts between 3,800 to 7,600 litres of rainwater per year, reducing runoff and preventing flooding. Additionally, trees can reduce surrounding air temperatures by up to 5 degrees Celsius and surface temperatures by up to 14 degrees Celsius, while providing essential habitats for birds, insects, mammals, fungi, and other organisms.

By planting 1,000 trees, this initiative contributes an estimated 22 tonnes of CO₂ absorption and 1.7 tonnes of pollutant removal annually, while strengthening soil resilience and promoting ecological stability in the area. Mr. David Tai reminded everyone that sustainability is not a one-time effort but a long-term commitment.

This tree planting effort also directly contributes to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 4 (Quality Education). It not only helps mitigate climate change and restore biodiversity but also raises awareness on sustainable urban development and fosters lifelong learning through community-based environmental action. By engaging staff across multiple regions and collaborating with both government and corporate partners, Pansar demonstrates how collective efforts can drive measurable progress toward a more resilient and sustainable future.
Press Release: