KUALA LUMPUR: RHB Islamic Bank Bhd has strengthened its commitment to sustainable practices by becoming the first bank in Asia Pacific to introduce an eco-friendly recycled plastic debit card in collaboration with WWF-Malaysia and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu.
The RHB Visa WWF Debit Card-i forms part of RHB Islamic's effort under its flagship initiative "Ocean Harmony".
The initiative aims to raise public awareness on the importance of conserving the marine ecosystem.
The first edition of the eco-friendly card features the Green Sea Turtle, one of the most endangered sea creatures in the world today.
"Most discarded plastics end up in the ocean to the detriment of marine life. Our new recycled plastic card is our way of contributing directly to the conservation of ocean life through global affiliated NGOs such as WWF-Malaysia, and local champions including UMT," said RHB Islamic managing director Datuk Adissadikin Ali.
Customers, he said, are given the option to support ocean life conservation by contributing up to 100 per cent of their profit rate or 'Hibah' and channelling a donation of RM3 to support ocean research and development studies conducted by UMT.
Each new RHB Visa WWF Debit Card-i holder will also enjoy a 10 per cent discount on WWF-Malaysia merchandise purchased at its online shop, pandashop.my.
The initiative contributes directly and indirectly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) particularly, SDG14 (Life Below Water) and SDG17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
RHB Islamic said the initiative is also in line with RHB Group's commitment towards Sustainable and Responsible Banking, one of the three key pillars of the group's sustainability framework.
The card will be made available to all existing and new RHB customers in July 2020.
Sophia Lim, WWF-Malaysia CEO, believes that marine turtles play important roles for maintaining healthy marine ecosystems and their survival affects human survival in the long run.
"This initiative is a good opportunity to showcase how industries can work together with us to conserve the environment and our marine life," Lim added.