MERSING: Yayasan Johor Corporation (Yayasan JCorp) organised its inaugural coral reef rehabilitation programme involving 40 employees from JCorp's group of companies in Pulau Dayang and Pulau Aur, here recently.
The foundation took a diversified approach and expanded their commitment beyond their main four pillars namely in the area of education; environment conservation; community building and wellbeing; and also arts, culture, and heritage.
This was evident in their coral reef rehabilitation programme under its marine conservation efforts held from Oct 13-15 in Pulau Dayang.
Yayasan JCorp set up 50 coral nurseries in the sea beds to breed coral reef with the aim of achieving environmental sustainability.
The initiative will raise awareness and provide education to the local community on the importance of the conservation of coral reefs and marine resources.
This initiative is an example of Yayasan JCorp's efforts to increase its emphasis on environmental preservation and conservation.
These initiatives seek to inform and increase public awareness of the need to protect and conserve the environment, including marine life.
Yayasan JCorp head Zaidatul Zurita Abdul Rahman said the initiative is aligned with JCorp's philosophy to assist and uplift the people's quality of life.
She said as the JCorp Group's corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm, the foundation remains committed to hold various activities focusing on its four main areas and beyond.
She said the group of companies with operations in the healthcare, agribusiness, real estate, and food industries are committed to its multifaceted approach to sustainability.
"The companies in the group have a unified stance on environmental responsibility," she said, adding the foundation has taken up the role as the integrator for sustainability initiatives within the JCorp group of companies.
Yayasan JCorp has implemented several other programmes related to environmental sustainability in the past, including planting mangrove trees in Tanjung Piai, Pontian, and river-cleanups in Kampung Sungai Melayu and Kampung Pendas in Johor Baru.
"The coral rehabilitation is the third activity organised under the foundation's environmental focus area this year," Zaidatul Zurita said.
She added the coral rehabilitation supports the Johor government's efforts to safeguard coral reef habitats in the Johor Marine Park to ensure they are well protected for future generations.
She said the participation of employees from the JCorp Group of companies, namely from Kulim (M) Bhd, KPJ Healthcare Bhd, QSR Brands (M) Holdings Bhd, JLand Group Sdn Bhd and Yayasan JCorp fosters teamwork and makes environmental conservation a fun and enjoyable endeavour.
"There are plans to expand the reach of our initiatives beyond the state's borders.
"Yayasan JCorp's mission is to assist and uplift the community, and we aim to fulfil this mission both locally and beyond."
Zaidatul Zurita said the foundation's focus on marine conservation is a new initiative that reflects JCorp's transition towards a more sustainable business model.
"Our commitment to both building and preserving reflects a growing awareness of the need for sustainable practices within the corporate world.
"In fact, the state's growing emphasis on sustainability is evident. Johor will be hosting the upcoming Asia Pacific Climate Week," she said.
The event will be the largest of its kind, highlighting the region's dedication to low-carbon initiatives.
Besides the coral rehabilitation programme, JCorp's CSR programme also included community activities with Pulau Aur villagers.
There was a beach clean-up, communal cooking and cash donations to 38 families on the island.
The cleanup programme strengthened the bond between JCorp employees and the local community.