Partnership to reforest Kinabatangan with 5,000 native trees
KOTA KINABALU (May 20): ZUS Coffee has officially kicked off its reforestation journey with the planting of the first 500 native trees in Kampung Sukau, Kinabatangan — a milestone in its larger pledge to plant 5,000 trees in partnership with Animal Projects & Environmental Education (APE Malaysia).
More than just a corporate initiative, this is ZUS Coffee's commitment to environmental stewardship. It reflects ZUS' belief that creating a better tomorrow starts with the choices we make today. Through this project, ZUS hopes to help preserve the natural environment and nurture a healthier ecosystem for future generations.
Rooted in collaboration, the trees were grown from seeds and young saplings supplied by the skilled hands of villagers from Kg Sukau. Their deep knowledge of local plant life not only ensured the saplings' quality but also strengthened the community's role in the restoration process. These saplings were then nurtured in APE Malaysia's nursery — home to 22 native species — before being carefully prepared for field planting.
Each tree represents more than carbon absorption; it symbolises hope, healing, and the power of collective action. The first 500 were planted on-site by APE Malaysia's field team, and the ZUS team — hands in soil, hearts aligned with purpose.
As a proudly homegrown Malaysian brand, ZUS has always believed that the brand's growth should go hand in hand with giving back to the land that shaped us. The 'Kopi to Kinabatangan Canopy' initiative aims to not only restore lost forest corridors but also protect vital biodiversity, empower rural communities, and reimagine how brands can contribute meaningfully to real-world climate solutions.
This restoration would not have been possible without the incredible support of over 341,000 ZUS Coffee App users who backed the pledge. Thanks to the collective spirit, an area that was once a logging site void of natural tree cover is now showing signs of recovery. Orangutan nests and elephant feeding activity have already been spotted in the vicinity — a promising sign that life is returning.
'Sustainability isn't just a buzzword for us — it's a responsibility. We know we can't solve the climate crisis alone, but we believe every step counts. This reforestation effort is our way of showing that doing good for the planet can be deeply rooted in who we are as a brand,' said Venon Tian, Chief Operating Officer of ZUS Coffee.
Mark Louis Benedict, Project Manager at APE Malaysia, shared, 'This reforestation site is an important wildlife habitat area. The trees we've planted today will support food chains, restore these once degraded habitats, and gradually rebuild a thriving ecosystem. The early signs are very encouraging.'
ZUS extends sincere thanks to APE Malaysia for their expertise and vision, to the Kg Sukau community for their invaluable support, and to every volunteer and ZUS user who turned intention into impact. This project is a small but meaningful step in restoring what has been lost — and in safeguarding what matters for the generations to come.
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