By Rosli Mansor and Ahmad Razali
IPOH – The Ipoh City Council (MBI) and Maybank Foundation have continued to pursue the state government’s recommendation to intensify the ‘Perak Bumi Lestari’ (Sustainable Perak) agenda as an added value to eco-tourism products.
Ipoh City Mayor, Dato’ Rumaizi Bahari, stated that the management and conservation of natural resources constitute sustainable development that encompasses economic growth, social endeavours, and community involvement.
“This effort involves various stakeholders, including government agencies, authorities, communities, private entities, and NGOs. Besides nurturing a spirit of community service and environmental consciousness, it also aims to promote the Ulu Chepor Recreational Park as an eco-tourism product.
“The collaborative Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program also contributes to the socio-economic development of the community and the environment,” he told the media after launching the Local Agenda 21 (LA21) Program by MBI and CSR Maybank Global CR Day 2023 at Lata Ulu Chepor, Chemor, today.
Present at the event were the Director of the Perak Region of Malayan Banking Berhad, Sidek Ismail, and the District Officer of the Kinta Land District Office, Meor Hezbullah Meor Abd Malik.
It is understood that this CSR program marks the second collaboration between MBI and Maybank Foundation, following initiatives in 2016 and 2019.
The 2016 initiative involved tree planting along the Kinta River, while the 2019 effort encompassed mural painting and beautification works along Jalan Bijih Timah and Lorong Hale.
According to Rumaizi, there are four guiding principles for this CSR endeavour: Community, Environment, Workplace, and Market.
“This aligns with MBI’s 2021-2030 Strategic Plan, where Strategic Core 1 focuses on fostering a prosperous enlightened community, and Strategic Core 4 involves exploring private financing rooted in infrastructure, social, economic, and environmental aspects,” he added.
