CIMB Islamic commits RM20 million to advance environmental conservation nationwide

24 January 2026

Champions nature and biodiversity conservation, environmental education and community empowerment initiatives nationwide through EcoSave-i

Kuala Lumpur : CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad (“CIMB Islamic” or “the Bank”) today committed RM20 million to drive environmental conservation and restoration initiatives across Malaysia from 2026 to 2030. The renewed pledge, channelled through the Bank’s flagship EcoSave-i savings account ("EcoSave-i"), underscores CIMB Islamic’s long-term dedication to responsible finance, community empowerment, environmental education and conservation, aligned with CIMB Group’s purpose in advancing customers and society. 

The commitment was formalised at the CIMB Islamic Green Showcase, together with nature conservation partners including Amanah Warisan Negara (“AWAN”), The Habitat Foundation, Reef Check Malaysia, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (“UPSI”), Malaysia Nature Society, WWF-Malaysia, Malaysia Forest Fund, Forest House, ⁠Leap Spiral, Your Idea Maker, Free Tree Society and ⁠Penang Institute. The Bank also renewed its agreement with AWAN, the primary custodian of Taman Tugu, for the continuation of the Taman Tugu Adoption and Nature Education Programme for another two years.

The investment scales up CIMB Islamic’s growing portfolio of nature conservation, biodiversity protection and community-led environmental programmes across eight states including Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Kedah, Penang, Perak, Johor, Terengganu and Sabah. Through strategic partnerships with nature conservation partners, academic institutions and community groups, CIMB Islamic effectively channels funds into meaningful programmes that strengthen long term ecosystem resilience and sustain the livelihoods of the local communities.

Ahmad Shahriman Mohd Shariff, Chief Executive Officer of CIMB Islamic said, “Our mission to advance customers and society is built on environmental stewardship and community resilience. Through EcoSave‑i, we operationalise the Shariah principles by integrating sustainability into everyday banking practices. The RM20 million investment reaffirms our belief that sustainability is the fundamental lens through which we allocate capital. By embedding these principles into our core financial offerings, we are supporting development that is inclusive, responsible and ecologically resilient for generations to come."

“We are also pleased to extend our support with 12 nature conservation partners, including AWAN, to support a range of impactful environmental initiatives nationwide. As part of this, CIMB Islamic will continue its support for the Taman Tugu Adoption and Nature Education Programme for another two years, reaffirming our commitment to Taman Tugu and expanding the programme’s impact through enhanced outreach to schools and B40 communities. Over the years, Taman Tugu has transformed into a vital sanctuary for nature-based learning and recreation, located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur and easily accessible to the public, offering Malaysians a unique space to reconnect with our natural heritage and fostering a strong sense of shared responsibility toward nature conservation."

The refreshed commitment through EcoSave-i enables CIMB Islamic to expand its support from the Peninsula to East Malaysia. In the northern corridors, the Bank continues to strengthen biodiversity efforts within the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve and Royal Belum State Park, while extending forest restoration and human-elephant conflict mitigation in Ulu Muda, Kedah. Central to its agenda is the protection of the Central Forest Spine. This includes initiatives within the Klang Valley such as the UPSI Edu-Forest initiative, the Rantaian Urban Green Space project, and the Penjaga Gunung Project, which empowers Orang Asli youth as the next generation of forest stewards.

In Terengganu, the Bank is deepening its footprint in Setiu, alongside coastal and coral rehabilitation efforts in Redang, Tioman and the Mersing islands. In Sabah, the Bank continues to support initiatives such as the Babagon Water Catchment and the Ulu Kalumpang Rehabilitation Programme, which focus on long-term watershed protection and restoration of wetland habitats, while empowering indigenous communities with sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Through these diverse initiatives, EcoSave-i serves as a meaningful example of how Islamic finance is able to mobilise capital for environmental sustainability. Anchored in principles of social and ecological value creation, CIMB continues to deliver lasting positive impact for the environment while ensuring underserved groups are included in the transition towards a greener economy.

EcoSave-i is Malaysia’s first environmentally focused Islamic savings account, designed to support conservation initiatives and forms a key component of CIMB Group’s broader Green, Social, Sustainable Impact Products and Services (“GSSIPS”) framework, which aims to mobilise RM300 billion in sustainable financing by 2030. Through EcoSave-i, CIMB Islamic contributes 0.2% of the total average portfolio balance per annum from the Bank’s own funds* towards environmental projects, enabling the public to contribute and support these conservation initiatives by opening an account online or at any CIMB branch nationwide. Customers who maintain a monthly average balance of RM5,000 without over-the-counter transactions are eligible to receive a RM5 monthly cash incentive.

For more information on EcoSave-i, please visit http://www.cimb.com.my/ecosave.

* Subject to maximum amount (if any) as stated in the product T&C