KUALA LUMPUR, 4 August 2025 – His Royal Highness the Sultan of Terengganu, Al-Wathiqu Billah Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Ibni Almarhum Sultan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billah Shah, today graciously officiated the Launching Ceremony of the Environmental Sustainability Waqf: Terengganu Turtle Conservation and RHB Sukuk Dana Hafeez, held at The Westin Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.

The historic event also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) and RHB Islamic Bank Berhad (RHB Islamic), symbolising a strategic partnership for the implementation of a high-impact waqf initiative aimed at preserving marine biodiversity.

As the leading university in marine research in Malaysia, UMT plays a key strategic role in this initiative through the expertise of its Sea Turtle Research Unit (SEATRU) and facilities at the Chagar Hutang Turtle Research Station on Redang Island, an internationally recognised turtle conservation site that attracts researchers and volunteers from around the world.

In his welcoming remarks, UMT Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Mohd Zamri Ibrahim emphasized that this collaboration reflects UMT’s capability in leveraging knowledge and research as tools for environmental conservation, while also strengthening the practice of waqf within the context of sustainable development based on Islamic economic principles.

“This programme is the first waqf model in Malaysia specifically focusing on marine life conservation, especially endangered species like turtles. It not only directly impacts the sustainability of marine ecosystems but also serves as an educational and awareness-raising instrument for youth and the community,” he said.

He added that the collaboration is a creative and innovative idea that ensures the continuity of research and conservation activities, while providing the public with opportunities to contribute to biodiversity preservation through a systematic and structured waqf platform.

Meanwhile, Managing Director of RHB Islamic, Dato’ Adissadikin Ali, said the initiative is a new approach in expanding the role of the Islamic financial sector in supporting conservation and environmental sustainability efforts.

“The launch of the RHB Sukuk Dana Hafeez reflects our commitment to mobilising Shariah-compliant financial instruments for sustainable development, as well as the well-being of society and the environment,”

“The returns from this fund will be fully channelled to the UMT Education and Welfare Waqf Fund, specifically to support turtle conservation efforts through the Environmental Sustainability Waqf: Terengganu Turtle Conservation programme,” he said.

The synergy between key sectors led by the monarchy, higher education institutions, and the financial sector in executing this initiative illustrates a holistic approach toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in ensuring the sustainability of marine life (SDG 14: Life Below Water).

As a university focused on marine and aquatic resource studies, UMT will continue to strengthen its efforts through various initiatives such as community education programmes, high-impact research, and data-driven conservation projects to ensure the preservation of the nation’s marine heritage for future generations.

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Corporate Communications Office

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu