17 May 2022
K-KOMM Deputy Minister officiates Yayasan TM’s effort for most number of Gutta Percha planted within 24 hours
Recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records, campaign sees planting of 5,017 trees across 23 locations with 18 collaborative partners
Yayasan TM (YTM), the foundation arm of Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM), today launched The Largest Gutta Percha Tree-Planting Event in 24 hours, a Malaysia Book of Records certified campaign in conjunction with World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2022.
The project, inspired by the “Greening Malaysia; Our Trees, Our Life” campaign under the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources that aims to preserve the country’s biological diversity, was co-organised with Yayasan Sukarelawan Siswa (YSS), and saw 1,000 student volunteers and TM’s own Reaching Out Volunteers (TM ROVers) working together to plant 5,017 Gutta Percha trees at 23 locations simultaneously.
Launched by YB Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin, Deputy Minister of Communications and Multimedia, together with Dato’ Haji Rosli Isa, Secretary General, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, the campaign specifically chose the Gutta Percha tree species for its significant heritage status in Malaysia.
Native to the country and known as Nyatoh Taban Merah to locals, the species was instrumental for the early beginnings of the global submarine telegraph network. In 1851, the latex from the Gutta Percha tree was discovered to be the best insulating material and led to the invention of the first submarine cable in the world. While it was replaced with polyethylene by the 1950s, this humble tree essentially spearheaded modern telecommunications capabilities globally.
Hosting the event, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Abd. Ghafar Mahmud, Board of Trustee Member of YTM said, “This symbolic Gutta Percha tree-planting programme is a collaborative effort to protect our natural heritage and to honour the unique role it has played in connecting communities throughout the world. From its humble origins in our own forests, this species has transformed our communications capabilities, and it is now our duty to protect it for future generations.”
Speaking at the launch, YB Datuk Zahidi said, “The World Telecommunication and Information Society Day this year is celebrated by industry players, agencies and corporate partners in their own unique ways. As we move with the fast pace of the digital world, we need to balance it with green conservation efforts to sustain our environment. I am thrilled and excited with today’s event that sees the preservation of Gutta Percha, a native and very important species particularly to telecommunications. Congratulations to YTM and YSS for this unique collaboration!”
A total of 18 partners from local councils, institutions and universities also collaborated on this project, providing designated areas for Gutta Percha education, research and development, as well as participating in the tree-planting initiative. Besides YSS, these partners include: Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Jabatan Perhutanan Semenanjung Malaysia, Perbadanan Putrajaya, Majlis Perbandaran Sepang, Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur, Multimedia University (MMU), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), University of Malaya (UM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UITM), Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) and Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) as well as Mr DIY, Hara Makers and unifi.
In addition to tree-planting, YTM is also supporting Buy for Impact’s social enterprise, Hara Makers, through their Reimagine Plastic environmental initiatives. The foundation is further helping economically-disadvantaged communities through an income-generating project to create upcycled volunteers’ hats for the Gutta Percha Tree-Planting event.
Extending the impact of the project beyond the launch event, YTM, in partnership with unifi, is running an Adopt-A-Tree campaign via unifi Rewards points redemptions. unifi customers will have the opportunity to adopt a Gutta Percha tree by donating their points towards this effort via the myunifi application or portal. Through their support, the adopted trees will be planted within the 23 unifi Green Zones and customers will receive a digital certificate from YTM for their contribution.
These initiatives tie in with TM Group’s Environmental, Societal and Governance (ESG) sustainability commitments, connecting the three components with Malaysia’s national heritage conservation as well as education efforts.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
TM to enhance customer experience with 2600 MHz spectrum
Accepts offer from MCMC for total applicable fee of RM37 million over five (5) years Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing customer experience, capacity and value with the 2600 MHz spectrum band acquired from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) recently. TM accepted the offer from MCMC for a 20 MHz spectrum block of the 2600 MHz spectrum band through its subsidiary, Webe Digital Sdn. Bhd. (“webe”). The allocated block of 2575 MHz to 2595 MHz is effective from 1 July 2022, with total applicable fee of RM37 million over a period of five (5) years and according to the following components: Upfront fee of RM7,060,000.00 Annual fee of RM5,984,000.00 to be paid by 15 December each year TM’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Imri Mokhtar said that the spectrum provides substantial value and leverage to TM as a leading convergence provider. “The increased capacity will enable TM to provide seamless fixed and wireless access, and content to its retail and enterprise customers at home, office or on the move.” “The acceptance of this spectrum offer is also aligned with our future direction in embarking into a dynamic digital space. With our strong and extensive fibre infrastructure, the spectrum will enable future expansion of telecommunication services to customers, for an end-to-end converged experience,” Imri added. “We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia as well as MCMC for extending the spectrum allocation to TM.” The allocation of the spectrum also allows TM to support the national agenda in delivering extensive telecommunications coverage with high service quality, especially through the Jalinan Digital Negara (JENDELA) and the Malaysian Digital Economy blueprint (MyDIGITAL).
TM STATEMENT ON BUDGET 2025
TM welcomes the Government’s Budget 2025 announcement, themed “Ekonomi MADANI: Negara Makmur, Rakyat Sejahtera”, and applauds its continued focus on economic reform and uplifting the well-being of the rakyat. In line with these goals, TM is committed to playing a key role in the nation’s digitalisation journey, ensuring that technological advancements contribute to sustainable and inclusive growth that benefits businesses, MSMEs, communities, and the public sector. In line with Budget 2025’s priorities, TM continues to support digital inclusivity by collaborating with the relevant Ministries and Government agencies to enhance high-speed internet access for underserved areas and improve the quality of digital services in various industries such as education and healthcare. TM also remains dedicated to nurturing the nation’s digital talent by integrating crucial skills such as AI, IoT, cybersecurity, and cloud computing into education and training programmes through our Multimedia University (MMU) and collaborations with TVET institutions. As a trusted partner of over 400,000 MSMEs, TM supports the Government’s ongoing initiatives to strengthen this key segment through various financial initiatives. We will continue providing customised digital solutions and empower MSMEs to thrive in the digital economy. As we progress towards becoming a Digital Powerhouse by 2030, TM is well-positioned to drive Malaysia’s digital transformation. Our key investments in digital infrastructures, talent development, and sustainability will fuel the nation’s long-term growth, reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a digital hub for the ASEAN region.
TM leverages Maxis’ Infra to Drive Enhanced Mobile Connectivity Nationwide
To strengthen the nation’s digital ecosystem through industry collaboration, TM will access Maxis’ 4G Multi Operator Core Network (MOCN), as well as 4G and 2G Domestic Roaming Services to enhance mobile connectivity nationwide. MOCN is a radio access network (RAN) sharing mechanism that allows different core networks to share the same RAN. Through this, TM will extend its 4G coverage across the country by leveraging Maxis’ RAN infrastructure and improve Unifi Mobile's population coverage to above 95%. Maxis will provide approximately 6,800 sites for 4G MOCN and domestic roaming (DR) services, and 10,000 sites for 2G DR, greatly benefiting all subscribers in rural and urban areas nationwide. In a ceremony today at TM HQ in Cyberjaya, Maxis was represented by its Chief Executive Officer, Goh Seow Eng, while Datuk Imri Mokhtar, Group Chief Executive Officer represented TM. Through this strategic partnership, TM and Maxis demonstrate a shared commitment to driving innovation, improving customer experiences, and contributing to the advancement of Malaysia's digital landscape. “This is a significant milestone for Maxis which represents our capabilities and track record in providing high quality mobile networks. We look forward to progressing ahead with TM on this initiative. Industry collaboration is the right way forward as it will ultimately benefit consumers with wider coverage through better cost efficiency and more efficient use of our resources,” said Goh Seow Eng. “We are witnessing an important step in the industry's collaborative efforts towards infrastructure sharing. Our partnership will elevate TM’s 4G mobile proposition to deliver exceptional customer experience for home, SME, and enterprise customers. It will complement our 5G offering, and pave the way for greater innovation and collaboration, to deliver solutions and services for all Malaysians," said Datuk Imri.
NEWSLETTER
Just drop your details and stay updated with the world of Telekom Malaysia. We promise – no spam!