ZUS Coffee Partners with APE Malaysia to Reforest Kinabatangan with 5,000 Native Trees

20 May 2025

KUALA LUMPUR: ZUS Coffee has officially commenced its reforestation initiative with the planting of the first 500 native trees in Kg. Sukau, Kinabatangan , marking a significant milestone in its broader commitment to plant 5,000 trees in collaboration with Animal Projects & Environmental Education (APE Malaysia).

More than merely a corporate endeavour, this project exemplifies ZUS Coffee’s dedication to environmental stewardship. It reflects the company’s belief that creating a better tomorrow begins with the choices we make today. Through this initiative, ZUS aims to help preserve the natural environment and foster a healthier ecosystem for future generations.

Rooted in collaboration, the trees were cultivated from seeds and young saplings supplied by the skilled hands of villagers from Kg. Sukau. Their extensive knowledge of local flora not only ensured the quality of the saplings but also strengthened the community’s role in the restoration process. These saplings were nurtured in APE Malaysia’s nursery — which is home to 22 native species — before being carefully prepared for planting in the field.

Each tree signifies more than carbon sequestration; it embodies hope, healing, and the collective power of action. The first 500 were planted on-site by APE Malaysia’s field team, with the ZUS team joining in — hands in soil, hearts aligned with purpose.

As a proudly Malaysian brand, ZUS has always believed that its growth should go hand in hand with giving back to the land that shaped us. The “Kopi to Kinabatangan Canopy” initiative seeks not only to restore lost forest corridors but also to protect vital biodiversity, empower rural communities, and reimagine how brands can contribute meaningfully to tangible climate solutions.

This restoration effort would not have been possible without the incredible support of over 341,000 ZUS Coffee App users who backed the pledge. Thanks to this collective spirit, an area once degraded by logging, devoid of natural tree cover, is now showing signs of recovery. Orangutan nests and elephant feeding activities have already been observed in the vicinity — promising indicators that life is returning.

“Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for us — it’s a responsibility. We recognise that we can’t solve the climate crisis alone, but we believe every step counts. This reforestation effort is our way of demonstrating 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, added, “This reforestation site is an important habitat for wildlife. The trees we’ve planted today will support food chains, restore degraded habitats, and gradually rebuild a thriving ecosystem. The early signs are very encouraging.”

ZUS extends heartfelt 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 transformed intention into impact. This project is a small but meaningful step towards restoring what has been lost — and safeguarding what matters for future generations.