Kuala terengganu: The Sultan of Terengganu, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, today launched the 'Wakaf Kelestarian Alam: Konservasi Penyu Terengganu', Malaysia's first waqf (endowment) model dedicated to the preservation of marine life, particularly endangered species such as turtles.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sultan Mizan also inaugurated the RHB Sukuk Dana Hafeez initiative to support turtle conservation efforts under the waqf programme. The Sultanah of Terengganu, Sultanah Nur Zahirah, was also present at the event. The ceremony included the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) and RHB Islamic Bank Berhad (RHB Islamic), marking a strategic partnership for the implementation of this waqf initiative.

UMT vice-chancellor Prof Dr Mohd Zamri Ibrahim stated that the collaboration represents a creative and innovative approach to sustaining research and conservation activities. He highlighted that it also provides an opportunity for public participation in biodiversity conservation through systematic and structured waqf contributions. Prof Dr Mohd Zamri emphasized UMT's commitment to using knowledge and research as tools for preserving the natural ecosystem and strengthening waqf practices to support sustainable development in line with Islamic economic principles.

Meanwhile, RHB Islamic Bank managing director, Datuk Adissadikin Ali, remarked that the sukuk fund marks a new chapter in advancing a more inclusive and impactful approach to waqf financing. It aims to provide wider opportunities for contributors to support environmental conservation efforts through transparent Islamic financial instruments.