Hope Takes Root in the Mud of Teluk Piyai Pesisir

Teluk Piyai Pesisir, 23 September 2026 — Deep mud and coastal winds did little to dampen the determination of the Makmur Pesisir Forest Farmers Group (KTH Makmur Pesisir). Working across muddy ground and a challenging intertidal zone, community members joined forces to plant mangroves as part of efforts to protect the coast and restore its ecosystem.

A total of 700 Rhizophora seedlings were planted during the activity. They form part of 1,000 mangrove seedlings supported through collaboration between MA Earth and Yayasan Gambut for coastal rehabilitation with KTH Makmur Pesisir.

Working Together for the Coast

MA Earth’s support for Yayasan Gambut has helped make community action possible. Through this support, Yayasan Gambut facilitated the provision of 1,000 mangrove seedlings to be planted and cared for with KTH Makmur Pesisir. The collaboration goes beyond planting: it also encourages community involvement in sustaining coastal ecosystems.

Community members play an important role at every stage, from preparing seedlings and planting to ongoing care. For KTH Makmur Pesisir, mangroves are more than trees growing in the intertidal zone. They are valued for their role in coastal protection, particularly in addressing erosion and maintaining ecosystem balance.

Planting Through the Mud

On 23 September, three members of KTH Makmur Pesisir took part in the planting. Their feet repeatedly sank into the mud as coastal winds swept across the site. Despite these conditions, they remained determined to complete the work, carefully planting each Rhizophora seedling in the prepared locations.

The activity was also supported by local representatives, including the village head (Datuk Penghulu), the village military liaison officer (Babinsa), the hamlet head, the neighbourhood head, and the chair of KTH Makmur Pesisir.

Their involvement reflects the shared commitment needed to protect the coast. Community cooperation is central to ensuring that the work continues beyond planting into maintenance and care.

700 Seedlings Planted, 300 Prepared for the Next Phase

Of the 1,000 mangrove seedlings available, 700 have been planted along the Teluk Piyai coast. The remaining 300 are being cared for in the nursery and prepared for the next planting phase.

This phased approach takes seedling readiness and field conditions into account to improve their prospects for establishment and survival. Continued maintenance and monitoring will be essential to help the planted seedlings grow well.

From Seedlings, Hope Grows

Mangrove planting in Teluk Piyai shows how environmental restoration can begin with simple steps taken together. MA Earth’s support, Yayasan Gambut’s facilitation, and the direct involvement of KTH Makmur Pesisir and local community members are all part of a collective effort to care for the coast.

That day, planting 700 mangrove seedlings in the mud also represented hope for a protected Teluk Piyai coastline, a healthy ecosystem, and lasting benefits for generations to come.