In support of Johor’s Green Vision Goal 2030 and in providing a green haven to the state’s residents, Yayasan UEM, the philanthropic arm of UEM Group Berhad (UEM Group), has sponsored the restoration of a bridge in SIREH Park known as ECO Link and planting of 100 new trees in the park.
The official launch of the 65-meter-long ECO Link and the planting of trees took place today and was led by YAB Dato’ Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Menteri Besar of Johor along with several state officials and representatives from SIREH Park, Yayasan UEM, UEM Group and UEM Sunrise Berhad (UEM Sunrise).
SIREH Park, short for Sustainable, Initiatives, Recreation and Education Haven, is located on a sprawling 343-acre green space located in Iskandar Puteri, Johor. It was recently recognised as Malaysia’s largest urban community recreational park by the Malaysia Book of Records. SIREH Park was officially opened to the public in 2017 and developed by UEM Sunrise, the township and property development arm of UEM Group.
Managed by the Nusajaya Natural Heritage Trust, SIREH Park serves as a vibrant hub for recreation, tourism, and ecological preservation. It has made significant progress in environmental efforts through its “Plant That Tree” programme, planting over 10,000 trees in less than a decade with a goal of reaching 25,000 trees by 2028.
SIREH Park ECO Link, formerly known as Hill Bridge, was originally constructed for temporary use during the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) in 2020, an event that was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Over time, the structure became unsafe for public use, prompting the need for renewal. The recent reconstruction, completed in early 2025 using eco-friendly materials, not only restored the bridge’s durability but also preserves the park’s scenic beauty and ecological balance. The upgraded bridge now offers visitors enhanced safety and convenience, enriching their overall experience.
Coinciding with the unveiling of ECO Link Bridge, Yayasan UEM and SIREH Park hosted Eco-Day, an event aimed at promoting sustainable living and community engagement through fun-filled activities. Eco-Day featured diverse activities, such as a demonstration on composting, Nature Blossom Art which used natural materials like twigs and leaves, the Art of Fermentation focusing on tempeh-making, Nature Doodle Art, and DIY Nature Bookmarks, all of which encouraged creativity and eco-consciousness amongst the 600 attendees and participants.
Eco-Day also highlighted young talents through competitions like the Merdeka Recycle Art Challenge: Jungle Junk Art, which inspired students from surrounding primary schools to transform waste into artistic creations. The STEM Reimagined: Powered by Recyclables competition allowed students from surrounding secondary schools to demonstrate their inventive green engineering projects using recycled materials.
Aishah Nor, Chief Executive Officer of Yayasan UEM said, “We support Johor’s Green Vision Goal 2030 and we believe in investing in initiatives that create long-lasting positive impact for communities as well as the environment. The development of SIREH Park and its various ecological projects contributes to creating an eco-friendly urban space that not only enhances community well-being but also provide a safe haven for flora and fauna, a focus and commitment which we share.”
Faisal Mohd Nor, Head of Regional Open Space of SIREH Park, said, “The Park is as an integral part of a township that supports sustainability, biodiversity and community value, and we are truly grateful to receive the support from the private sector as well as the public to protect and grow Malaysia’s largest urban community recreational park. This support goes a long way in nurturing SIREH Park as a shared space for learning, healing and togetherness. As we work towards a greener future, we invite more individuals, families, and organisations to be part of our journey.”
