Ratus Epilog Sdn Bhd is the plantation and agri-business arm of Revongen Corporation, representing one of the six core divisions of the group. Revotropix Paulownia is one of the company’s expertise. On Oct 29, 2022, Ratus Epilog Sdn Bhd signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Pertubuhan Melayu Islam Beradat Negeri Sembilan (PMIBNS) for a Paulownia plantation project in Kampung Mampas Terachi, Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan.
The MoU signing signifies one of PMIBNS’ objectives: to develop the community’s economy in small and medium industries. Established on Dec 12, 2021, PMIBNS aims to empower custom, manners and society. It puts custom and religion side by side and seeks to convey suggestions or proposals to stakeholders through cooperation.
Mohd Nizar Alias, Ratus Epilogue Director, represented Ratus Epilog during the MoU exchange ceremony. PMIBNS was represented by Kamaruzaman Hussin, Yang Dipertua, Protokol, Kebudayaan Warisan dan Adat Istiadat Melayu, PMIBNS.
Improving people’s state of the economy
According to Kamaruzaman, the parties involved in the project are the villagers (landowners) and Ratus Epilog, and the association only acts as the introducer. However, if there are problems arising during the project, PMIBNS will step in to assist.
“PMIBNS has six thrusts. One of them is to develop the economy of the community. What we are doing right now is for the sake of Allah. We have no other interests,” he highlighted.
The advisor of PMIBNS Dato’ Senara Muda Ramli Abdul Rahman said he was sceptical about the plan at first. However, after giving it some more thought, he could see the potential of the project to improve the people’s state of the economy.
He said: “Our Tanah Adat (customary land) has been abandoned for many years. I was worried when I was first informed about the project because it is customary land. After observing it for a while and having the association registered, I feel this is the best way.”
“We must properly plan and target so our customary land can be cultivated. We don’t want it to be abandoned again,” Ramli said, highlighting shared prosperity.
The Paulownia project will involve 200 acres of abandoned lands. The participants involved in this project will get income by investing their lands quickly, as mutually agreed by them and Ratus Epilog. Besides creating income for the community, the project will also help the environment.
The most productive species
Revotropix Paulownia represents one of the most productive species of trees regarding sustainability. Guinness World Records announced Paulownia as the World’s fastest-growing tree in 2011. It can be planted on any land and helps to optimise land use and increase timber supply with a renewable raw material source. Its growth rate makes it an economically profitable investment as revenue comes in a relatively short time.
The Paulownia plantation’s economic advantages include the following:
• Ensuring the supply of locally produced wood
• Encouraging the development of local communities
• Creating employment opportunities
• Reducing wood import
Meanwhile, its environmental advantages are:
• Absorbing more carbon dioxide than any other trees
• Purifying the air
• Cleaning the water source
• Reducing global warming
• Avoiding erosion
While touching on the project’s progress, Mohd Nizar said it was still early. The company had already gained almost 40 per cent of the landowners’ support and wished to acquire more before proceeding with the project.
