The first research centre on the mangrove ecosystem and coastal zone management was opened recently. The Mangrove Research Centre (MRC), established by Sime Darby Plantation Sdn Bhd, is the the first of its kind in the nation, and is one of the results between of the collaboration on flora and fauna biodiversity between Sime Darby Research Centre and Universiti Malaya's Institute of Biological Sciences and Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences.

Managing director, Datuk Azhar Abdul Hamid, was reported to have said, "It is part of our corporate social responsibility and efforts to keep our environment sustainable. While we remain concerned with yields and profits, we are equally concerned about the environment and the impact of our business has on its environment,"

Six new projects will be carried out at the centre, located on Carey Island. Realising the importance of mangrove ecosystem to human and environment, Sime Darby Plantation also launched the Mangrove Brigade to expose the members to various life forms that exist within a mangrove forest.