BINTULU: A tree planting programme jointly organised by Universiti Putra Malaysia Bintulu Sarawak Campus (UPMKB), Press Metal Bintulu Sdn Bhd, Bintulu Development Authority (BDA), and Bintulu Branch Department of Environment was successfully conducted in the Samalaju Industrial area (SIP) on 6 July 2023. This inter-agency collaboration is committed to preserving and rehabilitating affected areas through tree planting programmes.

The event was in line with the celebrations of World Environment Day 2023, 60 Years of Sarawak Independence, and the 45th Anniversary of the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA). The reforestation program is expected to play an important role in remediating environmental degradation and promoting long-term conservation in the SIP area. Recognizing the urgent need to restore degraded areas, this tree planting program has been implemented through the collaborative efforts of various agencies. The program focuses on implementing nature-based solutions and uses tree planting as the primary approach to restoring such degraded landscapes.

"The recovery program represents a transformative approach to restoring our damaged ecosystem and repairing the affected areas," said Prof. Dr. Shahrul Razid Sarbini, Director of UPMKB Campus. "Through this tree planting program, it will promote sustainable land management practices, as well as restore biodiversity, improve soil health, and create resilient ecosystems that benefit nature and communities," he said in a statement. UPMKB also expressed its deepest appreciation to Press Metal Bintulu Sdn Bhd for fully sponsoring the programme.

According to Mr. Abdul Mazli Hafiz Bin Abdul Malik (Head of DOE Bintulu Branch), the trees can improve air quality by filtering pollutants. In addition, he also advised the community in SIP not to do any illegal open burning to avoid air pollution during the dry season.

The programme was officiated by The Honourable Dato Majang Anak Renggi, Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development State Assemblyman N.70 Samalaju. He stressed that "Given that we are experiencing rapid development, the sustainable aspect of clean environment in Bintulu should not be underestimated as the environment is important to all life especially for future generations".

The trees that are planted indirectly promote various positive impacts such as combating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide, improving water quality through enhanced filtration, and reducing erosion, and creating habitats for other fauna species. A total of 300 saplings of two local species, namely Merawan Siput Jantang (Hopea odorata), and Belian (Eusideroxylon Zwageri); and 50 landscape trees consisting of two species namely the Prayer Tree (Bucida molineti) and the Trumpet Tree (Tabebuia pentaphylla) were planted at the ceremony.

A total of 100 participants were actively involved in the programme comprising Press Metal Bintulu Sdn Bhd., Bintulu Development Authority (BDA), Bintulu Branch DOE, as well as UPMKB staff. It is vital to restore degraded areas, preserve biodiversity, and create a sustainable and resilient future for future generations by working together.

(Strategic cooperation between agencies can be seen to help each other for a sustainable future through tree planting programs)

(Participants of different ages and backgrounds work together towards a common goal of greening the earth. A smile adorns their faces, describing their passion for contributing to the environment)

Date of Input: 18/07/2023 | Updated: 20/07/2023 | lanz