TO make the 111th anniversary of the Penang Hindu Sabah (PHS) more significant, the organisation is set to organise its green initiative programme, called ‘1 Tree 1 Life: 111 Tree Planting Programme’ in September.
The PHS is joining hands with the office of state Welfare and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh, Penang Hill Corporation (PHC), Penang Forestry Department, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) to hold the programme on Sept 30, at Penang Hill from 8.30am to 12:30pm.
Its chairman M. Kirubanandan said the tree planting programme aims to foster environmental conservation and sustainable practices by planting 111 trees on Penang Hill.
“This is in line with the recognition of Penang Hill and its surrounding area as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve site on Sept 15, 2021, under the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme.
“The programme offers a unique opportunity for individuals and organisations to actively participate in the preservation of Penang’s ecosystem.
“Each tree planted during the event will carry a personalised plaque featuring the name of the respective sponsors, donors, or participants.
“This symbolic gesture allows individuals to leave a lasting legacy in the form of a thriving tree, which will continue to provide numerous benefits to the environment and the community for years to come,” Kirubanandan said during a press conference today.
Kirubanandan invited sponsors, donors, and individuals from various backgrounds as well as communities to support the programme.
“By contributing RM1,000 per tree, individuals and organisations can significantly impact restoring and conserving Penang’s natural beauty.
“Funds raised through this initiative will be used to support ongoing environmental conservation projects including habitat restoration and awareness campaigns.
“Penang Hindu Sabah would like to thank the office of state Welfare and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh, Penang Hill Corporation (PHC), Penang Forestry Department, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) for their support of the programme.
“Their collaboration reinforces the shared vision of creating a harmonious and environmentally conscious society,” he added.
PHC general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng thanked the PHS, which is also a non-governmental organisation (NGO), for choosing PHC as the location for the tree planting programme.
“PHC has also been planting trees on a weekly basis, but it is never enough.
“So, when the NGO (Penang Hindu Sabah) approached us, we welcomed them to partner with us to contribute to planting trees.
“This is also very symbolic as it involves the public, which helps to create awareness,” Cheok said while adding that tree planting will also help to stabilise the slopes.
Those interested in becoming a sponsor, donor, or participant in the programme can contact M. Shivaneash, the programme coordinator, at 012-510 0916 or contact 012- 5810 117 (Ms Lngesh) / 012-4200 913 (Ms Anu)/ 012- 5100 916 (Mr Shiva).
Meanwhile, Phee and Penang Forestry Department deputy director Tengku Mohd Ridzuan Tengku Ibrahim lauded PHS’s initiative to plant trees.
On a separate note, Phee urged both the local councils, MBPP and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP), to enforce strict rules to deter traders from making improper disposal of the durian shells.
“The disposal of the durian shells must be done properly and the best way to do that is to collect and send them back to the durian plantation.
“Over there, they can shred the durian shells and use enzymes to turn them into fertilisers.
“The local councils can collect the durian shells and send them to the shredding centres (durian plantation).
“I have told the local councils to select the centres and instal the shredding machines.
“If the disposal of the durian shells is not done properly, it could become a breeding ground for the mosquitoes,” Phee added.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Alissala Thian