PENANG has made it to the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) after more than one million trees have been successfully planted across the state to mark the Earth Day today.
The initiative is known as the ‘Planting One Million Trees Within a Day in conjunction with Earth Day’.
The programme has earned the distinction of planting the most trees in a single day.
The tree planting project was the brainchild of Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak.
The programme was organised by Penang Governor’s Charity Foundation (Yayasan Amal Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri Pulau Pinang) in collaboration with the office of Penang Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu.
Yayasan Amal Tuan Yang Terutama (TYT) chief executive officer Datuk Seri Rozali Mahmud was presented with the award by MBOR chief operating officer Christopher Wong Hong Wai. The ceremony, held at Ahmad Fuzi’s official residence in Seri Mutiara this evening, was also witnessed by Ahmad Fuzi and Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Rozali praised the determination and commitment of the people of Penang, whose spirit was instrumental in making the programme a success.
“As of 5.30pm today, we have successfully planted a total of 1,251,512 trees across various locations in the state.
“This achievement was made possible through the strong commitment of various stakeholders, including government agencies, the private sector, various non-governmental organisations (NGOs), community associations, schools, and individuals.
“This initiative is crucial in addressing the pressing issue of climate change, safeguarding environmental biodiversity, and leaving a lasting impact on our planet’s ecosystems,” Rozali said.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Fuzi remarked that Penang has made history with this remarkable achievement.
“I am proud to announce the successful completion of our mission to plant one million trees within a day. What is even more remarkable is that we surpassed our goal, with a total of 1,251,512 trees planted today.
“I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to all the stakeholders who participated in the programme,” he said.
Chow commended Ahmad Fuzi for initiating the one million tree-planting project.
“This noble initiative can mitigate the impact of climate change, and reduce carbon emissions and greenhouse gases.
“It is also very much in line with the Penang2030 vision of ‘A Family-Focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation’.
“In a dynamic state like Penang, renowned for its appeal to foreign investors and standing as one of the most sought-after destinations in the peninsula, tree planting emerges as a vital initiative to complement the thriving industrial sector,” he said.
Chow also thanked Rozali and Sundarajoo for spearheading the project.
He expressed his appreciation to all stakeholders who participated in the ‘Planting One Million Trees Within a Day in conjunction with Earth Day’ programme, adding that they have all played their part in Penang’s historic achievement today.
Also present during the ceremony were Penang State Secretary Datuk Rosli Isa, State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang, Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid, state Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim, state Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, Sundarajoo and Penang Green Council (PGC) general manager Josephine Tan Mei Ling.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat