PENANG is poised to become the first state in the country to plant over a million trees to commemorate Earth Day on April 22.
The trees are scheduled to be planted across the state on April 22.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow praised Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak for the initiative.
He expressed gratitude to Ahmad Fuzi for the idea and thanked state Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu and Yayasan Amal Tuan Yang Terutama (TYT) chief executive officer Datuk Seri Rozali Mohamud for their efforts.
“The planting of over a million trees aims to protect the biodiversity of the environment, aligning with the state’s initiative.
“I believe the involvement of the community, government sector, corporate sector, and volunteers can ensure the programme’s success.
“This accolade is also in line with Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) sustainability.
“We will be the first state to lead in this environmental aspect, and Penang will inspire other states once the goal is realised,” he said in his speech before the symbolic planting ceremony held at the Yang di-Pertua Negeri’s official residence in Anjung Seri Mutiara today.
Chow foresees that other states would follow suit once this effort becomes widely known.
“We hope to see Penangites at large contributing to this greenery agenda, as well as promoting ESG,” he said, adding that the aim is in line with the Penang2030 vision too.
As of now, Chow pointed out that the goal of planting about 500,000 trees in the state has been achieved, contributing to the improvement of the ecosystem.
Earlier, Rozali expressed his satisfaction that the programme to plant over a million trees has attracted the involvement of various stakeholders.
“The Forestry Department will provide 250,000 trees, followed by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) with 150,000 trees, the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) with 150,000 trees, Tenaga National Berhad (TNB) with 50,000 trees, the Agriculture Department with 35,000 trees, the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) with 19,000 trees, and five Land and District offices with 100,000 trees each,” he said.
Rozali thanked the private sector, developers, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and individuals for their keen interest in the programme.
“According to the Malaysia Green Technology Corporation (MGTC), these over a million trees can absorb 40,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide in a year,” he said, adding that mangroves are set to be the most trees planted on April 22.
Among those present to witness the remarkable occasion were Ahmad Fuzi’s consort Toh Puan Khadijah Mohd Nor, Deputy Speaker Datuk Azrul Mahathir Aziz, Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid, State Secretary Datuk Rosli Isa, Penang Mufti Datuk Seri Dr Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor, State Financial Officer Datuk Zabidah Safar, MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) mayor Datuk Azhar Arshad, state police chief Datuk Khaw Kok Chin, and other dignitaries.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis
Video by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi