THE Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has contributed 25 trees, including Tabebuia rosea which is commonly known as Tecoma tree and Bucida molineti or commonly known as Bucida tree, and 50 potted plants to St George’s Girls’ School in George Town in an effort to create a greener Penang.
MBPP councillor Connie Tan, who oversees the planting tree initiative, said this would further make the school environment friendly besides providing a cool space for the students and teachers.
“Tree planting initiative is vital as part of Penang2030’s vision to make Penang as a greener state,” she said.
Tan also revealed that St George’s Girls’ School would be the first school in Pulau Tikus to adopt urban farming in its school compounds.
“The project, which is expected to start after Hari Raya Aidilfitri, is a joint effort by MBPP and the state’s Agriculture Department.
“We will be growing vegetables and spices for the urban farming project,” she told a press conference after attending the tree planting ceremony at the school today.
“Other than infrastructure development, we should prioritise a green environment.”
According to Tan, MBPP had planted about 360,000 trees in the past 10 years in Penang and would be planting 100,000 more trees in the next five years.
Meanwhile, Pulau Tikus assemblyman Chris Lee, who officiated the tree planting ceremony, thanked Tan for her efforts.
“We see trees and plants as part of a healthy and livable community.
“Besides that, I will also do my best for the betterment of St George’s Girls’ School.
“St George’s is one of the heritage schools in Penang and we need to maintain it and take care of the welfare of the students as well,” he said, adding that his office also pledged to help with the repair works in the school.
Also present was school principal Athiyah Abd Razak, who thanked MBPP and the state for their concern and care for St George’s Girls’ School.
Story & Pix by K. Thaarshenii