THE Penang government aims to soften the impact of worsening climate change by planting more trees.
State Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo emphasised the importance of greenery and environmental protection, especially after the recent flash floods in certain parts of the country.
“It has always been our state’s agenda to promote environmental-friendly practices all this while.
“We are now facing a climate change, and we need to strive to maintain our green environment.
“Our effort in planting more trees is important for us to overcome this climate change.
“I believe that the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) can do their best to plant 500,000 trees in the future.
“As of now, a total of 320,000 trees have been planted,” he told reporters before planting a total of 2,000 mangrove saplings at Pantai Malindo, Balik Pulau today.
The initiative was in collaboration with Pertubuhan Lestari Alam Sekitar, Malaysian Hotel Association (MAH), and state Forestry Department.
Jagdeep said that such partnership was in line with state’s initiative.
Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang, who was present, said the council has always supportive of tree planting programmes.
“It is important for us to ensure a cleaner, greener, and safer state,” he said.
Also present were Pulau Betong assemblyman Mohd Tuah Ismail and MBPP secretary A. Rajendran.
Story by Edmund Lee