THE state government, through the Penang Agriculture Department, has given out free durian saplings and coconut saplings to the residents of Kampung Tasek Cempedak in Simpang Ampat, Nibong Tebal today.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said a total of 150 pandan coconut saplings and 100 durian saplings (Musang King and Black Thorn) were given out to 50 recipients.
“Each of them received three pandan coconut saplings and two durian saplings, which are from the Musang King and Black Thorn species.
“The objective is to encourage the people to be involved in tree planting activities, optimise the remaining land in their house and also inculcate in them the importance of green nature.
“I also hope that the recipients from Kampung Tasek Cempedak will take good care of the tree saplings received today.
“Once the trees start to produce their fruits in the next few years they can enjoy them and even sell them as well.
“This, in turn, will spur the local economy in here,” Chow said in his speech during the tree saplings handover ceremony at Dewan MPKK Tasek, Kampung Tasek Cempedak in Simpang Ampat near Nibong Tebal today.
The programme was part of Chow’s ‘Jelajah ❤️ Penang’ programme in Nibong Tebal today.
Also present were Sungai Bakap assemblyman Datuk Dr Amar Pritpal Abdullah, Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik, Jawi assemblyman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, who is also Chow’s political secretary, and Penang Agriculture Department director Mohd Muhaimin Ibrahim.
Mohd Muhaimin also handed 50 planting kits to the recipients today to encourage urban farming in the area.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi