Ahmad Fuzi (centre) and Khadijah (on his left) watching Chow water the tree they planted to launch the Earth Day million trees effort. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
PENANG will see over one million trees planted on April 22 to mark Earth Day.
Organised by Penang Governor’s Charity Foundation (Yayasan Amal Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negri Pulau Pinang) in collaboration with the office of state housing and environment committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu, the programme is expected to be listed in The Malaysia Book of Records for most trees planted in a day.
Foundation chief executive officer Datuk Seri Rozali Mohamud said the objective of the initiative was to protect and conserve state biodiversity and mitigate the impact of climate change.
“This is in line with the Penang2030 Vision of turning Penang into a family-focused, green and smart state that inspires the nation,” he said.
“The uniqueness of the programme is that participants buy their own trees and decide where to plant them.
“The success of this initiative will be based on the involvement of all stakeholders including state and federal agencies, private entities, corporate sector, educational institutions, schools and civil societies.”
He said this during the launch of “Planting One Million Trees Within a Day in conjunction with Earth Day” at the Penang Governor’s official residence in Anjung Seri Mutiara.
He said the mass planting of trees would involve about 500,000 volunteers from 50 government agencies and departments and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
He said the programme would benefit the society by reinforcing sustainability awareness, advocacy and pushing for stronger environmental policies.
It will see the involvement of state stakeholders such as Forestry Department which will provide 250,000 trees, Penang Island City Council (150,000 trees), Seberang Prai City Council (150,000 trees), Tenaga Nasional Bhd (50,000 trees), Agriculture Department (35,000 trees), Penang Development Corporation (19,000 trees) and five Land and District offices with 100,000 trees.
He thanked the private sector, developers, NGOs and individuals for their involvement in the programme.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow lauded the initiative mooted by Penang Governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak.
He expressed gratitude to Ahmad Fuzi for the idea and thanked Sundarajoo and Rozali for their efforts.
Chow said the move would encourage other states to emulate Penang’s effort to protect the environment.
Ahmad Fuzi and his wife Toh Puan Khadijah Mohd Nor launched the event by symbolically planting a tree in front of their official residence.
Present at the launch were 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, Penang Island mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, Seberang Prai mayor Datuk Azhar Arshad and state police chief Comm Datuk Khaw Kok Chin.
