350 mangrove saplings planted
Published on: Saturday, May 10, 2025
Published on: Sat, May 10, 2025
By: Crystal E Hermenegildus Text Size: Josie in a group photo with the participants. Kota Kinabalu: A mangrove tree-planting initiative involving 40 organisations and 350 saplings was held at the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP), reaffirming Sabah's commitment to environmental sustainability. It was in conjunction with Earth Day 2025. The initiative was jointly organised by the Environmental Protection Department (JPAS) and KKIP Sdn Bhd, bringing together government agencies, industries, schools, and local communities. Officiating the event, KePKAS Permanent Secretary Datuk Josie Lai expressed appreciation to the organisers and stressed the urgency of protecting the environment in light of growing global challenges. 'The theme of this year's Earth Day, 'Our Power, Our Planet', reminds us that safeguarding our environment is a shared responsibility. Every sector of society must rise to the occasion to ensure a healthier and more sustainable future for all,' said Josie. The mangrove species planted during the programme were Rhizophora apiculata (bakau minyak) and Rhizophora mucronata (bakau kurap). She said alarming environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, all of which have led to extreme weather events and declining access to clean resources. Mangroves, she added, are vital ecosystems that help reduce the impacts of climate change through carbon absorption and shoreline protection. The initiative is part of ongoing environmental efforts by JPAS and KKIP Sdn Bhd, formalised in a 2022 Memorandum of Understanding. 'I commend this long-term collaboration, which includes awareness campaigns, environmental management training, and promoting self-regulation among industries,' she said. The event follows the Telipok River Environmental Awareness Programme held in 2023 and 2024. The participation from 40 organisations, including F&N Beverages, Lifewater Industries, SK Nexilis Malaysia, SBH Kibing Solar New Materials, and Wascopipe Sdn Bhd, who also contributed to the purchase of the saplings. 'Environmental protection is not solely the government's duty – it is a collective responsibility we all must bear. I hope this collaboration between industry, local communities, and government agencies continues to grow,' said Josie, who also commended the dedication of KKIP Sdn Bhd in championing environmental stewardship. She thanked the Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society for technical support and acknowledged the presence of representatives from the Ministry of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship, Department of Environment, and education offices in Kota Kinabalu and Tuaran. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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