88 Tuaran schools set tree-planting record for Earth Day
Published on: Wed, Apr 23, 2025
By: R Gonzales Text Size: Tiong (left) and Madius watering a Liposu sapling after planting it on the river bank of Sungai Tuaran in Kg Malanggang. Tuaran: A total of 88 secondary and primary schools across six zones in this district have received recognition from The Malaysia Book of Records. This follows approximately 29,000 students from these schools planting 'Baccaurea lanceolate' trees, locally known as Liposu among the Kadazandusun community, setting a record with over 8,800 trees planted. Tuaran Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau said that involving secondary and primary school students in this district is a continuous effort to raise awareness about environmental conservation. 'Beyond celebrating Earth Day, this programme also aims to highlight the importance of tree planting in preserving natural ecosystems while serving as sustainable and effective flood mitigation. 'Planting locations include riverbanks, erosion and landslide-prone areas, as well as school compounds,' he said, in his speech in conjunction with the Tuaran Earth Day Celebration held at the Malangang Kiulu Camp's Co-Curricular Centre, here, Tuesday. He said the simultaneous planting of Liposu saplings and other tree species began at 7am across all participating schools. The programme was organised in collaboration with the Tuaran District Education Office, the Department of Environment and various government and private agencies. Activities included sapling planting, poster-drawing competitions and environmental exhibitions. Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Sri Huang Tiong Sii, who officiated the event, reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to strengthening environmental governance in Malaysia. He noted that under 2025 Budget tabled by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim last October a total of RM160 million was allocated for Operating Expenditure under the Environmental Sub-sector, while RM3.20 billion was allocated for Development Expenditure in 2025. To support Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), a total of RM9.6 billion was allocated for SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), while RM5.2 billion was allocated for SDG 13 (Climate Action) in 2025. Additionally, the government emphasised environmental enforcement through strengthening the Department of Environment's enforcement capabilities, amendments to the Environmental Quality Act (EQA) 1974 with RM3.9 million allocated and the Environmental Quality (Amendment) Act 2024 enforced in July 7, 2024. * 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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