TUARAN: About 21,000 seedlings were planted throughout the district in conjunction with the World Earth Day celebration organised by the Tuaran community service centre today.
Tuaran Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau said that the seedlings were planted simultaneously with the participation of over 22,000 students from Nabalu, Kiulu, Tenghilan, Tamparuli, Sulaman, and Mengkabong, as well as Kent Institute of Teacher Education (IPG).
Originally, over 25,000 seedlings were targeted for planting.
However, due to the prolonged drought this year, over 4,349 seedlings provided since last year have withered and died," he said.
He said this when officiating the Tuaran District World Earth Day programme at Tamparuli National Secondary School (SMK) today.
The programme was organised in collaboration with the district education office with support from the Department of Environment; Forestry Department, Department of Agriculture; Sabah Rubber Industry Board (LIGS); Sabah Parks; Drainage and Irrigation Department; Department of Land and Survey; and Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB).
Commenting on the purpose of the planting, he said it was to raise awareness for environmental conservation and to prevent erosion and landslides in high-risk areas, especially along riverbanks.
"Over the past two decades, we have witnessed and experienced an increase in flood victims, droughts, as well as various environmental problems due to development and industrial activities.
In the meantime, he also thanked SESB and the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry for contributing funds under their corporate social responsibility initiatives, amounting to RM130,000 and RM10,000 respectively.
"This contribution is intended to fund the purchase of seedlings provided by villagers for planting today," he said.