Steven Chen
More than a hundred fifty volunteers came out in full force to do their part to participate in an Eco-conservation programme initiated in Kampung Sungai Latoh, Kong Kong, Masai here yesterday.
The volunteers are made up of neighbouring polytechnic, community college students and local residents.
Some 2,000 “Bakau” shoots were donated by the Johor Port Authority under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) 2011 programme, which were planted over a 2.28 acres land area.
Johor Port Authority general manager, Nik Aziz Hussain said the port’s contribution is in line with the global awareness on the importance of balancing between eco-conservation and development.
He said if planting of the bakau shoots can be carried out collectively, it will yield much greater impact on our environment.
He added by saying that Johor Port Authority is not the first corporate agency to initiate such eco-conservation programme as there are many other corporate citizens have done similar programme too.
“Nonetheless, in our pursuit to develop the port, we have not neglected our social responsibility towards environmental issue that concerns the local community”, Nik said.
He said the main objective of the port’s CSR 2011 programme is to ensure that its contribution will be meaningful.
This eco-conservation initiative is the result of several discussions held between the Johor Port and the Johor forestry department. Nik was speaking at the “Bakau” shoots planting ceremony.
He added that Johor Port is encouraging its contractors and operators to adopt and apply the ‘green point’ concept by increasing more landscaping areas and to use alternative energy and to utilise energy-saving equipments that can help in reducing carbon monoxide emission into the air.
UMNO Tebrau division treasurer, Mohamad Hassan Madon who is representing State Exco, Maulizan Bujang was present to officially launch the programme.
Meanwhile, Mohamad Hassan credited Johor Port for its contribution and in initiating the programme.
He said it is a good initiative and needs to be an ongoing effort in order to see the positive impact and at the same time it also helps in creating awareness on the importance of environment conservation and preservation as part of our living condition.
CJMY
