Tuaran: The Tuaran District-level World Rivers Day celebration has made it into the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) after planting 10,000 Tangkol trees simultaneously.
Tuaran MP Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau said it marked the first time such an event was held in the district.
He described the programme as a continuation of the Earth Day event in April and highlighted the involvement of schools as a crucial step in instilling river conservation awareness among the younger generation.
“The biggest benefit is awareness that we must take responsibility for our river.
“Today we began with schools and we hope this will expand to include the community, such as village heads and other leaders,” he said when officiating the programme at the Tamparuli Club Recreation Centre, recently.
Madius said the planting was carried out in accordance with the Department of Irrigation and Drainage’s guidelines, which stipulate that trees should be planted at least five metres from the riverbank.
He expressed hope that the effort would become an annual programme until all 15 rivers in Tuaran regain their natural clarity, allowing local fish species to breed sustainably.
Madius also noted that the initiative promoted a Zero Waste culture, which he hoped could eventually evolve into a district-wide policy for official government events.
“This is a small step, but we hope it will grow into something bigger. Discussions were ongoing with agencies such as the Sabah Rubber Industry Board and the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority on measures to reduce environmental impact from hill-cutting and rubber replanting,” he said.
The programme was carried out across 15 locations involving 45 schools in Tuaran.
Also present were District Officer Herman Tungigging, Tamparuli Sub-District Assistant Officer Hennevy W Harry, District Education Officer Awang Seman Ag Tahir, and Shopee Malaysia’s Director of External Affairs Nik Emir Din Nik Mohamed Din.
