New Straits Times

BUTTERFLIE­S ENCHANT SCIENCE CENTRE

600 released simultaneo­usly in conjunctio­n with National Science Week

- MOHD SYAHMI RASYDAN cnews@nstp.com.my

IT was a sight to behold when 600 butterflie­s were released at the National Science Centre’s Garden of Nature yesterday. The feat earned itself a place in the Malaysia Book of Records, for being the largest number of butterflie­s to be released simultaneo­usly in the country.

The butterflie­s were from 10 species including Catopsilia, Papilio, Junonia, Danaus and Euploea.

The event was held in conjunctio­n with the National Science Week 2019, which began on April 1 and runs until Sunday.

Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, Environmen­t and Climate Change (Mestecc) secretary-general, Datuk Seri Dr Mohd

Azhar Yahaya, said butterflie­s were chosen because they serve as a symbol of peace and beauty besides being essential members of a healthy ecosystem.

“Apart from being one of the agents that help trees produce flowers and fruits as well as grain, butterflie­s are also sources of food for other animals,” he said.

Also present were Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (STI) deputy secretaryg­eneral Dr Mohd Nor Azman Hassan, STI’s Services, Developmen­t and Culture Division secretary Nik Kamaruzama­n Nik Husin and special officer to Mestecc minister, Jenny Ooi Bee Ling.

They were accompanie­d by National Science Centre director Mismah Jimbun during the colourful event.

Azhar also urged the public to visit the National Science Centre during the weekend as numerous activities are lined up for the National Science Week.

“They can come and enjoy the latest exhibits which are showcased here,” he said.

It’s free entrance for the visitors during the National Science Week.

 ?? PIX BY INTAN NUR ELLIANA ZAKARIA ?? Mestecc secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Azhar Yahaya (centre) releases the butterflie­s with other officials and students. (Inset) Azhar (second from left) receiving the certificat­e for simultaneo­usly releasing the largest number of butterflie­s from Malaysia Book of Records representa­tive Aaron Bong Ken Jin (right).
PIX BY INTAN NUR ELLIANA ZAKARIA Mestecc secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Azhar Yahaya (centre) releases the butterflie­s with other officials and students. (Inset) Azhar (second from left) receiving the certificat­e for simultaneo­usly releasing the largest number of butterflie­s from Malaysia Book of Records representa­tive Aaron Bong Ken Jin (right).
 ??  ?? A giant butterfly nestles on SK Putrajaya Presint 8(2) student Miza Umaira Mohd Rizwan’s shoulder during her visit to the National Science Centre.
A giant butterfly nestles on SK Putrajaya Presint 8(2) student Miza Umaira Mohd Rizwan’s shoulder during her visit to the National Science Centre.

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