Greenpeace ‘Rainbow Warrior’ comes a calling

KLANG: The “Rainbow Warrior” belonging to the world’s leading environmental protection group, Greenpeace, docked for the first time in the country to promote preservation of the environment in Southeast Asia.

The ship had previously been to the Philippines, Indonesia and Singapore and will be in Port Klang here from yesterday until next Tuesdaym before continuing its voyage to Thailand.

Malaysia Greenpeace spokeswoman Jacqueline Yew said the main focus of the visit was to educate the public on the dangers of using plastic bags to the environment.

“About 90 per cent of plastic bags used are not recycled and are dumped everywhere and today’s programme is to raise public awareness on the need to reduce the use of plastic bags,” she told reporters when met on the vessel yesterday.

Also present was Petaling Jaya Member of Parliament, Maria Chin Abdullah.

Jacqueline said Greenpeace had set up its office in Kuala Lumpur about a year ago and hoped to play a more active role in raising awareness among Malaysians on the need to protect the environment.

The ship, which is manned by a captain and crew of 15, can be visited by the public until Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Greenpeace Southeast Asia Executive Director, Naderev Sano said Greenpeace is hoping to work with the government and the people of Malaysia in raising awareness and educating the public on matters related to climate change, plastic pollution and deforestation.