AniXplore promotes awareness of environ conservation
BINTULU: The QKK2101 Community Service (Group 1 and 2) of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Bintulu Campus conducted an animal exploration (AniXplore) programme in Taman Tumbina Bintulu here recently.
Programme director Engelina Bungan Kelvin said the event was to raise awareness among the public and students of conservation and maintenance of the environment especially the flora and fauna to maintain balance in the biodiversity and ecosystem.
The three- day programme also touched on endangered wild animals such as sun bears, hornbills and also plants like orchids.
The AniXplore was a collaborative effort between Bintulu Development Authority ( BDA), 66 Diploma in Animal Health and Production and Diploma in Agriculture Engineering students together with UPM Students Affair Unit and Co- Curriculum and Student Development Centre.
“We truly appreciate Taman Tumbina staff for their time and effort in this programme by constantly supporting us until the end,” said Dr Juriah Kamaludeen,oneoftheprogramme advisors.
Forty participants from four primary schools in Bintulu ( SK Asyakirin, SK Agama Bintulu, SK Bintulu dan SK Kampung Baru) participated in the event under the supervision of their respective teachers.
One of the activities carried out in the programme was Edu-Trail Trekking where participants were divided into small groups and raced around Taman Tumbina while exploring the flora and fauna there.
Besides this, ‘Stone to Diamond’a recycling activity was opened for public participation.
In this activity, the public gathered recyclable items as well as broken machinery.
Whoever handed in recyclable items were able to exchange them for basic necessities such as hampers, rice packets, biscuits, and toothpastes.
Eye 1 Recycle ( Miri) Sdn Bhd helped in the sorting and weighing of recyclable items.
Deputy Minister of Water, Land and Natural Resources Tengku Zulpuri Shah Raja Puji was honorary guest at the programme.
In his speech, he reminded that the acknowledgement and the habit of loving flora and fauna must be instilled in the public.
“When this becomes part of our culture, the conservation and maintenance of the environment will be easier and more efficient,” he said.
Meanwhile Dr Suziana Hassan, another programme advisor, hoped it will bring a positive impact to the conservation and maintenance efforts of the environment because no money can replace its natural beauty.