THE Penang Island City Council (MBPP) plans to plant more trees and create more forests in the city, according to its mayor Datuk A. Rajendran.
He emphasised the significance of addressing the urban heat island effect, particularly in areas like George Town and Bayan Lepas, where escalating temperatures significantly impact residents’ daily routines.
Rajendran made these remarks during a forest tree-planting initiative that was inaugurated by Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim at Sungai Pinang’s Areca Park today. The project saw 52 participants planting a total of 100 trees.
The forest tree-planting endeavour was a component of the broader initiative titled ‘Planting One Million Trees Within a Day in conjunction with Earth Day’, proposed by Penang Governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak.
“Forest tree planting allows high content of carbon dioxide absorption in a place full of concrete buildings. These forest tree efforts will significantly help reduce the rising temperatures in Penang, and be a thriving green lung in Penang island’s urban population.
“With a limited area across the city, we are fortunate to kickstart this initiative at Areca Park in Sungai Pinang as a prototype for future green projects.
“We presume this small-scale forest in the city project, with an additional 100 trees, will contribute to a reduction in temperatures by up to two degrees Celsius in this locality, which will be a great relief for people living and working here.
“In addition, it will reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Even in small quantities, it will help in the global climate change agenda. Every small action will add up to a lot if the whole world does it,” Rajendran said in his speech.
He further noted that based on the soil analysis results, certain tropical timber species have been identified for planting in the area. These selected forest species are known for their rapid growth and low maintenance requirements.
Rajendran expressed his anticipation that within a few years, the trees will tower above park visitors, forming an interconnected canopy.
MBPP, he said, will also explore greening the island’s buildings to reduce temperature in the urban environment, making them more sustainable and energy efficient.
Moreover, he also underscored the significance of urban agriculture, turning unused lots into thriving gardens that not only provide food for the community but also bring everyone together as a community while simultaneously reducing carbon emissions.
“It is clear that we need to act. We need to do now,” he said towards the conclusion of his speech.
Rajendran also thanked YB Lim and Henry Teh Kok Kheng, the project director of the Malaysian Humanitarian Foundation, for their pivotal roles in the launch of the forest tree-planting project at Areca Park.
Lim stressed that the forest park represents more than just greenery; it symbolises an effort to enhance Penang city.
“We want to transform this park into a sanctuary where we can revel in nature’s beauty.
“With meticulous care, we pledge to oversee and manage this forest park. We want everyone to join us to combat climate change and make Penang greener and better.
“Today on Earth Day, let us not just celebrate nature, but also reaffirm our commitment to environmental stewardship.
“This reaffirms the state government’s dedication to environmental protection and sustainable development through partnerships between government agencies, NGOs (non-governmental organisations) and local communities.
“We want to create a more resilient and vibrant landscape for ourselves and future generations. This aligns with the Penang2030 vision for a Family-Focused, Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation,” she said.
Teh emphasised that the crucial step following the project’s launch is to ensure a commitment to preserving the land, thereby preventing any tree chopping for a specified period.
“This will allow the trees to mature and truly transform the area into a forest park.
“Once this project blossoms and is successful, it can serve as a model for Malaysia and the global community. It will be a wonderful experience for all to see,” Teh said.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Nurul Hawa Farhin Hameddy