Organic vegetables at the organic farming community centre in Section 19 Petaling Jaya.
A NON-profit organisation championing environmental quality improvements and sustainable development has raised RM44,000 at its 40th anniversary lunch celebration in Kuala Lumpur.
Centre for Environment, Technology and Development, Malaysia (Cetdem), popular for its organic farming courses and training sessions, continued to rally support and resources for its programmes.
Cetdem chairman Charles Tan said the organisation was a member of the national steering committee on climate change and had been actively involved in Malaysia’s climate change initiatives.
“Our longest running project, the Organic Farming Project, which focuses on sustainable agriculture, deserves a special mention,” he said.
“This was the first project that Cetdem initiated, with the initial farm set up in Kampung Paya Jaras Dalam, which still operates today at the Organic Farming Community Centre in Section 19, Petaling Jaya.
“I hope Cetdem will continue to play an active role in the nation’s sustainable development journey by providing relevant and insightful research to support the goal of achieving net-zero emissions,” he said.
Cetdem project coordinator Tan Siew Luang (left) and her husband Gurmit are passionate about spreading their knowledge of organic farming. — Courtesy photos
Cetdem adviser and environmentalist Gurmit Singh said the organisation’s work, which revolved around research, advocacy, education and consultancy, was crucial in current times.
Founded in 1985, Gurmit said Cetdem was incorporated with a commitment to improve environmental quality through the appropriate use of technology and sustainable development.
“We have actively sought to address diverse environmental issues such as the impact of long-term climate change, sustainable energy, sustainable transport, organic farming and sustainable landscape development.
“Cetdem has conducted numerous organic farming courses and training sessions for aspiring farmers, organised national-level organic farming seminars and exhibitions, Hari Organik and Farmer’s Corners, and introduced young and enthusiastic organic farmers to their peers and the wider public,” he said.
Gurmit highlighted prevailing environmental concerns, including the loss of biodiversity, rising greenhouse gas emissions, river pollution, increase in solid waste, poor public transport, energy wastage, toxic waste dumping, poor enforcement and unsustainable lifestyles.
He said their work over the years contributed to raising awareness of environmental matters.
“However, the root cause of greed overtaking need persists.
“Therefore, organisations like Cetdem and its commitment to sustainability are important.
“We need more active members, as well as a deeper engagement with technology issues,” he added.
At the event, Gurmit also paid tribute to the organisation’s first chairman (from 1985 to 1995) and founding member, the late Mano Maniam, for his contributions.
Also present at the lunch was Bukit Gasing assemblyman Rajiv Rishyakaran.
