TNB’s power in 11,000 trees

Corporate responsibility: Moggie planting the ‘Merawan Siput Jantan’ during the launch of the TNB Tree for a Tree programme involving 300 volunteers at Taman Pasif in Kuantan.— Bernama

KUANTAN: In an effort to conserve the environment, Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) has set a goal of planting 11,000 trees in 11 selected locations in the peninsula.

TNB chairman Tan Sri Leo Moggie said the Tree for a Tree programme was an expression of the power company’s concern and commitment towards the sustainability of the environment in line with the country’s development.

“Building more infrastructure can develop the country and make lives easier but more often than not, the sustainability of the environment is forgotten in the process.

“Whenever TNB puts up power lines, trees have to be cut down. We hope to replace these trees by carrying out replanting in suitable areas through the Tree for a Tree programme,” he said during the launch of the programme in Taman Pasif here recently.

He added that TNB would be collaborating with Pertubuhan Pelindung Khazanah Alam Malaysia (Peka) and local councils to plant trees at selected public parks.

“Local councils are the ideal partners to realise the objectives of this programme. Be­­sides that, TNB has appointed Peka as its envi­ronmental partner in this effort,” said Moggie.

Some 300 TNB and Kuantan Municipal Council (MPK) staff as well as Peka members, Universiti Tenaga Nasional (Uniten) students and volunteers planted 1,000 Me­­ra­wan Siput Jantan and Bintangor Laut trees at the park during the event.

“To ensure the continuity of this effort, TNB, through Peka, will monitor the growth of the planted trees for the next three years,” Moggie said.

He said this was not the first time such an activity was conducted by TNB as it had been carried out since 2007, although on a smaller scale.

“TNB has also taken part in tree planting activities organised by government agencies and environmental NGOs. This is because preserving, conserving and protecting the environment has always been a priority for TNB in each project,” he said.

Nature’s helpers: Volunteers from TNB, Kuantan Municipal Council, Universiti Tenaga Nasional and Peka, and residents planting 1,000 saplings at Taman Pasif. — Bernama

Moggie said Tree for a Tree would become one of the company’s annual corporate social responsibility programmes.

Peka secretary-general Bazlinda Bahrin applauded the initiative, saying that it is a good idea for TNB to reach out to the local authorities through the programme.

“This is a good start because there is plenty of open spaces in public parks which can be planted with trees. It is not only the forests as urban areas need trees, too,” she said, adding that Peka is ready to assist TNB for the duration of the programme.

Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman student Bey Bun Kiat, 21, said planting trees was an experience unlike any other.

“This is my first time learning how to plant a tree. Normally, we are just sitting in a lecture hall but to be out here actually working with my hands is quite a meaningful experience.

“I think this is a good programme in that with each tree that we plant, we are doing the community and the environment one good thing at a time,” said Bey, who is a public relations student on attachment with Peka.

Universiti Tenaga Nasional student K. Kuruberan Murali, 21, said the planting of trees could be a way to reduce the heat wave that had been sweeping across the nation lately.

“There is still so much empty spaces in this park that can be filled with trees. At least it can offer respite from the hot weather and make Kuantan a much cooler place to live in,” said the accounting student.

Also present at the event was MPK president Datuk Zulkifli Yaacob.