KOTA KINABALU: Teenager Mohd Ashraf Mohd Zulfekar had gone for a tree planting programme as part of his school activity, but returned with an inspiration to do more for the environment.
The 18-year-old Form Six student of SMK Badin said joining an environmental programme was never on his radar, until now.
"I thought we'd be planting saplings by the beach, but we did it inside a forest reserve and there was an adventurous feel to it," he said, adding this was his first such programme to join in.
"I learned so much about how mangroves protect the ecosystem and prevent erosion.
"I feel inspired now to join more environmental efforts," Ashraf added.
He was among 52 students from nine secondary schools in Tuaran who participated in the Mangrove Preservation Outreach Campaign 2025 programme themed "Shaping Tomorrow's Mangrove Protectors Today", on Tuesday (Sept 30).
The half-day event organised by oil and gas company Hibiscus Petroleum, in collaboration with the Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society (SWCS), kicked off with a simple yet meaningful opening ceremony at SMK Sungai Damit, Tuaran.
SMK Sungai Damit principal Andrew Chungan welcomed the initiative, thanking Hibiscus and the SWCS for involving local schools and the Tuaran District Education Department.
Participants then attended an informative session led by Hibiscus' Environment and Sustainable Development Manager (Health, Safety & Environment) Rasima Abdul Rasid Awang on the environmental responsibilities of oil and gas companies.
This was followed by a talk on the importance of mangrove ecosystems by SWCS.
The highlight of the day was the planting of 52 mangrove saplings at Sulaman Lake Forest Reserve, each one representing a student's first step into conservation.
"Our objective is simple yet vital, to build informed awareness among our future generation about the importance of preserving coastal forests," said the oil and gas company's Head of Operated Asset, Sabah, Edmund Ang.
"We're proud to see young minds inspired to take real action for the environment," he added.
This programme in Tuaran marks the second phase of the company's three-part mangrove CSR series, which was officially launched in Kota Kinabalu in July this year.
Also present were Hibiscus' Community and Government Relations Senior Executive, Durie Rainer Fong and representative to the Tuaran District Education Officer, Mixhedryanson Reagen Johnson.
