KOTA SAMARAHAN: Samarahan District Council (SDC) plans to plant 500 trees annually to preserve the habitat and to create a conducive environment for the people.


Abdul Karim holds the sapling he planted in conjunction with World Habitat Day 2014. – Photos by Muhammad Rais Sanusi

Its Environment, Public Health and Tourism Committee chairman Dr Chew Kian Peng said, “We, in SDC, is left behind in implementing an initiative to maintain the habitat by targeting to plant 500 trees per year in line with this event’s slogan of ‘Beautiful, Green and Clean’.”

He said this at the World Habitat Day 2014, held here yesterday in conjunction with SDC’s 30th anniversary. It was officiated at by Assistant Housing Minister cum Asajaya assemblyman Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

In conjunction with the celebration, SDC, government agencies, community leaders, students from public institutions of higher learning, and several locals planted trees along the road near Sarawak Bumiputera Court and Majlis Adat Istiadat’s new building.

On World Habitat Day, Dr Chew said it was a global celebration organised by all United Nations member countries to increase awareness on the importance of providing comfortable and conducive human settlements.

“The objective of Habitat Day is to make all of us realise that everyone has the right to have a comfortable and safe house to live in, as well as access to basic facilities and fresh environment.”

In his speech, Abdul Karim urged the people to help protect the environment.

“The human population is increasing every year and this is also the case in Sarawak, but the natural habitat is decreasing. Therefore, it is the responsibility of all communities to protect the environment.”

Sadong Jaya assemblyman Aidel Lariwoo, state Majlis Adat Istiadat head Datuk Nillie Tigai, SDC deputy chairman Zakiah Basah and secretary Simon Wong were among those present.