Oleh Shamz Johan
SHAH ALAM, Feb 26 — The Kuala Selangor Municipal Council (MPKS) has set a new record in the Malaysia Book Of Records (MBOR) by planting approximately 25,223 Siantan trees around Forest Park in Bandar Hillpark, Puncak Alam yesterday.
Some 1,500 participants took two hours to plant the shrubs, known by their scientific name of Ixora javanica, which broke the previous record of 20,200 Siantan trees in Langkawi in 2014.
Council President Rahilah Rahmat said the planting of the Siantan tree, MPKS' official tree since 1978, was symbolic of the date as well as creating a sustainable township.
[caption id="attachment_303186" align="aligncenter" width="739"]
Kuala Selangor MP Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (second from right) signing the plaque to officiate the Hijau Lestari programme to plant 25,223 Siantan trees, at Forest Park in Bandar Hillpark, at Puncak Alam, Kuala Selangor, on February 25, 2023. — Picture by MAJLIS PERBANDARAN KUALA SELANGOR[/caption]
"The initiative is in response to the state government's recommendation to plant 26 million trees within five years, at an estimated 5.2 million trees annual due to local government planting.
"I congratulate the residents of Kuala Selangor for their involvement in this historic achievement," she said at the Hijau Lestari programme, in conjunction with the tree planting.
Kuala Selangor MP Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad officiated the programme.
Meanwhile, Rahilah said MPKS will continue to be active in carrying out similar programmes to raise awareness among residents on the importance of preserving the environment.
"This is in line with the 15th sustainable development goal, which is life on land by preserving, conserving and promoting the sustainable use of land ecosystems.
"May carrying out such activities help Kuala Selangor maintain green living," she said.
