IRIM set a record in the Malaysian Book of Records by planting 20,200 mangrove seedlings

IRIM created a record in the Malaysia Book of Records when successfully planted 20,200 mangroves tree in Dayang Bunting Forest Reserve, Langkawi, Kedah.

Two mangrove species - Rhizophora Apiculata (Bakau Minyak) and Rhizophora Mucnorata (Bakau Kurap) were planted in less than 2 hours.

A total of about 1,500 volunteers from Pulapol Langkawi, Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), PSDT NRE-iM4U, Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak Forestry Department and Sabah Forestry Department has worked hard and successfully deleting records that have been recorded before.

The presence of 300 participants from the ‘Ship for South-East Asian Youth Programme’ (SSEAYP) in 11 countries joining the planting activity made the event truly memorable. SSEAYP is in its 40th year, and is a programme between Japan and Asean countries to promote understanding among youths while sailing on board a cruise ship.

Also present were Vice Minister of the Japanese Cabinet Office, Kazumichi Sakamoto, His Excellency Khamphan Anlawan, the Ambassador, LAOS Embassy of the Lao People's Democratic Republic and other ASEAN embassy representatives.

This successful new Malaysian Book of Record is even more meaningful as it was achieved during the last two tree planted by Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, former Prime Minister of Malaysia and his wife Tun Jeanne Abdullah, in the event organized by the Malaysian Institute of forester (IRIM) in Kg. Selat Bagan Nyiur, Langkawi, Kedah.

In collaboration with the Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia and Kedah Forestry Department, IRIM has renewed the current record in Perlis in 2011 with the planting of 11,111 mangrove trees.

 

“This is an incredible achievement and the result of the joint effort between the the Institute of Malaysian forester, Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia and Kedah Forestry Department,” said project director and IRIM honorary secretary Mohd Yussainy Md Yusop.

“The planting of the 20,200 mangrove seedlings are intended to preserve the coastal natural hedge and to reduce the destruction caused by natural occurrences. It prevents soil erosion as well as preserving and restoring the biodiversity of the Coastal Ecosystems,” he said.

The sponsor Oleon Sdn Bhd and Petro Teguh Sdn Bhd as well as the District Officer Langkawi, Langkawi Pulapol, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) and other government agencies involved directly and indirectly for making the program a success.

 

Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, former Prime Minister of Malaysia and Dato’ Prof. Dr. Hj Abd. Rahman, Director-General of Forestry Peninsular Malaysia at the 20,200 mangroves tree planting ceremony