UTAR students plant trees to mitigate heat island effects

UTAR students gathering for a group photograph after the event

In conjunction of “Hari Landskap Negara 2020”, 32 participants from UTAR joined a tree planting event called Acara Tanam Pokok at Perdana Botanical Garden, situated in Heritage Park, Kuala Lumpur. The event was organised by the Ministry of Federal Territories Department of National Landscape. Held on 1 March 2020, the launch ceremony was graced by Ministry of Federal Territories Chief Secretary Datuk Hajah Rosida Jaafar.

With the theme ‘Generasi Muda Mencorak Landskap Negara’, the event aimed to improve the green living environment of the country by maintaining the gardens and parks while mitigating heat island effects in the city.

The event also provided students with the opportunities to plant tree saplings and engage with other students while enjoying the magnificent surrounding of Perdana Botanical Garden. The students were also able to learn about the variety of plants around them such as African sausage also known as Kigelia Africana, an unusual tree with its 3-24 inches long, sausage-shaped fruits growing at the end of each long stem. A warning sign was displayed to inform visitors of the danger of consuming African sausage as it is poisonous.

The event saw a rough participation of 400 students from several local and private universities such as Universiti Putra Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur Metropolitan University College, Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur, Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Sunway University, Politeknik Tun Syed Nasir, Kolej Komuniti Rembau and UTAR.

Students taking a stroll in the park

Students learning about the various species of plants

Tree planting session in progress

The tree saplings planted by UTAR students

UTAR students with their planted trees