Ecowatch: A walk in the park for the environment
HUNDREDS of people made their way to Taman Tugu, a park right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, to celebrate World Environment Day last month.
Jointly organised by Taman Tugu and sustainability foundation Yayasan Hasanah, visitors to the June 21 event were encouraged to bring their own containers in line with its zero waste concept and theme 'Beat Plastic Pollution'.
This was aimed at getting those who attended to rethink their consumption habits and reduce their reliance on single-use plastics.
Many took the opportunity to browse through the booths and take part in the talks and workshops held by the various conservation and environment groups participating, including WWF-Malaysia, the MareCet marine research organisation, Free Tree Society, Marine Conservation and Research Organisation Malaysia (Pulihara), Reef Check Malaysia, and Roots & Shoots Malaysia.
Other participants included Gerai OA, Sunda Shelves, MUFG Bank (Malaysia) Berhad, Fuze Ecoteer and Uniqlo Malaysia.
The event was made possible with the support of Amanah Lestari Alam (Alam) as the sustainability partner. Alam is a national initiative aiming to transform Malaysians' mindset about and behaviours around the environment.
Taman Tugu project development chairman Datuk Mohamed Nasri Sallehuddin said the organisers were encouraged by the strong turnout and enthusiasm shown.
'Events like these are important in nurturing greater environmental awareness among the public.
'Even simple steps, such as bringing your own containers, can create lasting habits that contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment for everyone,' he said in a statement.
Celebrated annually on June 5, World Environment Day encourages awareness and actions for the conservation of the environment.
'Plastic pollution is a growing concern that affects all of us in everything from our natural ecosystems to the food we eat, and increasingly, our own health.
'Addressing this challenge requires more than policy solutions; it calls for a shift in everyday habits and greater public awareness,' said Yayasan Hasanah trustee and managing director Siti Kamariah Ahmad Subki.
Yayasan Hasanah, she added, was honoured to partner with Taman Tugu in encouraging community-level actions that promote sustainable living and protect our shared environment.
Alam chief executive officer Wan Faizah Che Din said her organisation was glad to support this platform.
Taman Tugu, a 26ha urban forest park, is a not-for-profit initiative led by Khazanah Nasional Berhad, and supported by public agencies and civil society organisations.
Managed by Amanah Warisan Negara trust, it aims to conserve heritage spaces and promote community well-being.
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