Sepang, 24 th November 2018 – 49 Salcon Berhad (Salcon) employees and their family members sacrificed their precious weekend to plant 100 mangrove trees and 40 mangrove seeds at the Bagan Lalang Beach, Sepang, Selangor today.
The mangrove tree planting activity is organised in collaboration with the oldest and largest non-governmental environmental organization in Malaysia - the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) and is one of the Salcon’s environmental sustainability initiatives towards biodiversity and eco-system conservation.
Ms. Chern Meng Gaik, General Manager of Salcon Berhad said: “It is wonderful to have so many of our staff and their families here today to do our part to contribute positively to the environment. Today’s initiative also affirms Salcon’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action to proactively respond to risks arising from climate change and reduce our carbon footprint.”
Under the guidance of the MNS facilitators, Salcon volunteers immersed themselves into nature by stepping into the low-oxygen and slow-moving-water soil at Bagan Lalang and planted the mangrove trees together with the seedlings with special planting tools.
The Salcon volunteers had an exhilarating experience during the hands-on tree planting activity. They also explored and learned the importance and functions of the mangrove eco-system which act as natural flood retention “sponge” to hold heavy rainfall and help to recycle nutrients and remove toxins and sediments. Mangrove trees also play a significant role in providing breeding and nursery grounds for the wildlife.
Ms. Sashikala Manikam Education Officer of MNS agreed that corporate commitment in mangrove conservation is effective in raising the awareness. “We envisage that the habitat rehabilitation will enrich the local fisheries resource as well as to safeguard the coastline from erosion and tsunamis.” Said Ms. Sashikala.