Press Release

PETALING JAYA, 15 April 2022 – 36 teens and 4 teachers from Chong Hwa Independent High School took up the challenge to improve their knowledge on the importance of our most precious natural resources, river and water at the Salcon Smart Water Programme (SSWP) at Lembah Kiara Taman Tun Dr. Ismail today.

In its 13^th year of existence, the SSWP is a fun interactive half day event which saw the students aged 15, together with their teachers, enjoying hands-on practical learning and a fun field trip designed to instill love towards our river. The programme is a collaborative effort between Salcon, Water Watch Penang (WWP) and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).

Participants from Chong Hwa Independent High School were having fun in the interactive outdoor activities at Lembah Kiara, TTDI.

Seow Zi Bin, student from Chong Hwa Independent High School shared, “I learnt a lot today and It is a very interesting programme as we can do all the testing ourselves. I found the activities to be very fun and I will share it with my friend and family.”

With the rising and critical needs of raw water resources nowadays, the students obtained an up-close and personal look on the importance of preserving and conserving our environment. Under the guidance of SSWP facilitators, students conduct hands-on physical, chemical and biological experiments on river water via monitoring testing kit. Physical test include river flow rate, colour monitoring, temperature and chemical test comprises of pH level, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, nitrate and phosphate testing. For biological test, students get their feet wet as they go into the shallow river to catch and identify the aquatic life in the river.

Madam Wong Lih Jiuan, teacher from Chong Hwa Independent High School, is happy that her students are able to put into practice what they have learnt in their classroom. “I am glad to see my students actively participating and responding throughout the Salcon river programme which provides a platform for our students to be outdoors rather than being just cooped up in the classroom”, she said.

Ms. Chern Meng Gaik, Salcon Corporate General Manager said: “We are glad to bring these students to participate in a meaningful manner to assist in monitoring the quality of our local river. Through the SSWP, we aim to inspire students to be our “Water Ambassadors” who will in turn spread the message on the importance of protecting our precious water resources to their family and friends.

Based on the pre and post evaluation survey conducted after every session, students show a higher sense of responsibility in terms of the value of water, water use and to change their lifestyle from water wasting to water saving.