70 UMPSA volunteers plant 1,000 mangrove trees and release 700 baby turtles in conjunction with Antarctica Day 2025

CERATING, 15 November 2025 – A total of 70 volunteers comprising staff and students from the Econexus Club planted 1,000 mangrove trees in the Mangrove Planting Tree programme in conjunction with Antarctica Day 2025 held at Pantai Chendor, Cerating today.

The programme was officiated by the Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Development), Professor Dr Mahadzir Ishak@Muhammad.

In his speech, he said that the mangrove planting programme not only enhances awareness of the importance of environmental conservation, but also contributes directly to efforts to preserve coastal ecosystems and the nation’s biodiversity sustainability.

“Even more meaningful, this programme is organised in conjunction with the celebration of Antarctica Day 2025 which reminds us of the uniqueness and vulnerability of polar regions and their interconnectedness with global climate change.

“Therefore, the mangrove planting activity becomes a symbol of concrete action in supporting the global climate agenda and ensuring that the earth continues to be preserved for future generations.

“The organisation of programmes such as this strengthens UMPSA’s role as an eco-campus university that is always conscious of sustainability issues, in line with the nation’s aspirations towards sustainable development,” he said.

He also said it meets the commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Professor Dr Mahadzir also expressed pride in the participation of students and volunteers, as their efforts not only give a positive impact to the environment, but also build leadership values, empathy, and social responsibility.

“As a green-aspiring technical university, UMPSA continuously encourages the campus community, industry partners, and the public to practise sustainable lifestyles through waste management, energy and water conservation, as well as green community-based activities such as today’s programme.

“I hope that programmes of this kind can continue from time to time through research, environmental education, and community collaboration as ongoing efforts to protect mangrove areas from threats,” he said.

Also present were the Director of the UMPSA Centre for Sustainability Development, Dr Suhaidah Hussain, and a Lecturer of the Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology (FTKEE), who is also a recipient of the Sultan Mizan Research Foundation Grant, Associate Professor Ir. Dr Muhamad Zahim Sujod.

In the same ceremony, he also extended appreciation to all strategic partners who made the programme a success, including the Sultan Mizan Research Foundation (YPSM), Kuantan Port Sdn. Bhd., Kasih Turtle Conservation Project, Syazlin Najwa & Partners, Ingeniis Sdn. Bhd., volunteers, and all participants involved.

The programme also witnessed participants releasing 700 baby turtles as a symbol of commitment to marine conservation in line with efforts to increase community awareness of the importance of protecting marine ecosystems.

By: Nor Salwana Mohammad Idris, Centre for Sustainability Development
Translation by: Dr. Rozaimi Abu Samah, UMPSA Press