By Mark Suresh, Elena Shim and Marilyn Theresa Menezes Simon
To commemorate World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, a group of dedicated volunteers took part in a tree-planting initiative on Aug 10. This collaboration with the Jabatan Perhutanan Semenanjung Malaysia (JPSM), not only honoured the memories of their elders but also contributed to Malaysia’s ambitious goal of planting 100 million trees.
The event took place at two venues: the Bukit Tinggi Forest Reserve and the Lentang Seed Centre. These locations, known for their rich biodiversity and vital role in the region’s ecosystem, provided the perfect backdrop for a day of environmental stewardship and intergenerational solidarity.
A total of 102 volunteers joined hands for this noble cause, including 20 staff members from JPSM and 82 enthusiastic tree planters from the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur. The diverse group of volunteers, united by a shared purpose, represented a beautiful blend of ages, backgrounds, and experiences. The presence of young and old alike underscored the importance of fostering a connection between generations while working towards a common goal.
The day began with a prayer by Fr Andrew Manickam OFM Cap, and later, Encik Hafni from JPSM and warm welcome by Encik Azman, Director of Bentong Forestry Department. Volunteers were briefed on the day’s activities and the significance of the tree-planting effort. The volunteers then proceeded to plant trees in memory of their grandparents and elderly loved ones, symbolising the enduring impact of these individuals on their lives and the world around them.
The saplings and trees planted at the Bukit Tinggi Forest Reserve, will grow to form part of the rich forest canopy, providing habitats for countless species and helping to maintain the ecological balance. A total of 250 trees were planted along with approximately 240 sapling bags prepared.
As the day progressed, the volunteers took time to reflect on the significance of their actions. The event concluded with a luncheon, a sense of accomplishment and wonderful camaraderie among the volunteers.
This year’s World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly was marked by an event that beautifully combined the values of family, community, and environmental stewardship. The volunteers made a meaningful contribution to Malaysia’s reforestation efforts while learning about tree improvement and effective plant production. – Herald Malaysia
