GEORGE TOWN: Penang has achieved its goal of planting one million trees across the state within a single day in celebration of Earth Day 2024 today.
Yayasan Amal Tuan Yang Terutama (TYT) Pulau Pinang chief executive officer Datuk Seri Sr. Rozali Mohamud said the people of Penang have made history by reaching this one million tree milestone.
The achievement was marked at an event at the Seri Mutiara grounds that was graced by the Governor of Penang (TYT) Tun Dato’ Seri Utama Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak and his wife Toh Puan Seri Utama Khadijah Mohd Nor.
“At 11.30 am the people of Penang made history as we achieved the one million tree target. The one-millionth tree was planted by the Governor of Penang Tun Dato’ Seri Utama Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak.
“As the CEO of Yayasan Amal TYT Pulau Pinang, I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved, including government departments, the private sector, schools, universities, communities and individuals who contributed, no matter how small. Your efforts are greatly appreciated,“ he told a media conference here today.
He also hoped that a significant number of kaffir lime trees given to the residents of Penang would be well preserved as they could generate substantial income.
“We have distributed some 222,000 kaffir lime trees, so if these kaffir lime trees are well maintained, they can generate an income of no less than RM26 million annually.
“This is a new income for the residents of Penang, especially communities in villages and participating associations,” he said.
Rozali also hoped that the programme could be a paradigm shift as it had proven the ability of the people of Penang to create community bonds and environmental greenery.
“The significant impact of this programme is that most areas in Penang can be greened within just five months.
“All along the roadsides and residential areas, residents are amazed because in the blink of an eye or just a few days, there are trees in front of their homes... this is a very effective game changer in our greening efforts,” he added.
