USM DRIVES CLIMATE ACTION AND BLUE CARBON AWARENESS IN COLLABORATIVE MANGROVE PLANTING PROGRAMME IN BALIK PULAU

BALIK PULAU, PULAU PINANG, 17 May 2026 – Students and representatives from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) once again demonstrated their commitment towards environmental sustainability and community engagement through active participation in the Trip 4 Trees Mangrove Planting Programme held at the Hutan Paya Laut (Petak Arboretum) in Balik Pulau.

The large-scale environmental conservation programme successfully gathered a total of 357 volunteers from USM, JKS Voltsvan, Penguin Solutions, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and local communities. The collaboration efforts of Trip 4 Trees initiatives were well coordinated by Associate Professor Dr. Ng Theam Foo, as a coordinator of Environmental Protection and Education Hub (EPEHub) as well as deputy director of the Centre for Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS) together with Dr. Mohd Sukri Shafie, advisor of the Green Ambassadors (GA) as well as head of senior research officer of the Centre for Education and Training in Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency & Green Technology (CETREE). The execution of the event was supported by the diligent efforts of CGSS intern from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Hong Kheng Jhun, the Main Coordinator of Green Ambassadors, Then Min Han, and other dedicated student volunteers.

Reflecting the university community’s growing involvement in sustainability initiatives, major contributors to the programme included volunteers and student representatives from USM, particularly the GA, EPEHub@CGSS and also Tilting Futures (TF). Specifically, the GA and USM student participants comprised 58 individuals, accompanied by Dr. Ng and Dr. Sukri. Adding an international dimension to the climate action programme, 30 international students from the Take Action Lab under TF programme participated alongside two TF coordinators, Mr. Hector Gomes de Sousa and Ms. Aufa Hanis.

The volunteers worked in a collective effort to rehabilitate and preserve Penang’s coastal ecosystem through mangrove restoration activities. Emphasising the ecological significance of the initiative, Dr. Ng reminded the participants especially the USM students with a key message noting that the mangrove ecosystem is highly crucial for carbon absorption and sequestration, serving as a vital blue carbon contributor in combating climate change.

The mangrove planting programme was officiated by the Mayor of the Penang Island City Council, YBhg. Dato’ Ir. Rajendran P. Anthony, who attended as the guest of honour and participated in the symbolic mangrove planting ceremony. In his address, Dato’ Ir. Rajendran emphasised that planting programmes are not merely a greening activity but a manifestation of collective commitment towards ensuring environmental sustainability for the well-being of future generations. He noted that from 2020 until April 2026, MBPP successfully planted a total of 540,783 trees throughout Penang Island. Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of mangrove ecosystems as natural barriers that help reduce coastal erosion, protect marine biodiversity, and function as effective carbon sinks. This aligns with the aspirations of a low-carbon city and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

A total of 13,750 mangrove saplings were successfully planted during the programme through the collective efforts of all participating volunteers. Of these, 10,000 saplings were contributed by MBPP through its Landscape Department, while 3,750 saplings were contributed by strategic corporate partner Penguin Solutions in an effort to strengthen coastal resilience and environmental sustainability in Penang Island. Despite rainy weather, participants remained highly enthusiastic and committed, working as a team across the muddy coastal area to plant saplings while learning about the ecological significance of mangrove ecosystems.

The successful implementation of the programme further demonstrates the important role of universities and youth communities in supporting environmental conservation efforts and promoting a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable future for the benefit of future generations.

SDGs: 4, 13, 14, 15 & 17

Text & Photos: Hong Kheng Jhun & Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ng Theam Foo