KOTA SAMARAHAN: The ‘Kampung Empila Cultural Exchange Programme: Green Awareness, Worship and Environmental Sustainability’ emphasises that environmental conservation is not only a social responsibility but also a form of worship encouraged in Islam.
Muara Tuang state assemblyman Datuk Idris Buang said the tree-planting activity is more than symbolic; it carries a profound message about humanity’s duty as stewards of God’s creation.
“All creatures, whether plants, animals, mountains, the sun, stars or the moon, whether living or non-living, constantly glorify and praise Allah, the Creator of the universe,” he said during the launch of the programme at Masjid Darul Sabirin, Kampung Empila Hilir, on Sunday (Jan 25).
Idris also warned that history shows fertile areas such as the Sahara, Arabian, Mojave and Atacama deserts eventually became barren due to environmental changes, serving as lessons for humans not to neglect ecosystem balance.
“If there were no trees or plants, humans could not survive. Planting trees is an act of worship, and every good deed is rewarded manifold,” he added.
He expressed appreciation to all parties involved, particularly ASEZ Malaysia, Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS), Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC), and the Kampung Empila Hilir Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) for successfully organising the high-impact programme.
Idris praised the collaborative approach, saying it aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 15: Life on Land, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
The programme saw the planting of 200 bamboo saplings contributed by STIDC, covering three species: Vulgaris vittata (Yellow Bamboo), Guadua angustifolia (Guadua Bamboo) and G. scortechinii (Semantan Bamboo).
A total of 220 participants took part, including youth volunteers, MPKS staff, and local residents.
A symbolic tree-planting ceremony was also held by Idris to demonstrate ongoing commitment to environmental conservation.
Meanwhile, Kota Samarahan Municipal Council Chairman, Councillor Abang Ismawi Abang Ali, said the initiative was the result of strategic collaboration to strengthen environmental sustainability and community engagement.
He added that bamboo was chosen because it helps prevent soil erosion, grows rapidly, efficiently absorbs carbon and has potential economic value for local communities if managed sustainably.
“Through this programme, we are not just planting trees, but also cultivating awareness, shared responsibility and community spirit for the well-being of future generations,” he said in his speech.
Also present at the event were Kampung Empila Hilir village head Mohamad Bujang Mahidi, STIDC acting manager of Bamboo Resources and Carbon Trading Nizam Abdullah, ASEZ Malaysia president Steven Kwon, MPKS deputy chairman councillor Daily Joseph, MPKS secretary Gustian Durani, representatives from Samarahan Resident Office Janfytria Abu Bakar and Samarahan district officer Faizal Asi.
