KUALA SELANGOR, 30 NOVEMBER 2024 – A successful mangrove planting program took place at Taman Alam Kuala Selangor, involving 73 active participants from Sunway University students. The initiative, which saw the planting of 400 mangrove saplings, aimed to restore coastal ecosystems and raise awareness about the importance of mangrove forests in combating climate change and environmental degradation. The program was fully sponsored by Senka Company, whose support made the event possible.

The event, held at the renowned Taman Alam Kuala Selangor, focused on preserving and rehabilitating mangrove ecosystems. Sunway University students worked alongside the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) in planting saplings that will help improve local biodiversity, protect coastal communities from erosion, and provide vital habitats for marine species.

The volunteers received detailed guidance on safety measures and tree-planting techniques from representatives of EcoKnights. They were organized into four groups, each led by a facilitator from EcoKnights, and embarked on a 15-minute walk to the planting plot, united by a shared sense of purpose and responsibility.Upon reaching the site, the groups were assigned to different planting areas, where they worked diligently to transform the landscape, one mangrove sapling at a time. The saplings planted were species of Rhizophora mucronata, a crucial mangrove species for coastal ecosystems. Each sapling planted served as a testament to Senka’s unwavering support to combating climate change and protecting vulnerable coastal ecosystems.

This program resulted from a meaningful collaboration between the SENKA by FineToday Sdn. Bhd., public volunteers, Sunway Student Volunteers, and local authorities such as Kuala Selangor Nature Park nature guides. SENKA by FineToday Sdn. Bhd. was instrumental in fully funding the event, highlighting its strong commitment to environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility. As the primary sponsor of the program, SENKA continues to lead efforts in addressing climate change and safeguarding vulnerable coastal ecosystems. The mangrove planting initiative at Kuala Selangor Nature Park is a key part of SENKA’s ongoing dedication to environmental conservation.

The success of the program highlights the power of collaboration between the public, universities, organisation, and local communities in addressing environmental challenges. Moving forward, we hope to organize more environmental programs aimed at engaging the public and fostering a sense of responsibility toward the planet.

The mangrove planting event at Kuala Selangor Nature Park serves as a reminder of the critical role that every individual and organisation plays in environmental conservation. With continued support for such initiatives, a sustainable and resilient future for our ecosystems is within reach.

Let’s continue to make a difference together! Join us in future environmental initiatives to protect our planet and foster a sustainable future. Together, we can create lasting change for our ecosystems and communities. Stay connected with us on our social media platforms for updates on upcoming programs and opportunities to get involved!

Last but Not Least: Inspiros International School

EcoKnights has successfully wrapped up its Gamuda Land Rangers Programme, a comprehensive initiative aimed at educating children about sustainability and biodiversity protection. The programme, which was launched in collaboration with Gamuda Land, has been a resounding success, with 15 schools from across Malaysia participating in the programme. The last school to participate in the programme was Inspiros International School, which marked the culmination of the Gamuda Land Rangers programme.

As EcoKnights brought the Gamuda Land Rangers Programme to a close, the team reflected on the success of the initiative, which had been met with enthusiasm and engagement from students and teachers alike. Throughout the programme, EcoKnights had worked closely with various schools to conduct interactive activities and share educational resources that would inspire children to learn about sustainability and biodiversity protection. The results were nothing short of impressive; with students demonstrating a newfound understanding of the importance of conservation and a commitment to taking action to protect their environment.

Objectives: Creating Awareness and Educating Children about Sustainability and Biodiversity Protection

Gamuda Land Rangers Programme offers high-quality educational experiences that inspire and empower young people to act as responsible citizens, promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship. Specifically, this programme is designed to educate children and young adults about the importance of environmental conservation, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to make a positive impact on the environment. In addition, this programme seeks to foster a sense of community and shared responsibility for environmental conservation. To achieve this, EcoKnights aim to partner with local organizations, schools, and community groups, thereby amplifying our impact and reaching a broader audience.

Empowering the Next Generation of Wetland Leaders:

Gamuda Land Rangers Programme kicked off with EcoKnights’ introduction to the concept of wetlands and their importance in supporting biodiversity. This was followed with a scavenger hunt, where students worked together to find hidden figurines of wetlands animals. Later on, the students engaged in a creative hands-on session where they got to design their very own wetlands themed terrarium using a variety of provided materials.

The students were able to express their creativity when decorating each of their terrariums. Not only that, the students also were able to bring back their respective terrariums as a token of remembrance.

Another activity that was conducted was a guided walk around the wetlands, where students were amazed and full of inquiries about the different types of flora and fauna surrounding them. These activities not only educated the students about the importance of wetlands but also fostered teamwork, creativity, and a sense of wonder and appreciation for nature.

The Inspiros International School students thoroughly enjoyed the programme, with many expressing their enthusiasm for the activities. “I loved making my own terrarium!” exclaimed one student. Another student chimed in, “I didn’t know that wetlands were so important for animals! Now I want to learn more about it.” The programme’s interactive approach and hands-on activities made it engaging and enjoyable for the students.

Learning by Doing: The Programme’s Impact on the Young Minds

The Gamuda Land Rangers Programme has made a significant impact on the participating schools and students. EcoKnights’ goal is to shape young minds through education on sustainability and biodiversity protection, thereby empowering the next generation of environmentally conscious leaders who will drive positive change.

Success of the Gamuda Land Rangers Programme can be attributed to its collaborative approach with Gamuda Land and engaging children through interactive activities. As EcoKnights continues to roll out its programmes across Malaysia, it is clear that its impact will be far-reaching.

EcoKnights and its partnership with Gamuda Land have cracked the code on making sustainability fun and engaging! The Gamuda Land Rangers Programme has brought eco-education to life, and we’re seeing a new generation of young heroes emerge. By joining forces, we’re creating a wave of environmental change-makers who will make a difference. Bring on the future—we’re ready to rock it!

SETIU, Terengganu, July 30 — In a move to combat climate change, EcoKnights and MBSB Group have launched a groundbreaking mangrove planting initiative aimed at longevity and consistency of effort. This partnership is set to transform Setiu Wetlands Park, turning it into a thriving haven for marine life and a robust shield against coastal erosion.

The 2024 initiative kicked off with the planting of 240 mangrove saplings by 40 enthusiastic MBSB employees, supported by Terengganu State Parks Management Council, Sahabat Setiu and local communities. Mangroves, often dubbed nature’s guardians, are essential for preventing erosion, protecting shorelines, and capturing carbon. As Rafe Haneef, MBSB’s Group CEO, puts it, “At MBSB, mangrove replanting is a cornerstone of our sustainability strategy. We are committed to long-term investment in mangrove restoration, partnering with esteemed organizations like the Malaysian Nature Society and EcoKnights to ensure our efforts leave a lasting legacy.”

EcoKnights’ Tree For Us (T4Us) program will oversee the growth and survival of these saplings, ensuring the project’s long-term success. The collaboration has already proven effective; in 2023, the partnership achieved a stellar 95% survival rate for 490 mangrove saplings and 100 coastal trees across five states.

This year, the aim is even higher: planting 800 saplings to fortify coastlines. Fadly Bakhtiar, EcoKnights Program Director, remarked, “Our efforts go beyond just planting trees. Together, we’re ensuring our natural ecosystem continues to provide invaluable benefits to both the environment and local communities.”

This initiative isn’t just about trees; it’s about community, resilience, and the future. For inquiries, contact Norsiah Juriani Johari from MBSB Group at norsiah.johari@mbsbbank or Nabila Shohimi at nabila@ecoknights.org.my.

Photos of the event can be found:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/10p7EgLQYtKDVGxlQN6Rcn_sgR1T2a3P-?usp=drive_link

ABOUT MBSB GROUP

MBSB has been a pivotal contributor in financial services sector for decades. The 2023 acquisition of MIDF has positioned us as a major player in Islamic banking, offering enhanced services, innovative products, and greater sustainability.

ABOUT ECOKNIGHTS®

EcoKnights® is a not-for-profit environmental organization that delivers development and environmental interventions to communities, government agencies, learning institutions, and companies. We mobilize and catalyze stakeholders towards sustainable development across trans- and interdisciplinary fields across four main pillars. Our mission is to impart long-lasting sustainable impact to the country. More information is retrievable at ecoknights.org.my

SOURCE : EcoKnights

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name : Aaron Riang
Sustainability Communication Coordinator
Pertubuhan Alam Sekitar EcoKnights Kuala Lumpur dan Selangor (EcoKnights)
Email : aaronriang@ecoknights.org.my

In a heartening display of unity and environmental stewardship, 606 dedicated volunteers from Liberty General Insurance Berhad (LGIB) gathered from May 6th to 9th, 2024, to plant 1,100 Rhizophora Mucronata mangrove trees. As part of EcoKnights’ Tree For Us (T4Us) initiative, this event was a demonstration of their commitment to sustainability and collective action.

The event started with encouraging speeches from representatives of Liberty General Insurance Berhad and EcoKnights, fuelling the volunteers’ excitement and determination. The volunteers then received guidance on safety measures and tree-planting techniques from speakers from EcoKnights and the Forestry Department. The group then began a 1.1 km walk to the planting plot, each step driven by a shared sense of purpose and responsibility.

Upon reaching the plot, the volunteers, with determination and enthusiasm, transformed the landscape one sapling at a time. Every time a sapling was planted, it was a lesson—and a display—of what could be achieved collectively. It served as a reminder that together, we can effect change.

For those interested in joining future environmental initiatives or learning more about EcoKnights, feel free to reach out to us at info@ecoknights.org.my. Let’s continue to make a lasting impact together, one step at a time.

The recent tree planting event at Taman Rimba Bukit Kerinchi, Kuala Lumpur was a clear celebration of environmental conservation and a major step towards creating a greener, more sustainable urban landscape. The tree planting took place on November 2nd, a day filled with excitement and a shared commitment to sustainable urban development. 

A collaborative effort organised by EcoKnights, Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur Landskap, and Group Tax from Petronas brought together a diverse group of volunteers, including 10 passionate public volunteers. A total of 70 trees, spanning 10 different species, were planted as part of the “Tree4Us Urban Park Tree Planting Programme,” which aims to improve Taman Rimba Bukit Kerinchi’s greenery and benefit the surrounding community and environment. Furthermore, the event was driven by a collective goal to promote biodiversity while combating urbanisation challenges, therefore contributing to the overall well-being of the environment.

The event transpired after meticulous planning, where 10 public volunteers along with 240 members of DBKL and Group Tax actively participated in the planting process. After the initial registration, the event started off with a couple of speeches from EcoKnights, Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur Landskap and Group Tax. The volunteers were then instructed to take a group photo together and were briefed on tree planting. After listening intently, the volunteers were split into groups of four and began the process of planting their trees.

By the end of the planting, around 70 trees found their new homes while a sense of collective pride filled the air. The “Tree4Us Urban Park Tree Planting Programme” is a prime example of the effectiveness of community-based environmental projects. As the recently planted trees grow, they offer hope for a greener and more sustainable future for Kuala Lumpur.

If you are interested in joining our initiatives or organising sustainable workshops for your area, school, or company, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@ecoknights.org.my. We would be thrilled to offer additional details and explore potential partnerships with you.

December 2nd, 2023 – In a collaborative effort with HSBC volunteers to inspire sustainable living, the Guardians Against Garbage (GAG) initiative take place at Sungai Kayu Ara, Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI), Kuala Lumpur. At 8am, 35 passionate HSBC volunteers united for a notable river cleanup event. Facilitated by EcoKnights, this initiative aimed to combat and reduce river pollution while cultivating a shared sense of environmental awareness within the community.

The event kicked off with an inspiring opening speech and a meticulous safety briefing conducted by EcoKnights facilitators, ensuring that the volunteers were well-equipped with the necessary guidelines and expectations. The river saw enthusiastic participation from HSBC volunteers, who engaged in an exhaustive cleanup operation which targeted the river’s various sections.

The volunteers were divided into three teams and embarked on a mission to restore the river, back to its pristine condition. Their hard work paid off as they were able to collect an impressive total of 377.90 kg of diverse waste, ranging from plastic remnants, textiles and even debris from past construction projects. This cleanup was more than just picking up trash, it was a call for environmental awareness and conservation, acting as a reminder of the urgent need to address proper waste management along with river pollution.

After the cleanup, the volunteers worked seamlessly, forming a human chain to transport the collected debris to the segregation area. The segregation process, where volunteers segregate the trash based on its composition, started out smoothly. However, challenges arose during the segregation process as a handful of the volunteers were starting to become tired. Alas, their unwavering dedication and teamwork enabled them to efficiently categorise the waste. A closing speech acknowledged the volunteers’ tireless efforts, emphasising their pivotal role in contributing to a cleaner environment.

Through their actions, the ardent volunteers from HSBC demonstrated that small, collective efforts can lead to substantial environmental changes. As they departed, the effect of their dedication remained, emphasising the possibility of a more sustainable future, one river cleanup at a time.

If you are interested in joining our initiatives or organising sustainable workshops for your area, school, or company, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@ecoknights.org.my. We would be thrilled to offer additional details and explore potential partnerships with you.

Outgoing EcoKnights’ President’s Farewell Message

Eighteen years ago, I founded an environmental NGO called EcoKnights. EcoKnights was my creative journey in establishing an organization that will craft sustainability programs that I would enjoy running; where my young daughter (Mia was close to four years old at that time) can have fun in and be educated about nature and her role in protecting it, where the public (specifically parents and children) can participate in fun environmental programs.

I did all these from the dining table of our home, in between tending to a kid and doing house chores. It was one of the best times of my life where all I needed to fuel was my brain, and I was churning out ideas, and forming a team, working on creative fundraising approaches, picked up new skills in project and financial management, design and redesign pitch decks, you name it.

I would wake up daily just excited to continue where I left off the night before, all these papers, diagrams, ideas, capturing my vision and passion to drive kick ass public programs on sustainability. My soft skills were on overdrive.

During the early formative years of EcoKnights, and with very little public knowledge and recognition of a small homegrown/grassroots NGO, I was also rejected, turned down, you name it – countless times. While I was equipped with passion and drive, I was not connecting with everyone about what EcoKnights was and what it can do for the country or a “client.” I learnt then how to polish my presentations, how to read my “clients” better,
how to see the problem statement(s), and how to work on win-win solutions that would serve the desired outcomes. That saw me really embracing a more strategic approach to thinking, designing, planning, you name it. My skills required to be analytical, technical, strategic and be outcome driven, were on hyper mode.

During the last decade, I realized the importance of developing sustainability leaders, and focused on the organization’s volunteer and internship programs. I thought that if I can grow a local NGO to attract good talent in all fields of studies, I can have a small chance in crafting and molding these young Malaysian minds to walk, talk, eat, and breathe sustainability. Basically, make them practitioners, at least for that 3-to-6-month duration of their internship program. In short, brainwashed them.

What resulted was unexpectedly amazing! Much to my evil delight. I have seen them come and go, and I have seen many of them grow. Not just academically, but in the way they apply their experiences and knowledge with EcoKnights and leverage on the networks they made to then lead in their own ways in the field of sustainability. I can never express how proud I am of many of them, to see them now presenting their papers on sustainability, or to be invited by them to attend a university reach program they are leading, or to bump into them in a conference and to be whispered by their bosses that “this kid that was your intern is amazing”. Man, that makes me so proud of how our past interns now drive sustainability in their own workspaces and lives.

Today, they (past volunteers and interns) inspire me the most. I witnessed them boldly paving the way to make a difference for the country in sustainability. I am just lucky to have had the chance to be in their sustainability leadership quest/journey.

Over close to two decades, I have seen, and been through a lot with EcoKnights. The bitter ones I learnt from them. The sweet ones, I cherish and am appreciative of them. For sure, there are many best memories and moments, long lasting friendships made, and old connections rekindled and redefined in the name of sustainability. But the ultimate satisfaction is witnessing the current young EcoKnights team lead, administer, plan,
implement, communicate, advocate and forge partnerships independently.

I have served EcoKnights as the organization’s president since 2005. A bit too long if you asked me. To grow something out of nothing was not an easy feat, and once it was well oiled and running, to work on my exit strategy also took a while. Now is the right time to pass the baton to the next person who will continue to drive the organization to meet its vision and mission. All good things need to evolve to become better and I have stayed on for a bit too long (because letting go of a baby you gave birth to such as EcoKnights is hard) and I feel that the time has come for me to say my farewell.

I am excited to announce that Amlir Ayat will be replacing me as the President of EcoKnights and this process will be officially formalized in the following months. All operative and administrative matters will still be lead under the guidance and leadership of Fadly Bakhtiar. I have known Amlir since 1998. He was my first “sifu” when I came back to Malaysia as a young energetic marine biology graduate. He was one of the reasons and main drivers of my passion in sustainability. I learnt the power of education in transforming livelihoods and addressing human-wildlife conflict through and from Amlir. I was privileged to be his pupil, to be taught how to survive with not much in the tropical jungles of Kenong, to appreciate citizen science (even though it wasn’t trending back then) and the strategic ways of networking especially with government agencies. I trust that through Amlir’s leadership in EcoKnights, he will continue to drive the vision and mission of the organization, while lead a young capable and driven team to continue to design and deliver impact-driven sustainability programs for all stakeholders. It has been a wonderful experience and journey and thank you to all who were part of this journey with me.

Dr Yasmin Rasyid
Former President of EcoKnights, 2005 – 2023

10 October 2023

Building a strong foundation for young children’s connection to nature is critical for lifelong learning. Hence, EcoKnights seized the opportunity to collaborate with Gamuda Parks and Gamuda Land, launching the Gamuda Parks Rangers (GParks Rangers) programme this year, beginning in February. GParks Rangers is a family-friendly learning platform that allows kids aged 4 to 12 to participate in a hands-on activity in learning more about science, the environment, and biodiversity. Now, parents have the chances and the right platform to give their children early exposure to environmental education.

Using Creativity as a Lens to Develop Critical Thinking Skills

Several edutainment workshops and roadshows are designed specifically to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of conservation and biodiversity. These activities can help instil a sense of responsibility and concern for nature in children from an early age. ‘Art in Nature: DIY Hand Fan Workshop’ is the first workshop and roadshow hosted by EcoKnights at Gamuda Parks Nature School in Rawang. With a theme inspired by the Chinese New Year celebration, 30 curious Rangers participated in this two-day activity, where they were given — paper, bamboo sticks, watercolour, brush, and leaves to make their adorable hand fan.

After the enjoyable workshop, they made a fan, which they decorated.

Hands-on creative activities can indirectly inspire children to think outside the box while also attempting to elicit their artistic side. These also depict how children and their parents can engage in do-it-yourself activities at home by utilising materials found in their surroundings that can be transformed into something meaningful. For example, to make this hand fan, we could use ice cream sticks, paper, and dry leaves that we can find anywhere.

The children were busy selecting leaves and experimenting with colours.

Utilizing Adventurer Activities to Foster Science Interest

Continuing to pump up the pace, on February 19th, another workshop took place — the Junior Water Scientist, which was held at Gamuda Cove with 23 Junior Rangers. They had a wonderful opportunity to explore the water body through three different activities with a water education theme: biodiversity observation of the water body, water quality test, and DIY water filtration model. These modules are designed to stimulate their basic senses of vision, touch, and hearing, thereby improving memory retention, attention, and focus. Couldn’t deny that the kids’ excitement and joy can’t be constrained by the fact that they were permitted to play around on the lake’s bank while being supervised by their parents. Mainly when they were delighted enough to catch fish with the provided net during the biodiversity observation and collect water in preparation for the next activity.

Overall, this session was extremely beneficial for the children, who were exposed for the first time to a body of water and its ecosystem. They learned many important and entertaining facts about the various species that live in the water, as well as how to filter water at home with their parents.

During the biodiversity observation activity, little heroic Rangers were going to the nearest lake’s bank to do some mini-exploration.

The water quality test was the highlight of the day. Most of the parents commented that this was the most difficult activity of the day. This is because they had to conduct mini-experiments to determine the quality of the water they collected from the lake itself, which indirectly activated their analytical skills. The water quality test was divided into two parts: water pH testing (using litmus paper to determine the level of alkalinity or acidity in the water) and DIY water filtration. Despite the fact that it was a difficult session to understand, the children were able to grasp the fundamental concepts and apply their knowledge throughout the session, which was the most important part.

Sharp and focused, these two siblings collaborated and took their exercise seriously.

Application of Edutourism to Understand Mangrove Ecosystem

Buckled up everyone, we still have another third workshop incoming, which is — The Mangrove Nature Trip!

This ‘short nature trip’ was the third workshop held at Sijangkang Mangrove Recreational Park – so far our furthest journey that we brought our Junior Rangers — on the 18th March 2023. With a guidebook in hand, 25 Rangers are ready to begin their little adventure into the deep lush green of the mangrove ecosystem!

The first activity was a sharing session on the mangrove life cycle, during which the Rangers learned about mangroves, their lifecycle, biological roles, and their importance to the environment. After a few minutes, the children explored and observed the lush greenery of the thousands of mangrove trees that grew taller than them. With binoculars in hand, the children were able to spot a variety of fauna, including little brown crabs (which were shy and played peek-a-boo with the children) and mudskippers. Finding the crabs was a fun challenge for the kids because they are small and difficult to spot, and their colour blends in with the background! Not to mention that collecting leaves from mangrove trees is one of the ways the children can have fun while learning about the mangrove tree structure that they used in their drawing.

To be able to escape into the mangrove park during the weekend is a wonderful experience for both children and parents. Also, by doing engagement activities that help to introduce the edutainment learning concept to the local community, we can support local mangrove parks such as Sijangkang Mangrove Recreational Park. For the benefit of the readers, Sijangkang Mangrove Recreational Park is run by local elders from the Sijangkang community, who mostly volunteer to keep this place running and the mangrove rehabilitation initiative going.

During the Mangrove Nature Trip, the Rangers participated in a variety of hands-on activities.

Nurturing Early Nature Engagement in Your Local Community Spaces

And now, our workshop recently took place at the heart of the Taman Tun Dr. Ismail itself, which is TTDI Edible Community Garden on 25 March 2023. Two garden-theme activities were delivered in this workshop — Garden Day Out — which is composting and a DIY botany postcard activity. The former served as an introduction to the kids to the importance of managing waste properly. This composting activity also shows something that might seem valueless can be turned into important stuff. Having all the equipment ready, the Rangers were focused on listening to the facilitator’s explanation and then putting the composting stuff layer by layer according to what had been instructed.

The Rangers were busy arranging the green and brown material for the compost

The DIY Botany Postcard was the next activity on the agenda! Before the activity began, EcoKnights facilitators introduced the little Rangers to the interesting shapes and colours of various leaves and flowers, which they later hand-picked to be part of the DIY postcard making. This is where the fun begins, as we could see them experimenting with various shapes of leaves and flowers while the facilitators shared a few facts along the way.

Dry leaves, colour pencils, and glue were fully utilised by 23 Rangers for the DIY botany postcard

The session ended with heavy rain, which most of the children took advantage of by playing in it!

We believe that our children are the hope for the future generation. That’s why it’s important to instill good values in them at an early age. Gamuda Parks Ranger is one of our commitments in fulfilling this mission so that our younger generation can be the responsible person who can start their voyage to saving the Earth! Hence, this particular initiative is still ongoing until mid-year 2023. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get your children to hop on our little fun adventure to learn more about environmental biodiversity by registering them as a Ranger through this link: http://bit.ly/GPR2023! You’ll be notified via email as well as our social media regarding the upcoming workshops. Together, we can encourage future generations to appreciate and understand more about nature and biodiversity!