THE GREEN MESSAGE OF SERASI

VISITING..... Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Masidi Manjun visiting the green exhibition by students of SM All Saints Kota Kinabalu during the SERASI Awards ceremony.

By : FIZAH YUSOF

ENTERING the seventh year in spreading the green message, Sekolah Rakan Alam Sekitar (SERASI) programme is relentless in its attempt to create environmental awareness among students.

The programme has a 'green message' to all schools through efforts related on environmental management, environmental activities, 'greening' the school activities, cleanliness and beautification of the school ground, environmental innovation and clean toilets.

The programme is jointly organised by Shell and the State Environment Protection Department, the Federal Department of Environment-Sabah, Sabah Forestry Department, Education Department, Science and Technology Unit, Chief Minister’s Department, the State Environmental Action Committee, and the Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre.

Out of 560 schools in the State competing for the environmental award, only 10 primary and 10 secondary schools were selected for the final. The prizes are awarded based on presentation, creativity and sustainability of the initiatives, which may include landscaping, recycling, composting and cleanliness campaigns.

"Students must become role models to encourage people in protecting the environment. Through education they are better able to understand the importance of environment and the efforts to preserve it," he said at the SERASI Award ceremony held on at Tun Raffae Auditorium, Tun Mustapha Tower.

He noted with a tinge of sadness, however, that Sabah still has a long way to go in creating awareness among the people.

"Even with the ceaseless efforts from the City Hall, district councils and other government agencies, we are still facing cleanliness problems because there are still irresponsible people who keep throwing rubbish all over the place."

He stated that based on a survey made by Kota Kinabalu City Hall, 70% of rubbish were thrown from vehicles. "They will simply toss rubbish out of the car, this is the attitude some people have that must change," he added.

Meanwhile, Shell Malaysia Corporate Affairs General Manager, Frank Saing said the award programme is in keeping with Shell's plan for sustainable development.

"Shell is committed in contributing to this sustained effort. We balance short and long term interests, integrate economic, environmental and social considerations into business decision-making."

He added that Shell Malaysia was proud to support SERASI programme in Sabah. Shell Malaysia contributes RM40, 000 annually in support of SERASI (Sekolah Rakan Alam Sekitar) Sabah.

During the Award ceremony, SK Tansau, Putatan and SMK Kuhara of Tawau emerged winner for the Wira Serasi category while SJK (C) Siew Ching, Lahad Datu and SMK Majakir, Papar each won the Wira Harapan category for secondary and primary schools.

SM Tebobon of Kota Kinabalu and SK Monopod, Beluran each won the SERASI award for secondary and primary school category. All winners received cash, trophies and certificates of appreciation.

Abas Saidin, 48, Headmaster SK Monopod Beluran believed that protecting the environment is an effort of everyone.

"Everybody needs to be on board in protecting the environment. We should take responsibility for our own action," he said. He attributed teamwork and cooperation as prime factors that made his school, SK Monopod Beluran win the SERASI award. (Insight Sabah)