KUCHING – The landscape of the Batu Kawah Riverbank Park received a significant green boost on Sunday following a collaborative environmental initiative between the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) and the private sector.
In a concerted effort to enhance urban biodiversity, Pansar Company Sdn Bhd partnered with the local council to execute a large-scale tree planting exercise. The event saw the introduction of 345 new trees and flowering plants to the recreational area, aiming to bolster the park’s aesthetic appeal and ecological balance.
This weekend’s activity marks the continuation of a strategic alliance between the two entities. It serves as the second phase of a partnership that began last year, building upon the foundations of a previous successful planting drive. The sustained cooperation highlights a growing trend of corporate entities engaging directly with municipal authorities to improve public spaces.
The event was attended by key figures from both the local government and the corporate sponsor. Leading the initiative was Cr. Tan Kai, the Chairman of MPP, accompanied by his deputy, Cr. Mahmud Bin Dato’ Sri Haji Ibrahim.
Representing the corporate partner were Mr. Keith Kong, the Business Development Manager at Pansar, and Mr. Raymond Ngu Choon Wu, who serves as both the Head of the Sustainability Working Group and President of the Staff Club.
Approximately 40 volunteers from the Pansar team were present on the ground, actively participating in the planting process. Their involvement underscores the company’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), specifically targeting environmental stewardship within the communities they operate in.
Cr. Tan Kai expressed his gratitude towards the company for their enduring commitment. He noted that such contributions from the private sector are vital for the council. By donating a significant volume of flora, the company is directly assisting the council in its efforts to create a greener environment for the residents of Batu Kawa and the greater Padawan area.
The initiative aligns seamlessly with MPP‘s broader strategic framework, which prioritises the creation of a sustainable, inclusive, and liveable municipality. As urban areas in Sarawak continue to expand, the preservation and enhancement of green lungs like the Batu Kawah Riverbank Park become increasingly critical for climate resilience.
Beyond the immediate visual improvement, the introduction of 345 new plants is expected to contribute to local biodiversity, provide shade for park-goers, and assist in carbon sequestration.
This project stands as a practical example of how Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) can be leveraged for community benefit. By combining public administration goals with corporate resources and manpower, the programme effectively addresses environmental challenges at a grassroots level.
As the trees mature, they will serve as a lasting testament to the collaboration, offering a rejuvenated landscape for the public to enjoy while reinforcing the importance of shared responsibility in maintaining the state’s environmental health.
