10 Tips Jimat Minyak Kereta

1. Panas engin lama. 
Tak digalakkan korang panaskan engine lama-lama. Sebab aktiviti ni actually membuang minyak kereta. Kereta skang xmacam kereta dulu perlu dipanaskan. Teknologi sekrang membolehkan kereta terus bergerak setelah engine di start (dengaq dalam radio).
2. Waktu isi minyak. 
Isi minyak pada waktu awal pagi atau malam. (suhu rendah). Kalau watu panas, petrol mudah meruap.
3. Bawak benda yang perlu sahaja. 
Berat mempengaruhi kapasiti engine untuk kerja lebih keras menanggung beban yang tak sudah. 

4. Servis bila tiba masa. 

Priority kat minyak engine. Engin yang diservis dengan baik boleh mengoptimumkan prestasinya.

5. Tayar cukup angin. 

Kurangkan geseran antara tayar dan permukaan jalan.

6. Plan perjalanan. 

Kurangkan lalu kawasan yang bese jam (peak hour). Kalau tak tau jalan (takut sesat) membazir minyak, install garmin dalam hp. Cari je kat internet banyak yang “free”.

7. Tutup tingkap mase kereta bergerak. 

Sebab bila ada peredaran dan pertukaran angin masuk keluar kereta, ia sedikit sebanyak mempengaruhi kelajuan kereta.

8. Tekan paddle dengan bijak. 

Halaju malar baik untuk jimatkan minyak.

9. Pasang aircond bila perlu. 

Kalo cuaca sejuk xpayah. Boleh kurang 10% penggunaan minyak.

10. Break bila perlu ;)

Nampak lampu insyarat kuning, slow, merah behenti. Kurangkan main break banyak sangat.

Tips Eco-Friendly

Disini aku ingin berkongsi tips-tips yang mungkin berguna untuk mereka yang mencintai alam sekitar.

1. Bawa bekas makanan sendiri apabila ke kelas, pejabat atau ke mana sahaja korang pergi. Bekas makanan yang mempunyai tanda "BPA Free" adalah digalakkan.

2. Guna semula bungkusan-bungkusan McD (yang dalam bentuk kertas tu) ke mana sahaja anda pergi. Kalau pandai jaga, mungkin boleh guna berulang-ulang kali.

3. Bagi penggemar nasi lemak, digalakkan membeli nasi lemak yang dibungkus dengan daun pisang. Ini kerana daun pisang adalah bahan semulajadi dan mudah terurai dengan sendirinya.

4. Beli shopping trolly. Korang boleh bawak pergi pasar, tesco, giant dan sebagainya tanpa sakit tangan dan boleh meminimakan penggunaan plastik.

5. Bawa botol air sendiri dari rumah.

 p/s: minum air 8 gelas sehari dapat mengurangkan dehydration.

Punish litter bugs

FROM Bandar Sri Damansara and Kepong to Bukit Bintang and Ampang, the indications are clear that Kuala Lumpur is a dirty city.

It is an unhealthy situation that needs prompt and stern action by the authorities, including the municipal councils and Ministries of Health and Tourism.

Wherever you go -- shopping malls, train station, schools, car parks or back alleys -- you see rubbish dumped on pavements, floors and roads. The state of affairs is equally bad at bus stops, taxi stands, pavements and five-foot ways.

It is commonly known that street sweepers and rubbish collectors are not instructed or employed to clean many of these places which are glaring eyesores to passers-by, commuters, shoppers and tourists. There seems to be a "Who cares?" attitude.

There is a shortage of dustbins in Kuala Lumpur and other cities, which should be provided for by the authorities.

Building contractors and decorators have to share the blame for this deplorable situation which is also evident in Petaling Jaya and the city's outskirts. Contractors discard debris, bricks, stones and wood on roadsides near construction sites.

In Singapore and Hong Kong, the authorities are firmly against littering. Plain-clothes inspectors go out on the beat to catch offenders red-handed.

The authorities must act swiftly and seriously before mountains of trash build up and turn cities into slums.

Warning notices should be put up at construction sites and strategic locations to warn potential offenders. Inspections should also be made to ensure that residents, pedestrians, shopkeepers, builders and motorists abide by the law.

There ought to be a stern crackdown on the offenders. We have the regulations but no one is enforcing them. It is because of this lack of enforcement that they get away scot-free.

By Roselina Hajjar Taman Sri Batu Caves, Batu Caves, Selangor.

Shah Alam landfill for PJ waste

TO enable better waste management in the city, all home and garden waste will soon be disposed of at Section 21 Shah Alam's landfill.

Petaling Jaya mayor Datuk Mohamad Roslan Sakiman said the current arrangement to dispose of city waste at Jeram, Kuala Selangor, was time consuming and inconvenient for the contractors.

The council hopes more frequent trips to a closer landfill in Shah Alam will ensure all waste in the city is collected on time.

During public holidays and weekends, the landfill at Jeram closes at 4pm.

The long journey slows the contractors from gathering more waste and disposing it of in time.

"We are waiting for approval from the authorities and once the matter is finalised, we can dispose of all waste at the Section 21, Shah Alam landfill instead of the one at Jeram,

"If this plan takes place, the contractors will also be able to save travel time. Jeram is too far for the contractors and they can't make more trips.

"The contractors also encounter difficulties getting rid of their garbage if they do not reach the landfill in Jeram in time.

"We can't blame the contractors for not clearing all the rubbish in the city, because they are faced with several problems.

"They can't take home the rubbish which they have collected if the landfill is closed when they arrive," said the mayor.

He hope by shifting to a closer landfill, the city's waste management will improve greatly.

Recently it was highlighted in the media that the mayor goes on his bike in the evenings to check on waste management in the city.

He observed that monitoring of waste collection by those in charge was found lacking.

By SHEILA SRI PRIYA
PETALING JAYA
streets@nstp.com.my

Palm Oil for the Heart

A clinical study is under way to see if a Vitamin E compound found in palm oil can help stroke patients

TOCOTRIENOL may not be a familiar name to the public, but worldwide, scientists are looking to see how this natural Vitamin E, found abundantly in palm oil, may help stroke, cancer and diabetes patients.

In a two-year trial, Professor Chandan Sen from Ohio State University, United States, will determine whether supplementation of tocotrienols can reduce stroke-induced lesion volume, and/or stroke incidence, mortality and quality of life.

Sen is one of the recipients of the Malaysian government’s RM20 million investment, announced last November, to conduct six clinical trials seeking medical breakthroughs by using tocotrienols in palm oil.

In a telephone conversation recently, Sen says tocotrienols show “remarkable benefit against stroke” and if a patient takes tocotrienol, “injury to the brain is less if the patient suffers a stroke”.

Sen says he has completed a large animal study to see if oral intake of tocotrienols will deliver its benefits to vital organs. Currently, a clinical study involving 150 patients is under way to see if oral intake of tocotrienols is absorbed by the blood and delivered to vital organs such as liver and brain.

“There is no other plant in which tocotrienol is found more abundantly than in oil palm fruit,” he says. He adds that tocotrienol is even more potent than tocopherol, another natural Vitamin E compound found in olive and sunflower oils, and used widely in supplements and skincare.

Tocotrienols are known to reduce cholesterol, lower blood pressure, reverse arterial blockage (carotid atherosclerosis), protect against ischemia or reperfusion heart injury, inhibit platelet aggregation, anti-cancer and suppress tumours, and is a potent natural antioxidant.

“In the United States alone, there are 700,000 stroke cases a year. Before a major stroke, patients often develop a mini stroke and we are interested to know if tocotrienols may help them sustain less injury when they get a major stroke,” says Sen.

The RM20 million investmentfrom the Malaysian government is in line with the country’s aim to expedite growth in food and health-based downstream segment, under the Palm Oil National Key Economic Area. Other clinical trials to be done under the budget are breast cancer tumour progression, colorectal cancer and prolonging the survival of patients with prostate cancer.

Two other projects seek to study the effects of tocotrienol on diabetes mellitus and ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactive disorder).

Potent goodness

THE next time you are buying cooking oil, consider palm oil. Here’s why:

CAROTENOIDS

These natural chemical compounds give crude palm oil its orange-red hue and make palm oil red in colour. Unrefined palm oil and crude palm oil are nature’s richest source of carotenoids as compared to other vegetable oils. It has 15 times more carotenoids than carrot and 30 times more than tomato.

The most active and important form of carotenoids in palm oil is carotene (beta-carotene), which has Vitamin A, an effective antioxidant to strengthen the body’s immune system and reduces the risk of certain diseases like cancer and heart disease.

VITAMIN E

The oil is rich in Vitamin E — tocopherols and tocotrienols. No other vegetable oil has as much Vitamin E. The vitamin is a powerful anti-oxidant, capable of reducing free radicals in the body. This means it may help to protect you from certain chronic diseases and delaying the ageing process. Latest research shows that the tocotrienol form of Vitamin E reacts more effectively than tocopherols.

TRANS-FAT FREE

Much has been said about trans-fat and how hydrogenated oil is more lethal to the body than saturated fat. Solid fats made from palm oil do not have to go through hydrogenation. Hydrogenation of oils produces trans-fatty acids (TFAs) which have been linked, by numerous scientific studies, to breast cancer, colonic cancer, and heart disease.

Many countries warn consumers against intake of TFAs. Some even regulate the content of TFAs in foods sold in the irrespective markets, underlining the growing recognition and concern over their negative health effects.

FOOD FATS

Fatty acids are raw materials for building the membranes of every cell in your body, including bones, nerves and brain. The micronutrients keep body cells healthy and functioning properly. You will be malnourished and become sickly or prone to infections if you do not have fats and oils in your diet.

BALANCED FAT RATIO

Palm oil has a balanced ratio of unsaturated and saturated fatty acids. It contains 40 per cent oleic acid (monounsaturated fatty acid) and 10 per cent linoleic acid (polyunsaturated fatty acid).

Both are good fats that can help lower blood pressure it contains 45 per cent palmitic acid and five per cent stearic acid (saturated fatty acid).This composition results in an edible oil that is suitable for use in a variety of food applications.

Source: www.mpoc.org.my

Love for the environment

It has been an eventful 12 months in the Klang Valley. StarMetro Yearender series continues with spotlights on Shah Alam, Subang Jaya and Selayang.

One of the notable initiatives this year was the Shah Alam Rivers and Trees For Life programme by the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) together with government agencies and several non-governmental organisations.

NGOs such as Eco Warriors, Trees for Life, Sathya Sai Baba centre, Leo Club and public and private institutions of learning planted about 40,000 fruit trees in the city.

The project, which began in April, involved about 1,500 volunteers and covered areas along the Damansara River, Renggam River and the Jelutong Industrial area.

Mayor Datuk Mohd Jaafar Mohd Atan will also be upgrading the 51.7ha Shah Alam Lake Gardens in the next three years to attract more visitors not only from Shah Alam but also those living in the Klang Valley.

Environmentalists and non-governmental organisations gave brownie points to the mayor when he decided to plant fruit tress like guava, soursop, mangosteen as well as ornamental ones like the weeping willows instead of raintrees in parks and the city.

“When we have fruits trees, birds and insects will make the park their home,” Mohd Jaafar said.

With a well planned city-within-a park concept in mind, Mohd Jaafar should now look into his other promise of making the city a cleaner one.

Certain areas which were far from towns and those highly populated housing areas like Taman Sri Muda which was once listed as a clean zone is now a far cry from its previous state.

Roads and other public amenities such as food courts, football fields, markets and the public halls should also be given the same attention as these areas are common meeting areas for residents.

The indiscriminate dumping of rubbish by factories in the Klang river has caused much anger among Taman Sri Muda residents.

This ongoing problem was apparent especially during high tide and rainy weather when the rubbish from Petaling Jaya and Kuala Lumpur is washed up in Shah Alam and Klang.

The dumping of rubbish in upstream areas is affecting residents living downstream.

One can see the huge amount of rubbish including styrofoam boxes and bags of unwanted material floating in the river near Taman Sri Muda.

MBSA public relations officer Shahrin Ahmad said the council had been monitoring the river’s condition on behalf of the Drainage and Irrigation Department which was responsible for the cleaning up process.

“Such incidents only happen during a downpour. So far we have not received any complaints from the public since the one that took place early this year,” said Shahrin.

In December, Mohd Jaafar introduced yet another green initiative with a landscape design competition for its 28 roundabouts in the city.

The contest, which is open to public, was aimed at drawing a new image and identity for Shah Alam.

Among the popular roundabouts were Bulatan Kayangan, Bulatan Megawati, JVC roundabout and UiTM roundabout.

‘The mayor had said that the roundabouts should be the identity of Shah Alam so that they would leave a lasting impression on visitors and tourists.

“The designs could also reflect the city’s culture and tradition,” he said, adding that people often related Shah Alam to roundabouts.

The council also bought iPads for all its heads of department and council’s branch offices to reduce the use of paper.

“We have meetings every other day and these officers have to print a stack of documents,

“By enforcing that they have to bring the iPads for meetings, we hope to reduce the usage of paper,” he said, adding that councillors who attend the monthly full board meeting had also been going digital this year.

Senior citizens and the disabled had a pleasant surprise when the council launched its community vehicle to cater to their needs.

The van provides free transport from their homes to health clinics in Section 7, Section 19 and Bukit Kuda in Klang as well as the Sungai Buloh Hospital, Universiti Malaya Medical Centre and the Univesiti Kebangsaan Hospital in Cheras.

The daily service available from 8am to 5pm was an initiative by the council to help the old folk and the disabled to seek medical assistance.

There is no hospital nearby and the nearest government hospital is either in Klang or in Petaling Jaya,

Travelling in a taxi can cost a lot and the free service was to help them save money.

Five months after being appointed mayor in May, Datuk Mohd Jaafar Mohd Atan faced a boycott against him.

Several councillors protested in the usually quiet council meeting after they failed to secure contracts for themselves and their cronies.

The councillors were apparently unhappy that Mohd jaafar did not entertain their request for contracts.

The councillors had approached Mohd Jaafar for favours by asking for on-the-spot maintenance jobs that were below RM20,000. The mayor stuck to his decision in ensuring that good governance was upheld within the council.

By CHRISTINA LOW
christinalow@thestar.com.my

1,000 mangrove saplings planted to mark tsunami anniversary

STAFF of Honeywell Aerospace Avionics Malaysia joined Penang Inshore Fishermen Welfare Association (Pifwa) members to plant 1,000 mangrove plant saplings at Sungai Chenaam in conjunction with the seventh anniversary of the tsunami tragedy.

The United States-based company’s senior health and safety manager K.G. Bathmanathan said the company took part in the event under its corporate social responsibility and Go Green programme.

“This is a very meaningful programme as it reminds us to take care of our environment in an effort to reduce the impact of any natural disaster,” he said after taking part in the planting ceremony.

He also said the company hoped to make the event an annual affair.

Pifwa president Ilias Shafie said the association had planted 200,000 mangrove plant saplings in the coastal areas of Penang since 1997 to protect the environment.

“Pifwa planted the saplings following massive erosion along the coastline and this effort was intensified after the 2004 tsunami that hit several Asian countries in 2004.

“We will carry out similar programmes from time to time to create public awareness on the importance of saving mangrove swamps.

“People have to realise that these swamps could act as a buffer should a tidal wave hit the shoreline,” he said during the Boxing Day event.

Ilias also said in several parts of the world, mangrove trees had played a major role in saving lives during the 2004 tsunami.

Source: The Star Online 28 Dec 2011

Setting a record in recycling

JOHOR BARU: It took more than 4,000 recycled egg trays and 100 cans of paint for Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) students to enter the Malaysia Book of Records.

The 60m by 6m project was a first to enter the record books for the biggest painted logo on recycled egg trays in the country and all for the sake of environmental awareness.

A team of 107 people from UTM led by the project’s organising chairperson Chong Wei Hoong, spent 12 days hand painting each tray with environmentally friendly paint during their free time.

He added that it took them about three weeks to collect all the egg trays, which they gathered from various shops on and off campus.

“The masterpiece will be exhibited at the campus’s football field for a few weeks to bring awareness to UTM’s student and staff to lead a greener lifestyle,” he said during the opening ceremony of the university’s Green Generation programme here yesterday.

Chong added that other than the university and sponsors’ logos, they also painted bicycles and a picture of the Earth to remind students to love nature.

Meanwhile, in his speech read out by the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry deputy secretary-general Nor’aini Abdul Wahab, minister Datuk Seri Peter Chin said that green transformation would not be successful without the cooperation from all parties.

“Green transformation will not only help us secure a clean environment for our next generation, it will also benefit our economy because there are unlimited opportunities to venture into green business,” he said.

By YEE XIANG YUN
xiangyun@thestar.com.my

Do your part for the environs

KUALA LUMPUR: The people have been urged to do their part for the environment and not just leave it to the authorities.

Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said protection of the environment depended on initiatives by the Government and private bodies.

“Everybody must be committed and have a greater awareness of their responsibility in protecting the environment,” said the MCA president after launching the GoGreen Winter Solstice Celebration 2011.

“It is the individual's action that matters most. For example, if you buy a loaf of bread, (you will find that) it is already inside plastic. Some still want another bag to put the bread inside, which is unnecessary.

Dr Chua said the “traditional teaching” of “reduce, reuse and recycle” is still relevant.

“Another example is household waste which, until today, we do not take efforts to separate. We just dump everything into the dustbin.

“Kitchen waste can be dangerous because it releases methane gas. But if methane is properly treated, it can produce energy. Kitchen waste can also be recycled as fertiliser. But we are not doing it,” said Dr Chua, a former health minister.

The GoGreen Winter Solstice Celebration was organised by the Malaysia Youth 4 EcoGreen Coalition (MY4Eco).

MY4Eco founder Lim Teck Hoe said festive occasions, like the Winter Solstice celebration, was one of the best avenues to promote environmental awareness.

“For example, for the Winter Solstice celebration, we could play our role by not wasting food.”

Besides a tang yuan (glutinous rice ball dessert) making session, the event also featured a catwalk with models wearing clothing made out of organic material.

There were performances by Malaysian Idol winner Daniel Lee and Jeffry “Beatboxer Tuxy” Goh.

Source: The Star Online 23 Dec 2011

Know how to create awareness on the environment?

KUALA LUMPUR: If you have an out-of-the-box idea on how to raise environmental awareness effectively, let us know, said Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Peter Chin Fa Kui.

“Many are still unaware of environmental issues, so we want to send the message out more aggressively,” he said.

“However, the ministry cannot do it alone, so we need the public to come forward,” he added at the launch of the Green Kids television programme at Angkasapuri here yesterday.

Green Kids focuses on environmental preservation and use of green technology, and is targeted at children aged from six to 12. The pilot episode will air over TV2 at 5.30pm on Jan 28.

The programme is a collaboration be- tween the ministry and the Malaysian Green Technology Corporation (GreenTech Malaysia).

The first season has 13 episodes with five different segments. Each episode will run for 30 minutes.

Chin hoped that the programme would inspire the younger generation to contribute towards developing green technology and conserving the environment.

Source: The Star Online 23 Dec 2011

Recycling pewter to help conserve nature

The collection, which is made of recycled pewter, consists of three pendants and three sculptures designed by sculptors Zainal Abidin Musa and Tengku Sabri Tengku Ibrahim.

Royal Selangor international general manager Yong Yoon Li said a third of the sales proceeds would go towards MNS's efforts to conserve forests and wildlife.

"The launch of this collection highlights not only our efforts in recycling natural resources but also MNS's efforts to conserve the 130 million-year-old Belum rainforest.

"We are honoured to have Tengku Sabri and Zainal lend their artistic touch to create such a beautiful and unique collection," said Yong.

Tengku Sabri's Beragas, Bakbon and Kerong sculptures were inspired by tales from his childhood.

Zainal designed three pendants called Fern, Pinang and Lover's Pod.

"My collection was inspired by animals, plants and insects that live in the forest," he said.

Royal Selangor launched its pewter donation campaign in June. Up to September, Yong said, about 200 unwanted pewter items had been collected.

"We are grateful to those who contributed unwanted pewter items for recycling," he said.

Yong added that companies such as Petronas had donated pewter items to support the cause.

Petronas senior general manager (group corporate affairs) Datuk Mohammad Medan Abdullah was at the launch.

Source: Nor Ain Mohamed Radhi, NST

Beware of bogus recycling centres

Pertubuhan Amal Seri Sinar founder and president Datuk Eadon Ching said some organisations claimed to be non-governmental organisations (NGOs) but were actually companies running businesses.

"Most people will respond positively when approached or after finding out about a recycling campaign, without checking the organisation's background.

"We have come across a few supposedly non-profit organisations that are actually commercial enterprises. We came to know about them as the organisations were registered as companies with Sdn Bhd or Bhd in their names.

"The easiest way to find out about an organisation is through the Registrar of Societies (ROS). If the organisations are not registered with ROS, then they are illegal," he said during a recent visit to a recycling centre in Hulu Langat, Cheras.

He said the authorities should monitor activities and programmes of organisations which claimed to be non-profit-making to make sure that the public would not fall prey to unscrupulous individuals.

"This may seem petty to some, but if you think carefully, it is not only morally wrong to deceive people by having a charity front.

"Before this happens, we have to give a clear message to those taking advantage of people's good intentions to do charity work. In Singapore, such immoral acts would incur a jail term and fine."

He said he had informed the authorities about it, but it seemed that there was no specific law to stop individuals from collecting recyclable items from others.

"Charitable organisations like ours have to depend on public donations to maintain our daily operations including collecting items from the 272 recycle bins we placed at various places.

"The money we get from the recycling process would be used for our programmes and community events.

"However, some irresponsible people would simply exploit people's generosity to generate income for themselves," he said, adding that the most common items received were books, bottles, clothes and newspapers.

"We provide free pick-up services for bulky items such as old furniture and electrical appliances.

"We hire staff and technicians to make sure that the items are fixed before donating them or sending them to countries like Myanmar and Laos."

He advised the public to at least check the organisations' websites before contributing to them.

"If the website has not been updated for a long time, then you know that the organisation is not active."

Ching, who is a businessman, got the idea to set up the society in 2003 after receiving encouragement from friends.

Apart from recycling and environmental campaigns including tree-planting, Pertubuhan Seri Sinar also goes to schools and residential areas to increase awareness on the importance to practice 3R (reduce, reuse and recycle) in one's daily life.

The association collects 60 tonnes of items daily, of which 60 per cent comprised clothes.

Source: NURADZIMMAH DAIM
KUALA LUMPUR
streets@nstp.com.my

USJ goes a-planting

SUBANG JAYA: In efforts to reach its goal towards “Low Carbon City”, the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ), with the help of various non-governmental organisations, recently planted 1,111 trees on a 3.2ha land at Persiaran Setia, USJ 3C.

About 200 volunteers and residents of USJ 3C were involved in the tree-planting exercise. They are from the Subang Jaya Rotary Club, Kingsley International School Putra Heights, Zone 3 Residents’ Committee (JKP Zon 3) and members of fire brigade from SS17 fire station

MPSJ president Datuk Asmawi Kasbi said the council’s aim is to plant 10,000 trees by 2020, under the Urban Community Forest project.

“This is our first big-scale project and it is just the beginning. Now that the lot has been gazetted as a public recreation park, we hope the trees will ensure that the carbon emission is reduced,” said Asmawi.

Also present were MPSJ deputy president Abdullah Marjunid, Subang Jaya assemblyman Hannah Yeoh, councillor Rajiv Rishyakaran and Kelana Jaya MP Loh Gwo Burne.
Among the tree species planted were Cengal, Kasai and Keruing.

Rajiv who is also the president for JKP Zon 3, said the project will be conducted in stages until the completion by 2020.

While waiting for the trees to grow, the next step is to build a gazebo, put up a proper fencing, a walking trail and a car park by next year.

To ensure that the project goes smoothly, the council has appointed the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Forestry Department of Selangor and Malaysian Institute of Planners (MIP) as the project’s advisers.

Source: C. Premananthini

Sunway preserves old trees

SUNWAY Group continues to show its commitment towards caring for the environment by transplanting 214 trees prior to the start of construction works at Sunway University.

One hundred and ninety-six trees, some reaching up to 15.2 metres in height have been transplanted at Sunway South Quay, Sunway Monash Residences and in Jalan Lagoon Selatan, near Sunway Medical Centre. The remaining 18 will also be sent to these places by end of the month.

The trees, Khaya senegalensis, Peltophorum pterocarpum and Samanea saman, were from Sunway University's football field and its open car park.

The special project was instructed by Sunway Group chairman Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah Fook Ling and is expected to be completed by next month.

The project is undertaken by Sunway Holdings Bhd group procurement adviser Alex Kong and Dekon Tajul Nursery and Landscaping Sdn Bhd project senior manager Uthayasooriyan Alagappan.

The trees have been removed to make way for a new 12-storey academic building in the open car park area as well as the construction of an underground car park, all scheduled for completion in 2013.

Uthayasooriyan said the cost of transplanting the trees is between RM5,000 and RM8,000 per tree, totaling about RM1.5 million.

The move, he added, ensures that matured trees are not chopped off.

"Usually developers cut down trees but Sunway Group treasures what it has," he said.

Big-John Tree Transplanter will help in the transplantation process.

Sunway University and Sunway Group of Colleges executive director Elizabeth F.Y. Lee said she was sad to see the 19-year-old trees removed.

"People who are with this university know the true value of these trees and the need for conservation," she said, adding that Cheah's decision was much appreciated by university members.

She said Sunway University also grooms its students to be environment lovers by planting the Flame of the Forest and Neem trees in its compound.

Students also collect recyclable items, sell eco-friendly merchandise at bazaars, watch documentaries on the environment, go paperless and restrict the use of plastic bags.

"Sunway Group has consistently instilled environment-friendly elements in its commercial, residential and educational development projects," she said.

Source: SARAH RAHIM
streets@nstp.com.my

Enough dustbins for everyone

SWM Environment Sdn Bhd is at its wits end over the irresponsibility of some people who dump huge piles of rubbish, then accuse SWM and the local authorities of not doing their work.

Among the areas affected are Seremban 2 and Senawang where residents leave heaps of rubbish, then call SWM and create a ruckus, claiming the company is not doing its work.

SWM Negri Sembilan general manager Dr Al Ashari Othman said he was aware of this tactic and had information on the culprits.

He said those involved wanted to discredit SWM even though there were sufficient dustbins in their areas to dispose of their rubbish properly.

"These irresponsible acts are aimed at discrediting our good name. We have a number of such cases and regret that these people are resorting to such dirty tactics."

He said each complaint received by SWM about bulk garbage disposal is immediately attended to.

He said there should be no case of illegal dumping as SWM is always willing to assist with the disposal of bulk garbage such as used furniture.

He said the public could contact SWM at 1-800-88-3200 if they need its service or to file a complaint.

"We hope the public will be our eyes and ears and report the activities of these unscrupulous people."

Source: RAMESH PILLAI
streets@nstp.com.my

Envisioning a greener Earth

The company set itself a noble target when it launched an environment-friendly corporate social responsibility campaign themed "A million trees, a million dreams".

Shaklee Malaysia has always wanted to do its part to green the earth and at the same time advocate a cleaner, healthier and safer world.

That dream started materialising in 2009 when it teamed up with the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia to sponsor and plant trees at Kepong Botanical Garden, a former mining area which is now an educational public park.

Pushing ahead with its efforts to educate Malaysians on environmental issues and the need for growing trees, Shaklee Malaysia recently planted trees at Bukit Sungei Puteh Forest Reserve in Cheras for the second consecutive year with the cooperation of the Forestry Department.

The event, which was officiated by Natural Resources and Environment Deputy Minister Tan Sri Joseph Kurup, saw the company's employees, civil servants, guests and members of the media plant tree saplings.

The three-year cooperation between Shaklee Malaysia and the National Forestry Department started last year when the company sponsored RM10,000 worth of tree saplings and a trail measuring 226 metres long. The trail is to ensure that the park has facilities for visitors including the disabled.

"Reversing the unprecedented loss of biodiversity and saving our planet requires the effort of everyone," said Victor Lim, the regional general manager of Shaklee, Southeast Asia.

"Working with the Forestry Department in planting trees at this forest reserve is part of the company's effort in mitigating residual carbon emissions, while at the same time hoping to create valuable wildlife habitats and a forest park for people to enjoy and learn from," he said.

The company hoped that the choice of fruit trees for planting this time around would serve to attract birds, insects and other wildlife to this reserve and create biodiversity.

"Tree-planting is definitely one of the most potent ways to protect our planet, but people are either not doing enough of it or not doing anything at all," said Lim.

"Forests help to control climate. Some experts now call rainforests 'the air-conditioners of the world' because their dark depths absorb heat from the sun."

In his speech, Kurup said Shaklee's efforts was in line with the ministry's drive to plant 26 million trees by 2014 which would be capable of absorbing 200,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

The campaign, "Green The Earth: One Citizen, One Tree", was launched in April last year. More than 13 million trees have since been planted.

A total of 110 trees were planted during the event, including rambai hutan, sentul, keledang temponek, beruas and kandis .

Source: AVEEN MATHEW MENON
streets@nstp.com.my

Small changes, cleaner environment

I HATE driving behind a garbage compactor for a simple reason -- it stinks. Like everyone else, we like a clean and neat environment and can't tolerate stench brought on by poorly disposed of rubbish.

So when Alam Flora Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Mohd Zain Hassan told me during an interview that they will be imposing new requirements for contractors to ensure that there's no leachate on the road, I was delighted.

Those found to have leakages would be stopped and washed immediately.

He said it is among the key performance index (KPI) set by the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation that would be fully implemented by September next year.

Others include collecting garbage at designated areas within the stipulated time and making sure that the compactors only use their approved routes.

Some of us (including yours, truly) may also see the compactors on the road during peak hours as something that's in the way, especially when you are rushing to work or sending your kids to school.

So, instead of the current three-times a week collection for landed housing property schemes and daily for high-rise units, Alam Flora will make sure that collection is done within one hour, for instance, at the assigned areas.

This means, after the scheduled time, you will not see the compactor around your housing area or apartment.

This helps as you would know when to take your garbage out.

To implement this, Zain said, cooperation from the public is needed.

He said it would be helpful if household rubbish is tied in plastic bags and placed in the bins to help Alam Flora carry out its duties efficiently.

One of the problems, he said, is when residents at high-rise buildings place the rubbish around the bins instead of throwing them inside them.

Garbage collectors normally spend a lot of time picking up these rubbish and this would slow down their operations at the next stop.

We always want the best service but our habits, which include not disposing of the rubbish properly or blocking the path of the garbage compactors delay the collection process.

The contractors can't wait long as they have other neighbourhoods on their checklist.

To further assist residents and business operators to properly dispose of their garbage, special bins are being distributed free of charge by Alam Flora in stages.

The bins with two wheels are easy to handle as it can be lifted by the garbage compactor to dispose of the content.

Each bin also has Alam Flora's number on it, should consumers want to file a complaint or need assistance. Most of us are familiar with the box-like shape of the bins at recycling centres.

It is hoped that those who receive the bins will fully utilise them to ensure better services.

Simple things we do can definitely make a change for the better.

Source: Nuradzimmah Daim

Becoming friends of the environment

JOHOR BARU: A total of 8,971 Johoreans have registered themselves as members of Friends of the Environment in a recruitment drive for an ongoing environmental campaign in the state recently.

The campaign which aims at conserving the environment was launched in June 2009.

State International Trade and Industry Energy, Water, Communication and Environment Committee chairman Tan Kok Hong said he hoped more people would volunteer for the environmental cause.

"Volunteers should be lauded for joining the campaign as it concerns everyone's future," said Kok Hong at the launch of the Friends of the Environment Carnival held in conjunction with the state-level Malaysia Environment Week at the Hutan Bandar of the Johor Baru Central Municipal Council (MPJBT).

The recruitment drive, co-organised by MPJBT, was supported by Johor Corporation, SP Setia Bhd Group, Titan Petrochemicals, and the Gelang Patah constituencies.

Also present were Gelang Patah MP Tan Ah Eng, MPJBT president Md Fuzi Ahmad Shamimi and Johor Environment Department acting director Mokhtar Abdul Majid.

Ah Eng said caring for the environment should be an ongoing activity, such as cleaning up the environment from time to time.

"Community leaders, corporations and the local community have a part to play in protecting the environment," she said.

Meanwhile, Mokhtar said various activities have been organised in conjunction with the Malaysia Environment Week 2001.

They include the eco-run, colouring, poster-drawing and essay-writing competitions.

Source: Mohd Fahmi Mohd Yusof

Plant-a-tree programme

Lexmark International (M) Sdn Bhd took part in the Plant-A-Tree with Meeco event at the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia in Kepong, Kuala Lumpur recently. The move is in line with its corporate commitment to protecting natural resources and reducing the environmental impact of printing.

The activity was organised in conjunction with the International Year of the Forest 2011, through which the organisers hope to inspire Malaysians to consciously make an effort to plant at least one tree by the end of the year.

Lexmark Malaysia acting country manager Larry Leow says the event ties in with the company’s Print Less, Save More strategy.

He adds that by doing so, organisations can eliminate unnecessary output, which reduces carbon footprint and at the same time, reduces business costs.

Source: NST Tech

Free bins for households

ALL 48,000 registered households in Kedah would soon get a refuse bin each.

The move was to ensure all houses are equipped with proper bins for domestic waste before they were collected by solid waste contractors.

Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Chor Chee Heung said the bins, with a capacity of 120 litres, would be given out in stages, beginning with houses in urban areas.

He stressed that only those who have settled their assessment would be given the bins. Those who have yet to do so would be required to pay up or face legal action.

Chor said the distribution of the weather-proof bins was a nationwide effort by the ministry. Each bin will have a serial number dedicated to each house to avoid theft.

“We will replace them free-of-charge after seven years. We have targeted to distribute about three million bins by Aug 31, 2014,” he said after giving away refuse bins to some 300 residents in Taman Golf and Taman Lumba here recently.

Present were Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation chief executive officer Datuk Zaini Md Nor and Environment Idaman director, Azmanuddin Haq Ahmad.

Every household is required to submit a form, available from various local authorities, and a copy of the receipt for the assessment paid.

Those with inquiries can contact the ministry's hotline at 1-800-88-7472.

Source: ADIB POVERA