Trade-offs for the Better Future

Malaysia isn't known for its environmental activism. Public apathy towards the environment has always been the case. However, in the state of Penang, Malaysia, we get to see groups of Malaysians striving for the better. Embracing the marvels of environment, S.P. Setia Bhd property division employees made headlines by participating in the environment conservation efforts.

“We are taking time off to release 200 butterflies, 50 birds and plant three Tanjung trees at our construction site in Sungai Ara,” S. Rajoo said.

He said the “Free Machinery” day was also declared at three other construction sites in Johor, the Klang Valley and Vietnam.
“Our workers who smoke have also pledged not to smoke for a day,” he said.

Big-scale World Environment Day celebrations were being held at the four project sites, he said.

“We started the one-day environment awareness programme in Penang last year. This year, we are expanding it to other locations,” Rajoo said.

He said the RM1mil loss was calculated based on penalties for a day’s delay but added that the company would double up its effort to ensure all projects were completed on time.

A guest speaker from the Penang Municipal Council was also invited to give a talk on the importance of recycling. Rajoo also said that the workers were required to carpool to work.On their project at a 44ha site in Sungai Ara, he said the aim was to make the environment “liveable” for birds, butterflies and dragonflies.

Journey of a thousand miles starts with a small step, it is hoped this will trigger a response among the Malaysian public on environmental awareness