Kuala Lumpur [Malaysia], August 17: In the sweltering heat of Malaysia's mangrove forest near Malaysia's Port Klang, a group of enthusiastic staff from China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) and Malaysia Rail Link (MRL) worked hard to clear away debris and plant mangrove tree saplings.
The program, aimed at fostering team spirit, also allowed participants to obtain a first-hand appreciation of protecting and rehabilitating the environment, which are key aspects of the values of the companies building the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) mega rail project.
Among those carefully planting the samplings was Mohd Fariz Che Man, environmental officer of CCCECRL Section 9. "CCCECRL has the sustainability vision to preserve and conserve the natural environment at all work sites in an environmentally acceptable manner and in compliance with the federal, state and local authorities' relevant legislation and requirements," he said.
"We always implement green rail development with initiatives to reduce forest fragmentation and loss in the designing stage via two strategies, namely alignment and tunnel construction, in which the alignment skirts around the permanent forest reserve boundary to reduce fragmentation," he said.
As for the mangrove replanting program, an initiative conducted with Selangor Maritime Gateway, which operates river cleaning in Klang River, Mohd Fariz said it is in line with the policy of ECRL's builders which prioritizes environmental sustainability and protection.
"We need to restore harmony with nature, embrace sustainable production and consumption and protect the air and water from pollution. We need to safeguard our planet for future generations," he said.
Mangroves, being a sanctuary for various wildlife, also play a key role in reducing coastal erosion, storms and flooding and are one of the most cost-effective methods of managing disaster risks along coastlines.
Mohd Nizam Daut, MRL deputy project director, said the program was organized in conjunction with the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem to raise awareness of the significance of natural mangrove swamps and river ecosystem along the Klang River as well as the importance of protecting the mangrove ecosystem.
"As a commitment to environmental matters, CCCECRL Section 9 implements best management practices to protect water and air quality and ensure water and air quality is fully monitored along our alignment," he said.
He added that other efforts, including training programs with Selangor state wildlife department, numerous internal awareness and training programs and environmental drills, have been conducted as part of its drive to conserve the natural environment at all its work sites.
A major infrastructure project under the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, the ECRL runs from Malaysia's largest transport hub Port Klang and travels across the peninsula to Kelantan state in northeastern Malaysia.
Source: Xinhua