TUARAN: The Tuaran district made history yesterday by setting a new record in The Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) in conjunction with the Tuaran Earth Day 2025 celebration.
The recognition was achieved through the planting of the highest number of Baccaurea lanceolata (Liposu) saplings in a single event, with a total of 8,800 trees planted.
The Liposu tree was among the over 60,000 saplings planted during the one-day event.
The certificate of recognition from MBOR was presented by its Chief Executive Officer, Christopher Wong, to the Tuaran District Education Office (PPD) and the Sabah Department of Environment (JAS).
For the record, PPD Tuaran, JAS Sabah, various government departments, private agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and community leaders collaborated as partners with the Tuaran Parliamentary Community Service Centre, the main organizer of the event.
Meanwhile, the Organizing Committee Chairman and Tuaran Member of Parliament, Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau, stated that the tree-planting initiative involved 88 schools across the Tuaran district.
“Approximately 29,000 students from across the district participated in the planting, with each student planting at least two trees.
“This achievement not only sets a national record but also helps in soil erosion control and reduces flood risks through the cultivation of these traditional plants,” he told the media after the launch of Tuaran Earth Day 2025.
In addition to the tree-planting activity, the event also featured various engaging programmes, including environmental exhibition booths, prize-giving ceremonies for the Poster Drawing Competition, and the Environmental Video Creation Competition.
The opening ceremony was officiated by Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, Dato’ Sri Huang Tiong Sii, at the Sabah Co-Curricular Centre in Malangang Camp, Kiulu.
In his speech, Huang expressed full support for Earth Day celebrations and announced a contribution of RM50,000 as a gesture of backing for the sustainability-focused programme.
Last year, a similar programme recorded the planting of 21,000 trees in the Tuaran district. – James Leong
