CML VOLUNTEERS ROLL UP SLEEVES FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION PROGRAMME AT CHENDOR BEACH
KUANTAN, 25 September 2025 – 30 volunteers comprising staff and students from Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), rolled up their sleeves to participate in the Biodiversity Conservation Programme held at Chendor Beach, Kuantan.
The programme was organised by Kuantan Port, in collaboration with the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) and the Kasih Turtle Conservation Project, with the aim of promoting community involvement in environmental preservation and biodiversity protection.
The UMPSA volunteer team was led by Dr. Suhaidah Hussain, Director of the Sustainability Development Centre (SDC). She highlighted that the initiative was more than a community service activity. It represented a meaningful contribution to the global sustainability agenda.
“This programme brings us closer to both the community and nature. It allows us to take tangible action in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly, SDG 14: Life Below Water and SDG 15: Life on Land. By involving our students and staff, we are also strengthening SDG 17, which focuses on partnerships. This reflects the belief that sustainability is everyone’s responsibility,” she said.
Among the main activities conducted during the programme were the planting of 3,000 mangrove seedlings, a beach-cleaning session, and the release of baby turtles into the sea, a symbolic gesture underscoring the collective effort to preserve biodiversity and protect endangered species.
The Centre for Modern Languages (CML) volunteers also participated in the event, represented by five lecturers, Noraisah Nurul Fatwa Mohd Razali, Amy Zulaikha Mohd Ali, Azimah Ahmad Zaki, Farah Liyana Ahmad A’azmey, and Hanisah Bon (Kasbon). Their participation reflected the centre’s commitment to instilling sustainability values through education and community engagement.
“At CML, we believe that language education also encompasses values and awareness. Through our participation, we aim to demonstrate to students that sustainability and community engagement are integral aspects of holistic education,” said one of the lecturers.
CML representative Ms. Farah Liyana Ahmad A’azmey expressed that the experience was both inspiring and humbling.
“It was heartening to see students, staff, and members of the local community working hand in hand for a shared cause. The moment we released the baby turtles into the sea was especially moving. It reminded us that even small acts of care can contribute to significant environmental change,” she said.
Representing the student voice, Muhamamd Hariez Mirza Mohd Azhar from the EcoNexus UMPSA Club shared that the hands-on experience deepened his appreciation for environmental conservation.
“Before joining, I did not realise how meaningful and impactful conservation work could be. Planting mangroves and cleaning the beach gave me a clearer understanding of how delicate our ecosystem truly is. I am proud to have contributed, even in a small way, to UMPSA’s ongoing commitment to sustainability,” he said.
The Biodiversity Conservation Programme served not only as a platform for environmental action but also as a valuable learning experience for participants, reinforcing UMPSA’s dedication to the principles of sustainability, education, and community partnership.
As UMPSA continues to strengthen its role in promoting environmental awareness and sustainable practices, the efforts at Chendor Beach highlight the university’s continuous commitment to nurturing responsible, environmentally conscious citizens and fostering a culture of sustainability for future generations.
Prepared by: Noraisah Nurul Fatwa Mohd Razali, Amy Zulaikha Mohd Ali