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Volunteers save trees on Batu Ferringhi beachfront

The trees and undergrowth have suffered damage to their roots from high tide and erosion

Updated 2 years ago · Published on 05 Sep 2023 2:00PM

Volunteers save trees on Batu Ferringhi beachfront
A team comprising staffers and civil society propping up the Ketapang tree along Batu Feringghi. – Pic courtesy of Rasa Sayang Resort, September 5, 2023

by Ian McIntyre

THE country's oldest five-star resort, the Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Penang, is now fighting time to mitigate the damage from Mother Earth which has now threatened two 70-year-old Ketapang trunk trees which anchor the beachfront landscape of the resort.

Recently under the veteran director of communications, Tunku Sulaiman Tunku Abdul Rahman, some 60 volunteers comprising staffers and civil society braved the rain to strengthen the foundation of the tree from the threat of erosion.

The resort has decided to embark on a conservation drive as well as to mark its 50th anniversary. – Pic courtesy of Rasa Sayang Resort
The resort has decided to embark on a conservation drive as well as to mark its 50th anniversary. – Pic courtesy of Rasa Sayang Resort

With climate change upon the state, the resort has decided to be part of the solution by offering various alternatives, including a ‘Save our Trees’ campaign.

The trees and undergrowth near the Batu Ferringhi beachfront have suffered partial damage to their root system due to the high tidal waves and beach erosion.

Realising this, the resort has decided to embark on a conservation drive and mark its 50th anniversary since its formation as the country’s pioneering five-star property. Tunku Sulaiman said that the resort also plans to work with the local authorities and the Penang Green Council in formulating ways to save trees along the beach in Balik Pulau.

Volunteers filling up sand bags to check the erosion. – Pic courtesy of Rasa Sayang Resort
Volunteers filling up sand bags to check the erosion. – Pic courtesy of Rasa Sayang Resort

He also spoke about offering a glimpse into the colourful history of Ferringhi, which in Arabic is translated as foreigners.

“And Batu means ‘rocks’, so many rock formations were part of the beachfront early on," said Tunku Sulaiman in an interview. – The Vibes, September 5, 2023

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By Ian McIntyre