Teach the young about plants, says Dr Jerip

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KUCHING: All kids know what bananas look like, but how many of them actually know what a banana tree look like?

Assistant Minister for Public Health Dr Jerip Susil noted that many among the younger generation lack knowledge about plants – some can’t even recognise common trees – and something should be done about it.

Speaking at a tree planting programme at Kuching Allied Health Science College in Jalan Puncak Borneo here yesterday, Bengoh assemblyman Dr Jerip said one of the most effective ways to address this shortcoming was to inculcate the culture of planting trees among the young.

“Many young people know how to eat banana but they may not know how banana trees look like. Therefore, we need to do something so that our future generations will have knowledge about plants.

“Just plant any tree – coconut tree, rubber tree or banana tree – from today.”

Dr Jerip added that tree planting was not only good for the environment but would also help preserve the state’s natural heritage.

It would also help the state achieve its target of keeping at least 60 per cent of its land green.

“Sarawak is blessed with rich biodiversity. It is our responsibility to protect and conserve our rich natural environment.”

On the tree planting programme, Dr Jerip gave the thumbs up to Kuching Allied Health Science College and Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) for the initiative.

He said studies had showed that a person would perform better if he or she was surrounded by a green environment.

Organising chairman and MPP councillor Edward Kurik said MPP planned to plant 15,111 trees this year.

To date, the council had planted about 5,000 trees in areas under its jurisdiction, he said.