As an institution that advocates environmental and biodiversity sustainability, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) celebrated the Environment Day by replanting Gelam trees in Setiu through the help of 100 volunteers.

The initiative was taken as part of the effort to conserve the flora and fauna and environmental ecosystem. Gelam trees were chosen as they play an important role in the ecosystem balance, are leafy, can withstand dryness, and are easy to plant.

Gelam trees, also known as Melaleuca cajuputi, are Southeast Asia’s native trees that have high economic and ecological values. The effort by UMT volunteers will indirectly help the nearby community to create products based on the trees.

UMT Deputy Vice Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) Prof. Dr. Mohd Izani Mohd Zain described the volunteer programme as a good activity for imparting knowledge to the community especially students about how to care for the environment and the ecosystem.

“We expose students to the importance of caring for the environment and being aware of the significant changes happening lately.

“This type of volunteer activity is a good platform for instilling a sense of responsibility in every individual towards the environment beside spreading knowledge about the conservation of the environmental ecosystem for the sake of a better future for the coming generation.

Meanwhile, Gelam tree researcher Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jamilah Salim said Gelam trees were selected because they are natural resources that do not require huge capital.

“I have studied Gelam trees since 1998 and found that they provide benefits to the community.

“The activity is also a way to allow research findings to be applied to benefit the community.

According to Prof. Dr. Noraznawati Ismail, various products can be created using Gelam trees, such as essential oil, cream, and other products that have high demand in the market.

“Efforts on environmental sustainability like this not only benefit the environmental ecosystem but also help create economic opportunities for the local community,” said Prof. Noraznawati who is also Bioinfo Head at the Institute of Climate Adaptation and Biotechnology, UMT.

The programme not only added greenery but Gelam trees possess an antimicrobial characteristic that can help clean the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and release oxygen. This helps to reduce the impact of climate change and support ecosystem balance.

Published by:

Corporate Communications Office

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu