by HARIZAH KAMEL / pic by TMR FILE

INDAH Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd (IWK) and Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to expand its urban forest project Khazanah Rimba in Pantai Eco Park, Pantai Dalam, Kuala Lumpur.

The social collaboration between the national sewerage company and the environmental non-governmental organisation (NGO) reinforces the potential of by-products reuse in preserving the environment.

“In pursuing our vision, we also welcome the participation of all parties to come on-board and explore the many socio-economic and economic growth potentials.

“As such, the collaboration between IWK and MNS will serve as an excellent platform for both industry and NGO to explore the many areas of cooperation,” IWK CEO Narendran Maniam (picture) said in a statement recently.

He commented that MNS is one of the well-known NGOs with the expertise in the conservation and protection of Malaysia’s natural heritage which he foresees a great synergy with, particularly in the social development of sewerage industry and reuse of sewage treatment by-products.

“Riding on this MoU, I also envisage the research and development, as well as other initiatives, will progress from fundamental research to applied research gearing towards education programmes and eventually commercialisation,” he said.

MNS president Prof Dr Ahmad Ismail said the firm has always remained true to its vision and steered towards protecting and conserving the environment.

“We are glad that together with IWK, we have a shared vision, materialised in the expansion of Khazanah Rimba. Many issues plague our environment and if we are not careful, we can lose this invaluable gift inadvertently.

“We hope to draw on this important realisation and impress upon other parties through this Khazanah Rimba initiative,” he said.

In tandem with the MoU signing, IWK and MNS introduce the “Adopt a Tree” donation campaign, where any individual, group or organisation can donate a tree or more, while MNS will plant and maintain the tree at Pantai Eco Park.

Through this partnership, IWK will provide the facilities, materials, managerial and industry technical skills to support MNS’ effort to spruce up the growth of the urban forest. IWK and MNS aim to plant 500 trees by the end of 2020.

Produced at the highest quality post-wastewater treatment from IWK’s sewage treatment plants, the biosolid serves as a soil conditioner for ornamental plants.

The project also aims to give shelter to urban fauna species and to transform the park into a community and educational park.

IWK launched its Khazanah Rimba programme last year in line with the government’s effort to preserve the forest treasures while making the city a greener environment.