It aims to promote a healthy lifestyle by encouraging participants to engage in various physical activities, supporting their overall fitness and well-being
by AUFA MARDHIAH
The inaugural edition saw enthusiastic participation from 1,076 attendees, comprising 563 adults and 513 children. The event was aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle by encouraging participants to engage in various physical activities, supporting their overall fitness and well-being.
The day began at 7am with a Zumba warm-up session before participants embarked on a 5km Fun Run, surrounded by the lush greenery of the National Botanic Garden.
For context, the National Botanic Garden was chosen as the venue for its unique and rich diversity of flora and fauna perfectly complementing the event’s theme. In-line with the concept of the Envirunment Carnival, the venue underscores the focus on nature and sustainability.
Abu Kassim (left), Ahmad Tajuddin (second from right) and Anwar Syahrin (right) take part in the tree planting ceremony
The carnival featured a tree planting ceremony, which was led by distinguished dignitaries including Malakoff Chairman Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Ir. Ahmad Tajuddin Ali, Alam Flora Chairman Tan Sri Abu Kassim Mohamed and Malakoff Managing Director & Group CEO Anwar Syahrin Abdul Ajib. This highlighted the carnival’s dedication to environmental conservation, promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility, reinforcing the Group’s commitment to creating a greener and more sustainable future.
Adding to the festivities, the Envirunment Carnival 2024 featured an engaging Recycling Drive, where participants showcased their dedication to sustainability by bringing seven plastic bottles and seven aluminum cans as part of their registration.
The drive successfully gather- ed 71 kg of recyclables, which were handed over to Alam Flora Environmental Solutions Sdn Bhd (AFES), a subsidiary of Alam Flora, underscoring the company’s commitment to waste management and environmental stewardship.
‘Bola Sepak Sawah’ is a unique variation of football, played in a paddy field
The initiative reinforced the importance of individual contributions to environmental responsibility. More importantly, the carnival was not just a day of fun — it was a call to action.
Anwar Syahrin said events like the Envirunment Carnival highlight the importance of unity, teamwork, and sustainability within the organisation and the community, marking a step forward in fostering a healthier and more environmentally conscious society.
“In my opinion, we should hold this event more frequently. Most importantly, we have to come up with new ideas on how to drive rapid growth for our beloved company,” he said.
After the run, there were thrillingfun tele-match games like “Bola Baling Sawah” and “Bola Sepak Sawah,” with distinct categories for men, women, and management teams. This was aimed to foster unity and camaraderie by bringing together employees from Malakoff and Alam Flora, strengthening teamwork and collaboration among them.
Additionally, there was “Tangkap Ikan Sawah” match, a fun-filled fish-catching challenge in paddy fields, open to all participants, including a special category for the management teams.
Meanwhile, children enjoyed a lively Kids Pool Party, featuring inflatable pools and slides, ensuring endless fun for the younger attendees.
A lucky draw added to the excitement, offering enticing prizes, including the grand prize of an EV Bike — the Ebixon Kruz. Medals and Aeon vouchers were awarded to winners in the Fun Run, football and fish-catching categories.
Participants enjoy the ‘Tangkap Ikan Sawah’ match
As part of the carnival, a video contest was organised where participants uploaded their favourite moments on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. The winners received exciting prizes worth more than RM4,000.
Recognising the significance of these initiatives and the positive outcomes they aim to deliver, the group is considering the potential of making it a yearly event.
Malakoff Chief People Officer Raja Iskandar Raja Mukhtaruddin described the carnival as a Malakoff family day.
“This carnival is also a collaboration between Malakoff and Alam Flora. We call it the Envirunment Carnival. Its purpose is to strengthen the bond between the staff of Alam Flora and Malakoff,” he said.
Mohd Taha Jelani, a Senior Legal Executive from Malakoff’s Legal & Contract department shared that the event highlights how small actions, such as recycling, can create significant positive impacts on the planet, expressing admiration for Malakoff and Alam Flora’s dedication to sustainability.
Kids Pool Party ensures endless fun for younger attendees
“This initiative fosters a sense of community while emphasising the importance of sustainability, all amid the enjoyment of good food and great company,” he said. From promoting sustainable practices to encouraging physical activity, the carnival’s objectives aligned seamlessly with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), and Life on Land (SDG 15).
By building community bonds and promoting sustainability, Malakoff and Alam Flora have set the stage for future events, reinforcing their commitment to a healthier and greener society, embodying Malakoff’s tagline, “Enhancing Life, Enriching Communities.”