KLANG, Feb 19- A total of 75 students from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Pulau Ketam participated in the Mangrove Tree Awareness Programme organized by the Institute of Social Science Studies (IPSAS), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).

The programme’s objective is to raise awareness among young people about the critical role of mangrove forests in environmental sustainability.

Programme director, Associate Professor Dr. Haliza Abdul Rahman, explained that this initiative is a proactive step in educating future generations on the importance of preserving and conserving the mangrove ecosystem. Mangroves serve as a natural barrier against coastal erosion and provide essential habitats for various marine species.

“Raising awareness about mangrove conservation is key to shifting community practices towards better environmental stewardship,” she said.

“This programme not only exposes students to important knowledge but also encourages them to integrate this learning into their daily lives. Through social media, they can share information, experiences, and initiatives related to environmental sustainability, ultimately becoming agents of change in their communities,” she added.

Meanwhile, SMK Pulau Ketam Principal Mohamed Nizam Banaji expressed his support for the programme and emphasized the need to expand such initiatives to reach more students.

“This out-of-classroom approach offers a more effective and immersive learning experience. I hope students will apply the knowledge they gain to actively contribute to environmental conservation,” he said.