A total of 500 native tree saplings have found a new home at the Sabal Forest Reserve in Simunjan, thanks to a collaborative effort led by OUM. The Save The Earth tree planting programme brought together 120 enthusiastic volunteers, including OUM students, alumni, staff, officers from the Sarawak Forestry Department, and villagers from Kampung Sabal Kruin, Kampung Sabal Aping, Kampung Sabal Jaya, and Kampung Sungai Kura.
The initiative saw species such as meranti, selangan, and kapur being planted, contributing to Sarawak’s ongoing push to preserve its precious green lungs. This marks the third time OUM has taken part in such efforts, following successful programmes in Tawau and Sandakan last year.
OUM’s Strong Roots in Sarawak
Leading the charge was OUM President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr Ahmad Izanee Awang, who reaffirmed the University’s commitment not only to education but also to community and environmental initiatives.
“OUM is now in its 25th year, and our Kuching branch has proudly served Sarawak for 23 years, making it one of our earliest regional centres,” he shared.
Over the years, OUM has expanded its presence in the state with additional branches in Sibu, Bintulu, and Miri. Together, they’ve helped produce nearly 130,000 graduates nationwide. “This May, we’re expecting about 7,900 new graduates at our convocation. With 37,000 active students currently enrolled across the country, you’ll find OUM students and alumni wherever you go,” he added.
More Than Just a University
Beyond education, OUM has remained actively involved in corporate social responsibility activities, focusing on three areas: education, disaster relief, and environmental sustainability. Programmes like Save Our Earth reflect the University’s belief that learning extends beyond the classroom and into the community.
Sarawak Leads in Greening Malaysia
Sarawak continues to lead the way in Malaysia’s national reforestation efforts. Deputy Director of the Sarawak Forestry Department, Happysupina Sait, revealed that as of 11 April, over 47 million trees had been successfully planted in the state through the Greening Sarawak Campaign, surpassing its initial five-year target of 35 million trees well ahead of schedule.
“This success is the result of collaborations with various parties – from universities like OUM to corporations, NGOs, and local communities. Each organisation involved is recognised with a signboard at the planting site, as a token of appreciation for their contribution,” she said.
Planting Today for a Better Tomorrow
Programmes like Save the Earth do more than restore nature – they build awareness and inspire collective action. By combining environmental action with educational outreach, OUM continues to prove that it’s not just about producing graduates, but also about shaping responsible citizens who care for both their community and the environment.
