GEORGE TOWN: An estimated 100,000 trees will be planted by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) within three years to counter climate change, says Mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang.

"Since 2018, we have planted a total of 68,824 trees islandwide. Our target was actually 50,000 trees by next year but we have surpassed that target.

"The remaining 31,000-odd trees will be planted by 2025 but we need to look for space to plant them. The island does not have enough land so we will need to get creative," he said at an Earth Day plant-a-tree event at Gurney Paragon here on Saturday (April 23).

Yew added that they were also looking to plant more mangrove trees especially in the Balik Pulau district to counter beach erosion caused by strong waves.

He also urged the public to help the planet by having more potted plants in their high-rise homes and planting trees in the gardens of the houses of their "Ah Kong" (grandfather).

Those wanting to help the MBPP plant more trees can call the Landscape Department at 04-218 9764.

Also present at the event were Hunza Group executive director Khor Tze Ming, Gurney Paragon chief operating officer Koay Bee Fong and MBPP Landscape director Azizul Fahmi Muhamad.

Some 60 families comprising about 150 people took part in the event where they were given two plants and a bag of soil to pot on the spot.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/04/23/about-100000-trees-to-be-planted-in-penang-to-counter-climate-change