Yayasan Amal TYT PP plants 2,000 pokok bakau minyak to benefit fishermen, biodiversity

KEPALA BATAS: Yayasan Amal Tuan Yang Terutama (TYT) Pulau Pinang, in cooperation with various public and industry sectors, planted 2,000 pokok bakau minyak (mangrove trees) in a 1.5-hectare area in Sungai Tembus, Kuala Muda, this morning.

The planting of Pokok Bakau Minyak is reported to have the potential to benefit 6,000 fishermen in the state, as it holds double economic value.

In addition to serving as a breeding and spawning ground for marine life, it also acts as a buffer against strong winds, storms, and provides mitigation for beaches and rivers, especially in the face of adverse climate change effects.

Foundation chief executive officer Datuk Seri Rozali Mohamud said recognising the benefits of mangrove trees has encouraged them to plant Pokok Bakau Minyak.

This effort, he said is in collaboration with various agencies and industries, and the planting area serves as a stopover destination for migratory birds.

"There is significant importance regarding the mangrove tree, which plays a crucial role in creating a blue carbon ecosystem that provides habitat for various marine species, the coastline, as well as various types of fish and birds.

"In this area, (from Teluk Air Tawar up to Kuala Muda, including Sungai Tembus) in the Seberang Prai Utara district, about 8km-long, it is the only 'Important Bird and Biodiversity Area' or called IBA.

"This area is recognised as a 'Flyway site,' an area where coastal and water birds migrate and rest. Birds stop here when it is snowy and cold in the northern continent, making it essential to preserve the environment, including ecosystem care through the planting of mangrove trees," he said at the programme here today.

The programme, which involved 20 strategic partners and 200 volunteers, was graced by Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak.

Also present was Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid.

Rozali noted that starting in September every year, when winter begins in the northern continent, about 20,000 sea, beach, and water birds migrate to this area. From February to March, migratory birds return to their respective places of origin, such as Mongolia, Korea, Russia, China, and Japan, he said.

"Furthermore, this area is home to at least 3,000 local water birds, including bangau, pucung, sintar, pangling, tiong air, ayam-ayam, ruak-ruak, upeh, and komoran.

"Therefore, this location is very important (to be taken care of) because it is of international standard and is in the process of being gazetted as a Ramsar site so that it can become a tourist attraction that will contribute to the local economy," he added.