KUANTAN – The ‘Merdeka’ aspiration of the KPJ Pahang Specialist Hospital not only revolves around one’s sense of freedom, but it also emphasises on the aspect of environmental sustainability.
Its chairman Mohd Johar Ismail said as a symbolic gesture to coincide with this year’s Merdeka celebration, the hospital chose to ‘liberate’ 500 leatherback sea turtles in an effort to increase their population.
“The meaning of independence is not just about our freedom, but it can also be translated into continuous existence, sustainability… so by releasing these young turtles, we hope this will help keep the natural habitat and ecosystem alive,” said Mohd Johar
“This effort is also hoped to raise public awareness of the importance for us to play a role in saving the environment for future generations,” he added.
Mohd Johar said this to reporters when met at the turtle release programme in conjunction with National Day 2019 held at the Cherating Turtle Conservation and Information Centre here yesterday.
The programme was attended by 150 hospital employees and administrative staff including its executive director Dr Munirah Khudri, chief executive officer Yasser Arafat Ishak and medical director Datuk Dr Ngun Kok Weng.
During the programme, Mohd Johar also presented a contribution of RM 1,521 from KPJ Pahang to assist the centre with their daily expenditure and conservation efforts.
-BERNAMA
