Ukm Students Raise Rm6,800, 55 Benches For Animal Conservation At Zoo Negara

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 26 (Bernama) -- Nine students from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Graduate School of Business (UKM-GSB), known as the Frontbenches, have successfully secured sponsorship totalling RM6,800 in cash and 55 benches for the Zoo Negara. 

UKM in a statement today said the project, under the supervision of Dr Ngan Sue Lin, was aimed at raising awareness of the critical importance of biodiversity, wildlife management and conservation.

“Acknowledging the detrimental effects on biodiversity amid the rapidly changing world motivated the students to ignite proactive conservation initiatives among the public and corporations.

“Through their collective efforts, the Frontbenches endeavoured to preserve the natural habitats of wild animals for the benefit of future generations,” the statement said. 

UKM said the 55 benches had been strategically placed in different parts of the Zoo Negara to create a more comfortable and enjoyable environment for zoo-goers, enriching their experience and encouraging longer visits.

“Frontbenches has also successfully secured a cash sponsorship totalling RM6,800 that serves as funding for food, medical care, landscape maintenance, procurement of necessary tools and other essential expenses,” it said.

According to the statement, the animal conservation project has garnered sponsorships from various organisations and individuals, namely Hartalega NGC Sdn Bhd; Ariz Group; Major Shine Sdn Bhd; Chua, Tan and Partner Advocate Solicitors; as well as Ng Joo Yean and Ee Soon Phang. 

“The Frontbenches are able to showcase their project management proficiency, effectively delegating tasks among team members, cost control measures, utilisation of social media platforms to amplify awareness of animal conservation, promoting wildlife management practices, and engaging corporate and public entities for support. 

“The project's central objective revolves around raising public awareness about the importance of animal conservation. In pursuit of this goal, Frontbenches also created an Instagram account named 'wildhaven_zoo,' which serves as a dedicated platform for promoting wildlife management practices,” it said.

The statement said that as part of an awareness programme for all levels of society, UKM-GSB also extended invitations to students from various institutes to participate in the 'Zoo Keeper for a Day' campaign at Zoo Negara on Feb 3. 

Twenty-six students from UKM, Kolej Poly-Tech Mara Bangi, Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia, and MAHSA University participated in the programme focusing on animal care, assisting zookeepers with tasks like enclosure cleaning and food preparation.

The statement added that Hartalega as the main sponsor of the project also brought a group of employees to participate in the corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme at Zoo Negara which aimed at advocating for and supporting the welfare and well-being of animals at Zoo Negara.

-- BERNAMA