Forty-five primary schoolchildren from Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan Sri Kelana, Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan Kelana Jaya 1 and Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan 2 were educated on environmental care at the school’s Environment Camp.
The camp was held at MPPJ’s Pusat Pendidikan Alam Sekitar in Taman Jaya from Sept 17 to 19 as part of the Kelana Jaya Lakes Rehabilitation Programme.
The pupils camped in the area carried out research at Bukit Gasing and Kelana Jaya.
The camp was organised by the Environment Development Department of MPPJ and the Global Environment Centre (GEC) in conjunction with this year’s “Clean Up the World Campaign.”
The issues of pollution and its effects were brought to children’s attention.
They were taught basic investigative skills by observing the various freshwater bio-indicators such as fishes, invertebrates and algae, ways to curb water pollution, proper waste management and the importance of recycling and composting.
“We have to start educating the young. They will be the future policy-makers of Malaysia hence they need to understand the importance of good environmental management,” said Global Environment Centre programme officer Dr K. Kalithasan.
He said the pupils could use the knowledge gained to rehabilitate the polluted lakes and rivers in future.
Small grants were presented to these schools to carry out environmental management activities with the support of the teachers.
Kampung Tunku assemblyman and MPPJ LA21 Environment Working Group chairman Datuk Dr Wong Sai Hou was present at the camp’s closing ceremony at Taman Jaya.
Those interested in learning more about the environment can call GEC at 03-7957 2007.