More tree-plantings will be done around town towards realising the ‘Perak Bumi Lestari’ (Sustainable Earth Perak) agenda.
According to the Mayor of Ipoh, Dato’ Rumaizi Baharin, tree-planting is just part of an effort in taking on the Low Carbon City 2030 Challenge (LCC2030C) integrated with the Ipoh Smart City initiative.
“Without doubt, tree-planting is currently the most helpful cause in decreasing the average temperature in Ipoh to around 25 degree Celsius by 2030, also serving as the main framework of LCC2030C.
“However, tree-planting alone isn’t enough. It takes an overall solution in saving and sustaining mother nature.
“This is why Ipoh City Council (MBI) is actively engaging in ways to also promote energy efficiency through solar panel installation and LED street light replacement.
“Ipoh is projected to be a distinguishable smart city thanks to us being the first-ever to undertake the integrated LCC2030C and Smart City initiative in the country.”
He made the comment when asked on the matter of Ipoh being one of the cities in Malaysia to record the highest increase of average temperature during a media session after a tree-planting programme at D.R. Seenivasagam Park earlier today (April 3).
10 merbau (scrub mahogany) saplings were planted during the programme.
It was a joint effort from MBI, the National Landscape Department (JLN), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), and the Institute of Landscape Architects Malaysia (ILAM).
Also present were City Secretary Zuraina Kamarul Ariff and City Councillor Dr Richard Ng.
D.R. Seenivasagam Park is also home to more than 30 species of trees, including shade trees.
Rumaizi added, to reduce urban heat, it’s crucial to implement the ‘smart building’ concept.
“Firstly, there’s a need for a decrease in plot ratio. Skyscrapers are one of the main contributors of heat gain.
“Also, MBI has made it a must-have necessity for developers of future building constructions in Ipoh to practice internal tree-planting.
“Last but not least, energy consumption efficiency standards are required.
“Thus, hopefully, these initiatives and concepts reduce the amount of heat in town and subsequently make a go of the LCC2030C integrated with the Smart City initiative,” he expressed.
Chris Teh
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