Children learn about nature in Johor

Mohd Farhaan Shah, The Star 26 Nov 08;

A TOTAL of 125 children were given a crash course on birds and marine life and how to protect them during a colouring contest at Senai Airport in Johor Baru recently.

The course given by Malaysian Nature Society of Johor adviser Vincent Chow touched on birds that migrate to Johor during the European winter.

Among the birds are waders, redshanks and flycathers.

Chow also spoke on conservation of marine life around Pulau Merambung near the Port of Tanjung Pelepas.

Besides the course, there was an exhibition about birds and marine life in Johor.

Accountant Ling Seah, 39, who works in London, found the exhibition informative, especially on the different types of birds found in the state.

“I was surprised to find that birds from Australia and Europe come to Johor when they migrate,” she said.

Senai Airport Terminal Services Sdn Bhd corporate communications manager Bob Lee said it was the second time the airport had organised a colouring contest.

“The theme for this years competition was I Love Nature to inspire children to be close with nature,” he said, adding that the exhibition would be held for a month.

Year Five student Khoo Shi Yen beat 34 other participants when her drawing was picked as the winner in category C for children aged 10 to 12 years.

“I feel excited as it is the first time I’ve won a drawing contest,” said Khoo, who had taken part in five similar competitions previously.

She received RM300 in cash, a Diamoney hamper and a certificate.

“Maybe I will spend a little of the money on new clothes and put the rest in the bank,” she said.

The competition was divided into three categories.

In category A, the first prize winner was Lee Xin Yi, four, followed by Nur Athirah Baharuddin, five, and Mohd Aiman Malik. four.

In category B, the first prize winner was Wang Teyy Yu, eight, followed by Khoo Siti Yun, nine, and Divya Darshini Sivanandar, seven.

In category C, the first prize winner was Khoo Shi Yen, 11, followed by Chai Kheng How, 10, and Heng Xin Ni, 10.

There were side activities including a nursery rhyme karaoke session, lucky draw and quiz.

The Marrybrown mascot was present to entertain the children.

Some parents had their portraits done by a artist Ismail Attan, who was one of the judges in the colouring competition.