Programme mooted in Malaysia to save Sumatran rhinos

The Star 25 Dec 08;

KUANTAN: Global warming, greenhouse gasses, destruction of forests, pollution of oceans, air and land are some of the problems affecting the environment.

Keeping this in mind, Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd decided to do its part for conservation efforts by organising an special programme in the East Coast Mall recently.

The ‘Save Our Sumatran Rhinos’ programme received good response from visitors particularly children, who learnt more about environmental issues.

As the specie was categorised as critically endangered in 1996 by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, Honda took up the challenge to be only corporate sponsorship solely dedicated to the animal.

There are less than 24 Sumatran rhinos left in Sabah, around 60 left in Peninsular Malaysia and less than 300 worldwide based on the last comprehensive estimate.

If nothing is done to save them in the next 15 to 20 years, the animal will most likely become extinct based on the current rate of loss.

Several trees were displayed for members of the public to write and paste their pledges to save the environment and the Sumatran rhino.

To complement the programme, the organiser also conducted a sand art workshop and taught the children to make simple items such as pen holder, kite and paper bag using recycled items.

Since it was the school holidays, the children enjoyed the activities.