South of Johor: January - March 2025

Intertidal Walk with SMK Pengerang Utama

In December, 30 Form 4 students, along with four teachers and two PITSB volunteers, participated in an intertidal walk session at Desaru Beach to observe and experience marine life up close in the low-tide zone.  During the walk, we shared brief insights into the presence of coral and seagrass in the area, their ecological significance, and the challenges they face in surviving in such extreme environmental conditions. Our aim is to deepen environmental awareness, cultivate appreciation for coastal ecosystems, and encourage hands-on learning about biodiversity and ecological interactions.

 
Short briefing by RCM staff during the intertidal walk

Short briefing by RCM staff during the intertidal walk

 

hands-on mangrove education with SK Kg. Baru Pasir Gogok (SKKBPG)

Towards the end of 2024, all students and teachers from SKKBPG, along with two PITSB volunteers, participated in a session to assess the growth of mangrove saplings and test water quality. The students learnt about the different growth stages of a mangrove, best practices in maintaining a mangrove nursery with optimum conditions as well as the use of certain equipment for water quality testing.

In February, 24 students from SKKBPG, along with all teachers and three PITSB volunteers, participated in a mangrove planting session. After five months of nurturing the saplings in a nursery, they were now ready to be planted. A total of 70 healthy mangrove saplings were planted at a patchy mangrove area along the coast of Kampung Pasir Gogok. Some parents who were present joined in and learnt about mangrove restoration efforts. Such efforts aim at helping students gain practical experience in conservation, teamwork, and environmental responsibility. 

Session on assessing the growth of mangrove saplings

Session on assessing the growth of mangrove saplings

Students replanting the healthy mangrove saplings in a patchy mangrove area