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07-Feb-2017 | 
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NST Education
Fifty students took on the role of scientists for a day, as they conducted experiments while learning about river ecosystems, pollution and water resource management amidst the natural settings of Telok Bahang Natural Reserve in Penang.
The children, from SMK Telok Bahang, SK Telok Bahang and SK Juru, were part of the day-long Rakan Saintis Sungai (RSS) programme organised by Chemical Company of Malaysia Bhd (CCM) recently. The programme aims to raise awareness of the importance of protecting and preserving the health of natural water resources such as rivers and lakes through hands-on as well as theoretical learning.
With the guidance of volunteers from the Environmental Department of Penang (JAS), the students conducted numerous experiments to gauge the water quality with the use of a multi-parameter. While doing so, the students also discovered the river’s ecology and learnt about the processes involved in water treatment or purification.
CCM Chemicals Division chief executive officer Anuar Kasim said that the programme was designed to help students fully understand and appreciate nature, and learn how to be good stewards of the environment.
“Rivers are an important source of life yet our children know very little about them. Through RSS, we not only expose students to the various issues affecting the environment but also inculcate responsible behaviours towards preserving and protecting nature, in particular, our rivers. This, we hope, will nurture students into future environmental stewards,” he added.
The programme also included a colouring contest by CCM and JAS which saw the participation of 170 students. The RSS programme, held annually across Malaysia, has benefitted more than 1,500 students since it first began in 2010. RSS continues to nurture the young to care for the environment and aims to increase the number of participating schools as the programme grows.