By CASSANDRA YEOH

brats@thestar.com.my

TURN on the tap and the water flows out. Switch on the electricity and there is light. Often times, we use natural resources to help ease our daily lives but have we ever stopped to think about what is happening behind the scene?

With global warming, erratic weather conditions and other environmental issues affecting our lives, it really is about time that more people are proactive in conserving the environment and our natural resources.

In hopes of mitigating these environmental issues, Pertubuhan Pelindung Khazanah Alam Malaysia (PEKA) is organising the Save Our Rainforest Race (SORR) – a 10km hike that will take place on March 29 at Hutan Simpan

Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur. The event promises to be more than just an ordinary race.

Participants will do their part in help saving the world by planting trees during certain parts of the hike.

At the press conference earlier this month, PEKA president Puan Sri Shariffa Sabrina said: “Malaysian citizens are not aware that Malaysia’s rate of deforestation is one of the highest in the world.”

According to Shariffa, there still isn’t enough emphasis placed on forest conservation. So it is important for young adults to take action and make their own initiative to put a stop to deforestation.

“SORR is an easy first step: plant a tree; and it allows young adults to know their roles in saving our rainforests.”

PEKA president Puan Sri Shariffa Sabrina with our writer, Cassandra Yeoh

Fret not if the 10-kilometer distance intimidates you – the word “Race” in the SORR denotes the generation of rainforest conservers, and was used purely as a pun. So participants aren’t actually expected to run in this “race”.

The main objectives of the event are to plant trees and educate people on what we can do for Mother Nature.

Landskap Malaysia chairperson Tun Jeanne Abdullah was also there at the press conference to support PEKA’s efforts.

In her speech, she reminded us that: “We live in precious Malaysia – rich in cengal wood, orangutans and the Rafflesia. Not everyone has it.”

It was a great point to ponder upon as it left us to imagine what would happen to our country if we were to lose these precious jewels.

“SORR can’t do this alone – we need you,” she said, closing her speech.