In collaboration with the Universiti Malaya Sustainable Development Centre (UMSDC), the Rimba Ilmu Cleanup Programme was held on 15 November 2024 at the Rimba Ilmu Botanic Garden. The programme began with a welcome briefing by the Rimba Ilmu team, where participants were introduced to the objectives of the event, the significance of maintaining biodiversity, and the safety guidelines for the day. Volunteers, comprising 6 Universiti Malaya staff members, 14 students gathered early in the morning to kickstart the activities.
Participants were divided into teams and assigned tasks to address different maintenance needs within the garden. One group focused on moving cut logs to the side of pathways to create safer and more defined walkways. This task was particularly challenging due to the weight of the logs and the presence of insects around them, requiring strong teamwork and coordination. Another group worked to clear fallen leaves that had accumulated following heavy rains and palm pruning, while a third team removed invasive root systems from the rooftops of garden structures. These root systems posed a threat to the structural integrity of the buildings, making their removal a high-priority task.
After completing the cleanup, participants took part in a self-guided tour of Rimba Ilmu. The tour highlighted the diversity of plant and animal life within the garden and emphasized its importance as a sanctuary for biodiversity and a vital resource for research and education. Participants were introduced to the ecological and cultural significance of Rimba Ilmu, deepening their understanding of conservation efforts.
The programme concluded with a debriefing session where participants reflected on their experiences and discussed the challenges they encountered. Many noted the physical demands of the activities, particularly the weight of the logs and the need to navigate around insects, but also expressed a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie.
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. A total of 85.7% rated the programme 5 out of 5, with the remainder awarding it 4 stars. Comments included:
“I really enjoyed this activity and learned a lot by participating in it.”
“Thanks for hosting such a fun and engaging volunteer event.”
“I had fun working on this project, and it was great to learn while contributing to the environment.”
The Rimba Ilmu Cleanup Programme was a standalone initiative aimed at supporting Universiti Malaya’s sustainability goals by preserving and maintaining the garden’s ecosystem. It also sought to foster environmental stewardship and cultivate a culture of teamwork and community service among university members and external participants.
The programme demonstrated the potential of hands-on activities to inspire a commitment to sustainability and conservation. By involving participants directly in ecosystem maintenance and providing educational opportunities, it served as a powerful reminder of the importance of biodiversity and collective action in addressing environmental challenges.
Moving forward, UMSDC plans to organize similar events to strengthen the culture of volunteerism and environmental responsibility. The Rimba Ilmu Cleanup Programme stands as a successful example of how collaboration and action can contribute to a greener, more sustainable future for all.
This writeup is prepared by Quah Jia Tian, UMSDC Intern.
