Yayasan PETRONAS is cognisant of its responsibilities, not just to communities, but also the environment.
Through Sentuhan Alam, Yayasan PETRONAS seeks to better the environment through biodiversity conservation and carbon neutral programmes. The foundation’s initiatives include rehabilitation and conservation of coral reefs and mangrove swamps. In Kerteh, Terengganu, PETRONAS Chemicals Group works with the Malaysian Nature Society on the ecoCare mangrove learning centre, which has been in operation for the past 14 years.
PETRONAS’ involvement in regenerating marine biodiversity in Bintulu, Sarawak, started in 2013 with the Biodiversity, Environment & Conservation (BEACON) project where thousands of reef balls were embedded in the seabed for corals to amalgamate. In addition, BEACON also conducts diving lessons, and beach and coral cleaning.
MLNG operations technician Jong Churh Fang is one of the many PETRONAS employees who volunteers his time for this project. In fact, Jong learned to dive just so he could participate in BEACON. The programme’s agenda to conserve reefs and prevent illegal trawling resonates deep with the 33 year-old from Kuching, Sarawak.“I think this programme is good because we help promote coral growth, so that more fish can live there. It helps conserve our marine and raises awareness of the importance of conservation,” says Jong.
An avid fishing enthusiast, Jong obtained a new level of appreciation for nature after going underwater. “I never really thought about learning to dive. I took it up to volunteer for the BEACON project. We now dive three to four times a year at the Patricia Reef in Bintulu to monitor the area. Within two years, I have seen the difference. There is more marine life now. I remember the second time I went underwater and saw cuttlefish breeding near our reef balls – I was elated. I felt like I had accomplished something.”