BGS UUM Chapter Leads Wildlife Conservation Effort Through “BGS Gives Back (i): Shell-Ter Project”

Photos Beta Gamma Sigma (BGS) UUM Chapter

BUKIT PINANG, 22 April 2026: Beta Gamma Sigma (BGS) UUM Chapter Cohort 9, in collaboration with the Student Representative Council (MPP) of Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), and with sponsorship support from Yayasan MR.DIY, successfully organised “BGS Gives Back (i): Shell-Ter Project”, a meaningful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at promoting wildlife conservation awareness and environmental stewardship among university students.

Held at the Pusat Konservasi Hidupan Liar (PKHL), Bukit Pinang, the programme brought together a total of 36 participants and was conducted in strategic collaboration with the Kedah Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Jabatan PERHILITAN Negeri Kedah).

The initiative was designed to enhance participants’ understanding of wildlife conservation, with a particular emphasis on the protection of endangered tuntung species, namely Batagur affinis and Batagur borneoensis, both of which remain critically important to Malaysia’s biodiversity conservation efforts.

The opening ceremony was graced by Encik Ahmad Hafizul Hakim bin Mohd Shahar, Assistant Director of Jabatan PERHILITAN Negeri Kedah, and Puan Azizah Norazizah binti Kamaruddin, Head of PKHL Bukit Pinang. Also present was Ms Sharina Erna Suara, representing MPP UUM.

Throughout the programme, participants attended an informative briefing session on the tuntung species, which covered its habitat, the threats to its survival, and the ongoing conservation efforts undertaken by PKHL Bukit Pinang. They were also given the opportunity to explore a wildlife exhibition organised by Jabatan PERHILITAN Negeri Kedah, featuring a range of protected species, including the Malayan tiger (Harimau Malaya) and other endangered wildlife.

Beyond knowledge-sharing, the programme also incorporated a series of community service activities, including cleaning the tuntung shelter, painting murals, and carrying out general site clean-up works. These hands-on activities not only enriched the learning experience, but also fostered teamwork, civic responsibility, and a deeper appreciation for environmental conservation. 

A key highlight of the programme was the symbolic release of tuntung into the river, representing the collective commitment of all parties involved to the continued protection and preservation of the species. The moment served as a powerful reminder of the importance of safeguarding ecological balance and protecting vulnerable wildlife from extinction. 

The programme concluded with a closing ceremony attended by all distinguished guests. During the ceremony, BGS UUM Chapter presented tokens of appreciation to Jabatan PERHILITAN Negeri Kedah, PKHL Bukit Pinang, MPP UUM, and a representative of Yayasan MR.DIY, in recognition of their invaluable support and contributions towards the success of the programme.

In return, Jabatan PERHILITAN Negeri Kedah presented a plaque of appreciation to BGS UUM Chapter, along with souvenirs for all participants, as a gesture of appreciation for their involvement and commitment to the programme.

Overall, the collaboration between BGS UUM Chapter and MPP UUM successfully achieved its objectives and made a meaningful contribution towards fostering wildlife conservation awareness, environmental responsibility, and civic engagement among university students. – Ayu Umairah Jamiran