AMP Radio Networks (AMP) and its eight stations including Era, My FM, hitz.fm and THR Raaga, threw their listeners a Tree Party at the Kota Damansara Community Forest recently. Held in conjunction with World Environment Day, the event was co-organised with nature conservation groups, Wild Asia and Friends of Kota Damansara (FOKD) in support of mother nature.

Some 1,000 nature-lovers both individuals and corporations, gathered as early as 8am to do their bit for earth by planting 300 trees at the party. Listeners had earlier been encouraged over the radio and station websites to join the one-of-a-kind party to pledge RM50, entitling them to plant one tree with announcers, contribute to a 2km trail, an e-certificate and an organic gift pack.

A portion of the pledge proceeds was given to Friends of Kota Damansara for the development of the 2km nature trail in the forest, amounting to RM5,000.

Among those at the party were Subang MP Sivarasa Rasiah, ADUN of Kota Damansara, Dr Mohd Nasir Hashim, chairman of FOKD, Mah Weng Kwai, president of Malaysian Nature Society, Tan Sri Datuk Salleh, as well as founder and director of Wild Asia, Dr Reza Azmi.

Listeners mingled and planted trees with announcers, which included Burn and Adi of Era, Jason and Phoebe of My FM, Ean and Natalie of hitz.fm, Sham and Roshan of Mix fm, and Kumaresh and Hari of THR Raaga.

Participants also enjoyed guided nature walks, kayaking, mountain bike time trial and performances by indie outfit Joanna & Co. and Bantus Capoeira.

“We have grown to take environmental awareness for granted, as we only take action on specific days such as Earth Day or World Environmental Day. In most cases, the spirit ends as the day ends. We need to start realising that being eco-friendly transcends every other day. The purpose of this event is to instill and encourage lifelong practices and habits into our daily lives. Only then can we see the positive impact from the decisions that we make,” said Dr Reza.