TAWAU: The Green Tawau Action Committee (GTAC) made history of sorts yesterday in attempting to create a world record for Tawau, with the launch of the ambitious project to plant 8,000 Flame of the Forest trees along 40km of the Apas-Balung highway.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr. Yee Moh Chai launched and took part in this significant milestone for Tawau.
Yee led the way in planting the very first Flame of the Forest tree together with members of non-governmental organizations, clubs, associations and the public.
“In future, we will all see the transformation of the landscape in Tawau, especially during blossom time, when Apas Road will be replete with the striking red colour of the flowers from the trees,” he said after planting the first tree to launch the project.
Yee said once fully implemented, the trees would become an icon for Tawau, attracting tourists and doing good for the environment in terms of carbon credit.
“I will be very proud when I come to Tawau and say that tree was planted by me and I am very happy to be associated with this project and congratulate GTAC for successfully implementing this project,” he said.
Meanwhile, GTAC chairman Larry Koh said they were extremely grateful for the presence and participation of the various groups, which makes the event more meaningful and unforgettable.
“There is no second place that I would call home other than Tawau. Like any one of you here who is deeply in love with this little town, I have always wondered, as a qualified architect and an environmental designer, what can I do for Tawau? What can I do to promote this town to the international arena, and make everyone of us here to proudly say to the world, I’m from Tawau?” he asked.
“Today, with everyone of you here, we are going to take the first humble step towards realizing a world-renowned Tawau. I foresee the completion of the project in 12 months’ time, with the planting of 8,000 Flame of the Forest trees along Jalan Apas. My fellow friends, this is a world record that we’re creating today. I believe, five years from now, when the 8,000 Flame of the Forest trees are in full bloom, the spectacular view created by these beautiful plants will attract tourists from all around the world, just like how the Netherlands is flooded with tourists who are attracted to tulips or how the sakura flowers in Japan act as a giant magnet for the people,” he said.
Larry said while he conceived and proposed the idea of the project, its realization is beyond his lone effort.
“I would like to take this opportunity to express my utmost gratitude to the president of Tawau Municipal Council, Datuk Ismail Mayakob, for without his support and approval, we wouldn’t be here today at this ceremony. I would also like to thank the Green Tawau Action Committee, who have made tremendous efforts in the past eight months to turn a serendipitous idea into a monumental project and the Public Works Department. More importantly, I would like to thank all of you here and to the participants, whether you’re individuals or social organizations, for your unselfish support and involvement in this project,” he said.
“The launch of this project, represents my little step, but with your support, it will certainly move Tawau forward with a giant step,” he said.


Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/12/10/tawaus-tree-planting-world-record-bid/#ixzz2ZSyP4Onv