64th Merdeka and PLANTERS.

Merdeka, the word strongly means as independent or free in local Malay language. Independence Day (Merdeka Day) is the official national day of Malaysia. It commemorates the Malayan Declaration of Independence on 31 August 1957, to mark the day Malaysia is free from British colonial administration.

This year’s Independence Day is the 64th anniversary. ‘Malaysia Prihatin ‘(Malaysia Cares) has been chosen as the theme for this year’s Independence Day. The theme was chosen in recognition of the caring, determined and patient nature of Malaysians in facing trials and tribulations presented by the Covid-19 pandemic. Malaysia’ carried the meaning that each Malaysian is in conjunction with the government, whereas the government caring nature in prioritizing the welfare of the individuals is appeared through its ‘Prihatin’.

However, we also need to remember about biodiversity, forest, flora and fauna to keep the balancing of ecosystem. Wild animals maintain the forests (through pollination, seed dispersal, and seedling regeneration) and those forests “catch” rain to give us priceless drinking water. And there’s the “small” matter of how these trees provide oxygen for us to breathe. We also need to ‘merdekakan’ the forest and wild animals from being colonized by illegal logging, illegal hunting overfishing (including the use of bombs and cyanide) have reduced their populations.

To celebrate Merdeka, we also have to ask, “What about the independence and freedom of our wildlife and forests?” The freedom of animals to wander in the forest and seas, to do their own thing without being poached or poisoned and the freedom to roost in their habitats or homes without them being chopped down. Plus the freedom of forests to give us Malaysians fresh air and drinking water. They do celebrate their lives in wild Malaysia generally without any of us people watching. They too unobtrusively scatter seeds so that we in the long run pick up the good thing about tall trees.

Let us celebrate them and offer assistance spare them so that they proceed to be portion of our future, rather than being consigned to a history of termination. Lets us celebrate Malaysian 64th anniversary of national day, but let’s not forget to share our future with nature and wildlife. Government, society and all the Malaysian citizen need to play role to save out forest, wildlife and seas.  Happy Malaysia Independence Day to all, including the wildlife roaming our forests and seas. Thank you for all you have done to help your humanity for this country and world. If you would like to support our project PLANTERS you can dedicate the donation to the loved ones on our official website at www.planters.life/top-donors. Your contributions will ensure the forest lives for the next 30 years.

BY: MARIAM FATIMA & RABIAH ADAWIYAH 31 AUGUST 2021