On August 14, 2024, Water Watch Penang (WWP) organized the River and Water Education Programme in conjunction with ‘Let’s Save Water Campaign’ during the Co-Curriculum Day at SMK (P) Methodist (Methodist Girls’ School), engaging 66 students of two classes of Form 1 from 10:30 am to 12 pm. The programme started with a welcoming speech and launching of the campaign by Madam Khaw Juat Woon, the passionate Principal of the school. Then, the programme was continued by Dr. Hong Chern Wern, WWP’s Executive Manager who briefly introduced about WWP, its mission, vision, and activities. Along with Education Officers, Ms. Fatin Azahara and Ms. Nur Atiqah conducted the education programme, supported by interns Ms. Nurul Fatin Amira, Ms. Khor Ci Shan, and Ms. Nurul Husna.
Ms. Fatin Azahara explained on the pressing global, national, and local water crises, accentuating water scarcity as a formidable collective challenge. The reliance of Penang on the vital Sungai Muda in Kedah as its principal water source was repeatedly highlighted to remind the students about Penang’s water-poor situation while at the same time. Ms. Fatin Azahara compared local and international water tariffs, highlighting Malaysia’s alarmingly high water consumption.
Next, Ms. Nur Atiqah elaborated on the biological assessment that consists of capturing and releasing macroinvertebrates, which serve as vital indicators of the river’s ecological health. She also discussed some of the possible ways the community can do to save water, and plenty of technologies of saving water were also mentioned such as the self-closing tap.
Interactive quizzes were conducted to foster an engaging atmosphere, with notebooks awarded as prizes, recognizing students for their enthusiastic participation. WWP extended heartfelt gratitude to SMK (P) Methodist for their invaluable cooperation in this educational initiative. For further inquiries, contact Dr. Hong Chern Wern at hong.wwp@gmail.com or WWP at +6019-5751253.