MERSING, 12 September 2015 – A total of 1,000 students from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) were involved in the iM4U Malaysia Volunteer Programme 2015 organized in collaboration with the Office of Student Affairs and UTM Alumni.
The Community Programme was launched by the Johor State Housing and Local Government Committee Chairman, YB Datuk Haji Abdul Latif Haji Bandi.
Program Coordinator, Syamsul Hendra Mahmud said the activities in this programme included Beach Clean-Up, Public Art Movement, Green Team Activities and Dengue Activation Activities.
In the Beach clean-up programme, participants together with local communities collaborated in cleaning the beach from debris and materials that can be harmful to aquatic life.
“Such activities can enhance the communities’ awareness about the importance of the ocean, rivers, waterfall and aquatic life,” he said.
The Public Art Movement program provides space to local artists, students and local residents to display their artistic side expressed through paintings  and creativity to beautify public buildings and monuments.
An environmental campaign was also embedded in this programme through the Green Team Activities where participants and local residents were exposed to the concept of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
“Additionally, the planting of trees and environmental protection activities were also part of the programme,” Syamsul Hendra added.
Participants of the programme also conducted a large-scale clean-up activity in selected target area showing high probability in the spread of dengue. The activities included providing practical knowledge to participants on dengue prevention techniques.
Volunteerism among college students and local communities need to be developed to create a generation with concern for the country.
UTM students are urged to come forward to participate in volunteer programme organized by iM4U since this event is one of the best avenues for university students to work together to boost awareness and give back to the community.
Malaysia Volunteer Programme 2015 was run concurrently in all 14 states in Malaysia with the program expenses  largely borne by iM4U.