HRD STUDENTS ORGANISE CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR) PROJECT AT ZOO JOHOR
JOHOR BAHRU, May 22 – A Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program was organised by 50 Ethics and Social Responsibility course (SHMR3153) Section 01 students under the Bachelor of Science (Human Resource Development), Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSH), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) at Zoo Johor. Held on May 22, 2025, the CSR program, titled “Lead, Clean, Roar! HRD CSR Experience,” was led by Dr. Ana Haziqah A. Rashid and supported by six lecturers. Collaborating with zoo staff and under the generous sponsorship of MB World Group Berhad and Asia Cleaning (M) Sdn. Bhd., this activity embodied the spirit of community work and shared responsibility.
The program aims to encourage community volunteerism and promote environmental understanding through activities such as cleaning animal cages and painting areas within the zoo. The primary objectives of this initiative include raising environmental awareness, promoting social responsibility through participation in a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, engaging in community service as a team, and advocating for environmental conservation.
One of the key goals is to maintain a clean environment, protect natural habitats for the animals, and support wildlife. As part of the CSR program, a group of enthusiastic students was assigned to enhance the visual and physical environment around Zoo Johor. Several students focused on the duck and goose pond area, where they repainted and revitalised the space.
This initiative was made possible by the generous sponsorship of two barrels of paint from MB World Group Berhad and Asia Cleaning Sdn. Bhd. In addition to improving the aesthetics of the enclosures, the activity also fostered teamwork, a sense of responsibility, and heightened environmental awareness among the young participants.
As part of the CSR initiative, the students also took part in a tree-planting activity aimed at enhancing the green landscape of Zoo Johor. MB World Berhad generously contributed mini gardening tools, enabling participants to plant young saplings around the pond area located near the zoo’s main entrance. Additionally, the sponsorship included 20 Ruellia simplex plants, which were donated to Zoo Johor as a token of support. This hands-on effort enriched the environment and deepened the students’ appreciation for nature and their role in protecting it.
A group of dedicated volunteers gathered at Zoo Johor to participate in a meaningful activity: cleaning the animal enclosures. The effort focused on three main areas: the sun bear cages, the bird cages, and the elephant enclosures. The activity began with a briefing led by zoo staff, who emphasised safety and proper handling of cleaning equipment. Volunteers were then divided into teams and assigned to different zones within the zoo. Each team worked diligently to ensure that the animals’ living spaces were clean, safe, and comfortable.
The sun bear enclosure, often filled with leftover food and natural waste, required thorough cleaning and disinfection to maintain its cleanliness. Volunteers wore gloves and face masks while they swept, washed, and removed debris, creating a more hygienic environment for the bears. In the bird section, cages were meticulously cleaned to maintain the sanitary conditions necessary for the birds’ health and well-being. Efforts focused on removing feathers, leftover seeds, and droppings, while also ensuring that water containers and perches were clean and in good working condition. The elephant enclosure posed a larger challenge due to its size. Volunteers worked together to shovel waste, clear out old hay, and rinse down surfaces. Despite the hard work, many found the experience rewarding, especially after seeing the elephants roam freely in their refreshed space.
One of the volunteers shared, “It was tough but fulfilling. We often visit zoos to admire the animals, but this experience provided us with a new perspective on the behind-the-scenes care they require.”
This initiative not only contributed to the welfare of the animals but also fostered greater awareness among participants about the importance of maintaining clean and healthy environments for wildlife. The management of Zoo Johor expressed appreciation to all participants, noting that such collaborations help strengthen community ties and promote responsible animal care.
The “Lead, Clean, Roar!” CSR program concluded with a closing ceremony that conveyed sincere gratitude to all parties involved. Special thanks were given to Zoo Johor, particularly to Encik Mohamad Amirul bin Azmi, for their welcoming collaboration and for making this valuable program a reality.
The ceremony also recognised the generous contributions and sponsorship provided by Lee Xiao Qing, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Asia Cleaning (M) Sdn. Bhd., and Dato’ Rohman Ahmad, Project Director of MB World Group Berhad. Their support was essential to the program’s success.
The ceremony marked not just the end of the program but a celebration of strong partnerships and shared efforts in promoting environmental awareness, community service, and the advancement of sustainable practices that empower communities to thrive while protecting natural resources.
By Ana Haziqah A Rashid and Nor Amira Syairah Zulkarnaini