JERANTUT, 4 May 2025 – Libraries across Pahang marked a historic milestone by leading the state’s first-ever participation in the global City Nature Challenge (CNC) through the City Nature Challenge Pahang, Malaysia: Explore Jerantut, Maran & Raub 2025 program. Held from 25 April to 4 May 2025, the initiative highlighted how libraries can serve as active hubs for environmental awareness, citizen science, and community engagement.
Led by Perpustakaan Al-Bukhari, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Cawangan Pahang, Kampus Jengka, the initiative was made possible through a multi-stakeholder collaboration involving academic and public libraries, NGO, and higher education institutions. Key partners included PTAR UiTM Pahang (Raub Campus), Perpustakaan Awam Daerah Jerantut, Perpustakaan Awam Daerah Maran, Perpustakaan Awam Daerah Raub, the Standing Committee on Library Services for Special Groups (PPM), the Librarians Association of Malaysia (PPM), Sekitar Kita, the Universiti Malaya Sustainability and Development Centre (UMSDC), ORBID (Organization Biodiversity Club), and the Faculty of Plantation and Agrotechnology, UiTM Pahang.
A key highlight was the launch in Jerantut on 26 April at Bukit Istana, officiated by TPr. Mohd Khasri bin Abdullah, Setiausaha Majlis Daerah Jerantut. The ceremony welcomed students from Kolej Komuniti, TVET institutions, and local communities. On-the-ground activities also took place in Maran and Raub, engaging first-time citizen scientists in meaningful field exploration.
To broaden reach, a Facebook Live session titled “Nature Awaits: Discover the City Nature Challenge 2025 – Pahang & Klang Valley” aired on 23 April, featuring insights from UMSDC and UiTM Pahang speakers.
In each district, prizes were awarded for most observations and species recorded. Muhammad Hazran bin Nozeri (Maran), Aysh Farhann bin Abdul Azri (Raub), and Habibah binti Idrus (Jerantut) shared how the experience deepened their appreciation for local biodiversity and inspired continued involvement in environmental efforts. By integrating science, education, and technology, CNC Pahang 2025 supported several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
This initiative reflects the evolving role of libraries as platforms for sustainability, participatory science, and lifelong learning bringing communities together to connect knowledge with action.
By: Nurfarawahidah Badruesham
Editor: Muniratul Husna Mohamad Zaki