Written by: Nurul Athirah binti Mohd Rosdi

12 January 2025, Ampang – The Sports and Recreation Secretariat of the Student Representative Council, Tan Sri Mustaffa Babjee College (KTMB), session 2024/2025, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), in collaboration with Zoo Negara Malaysia, Nar Teguh Maju Trading, Jaya Enterprise, Glass Wall Sdn Bhd, and D9 Trading Sdn Bhd, successfully organized the Safari Under the Stars program on 11 and 12 January 2025.

The program aimed to provide students with the opportunity to develop their self-identity, particularly in aspects of leadership and creativity, while enhancing self-discipline, teamwork, independence, and responsibility. A total of 33 students from KTMB participated in this two-day, one-night program.

At 3:00 PM, participants departed from the college and arrived at Zoo Negara at 4:15 PM. Upon arrival, they were briefed on the introduction and guidelines for setting up tents by facilitators from Zoo Negara before beginning the activity of pitching tents at the designated campsite.

Participants setting up tents for the Safari Under the Stars program.

At night, participants had the opportunity to join the Night Walk Activity conducted by facilitators from Zoo Negara. This activity allowed students to observe nocturnal animals up close while learning interesting facts about their natural behaviors at night. 

Night Walk Activity

On 12 January 2025, our program began with participants preparing to clean up the campsite, followed by an entertaining aerobics session. This activity not only helped the students refresh their bodies but also strengthened the bonds of camaraderie among the participants.

One of the main activities on the second day was the Wildlife Enrichment Activity and Animal Feeding, where students were given the chance to prepare special meals for some zoo animals. This activity helped students understand the importance of caring for wild animals even outside their natural habitats. In addition, participants witnessed an animal show featuring the clever and entertaining actions of parrots, sea lions, and other animals. 

Wildlife Enrichment Activity 

The program's closing ceremony was held at 12:00 PM, highlighted by a speech from the Principal of KTMB, Associate Professor Dr. Nurul Hayah binti Khairuddin, followed by the official closing speech by Mr. Mohd Rosdi bin Ibrahim, Chairman of the Education Department of Zoo Negara Malaysia and Manager of Nar Teguh Maju Trading, the sponsor of this program.

In his closing speech, Mr. Mohd Rosdi emphasized the importance of such programs in educating the younger generation about environmental conservation. The closing ceremony was further enlivened with the presentation of souvenirs to representatives of Zoo Negara staff and sponsors who supported the program, including Mr. Abdul Hanif bin Hamzah, Managing Director of Glass Wall Sdn Bhd; Ms. Nadhirah binti Ahmad Kamil, Manager of Jaya Enterprise; and Mr. Mat Rodi bin Musa, Managing Director of D9 Trading Sdn Bhd.

Souvenir presentation session by Associate Professor Dr. Nurul Hayah to Mr. Mohd Rosdi and the program sponsors 

According to the Program Director, Ms. Nurul Athirah binti Mohd Rosdi, “I hope this program becomes a meaningful experience for the participants, raising awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation and endangered animals, while also fostering values of teamwork and responsibility as university students.”

The Safari Under the Stars program successfully achieved its objectives of combining elements of recreation, education, and environmental awareness into a meaningful and enjoyable experience.

Group photography session with honorary guests, sponsors, and Zoo Negara staff.

Date of Input: 16/01/2025 | Updated: 17/01/2025 | adib