DUNGUN, 6 June 2026 – The Dungun River became the focal point of a successful and impactful community engagement initiative through the Kayak Heritage Trail 2026, which brought together 36 participants comprising students and representatives from higher education institutions, including Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM), and Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), alongside members of the local community.
The three-day programme, held from 4 to 6 June 2026, was organised in conjunction with UTM Biodiversity Week 2026 under the theme “Tracing Heritage, Preserving Diversity.” The 36-kilometre kayaking expedition commenced at Dataran Kejat Pasir Raja, traversed the scenic Dungun River through Kampung Jongok Batu, and concluded at Taman Rekreasi Kuala Jengal.
The programme was spearheaded by UniSZA in collaboration with various higher education institutions, government agencies and local communities, with the objective of strengthening strategic partnerships between universities and society while promoting sustainability, biodiversity conservation and community development.
The official launching and flag-off ceremony was officiated by Dato’ Dr. Hj. Din Adam, Member of the Board of Directors of UMT, together with Dato’ Prof. Madya Dr. Mohd Hafiz Yusoff.
In his speech, Dato’ Prof. Madya Dr. Mohd Hafiz Yusoff emphasised that programmes such as Kayak Heritage Trail serve as important platforms for developing well-rounded students through leadership, volunteerism, resilience and social responsibility. He noted that the programme was more than a recreational expedition; it was a meaningful avenue connecting students with local communities through educational activities, environmental sustainability initiatives, heritage appreciation and community development programmes.
The programme also attracted significant attention with the participation of Prof. Ts. Dr. Abd Latif Saleh, a Member of the Board of Directors of UTM, who completed the entire 36-kilometre kayaking expedition alongside the participants. His involvement reflected the university’s commitment to sustainability, community engagement and healthy living. His presence throughout the journey inspired students and participants while strengthening the spirit of collaboration between university leadership, campus communities and local residents in advancing volunteerism and environmental stewardship.
On the afternoon of the first day, participants and volunteers visited the historic Mat Kilau Fort in Padang Jerangau, Kampung Pasir Raja. The heritage visit provided participants with valuable insights into the struggle of the renowned Malay warrior, Mat Kilau, who fought against British colonial forces during the late nineteenth century. The fort once functioned as a refuge, defensive stronghold and strategic planning centre during resistance efforts in the 1890s and is believed to have served as one of Mat Kilau’s temporary stops before continuing his journey to Kuala Terengganu.
Through historical sharing sessions conducted at the site, participants gained a deeper appreciation of patriotism, leadership and the importance of preserving historical heritage as an integral part of national identity and cultural legacy.
Throughout the programme, a wide range of community-based and sustainability-oriented activities were carried out, including the Recycle4Life initiative, solar lamp installation, school clean-up programmes, free health screenings, colouring competitions, treasure hunts, traditional community games, tree planting activities and the distribution of Madani Care Baskets to underprivileged families. These activities successfully enhanced community participation while fostering awareness of sustainable practices and inclusive community development.
Tree-planting activities were conducted in collaboration with the Terengganu State Education Department, involving distinguished guests and members of the UTM University Management Committee as a symbolic commitment to environmental conservation and greening efforts.
One of the notable achievements of the expedition was the documentation of freshwater fish biodiversity within the Dungun River ecosystem. Several native species were recorded, including the Sikang fish and the Red-tailed Rong (Osteochilus waandersii), a Malaysian freshwater species belonging to the Cyprinidae family.
The presence of the Red-tailed Rong is ecologically significant due to its role as a natural algae grazer, helping regulate algae growth on submerged rocks and woody debris. The species also contributes to nutrient recycling through the consumption of detritus and organic matter within the river ecosystem.
More importantly, the Red-tailed Rong is recognised as a sensitive bioindicator species. Its presence indicates that the Dungun River continues to maintain good habitat quality, sufficient dissolved oxygen levels and relatively low levels of anthropogenic disturbance. The discovery of species such as Sikang and Red-tailed Rong demonstrates that the river still supports a diverse and stable freshwater fish community, serving as a valuable indicator of ecosystem health.
Beyond providing participants with an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the river, the expedition also enhanced awareness of the importance of river biodiversity conservation and the role of society in safeguarding natural resources. The field-based learning experiences enabled participants to gain a direct understanding of the interconnections between environmental sustainability, community well-being and sustainable development.
The closing ceremony of Kayak Heritage Trail 2026 was officiated by Kapt. Dr. Akila Mamat, who expressed appreciation to all individuals and organisations that contributed their time, effort and commitment towards the success of the programme.
Overall, Kayak Heritage Trail 2026 successfully achieved its objectives by integrating volunteerism, community development, education, health promotion, environmental conservation, biodiversity preservation and heritage appreciation into a single high-impact experiential learning platform.
The strong collaboration among higher education institutions, government agencies and local communities demonstrated that the spirit of volunteerism and collective action can serve as a catalyst for building a more sustainable, resilient and prosperous society.
The programme also contributed directly to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), in line with UTM’s aspiration to strengthen sustainability, biodiversity conservation and community development initiatives.
