Pencinta Alam Newsletter April 2013 (English - pdf - 1225 Kb)

PENCINTA ALAM
NEWSLETTER OF THE MALAYSIAN NATURE SOCIETY
MNS Celebrates World Tapir Day
Despite their size, history and ecological importance, tapirs remain one of the least recognised species of animals. In comparison with
other animals, tapirs feature little in the collective consciousness and are frequently misidentified by zoo visitors. Even in their home
ranges, tapirs receive little attention, with exotic species featuring more prominently in zoos, children's books and the media.
World Tapir Day was established to raise awareness about the four
species of tapir that inhabit Central and South America and South-
East Asia. Each of the four species is in decline, with the Mountain
Tapir facing extinction within the next twenty years, should
conservation efforts not be introduced in its ever-shrinking natural
range in Colombia and Ecuador.
The Baird's Tapir, the largest mammal of the Americas, is facing a
similar threat in its home range in Central America. Across the
Pacific Ocean, the Malayan Tapir faces severe threats in Indonesia
and other countries due to habitat destruction. Even the Brazilian
Tapir, the most numerous species of tapir, is vulnerable because of
the increasing rate of destruction of the Amazon. There may even be
a fifth, distinct subspecies of Brazilian Tapir, but there is little
research in this area to date.
As large herbivores, tapirs are invariably the first species affected by
human encroachment into their territory, and amongst the last to
return to regrowth forest. They require substantial tracts of
undisturbed land to maintain a genetically-diverse population. Tapirs
inhabit jungles, grasslands, swamps and cloud forests, yet each is
threatened by human activity - be that mining, palm oil plantations,
roads or settlements. They form an important part of the ecosystem as
seed dispersers, and form one of the oldest surviving genera in the
animal kingdom.
The plight of tapirs is symbolic for the wider threat to their
habitats specifically, and the world's ecology in general. The
decline of tapir populations is indicative of the general health
of their ranges; their disappearance from their home ranges
often marks a point of 'no return' for the natural environment.
The destruction of forests into small, isolated enclaves and
the encroachment of human activity into pristine forests
affects all native species. However, as the largest - yet
perhaps the quietest - of animals in their ranges, tapirs
disappear without trace with countless other species.
For Malaysia, for the first time ever, MNS has taken the lead
in celebrating the Tapir as a public event. This event will be
led by Malaysia Nature Society (MNS), in collaboration with
Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE),
PERHILITAN, Universiti Putra Malaysia and Mutiara Resort
Taman Negara.
WTD will be targeting to have over 150 participants that
come from four schools over Malaysia and public. This
event's main objective is to raise the awareness and
conservation to our Malayan Tapir as an important Malaysia
icon especially in Peninsula Malaysia. For public event, it
will be conducted on that 27th April 2013 and the overnight
camp will be on 27th & 28th April for 50 local students,
taking part in an education camp conducted by UPM.
April 2013
www.mns.com.my
27 April 2013
Taman Negara- Kuala Tahan
Activities: Talks, guided walks,
exhibition, coloring competition
musical performances, astronomy
session and many more.
Overnight camp for students
27 & 28 April (organized by UPM)
Admission is free.
For further information, please
email events@mns.org.my or call
03-22879422 (Communications).
Look out for more info on www.mns.my
1

Top: Pernis ptilorhynchus Crested Honey-
Buzzard. Photos: KFChan and WM Choy
RAPTORS TAKE OVER OUR SKIES!
14th Annual Raptor Watch (9-10th March 2013)
2013
51,167
raptors counted
Over 130 volunteers
Over 6000
visitors to 2013
Raptor Watch
Malaysia‘s largest ecotourism event, Raptor Watch, organised annually by the
Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) outdid itself again. With as much as over 51,167
migrating raptors (or birds of prey) counted, crossing the Straits of Malacca to date,
this amazing event was not over-shadowed by the presence of over 6,000 visitors at
Tanjung Tuan, Melaka (10 th Mile Port Dickson).
Raptor Watch 2013, in its 14 th installment, event is held with the aim to raise
awareness of the need for conservation of the birds and their habitats. Tanjung Tuan
is an important raptor migration stopover and cross over site as tens of thousands of
raptors journey during the winter season from the freezing northern hemisphere to
the warm southern hemisphere and vice versa.
"As of 9 th March, 2013, over 27,000 raptors have been counted by our team of
counters who began their 42 day monitoring since mid February. Migration of raptors
and other birds is an amazing natural phenomena and we, as Malaysians, play host
to ten or thousands of ‗raptors‘ or birds of prey as they journey from the winter
season of the northern hemisphere to the warm southern hemisphere and back,
using important stopover sites such as Tg Tuan, Melaka (10 th mile Port Dickson) for
thousands of years‖, explained Prof Dr Maketab Mohamed, President of MNS, at
RW2013‘s auspicious launch at its PNB Ilham Resort grounds.
Raptor Watch 2013 is
organised by Malaysian
Nature Society, supported
by Melaka State Govt, in
collaboration with Negeri
Sembilan State Govt.
He added, ―Events like Raptor Watch bring
about more awareness and people together
to understand and protect our natural heritage
and MNS is heartened that the state of Melaka through the leadership
of YAB Datuk Seri Hj. Mohd Ali Bin Rustam have since declared
Tanjung Tuan, safe from further development last year‖. He also
announced that Malaysia will play host to the Asian Bird Fair in 2014,
promoted by the ABF Network, to which MNS is a founder member of.
In declaring the event open, the State Secretary, YB Datuk Wira Omar
Bin Kaseh who represented the Chief Minister of Melaka, YAB Datuk
Seri Hj. Mohd Ali Bin Rustam commented, ―The state of Melaka is
blessed with an abundance of natural heritage and we thank
specifically, NGOs such as MNS and our counterparts from Negeri
Sembilan who we can rely on to help promote this historically and
ecologically site to the world‖. He added, ―Generations to come will
always have a home here in Tanjung Tuan, Melaka for them and their
children to enjoy and use sustainably‘.
Also in attendance this year were Celebrity Ambassadors, Zainal
Abidin, Lil Kev and Azura Ahmad of Red FM.
2

GREEN LIVING
GENETICALLY-MODIFIED FOODS
AND HOW THEY AFFECT US
(Sourced and adapted from Care2.com and Mercola.com. Available at: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/health-risks-ofeating-gmo-foods.html
and http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/03/05/gmo-affects-climate-change.aspx)
HEALTH CONCERNS
Genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, are any living
thing that has had its genetic material altered in some way
through human scientific interference. This does not refer
to “selective breeding,” such as when certain crops are
selectively bred by gardeners over time to withstand heat,
for instance, or the process by which different dog breeds
were developed over time. Instead, GMOs undergo a form
of gene therapy under lab conditions whereby segments of
DNA are spliced, rearranged or removed altogether. You
may have been eating genetically modified food for years
and not even know it.
In the United States, much of the corn and soybeans
produced (especially those to be fed to livestock or to
provide filler material in processed foods at the
supermarket) contain some portion of genetically
modified material. GMOs have infiltrated our shops and
food chain largely without much study into their longterm
health effects on our bodies. However, The
Environmental Working Group conservatively estimates
that each American consumes about 190 pounds of GM
foods every year despite this lack of research. Choosy
consumers are worried about these potential health
impacts:
1. Allergies
Perhaps the number one health concern over GM
technology is its capacity to create new allergens in our
food supply. Allergic reactions typically are brought on by
proteins. Nearly every transfer of genetic material from one
host into a new one results in the creation of novel proteins.
Genetic engineering can increase the levels of a
naturally occurring allergen already present in a food or
insert allergenic properties into a food that did not
previously contain them. It can also result in brand new
allergens we’ve never before known.
2. Antibiotic Resistance
Genetic engineers rely heavily on antibiotics to guide
experiments. It works like this: Not all host cells will
take up foreign genes, so engineers attach a trait for a
particular type of antibiotic resistance to the gene they
introduce into host cells. After they have introduced the
gene into the cells, they douse all the cells with the
antibiotic to see which ones survive. The surviving cells
are antibiotic-resistant, and therefore engineers know
they have taken up the foreign gene.
Overuse of antibiotics can potentially cause the
development of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Several
health organizations, including the World Health
Organization and the American Medical Association,
have spoken out about the need for the use of these
antibiotics to be phased out of the process of making GM
foods.
3. Pesticide Exposure
The majority of GM crops in cultivation are engineered
to contain a gene for pesticide resistance. Most are
“Roundup Ready,” meaning they can be sprayed with
Monsanto’s glyphosate herbicide Roundup without being
harmed. The idea is that if the crop itself is immune to
Roundup, you can spray it to kill any weeds endangering
the plant without worrying about harming your crop.
Sound like a good thing? Only if increased human
exposure to pesticides is a good thing. Glyphosate
has been linked to numerous health problems in
animal studies, among them birth defects,
reproductive damage, cancer and endocrine
disruption.
4. Unpredictability and the Unknown
Foreign genetic material in a host can cause other
genetic material in that host to behave erratically.
Genes can be suppressed or overexpressed,
causing a wide variety of results. One
consequence of over-expression, for example, can
be cancer. Nutritional problems can also result
from the transfer. In one example, cows that ate
Roundup Ready soybeans produced milk with
more fat in it. In another example, milk from cows
injected with a genetically engineered growth
hormone was found by a number of researchers,
including those published in the journal Lancet, to
have substantially higher levels of a compound
known as insulin-like growth factor-1, which is
linked to human breast, colon and prostate
cancers. The milk also has higher levels of bovine
growth hormones in it, along with pus and
sometimes antibiotics. GM crops have been linked
to health problems as diverse as reproductive
damage, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes.
Concerned scientists have been outspoken about
these risks.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS
Corn and soy—much of which are genetically
engineered—are rapidly overtaking native
grasslands in some parts of the world, including a
number of US states. This is a trend that may have
a not-so-insignificant impact on our
environment and subsequently, our ability to
secure our food supply long-term.
Continue on page 3
3

GENETICALLY-MODIFIED FOODS AND HOW THEY AFFECT US cont
THE LABELLING OF GMO PRODUCTS
GMO labelling was introduced to give consumers the freedom to choose between GMOs and
conventional products. Essentially, if a foodstuff is produced using genetic engineering, this
must be indicated on its label. As of June 14, 2010, new regulations regarding the labelling of
genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food have been enacted in Malaysia through
amendments to the Food Regulations under the Food Act 1983. These regulations are in
accordance with provisions found in the Biosafety Act of Malaysia that require the
identification and labeling of living modified organisms (LMOs), which itself has been
enacted as part of Malaysia’s responsibilities as asignatory to the Cartagena Protocol on
Biosafety to the Convention on BiologicalDiversity of the United Nations.
ECO KIDS
TURTLES, TERRAPINS & TORTOISES
By Wong Ee Lynn, adapted from information provided by the Turtle
Conservation Society of Malaysia.
What’s the difference between sea turtles, terrapins and tortoises?
Sea turtles live in seawater. They cannot retract their heads and flippers into their shells.
They are heavy and cannot lift their bodies off the ground when crawling.
Terrapins live in freshwater. They can be hard-shelled or soft-shelled. They usually have
webbed feet. They can retract their heads and legs into their shells. They can lift their
bodies off the ground when crawling.
Tortoises live on land in dry conditions. They have tough, thick shells and scales. They can
lift their bodies off the ground when crawling.
Ways you can help and protect turtles, terrapins
and tortoises:
1. Learn all you can and share your knowledge.
2. Adopt a nest, turtle or terrapin
3. When you are on a nesting beach, follow turtlewatching
guidelines.
4. Reduce the use of plastic bags and packaging
5. Pick up litter from the beach
6. Support turtle conservation projects
7. Do not purchase or consume turtle or terrapin eggs or meat
8. Do not buy souvenirs made of turtle carapace or body parts
9. Do not harass turtles and terrapins whether on land or in water
10. Avoid restaurants that serve turtle meat or eggs.
4

Save Belum-Temenggor
YES, the HVP2013 is back!
MNS initiated this volunteer programme in 2008 for you to take part
in monitoring the Plain-pouched Hornbill (PPHB) and be part of a
national and global conservation effort.
This is a unique volunteer programme in the country. Join us in our effort to tell the
world that the hornbills are a prized asset of our Belum-Temengor forest that must be
protected for future generations.
August and September is the season where thousands of PPHB flock to
Belum-Temengor forest, perhaps in search of food or for reasons unknown. This is the
first reason for the HVP which is to know the reasons. For the next two months,
volunteers will count the PPHB twice daily. This flight census will offer valuable
information on population numbers which in turn will be used to advocate for the
protection of Temengor forest, especially in addressing logging threats.
The second reason for HVP is for you to let go of the convenient, busy,
connected world and go back to basics experiencing the peace and
tranquility. No wifi, no electricity, no piped water, no enclosed
bathrooms, and no lumbar support beds. Learn to live with less. Learn
teamwork, sharing and caring with your camp mates. This year we want you to tell us
what skills that you have and share with your camp mates or we might invite special
guests to share something with you. We may even want you to do draw or write a poem
or song and you may win a prize.
Camp at Kg Tebang
PACKAGE 1 [4D/3N] (Tuesday-Friday)
Day 1
Arrival in Banding Island Jetty, Gerik, Perak (3.00 p.m.)
Boat transfer from Banding Island to Kg Tebang
Introduction and familiarization with the indigenous Jahai community
at village Hornbill monitoring (5.30 7.30 p.m.) in Kg Tebang
Day 2 - 3
Hornbill monitoring (6.45 9.00 a.m.)
Activities in Kg Tebang or excursion
Hornbill monitoring (5.30 7.30 p.m.) in Kampung Tebang
Day 4 (final)
Hornbill monitoring (6.45 9.00 am)
Debrief by Group Leader and Coordinator
Departure to Banding Island Jetty
VOLUNTEER PACKAGE 2 [5D/4N] (Friday - Tuesday)
Day 1-4
as ABOVE with an extra day
Day 5 (final)
As ABOVE
For details, updates and bookings, please go to:
http://www.mnsgerikcrc.wordpress.com/mns-hornbill-volunteerprogramme-2013/
5

SPECIAL TALK ON PHOTOGRAPHY
Title: Eyes of an Editor
By: En. Ashraf Saharudin
Date & time: April 10, 2013 @ 8.00pm
Venue: MNS HQ Auditorium
En. Ashraf Saharudin currently works as the
Executive Editor of Fotografika, a local Malay
language magazine based in Kuala Lumpur.
He started working as a freelance travel
photographer for a local travel magazine. In
2008, he was offered to be the technical lecturer
in photography at the International Islamic
University Malaysia. He is also a moderator
photography forum in Kuala Lumpur
Photography Festival.
En. Ashraf will be sharing with us on the
workflow of an Editor on how a photograph is
being selected for being published in a
magazine. He will also be sharing the
photographers‘ rights and understanding the
Malaysian publication approaches when it comes
to publishing photographs. He will also touch on
the works of the magazine team, namely the
writers, art directors and photo editors and what
matter most to a certain publication, styles and
approaches.
After the ―Eyes of the Editor‖ talk we shall
proceed on the Photo Group Committee
Election. A year has passed, we need to reenergize
and elect a new committee to
spearhead the Photo Group. We encourage new
blood and energetic members who can give their
time and expertize to the Photo Group. Please
come and volunteer your enthusiasm to bring the
Photo Group to greater heights. We need to
elect 7 new members to take up the role for chief
coordinator, secretary, treasurer, Indoor talks,
Outdoor/Trip events coordinator and general
committee. Come and elect the new committee,
the strength of the committee is in all of you.
Quarterly Contest
2013 Themes
Q2: FLORA
Q3: LANDSCAPE
Q4: CREATURES
Q2 Deadline: 30 June 2013
Starting this quarter, the MNS Photogroup Committee
is conducting a quarterly photography contest. This
contest is open to all MNS members. The contest will
run from this quarter till year end. For quarter 2 of
2013, the themes for this contest ―FLORA‖. The other
two quarterly contests covering themes
―LANDSCAPE‖ and ―CREATURES‖ will be
announced at a later date.
From the submissions received, three (3) best photos
will be selected per contest. First, second and third
winners will be awarded prizes. As we are
encouraging amateur and beginner photographers to
enhance their photography skills, ONLY photographs
captured with a non-DSLR camera will be accepted
into the contest.
Rules & Conditions:
1) Only photographs from non-DSLR cameras will be
accepted.
2) In your submission, specify the camera used to capture the
photograph e.g. Nikon Coolpix L320.
3)Select 3 of your best shots for the theme. You may use a
post- processing software to tweak your photos such as
cropping, brightness, contrast, colour, saturation, HDR,
panoramic stitching
and etc. but not introduce superimposition i.e. putting other
things there; or you may leave them as they are without
modification.
4) Photos must be in their natural state, without studio set up.
5) For ―CREATURES‖ photographs that are taken in the zoo or
enclosures, please declare accordingly in your submission.
6) Do NOT place visible watermarks on the image files. This is
to avoid bias in photo judging. Any photos found with
watermark will be rejected.
7) Use ONLY the JPEG format. Any other format will
automatically be rejected and will not be entered into
contest.
8) Please resize your image files to a maximum of 1,024 pixels
on the long side.
9) Photos will be evaluated based on: (1) Relevance to theme,
if any, (2) Composition, (3) Colour, (4) Lighting and
Shadow and (5) Creativity.
10) For this quarter, please SUBMIT latest by 30 June 2013.
Image files submitted after that will be ignored.
11) Do NOT submit more than 3 image files; above that
number will also be ignored.
12) Photos that had previously won prizes in other contests
are not eligible for entry into this contest.
13) EMAIL the 3 image files to the MNS Photogroup mailbox:
photo_submit@mnsphotogroup.org.
6

APRIL 2013 Calendar of Activities
All events times and venues are correct at time of printing. For latest updates, contact the Special Interest Group or check the
MNS website regularly. Booking priority will be given to the organizing branch‘s members unless stated otherwise
Talk on Leeches
Date: 14 April
Time: 8pm
Venue: MNS Auditorium, MNS HQ, KL
Ashleigh Xiao and Teckwyn Lim will present a
practical guide to the leeches of Malaysia,
highlighting aspects of the cultural, ecological
and economic importance of these brave little
forest dwellers together with some tips on
how to deal with them.
Over the years Ashleigh (who works with
MYCAT) and Teckwyn (who runs RESCU)
have had thousands of intimate encounters
with leeches throughout Peninsular Malaysia,
Borneo and Java. They hope that those that
attend this talk will greet their future run-ins
with these spineless darlings with: ―Ooh, a
leech! What species is it?‖
Hiking at Lata Medang
Date: 27 April
Time: 8am-3pm (approximate)
Come experience the cool waters of the
largest waterfall in Selangor. Located near
Kuala Kubu Baru, you will also find interesting
flora along the way. This easy hike is suitable
for family and children above 10 years old.
Please email to register: scubasim@gmail.com
Token of RM5 applicable for Group Fund.
Birding in Central Luzon
Date: 24 April
Time: 8pm
Venue: MNS Auditorium, MNS HQ, KL
Late last year, Alan Yu & Bee Cheng went to the
Philippines for the first time and joined a birding tour to
Central Luzon to have a taste of what birding in the
Philippines is like.
They discovered gems in the face of major habitat loss.
And that there is more than just the magnificent
Philippine Eagle there. Bee Cheng will share their
experiences there and introduce you to some of the
feathered beauties they saw.
All are welcome (including non-members) and
admission is free (no prior registration required). For
queries, contact Lim Wai Kong at 0123935189 or
drwklim@yahoo.com if you need further details.
Join Pathfinders at Lata Medang!
Easy hike and picnic at waterfalls.
Photos: Christopher Leo
Outdoor Photo Shoot
at Orchid Garden @ Lake Garden
Date: 28 April
Time: 8.30am
Facilitated by Mr John Choong
In conjunction with the ongoing Photo
Competition on the theme ―Flora‖ we are
organizing a photo outing to the Orchid Garden
@ Lake Garden in Kuala Lumpur where he will
be sharing the finer point in flora photography.
As the rules of the competition limit to Non-
DSLR camera, we encourage beginner and
amateur to participate in this outing. Do bring
along your tripod too.
For more details on the meeting location,
please contact John Choong at 0192263912
7

Birding in East Africa
Date: 22 May
Time: 8pm
Venue: MNS Auditorium, HQ, KL
Kenya has one of the richest avifaunas in Africa with
around 1090 bird species recorded. At least eight of these
are national endemics. Tanzania, which borders Kenya
and is part of East Africa, has some of the best wildlife
sanctuaries. With over 1100 bird species recorded,
including more than twenty country and dozens of regional
endemic species, Tanzania is a spectacular country for
birding, offering a wide variety of habitats, including
Venue: Fraser’s Hill
Cost: RM360.00 per person.
Cost covers the expenses for hotel accommodation
(twin sharing) at Fraser‘s Hill, Car Pooling, Highway
tolls, Group Insurance for Course, Lunch and Dinner
except Breakfast. There are 20 places for this course
and is given on a first come first serve basis. (Based on
receipt of full payment) No refund will be given for those
who cancel their participation.
montane forest, miombo woodland, savanna, arid plains, and
coastline, making it an important migratory passageway as well.
In July 2012, David Lai and Nina Cheung made a trip to East Africa
and visited the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro
Conservation Area in Tanzania as well as the Amboseli National
Park and Masai Mara National Park in Kenya. They saw more than
200 birds, including vultures, wheatears, mousebirds, go-away
birds, spurfowls and spoonbills.
Come and listen to their experiences of birding in East Africa. All
are welcome (including non-members) and admission is free (no
prior registration required). For queries, contact Lim Wai Kong at
0123935189 or drwklim@yahoo.com if you need further details.
Beginners Course in Bird Watching
Date: 17 May to 19 May 2013
Are you interested in Bird Watching but do not know where to start?
Selangor Bird Group is specially organising a course for you on Beginners in Bird Watching,
if you are asking these questions
What is that bird?
Which binoculars should I buy?
What are bins?
How to use my binoculars?
By the time I find the spot where I thought the bird was it has flown away?
Which field-guides should I get
Conducted via classroom and outdoor practical sessions at Fraser's Hill, participants will be
taught birding basics in class, followed by outdoor field experience, with the guidance of
experienced birder-trainers.
Course is open to MNS members only.
No refund will be given for those who cancel their participation.
Top: Secretary Bird
Bottom: Red-crested Malkoha
For more details and confirm your bookings, please contact Andy Lee at 012-3993193, Heikal
Pinto at 019-3399914 or Shea Hong at 012-2736506
Closing date is May 7th, 2013.
8

Snorkel & Dive at Pulau Perhentian
Dates: June 1—4 (Sat—Tues)
Pre-trip briefing & full payment due:
15 May (Wed) at 7pm, MNS HQ Auditorium KL
Boat leaves from:
Kuala Besut Jetty 10am (1 June); Arwana Jetty 12pm/4pm (4 June).
Join the Marine Group (Selangor Branch) to celebrate an early World Oceans
Day (WOD) at Pulau Perhentian Besar!! Open to all MNS members and the
public (joining fee applies). We‘ll stay at Bayu Dive Lodge and snorkel/dive with
Alu Alu Divers/SCUBA Schools International (SSI). Read about last year‘s
WOD event at http://bit.ly/12O7quy.
Snorkel Diver course (Package 1): Are you comfortable in the water? Can
you swim proficiently without the aid of a life vest? If yes, then this course will
teach you how to snorkel and duck dive properly without harming yourself and
the marine environment.RM795/adult and RM398/child 8—12 years old.
Ecological Diver course (Package 2): Want to learn how to hover with correct
finning techniques? Or be like a Jacques Cousteau? Cost: RM1,230/pax to
learn 2 specialty courses – Perfect Buoyancy and Underwater Naturalist.
Fun Diver (Package 3): RM850/pax – 6 day dives with free equipment
rental. Additional dives are RM60/day dive and RM90/night dive.
All costs include return boat transfer ex-Kuala Besut, 3 nights accommodation
in air-con room/hot water shower on twin or triple sharing basis, meals, course
fee (except for Package 3), MNS sessions (after dinner fun activities, beach
clean-up study, guided low-tide night beach exploration), Marine Park
conservation fee and a nominal donation to the marine group fund.
To enquire, book &/or pay: Minimum 8 pax to guarantee trip. Deposit RM250
to book your place. If trip is cancelled, we will refund your deposit. Please email
H.Y. Leong at mnsmarinegroup-perhentian(at)yahoo(dot)com for bank-in
instructions.
For more information about this trip, please check http://bit.ly/10LdL8C.
MNS Negeri Sembilan / Melaka Activities
Birding trip to Sg. Putat & Batang Tiga, Melaka
Date: April 14 (Sunday)
Witness Purple Heron nesting at Sg Putat. Then proceed to Batang
Tiga paddy fields to view the large flock of Asian Openbill Stork.
Meet at Sg Putat entrance (not far from IPK Air Keroh) 8am.
Bring along binoculars. Wear dull coloured clothes and comfortable
shoes.
Coordinators :
Ong Seng Poh
Tel: 012-2583035
Email: spong59@gmail.com
Lim Ming Hui
Tel: 012-2760327
Email: limmel05@yahoo.com
FiT& SAVE Roadshow
Date: 20-21 April (Saturday – Sunday)
In collaboration with CETDEM, a full-day mini exhibition will be held
on Saturday 20 April and a free half-day workshop on Sunday 21
April in Melaka (venues to be confirmed later).
The purpose of the FiT ( Feed-in Tariff) & SAVE (Sustainability
Achieved Via Energy efficiency)Roadshow
• To increase public awareness on renewable energy and energy
efficiency
• To explainwhat is Feed-in Tariff (FiT) for renewable solar energy
• To introduce the SAVE rebate coupons for purchasing energy
efficient appliances
If you are interested in learning more, please contact Stephanie
Bacon cooltek@streamyx.com or 012-2175590
9

ADVERTISEMENT
16D 15N
Everest Base Camp
via Gokyo Lake Trek
24/09/2013 - 09/10/2013
(Confirmed Trip)
Experience the culture of the Sherpas in
route to Khumbu village. Enjoy a climb to
the scintillating Kalapattar 5,545m
/18190ft, one of the most spectacular
vantage points in the Everest region.
Explore enchanting views of Everest,
Pumori, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse,
Makalu and many other towering peaks.
Two free training trips will provided for
the Everest Base Camp trip.
5D 4N
Mt Rinjani (3726M)
29/08/13 to 02/09/13
(Confirmed trip)
Mt. Rinjani forms the second highest
volcanic peak in Indonesia, part of
celebrated ―Ring of Fire‖. The dramatic
landscape has been created over millions
of year of cone - building, violent
explosions, and erosion. Forested slopes
rising directly from the sea create their
own weather pattern and act as water -
collectors for the hole of Lombok.
A model for ecotourism in Indonesia, the
community-based activities is focused on
the Rinjani Trek Centre in Senaru, the
most popular starting point for the tough
trek. Developed with New Zealand
Government assistance since 1999, the
Rinjani Trek Centre embodies under one
roof the unique partnership of the
National Park, tourism industry and local
communities that has been forged to
manage and protect the Rinjani mountain
environment.
One free Training trip will provided for the
Mount Rinjani trip.
Contact : Thong at goalus@mymountaingoal.com
H/P: 016-6375622 Off: 03-40248896
MOUNTAIN GOAL ADVENTURE CONSULTANT (742912-V)
Further info please sign in:
www.mymountaingoal.com/everestkalapattar.htm
http://www.mymountaingoal.com/RinjaniRegion.htm
Love outdoors?
Enjoy peace of mind…
for you and your family by writing your Will today
Do you know that all our Assets including banks’ accounts will be frozen
upon Death? With OR Without a WILL!! How do you “unlock” them? A
Grant of Probate or Letter of Administration from the High Court. This
process applies to Muslims and Non Muslims.
If you pass on without having a VALID WILL… this is what happens…
Your family
Your spouse and children will face cash flow problem because all your bank
accounts including joint accounts maybe frozen.
Your children‘s welfare may not be taken care of by the people of your
choice.
The Legal Process
Delays in distribution due to the legal administrative process (2 - 6 years)
2 guarantors / sureties required (amount equal or more than deceased‘s
estate)
Much more costly resulting in financial burdens to your family
Your Assets Distribution (As per Distribution Act 1958 amended in 1997 or
Distribution under Faraid)
The law will decide on the distribution of your estate such as house(s),
Businesses, bank accounts, shares, etc.
LOVE YOUR FAMILY, WRITE YOUR WILL TODAY AND ENJOY
PEACE OF MIND wherever you may be….
Why leave to chance… for more information, please call…
MARY OOI
Making Your Wishes Come True
Professional Estate Planner (Rockwills Corporation Sdn. Bhd.)
Islamic Estate Planner (as-Salihin Trustee Sdn. Bhd.)
H/P: 012-337 9906 or email: mary_3_ooi@hotmail.com
10

MNS HQ
JKR 541, Jalan Kelantan,
Bukit Persekutuan, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
(just before the Seri Perdana turn-off on
Jalan Mahameru).
Mon-Fri: 9am-5:30pm.
Tel: 03-22879422. Fax: 03-22878773.
Emaiil: mns@mns.org.my
Web: www.mns.org.my
Membership: Leong Wee Chin
MNS Library
A modest collection of books and periodicals
is housed at the MNS Headquarters. Only fully paid up members
may borrow books for a period of two weeks. This period is
renewable. Periodicals are for use only in the library. Readers
wishing periodical articles may have them photocopied. A small,
but growing collection of books for young readers is available.
BRANCH EXCO MEMBERS 2012-2013
Johor Branch
c/o Vincent Chow
32, Jln Molek 3/11, Tmn Molek, 81100 JB, Johor
Website: www.mnsj.org.my; Blog: www.mnsj.org.my
Chairman: Vincent Chow
(019-7557755, vkkchow@yahoo.com)
Vice-Chair: Wee Soon Chit
(012-7112112, soonchit@hotmail.com)
Secretary: Zalinah Bt Sarpan (013-7722229,
anggun_firama@yahoo.co.uk)
Kuching Branch (Sarawak)
Email: mnskuching@gmail.com
Chairman: Anthony C.Sebastian
(aonyxenvironmental@gmail.com)
Vice-Chair: Cheong Ah Kwan
(019-8349499, kwan_indutek@hotmail.com)
Secretary: Chan Mei Ching, Zora Sharon (
019-8279881, zorachan76@yahoo.com)
Miri Branch (Sarawak)
Email: mnsmiri@yahoo.com; Blog:mnsmiri.blogspot.com
Chairman: Musa Musbah
(016-8746127, sammua@yahoo.com)
Vice-Chair: Yeo Hong Yan, John (drjyeo@gmail.com)
Secretary: Joyce Vikneswari Sivalingam
(012-4604609, jvsivalingam@hotmail.com)
Sabah Branch
Chairman: Omar Abdul Kadir
(019-8110125, omar_kadir51@yahoo.com)
Vice-Chair: Anna Wong
(013-8560000, anna888@ums.edu.my)
Secretary: Shim Yen Ling (micesja@gmail.com)
Selangor Branch
c/o MNS HQ address
Website: www.mns.my/selangor; Email:
mns.selangor@gmail.com; E-group:
malaysiannaturesociety@yahoogroups.com
Chairman: K. S. Goh, Henry
(012-3669930, henrygks10@gmail.com)
Vice-Chair: Mohala Santharamohana
(017-8896656, s_mohala@yahoo.com)
Secretary: Gan Li Li (012-
2074840,pat_ganll@hotmail.com)
Terengganu Branch
Address: 1926, Bkt Kubang Jambu,
20050 Kuala Terengganu.
Emai: mnsterengganu@gmail.com
Chairman: Hj Wan Md Adnan Bin Wan Ismail
(017-9861926, mnsterengganu@gmail.com)
Vice-Chair: Wong Chee Ho
(012-2688545, cheeho@umt.edu.my)
Secretary: Anuar Abdullah McAfee
(012 948 1771, anuar@ms.kusza.edu.my)
Kedah Branch
Address: 5, Belakang Hospital, 09300 Kuala Ketil, Kedah;
Email: kedahmns@yahoogroups.com
Chairman: Kalaimani A/L Supramaniam
(019-4733505, maniria@yahoo.com)
Vice-Chair: Nordiana Binti Zainordin
(012-5377914, nz1808@yahoo.com)
Secretary: Mohammad Fauzi Bin Baharom
(013-5215025, mfauzidesaman@yahoo.com.my)
Kelantan Branch
Address: 204, Jln Sultan Yahya Petra, 15150 Kota Bharu,
Kelantan; Email: shown88@streamyx.com
Chairman: Aweng A/L Eh Rak aweng@umk.edu.my)
Vice-Chair: Mohd Razali B Che Ali
(017-9386015, calmoraz@yahoo.com)
Secretary: Wong Mei Lin
(019-9109073, meklawa@gmail.com)
Langkawi Branch
Email: mnslangkawi@yahoogroups.com
Chairman: Eric R. Sinnaya
(019-4499142, morahols@gmail.com)
Vice-Chair: Teoh Cheng Kung (wildlifeplanet@gmail.com)
Secretary: Daisy Jeyarani A/P Samuel
(daisy_samuel_2005@yahoo.com)
Negeri Sembilan/Melaka Branch
c/o Cooltek, 350 Jln Woodland, Tiara Melaka Golf& Country Club,
Ayer Keroh, 75450 Melaka
Chairman: Lim Ming Hui
(012-2760327, limmel05@yahoo.com)
Vice-Chair: Kok Chow Hioong (013-2929418, kchioong@live.com)
Secretary: Stephanie Bacon (012-2175590,
cooltek@streamyx.com)
Pahang Branch
Address: F-4-4, Jln Padang Golf, 25050 Kuantan.
Email: mnspahang@yahoo.com
Chairman: Noor Jehan Bt. Abu Bakar
(019-9525588, versed_anggerik@yahoo.com)
Vice-Chair: Jean Wong (017-9379688, jean9688@yahoo.com)
Secretary: Chow Mee Foong
(019-9515169, chowmeefoong@yahoo.com)
Penang Branch
Address: Nature Information Centre (NIC), 673-B Jalan Kebun
Bunga, 10350 Penang. Tel: 016-4840747.
Open Mon-Sat 7.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m.
E-mail: mnspenang@yahoo.com
Webpage:http://www.mns.my/state.php?stid=8
(Please phone before visiting)
website: www.geocities.com/mnspenang/
Blog: mnspenang@yahoogroups.com
Chairman: Tan Choo Eng
(019-4484344, chooengtan@yahoo.com)
Vice-Chair: James Ooi Teik Kok (jamesooiteikkok@yahoo.com)
Secretary: Tan Pek Tao, Peggy
(016-4200990, tpeggypeach@yahoo.com)
Perak Branch
Address: 8, Jln Virgo, Star Park, 31400 Ipoh.
Email mnsperak@gmail.com
Blog: mnsperak@yahoogroups.com
Chairman: Lee Ping Kong
(016-5655682, lpk682@yahoo.com)
Vice-Chair: Leow Kon Fah (019-5634598,
leow_kingfisher@yahoo.com)
Secretary: Tham Yim Fong (012-5220268,
georgi8tham@yahoo.com)
Sandakan Branch (Sabah)
Address: Lot 322, Lorong Pertama 17, Tmn Pertama, 90000
Sandakan.
Chairman: Chow Kok Cheng, Charles
(013-8866968, kcccharles@yahoo.com)
Vice-Chair: Mohamad Bin Bakar (016-8309718)
Secretary: Shane Ho Tshun Wei (016-8310220,
shanehtw@yahoo.com)
11

Pencinta Alam is a monthly newsletter made possible by dedicated volunteers and
contributors from the Malaysian Nature Society. Accuracy is the contributor’s
responsibility. The Editor reserves the right to edit for length and content.
Submissions: Articles including author and photographers‘ names (max 500 words),
advertisements, digital images (100dpi no larger than 640 x 480 pixels and
separately from article) etc must reach the Editor by 13 th of each month unless noted
otherwise. Send all submissions to tapir2005@gmail.com
Advertising rates:
Classifieds: RM5 per column inch.
Quarter page ad: RM30.
Half page ad: RM60.
All payments must be made to ―Malaysian Nature Society Selangor Branch‖.
Please bank in cash or cheque to Maybank MBB account no 014150307352.
After banking in, please scan the slip and email it to Bernadette Chin at
berniechin118@yahoo.com or fax her at 03-51928191 (Attention: Bernie Finance).
Discount Rates
For advertisements paid in advance:
3 adverts paid in advance – 5% off;
6 adverts paid in advance – 10% off;
9 adverts paid in advance –15% off;
12 adverts paid in advance – 20% off.
Editors:
Khor Hui Min 017 8817714
Kay Lyons 03 79814271
BB Chan 019 3853591
Share your
Story!
E-copy
Help the environment and opt to download
the newsletter from the Selangor Branch
website (www.mns.org.my) or the
Selangor Branch e-group:
groups.yahoo.com/group/
To open the pdf file, you’ll need a pdf
reader, such as Adobe Reader
(downloadable for free at
www.adobe.com).
Have you been on an MNS Trip or Activity?
Share your experience and encourage others to
participate in the cause for conservation! Interviews,
field notes, poems, articles are welcomed. Please
submit to tapir2005@gmail.com before the 15 th of
each month
Nature
Owlet
@ The MNS Shop
Open Mon-Fri 0930-1730 hrs,
Saturday 1000-1300 hrs.
Closed on Sundays & Public Holidays
as well as during major MNS events
(e.g. Raptor Watch etc).
Offers a growing selection of books for
the nature lover (kids included) and
MNS Publications The Malaysian
Naturalist and Suara Enggang; MNS
apparel; outdoor gear (from Buff,
Coleman, Maglite, Campingaz,
Leatherman, Deuter, Mora); sport
optics and supports (from Leica,
Minox, Meade, Nikon, Swarovski &
Manfrotto) and more. Members who
show their membership card receive a
discount for most items.
Kelab Pencinta Alam
Computer
Recycling
Collection
Centre (Penang)
The MNS Nature Information
Centre (NIC) is a designated
recycling collection centre for old
computers and computer parts by
the Penang City Council.
Please send your unwanted
computers and parts to the NIC
to be sent for recycling by DOE
approved recycling
establishment.
Contact Kanda at 013-4537992
for more information or check out
Penang Branch web pages.
The KPA programme aims to encourage interest, understanding and
involvement in various environmental activities and conservation efforts
amongst the school-going generation. Among some of the special
programmes held for KPA are camps, workshops and environmental
projects. Contact the KPA Officer at 03-22879422 for more information.
Don’t Leave Home Without It
All members are required to show their membership cards to
participate in any of the Branch‘s activities. New members who
haven't received their cards will be required to show their
membership payment receipts. Lost your card? Contact Wee Chin
at HQ.
12