PENCINTA ALAM - Malaysian Nature Society

PENCINTA ALAM
NEWSLETTER OF THE MALAYSIAN NATURE SOCIETY
Leptospirosis: What you need to
know when going outdoors
The Malaysian Health Ministry's disease control division recorded 3,665
leptospirosis cases last year, a whopping 85.5% increase from the 1,976 cases
recorded in 2010, with 69 deaths. In 2011, there were 2,268 cases with 55 deaths.
The Star, 1 June 2013
What is Leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis (also known as Weil's
syndrome, canicola fever, canefield
fever, nanukayami fever, 7-day fever, Rat
Catcher's Yellows, Fort Bragg fever, black
jaundice, Pretibial fever and locally, rat’s urine
disease) is caused by infection with bacteria of
the genus Leptospira and affects humans as well
as other animals.
How is the disease transmitted?
The infection is transmitted to humans by allowing
water that has been contaminated by animal urine
to come in contact with unhealed breaks in
the skin, the eyes, or with the mucous
membranes. The virus is contagious as long as
the urine is still moist. Although rats are primary
hosts, a wide range of other mammals including
dogs, deer, rabbits, hedgehogs, cows and sheep
are able to carry and transmit the disease as
secondary hosts. Leptospirosis is also transmitted
by the semen of infected animals.
Symptoms of leptospirosis may
include:
• Diarrhoea.
• Rash.
• Muscle aches.
• Stomach pain.
• High fever.
• Severe headache.
• Chills.
• Vomiting.
• Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes).
• Red eyes.
The illness can last from a few days
to 3 weeks or longer. Without
treatment, recovery may take
several months.
Leptospirosis is confirmed by
testing a blood or urine sample.
Left untreated, the infection may
cause Weil's disease or even death.
Outdoor activities at risk
• Camping, fishing, bathing, swimming in contaminated
areas.
• Swimming, wading or bathing in streams, waterfall or
rain containment areas which is contaminated by
domestic or wild animal urine.
• Rafting , canoeing in contaminated lakes and rivers.
• Drinking from streams that may be contaminated.
• Trail biking in warm areas.
Always take your rubbish and uneaten foods out of the
campsite and clean up the area to avoid infestation.
Do not swim, drink, or wade in water that might be
contaminated with animal urine. This is especially
important if you have open scratches or wounds.
Wear protective clothing and footwear if you work or
participate in recreational activities near water or soil
that may be contaminated with animal urine.
Treatment
Treatment of leptospirosis is through antibiotics, such as
doxycycline or penicillin, given at the onset of the disease.
People with more severe cases may require intravenous
antibiotics and hospitalization.
1

2
World Tapir Day
at Taman Negara
By Khor Hui Min
We had our first-ever World Tapir Day
celebration at Taman Negara on 27th of
April 2013. I was fortunate to be able to
volunteer there as a facepainter, at
Mutiara Taman Negara Resort, Kuala
Tahan. I have not been there since Form
4 in 1994. Almost twenty years later, the
place looked just like it had been – great!
World Tapir Day 2013 was a celebration
of the special Malayan Tapir, launched
by Dato' Dr. Mohd Ali bin Mohamad Nor,
Deputy Secretary of Natural Resources,
Ministry of Natural Resources and
Environment (NRE). A host of interesting
programmes, such as guided walks, tapir
sketching workshops, a colouring
competition and games were organised
for visitors and guests. The event was
attended by a wide range of visitors,
including pre-schoolers and
schoolchildren from the nearby schools
around Kuala Tahan and Jerantut, as
well as local university groups.
In addition, there was a tapir and
conservation efforts forum presented by
Mr. Boyd Simpson from the Tapir
Specialist Group, Copenhagen Zoo and
En. Mahathir Mohamad, Conservation
Biodiversity, Department of Wildlife &
National Parks.
I hope that World Tapir Day next year will
be bigger and better, and be able to
reach out to the general public and locals
who live in the vicinity of tapir habitats
nationwide.
On Friday night, we met Tahan
the tapir, who is a regular
visitor at Mutiara Taman
Negara Resort. In this photo,
he is pictured enjoying being
scratched on the back.
The first creatures I met while walking to our
chalet was a group of wild boars, foraging for
food. They were the last thing I imagined that
I would see on arrival at Mutiara Taman
Negara Resort!
Some shots of facepainting
After we freshened up and were
on our way to the event grounds,
I met Maxis the barking deer.
Known in the local Malay
language as Kijang, Maxis was
surprisingly, extremely friendly.
Growing our
Membership:
Survey Results and
Workshop
Bringing you up to date on the recent
survey completed by 233 members, the
answers have been analysed and the
results have been published. A threepage
Executive Summary explaining
the conclusions from the survey will be
sent out to all members soon. In the
meantime, you can access the full 62-
page report (mainly in graphs) from
the MNS webpage.
A workshop is in the plan for members
to participate in devising
a Membership Strategy Plan. The Plan
is aimed at increasing membership
numbers in controlled and measured
ways to ensure the sustainability of the
Society. As the Plan is rolled out and
changes are introduced, we will keep
everyone fully informed of the changes
and why they are necessary. The
Membership Strategic Workshop
which was originally scheduled
for Saturday 22 June 2013 has been
postponed, we will keep you updated
of a new date.
If you have any thoughts or ideas,
please do not hesitate to email them
to membership@mns.org.my.
•Updated by Stephanie Bacon, for the MNS
Membership Committee

NATURAL DISINFECTANTS AND
DEODORISERS
By Wong Ee Lynn
Bacteria are a natural part of the ecosystem. Our attempts to keep our
homes and families healthy should be with the goal of having a clean,
pleasant-smelling place to live, where potentially hazardous bacteria are
controlled by basic hygiene.
A healthy human immune system can easily cope with normal
household germs, and is in fact at greater risk from the chemicals used
in many cleaning products. In recent years, we have seen a boom in
anti-bacterial products, from kitchen sponges to dishwashing liquid. Not
only can disinfectants be health risks in themselves, many disinfectants
contain chemicals, such as triclosan, which can affect the central
nervous system of humans and other mammals, and cause organ
damage. Health and environmental experts caution against antimicrobial
products (sponges, toys, soaps, washcloths, aerosol sprays)
because:
(1) They create a false sense of security and there is no evidence at all
that they make a home safer or protect humans against illnesses and
infections;
(2) They are likely to unfavourably alter the balance of microbial life in
the home, leaving behind those that are more resistant to
disinfectants and harder to kill;
(3) Surviving bacteria are likely to become resistant, and could make
homes, like hospitals, a harbour for truly dangerous bacteria. In
cases where you truly need a stronger disinfectant, e.g. in cleaning
the cages and living areas of pets that have recently suffered deadly
infections such as parvovirus, the best choice is a properly diluted
solution of chlorine bleach.
However, most of our daily cleaning activities would not require the use
of bleach. For general purposes, there are excellent natural disinfectants
which include lavender oil, tea tree oil, grapefruit seed oil and other
citrus extracts.
A basic list of products and tips:
1. Use cleaning cloths instead of disposable disinfectant wipes. Cotton material, e.g. old t-shirts,
is best for cleaning and polishing, and can be tossed in for washing together with the rest of
the laundry when dirty.
2. Instead of having various types of household
cleaning agents, purchase an all-purpose
biodegradable cleaner to use for most general
cleaning, including mopping the floor, cleaning
the bathroom and wiping down furniture. If the
Lavender oil is a
natural deodoriser
and has
antibacterial agents
product is unscented, you can always add a few
drops of pure essential oil, such as tea tree
(antifungal) or peppermint and lavender
(deodorising, antibacterial) to a diluted solution
prior to cleaning.
3. White distilled vinegar is great for cleaning glass and windows and does not contain harmful
ammonia.
4. Borax is a natural mineral product that kills bacteria and mildew. It can be used to soak
nappies, whiten clothes, soften water and increase the effectiveness of plain soap. It is also
good for preventing odours and preventing mildew and mould growth.
5. Avoid all aerosol furniture polishes, especially those containing silicone. Experts recommend
dusting with a soft cloth dampened with a little water. Good furniture does not need to be
polished more than once a year, and you can use beeswax-based polish and other natural
furniture polishes for this purpose.
6. Toothpaste can be used to polish and clean delicate metal jewellery.
7. You can make a metal/brass polish using a paste of white vinegar or lemon juice mixed with
bicarbonate of soda.
8. If you have cats, clean the litter tray daily and wash the litter trays using soap and water at
least once every few days, rather than purchase scented or antibacterial litter so that you can
put off cleaning the litter tray.
9. Microwave your kitchen sponge (wet, not dry) for 2 minutes on high heat to kill germs at least
twice a week, rather than buy antibacterial sponges.
10. Rather than purchase shoe sprays and powders, stuff your shoes with scrunched up
newspaper (you can reuse the newspaper for each pair of shoes until they fall apart).
The carbon in newsprint will deodorise your shoes, while the paper will absorb moisture.
3

MNS Kuching Branch has
new Blog & Facebook pages
Dear MNS members, supporters & friends,
Firstly, Selamat Hari Gawai, Gaya Guru Gerai Nyamai
& happy holidays.
The Kuching Branch is pleased to announced that it
has just created new Blog & Facebook pages, specially
for the coming Santubong Nature Festival. This festival
is initiated to raise public awareness on the cultural,
historical and biodiversity heritage of the Santubong
peninsula.
As the Blog & Facebook pages are still new, the
moderators will be adding & improving them in the
coming days leading up to the main festival in
November.
So, please visit:
Our Blog
http://santubongnaturefestival.blogspot.com
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/SantubongNatureFestival
Leave some comments, LIKE & SHARE them with your
friends.
Terima kasih banyak-banyak. Thanks so much : )
Continued from Green Living:
11. Reduce the number of clothes you own that require dry-cleaning. Most of the clothes that require
dry-cleaning can be safely washed by hand using a mild soap and gently hung out to drip-dry in the
shade.
12. Instead of using fabric softener to add fragrance to your laundry, put herbal or floral sachets in
your closet and clothes drawers instead, to help your clothes smell fresh. Alternatively, you can also
put half-unwrapped bars of lemon or lavender scented soap in your closets as inexpensive and
reusable deodorisers.
13. For clothes to stay white, use borax or oxygen-based bleach or hydrogen peroxide solution
instead of chlorine bleach to whiten the clothes. Use natural indigo solution in the final rinse to
brighten your whites.
14. Instead of antibacterial foam carpet cleaners, sprinkle the carpet with plain bicarbonate of soda.
Leave for an hour or two for the soda to deodorise the carpet, and then vacuum. When more
intensive cleaning is necessary, clean your carpet with a steam machine and plain water.
15. Use normal soap bars instead of antibacterial shower gels and creams. Soap bars use less
packaging and weigh less, and are therefore more environmentally friendly to package and
transport. There is no necessity to use antibacterial soap for your daily baths. The belief that soap
bars harbour germs is a marketing ploy to create fear and thus sell antibacterial products. Our
parents and grandparents did without antibacterial soap and no-one fell sick or died from using and
sharing normal inexpensive soap bars.
16. Commercial air-fresheners work by masking unpleasant odours, coating your nasal passages with
an oily film, or numbing your sense of smell with a nerve-deadening agent. Instead of using
commercial air freshener sprays, gels and canisters, try these simple deodorising tips instead –
(i) Increase and improve ventilation. Open windows daily to clear stale air and toxic fumes. An
extractor fan can help in the kitchen and bathroom.
(ii) Empty your rubbish frequently. When your rubbish bin is wet or dirty, wash it using a handful of
soap powder/flakes, some water and an outdoor/bathroom broom. Put the rubbish bin upside
down outdoors to air-dry.
(iii) Declare your home a no-smoking zone. Smokers will have to learn to regulate their habit, or
smoke outdoors.
(iv) Grow indoor plants to improve air quality.
17. Do not use cut flowers to deodorise a room. To make flowers look and smell perfect, the floral
industry uses more pesticides than any other agricultural business (since consumers do not, after all,
eat flowers). They also use vast quantities of floral accessories (such as plastic wrap and ribbons),
floral preservatives and non-native flowers. Purchase potted local plants instead.
(Images reproduced from Wikipedia without permission but in accordance with the principles of fair use. This
article is also viewable as a blogpost at: http://mnsgreenliving.blogspot.com/2013/06/natural-disinfectants-anddeodorants.html)
4

GREEN LIVING ZOO VOLUNTEER PROGRAMME
& ENRICHMENT WORKSHOP
What is environmental enrichment for animals?
"Environmental Enrichment" is the process of providing
stimulating environments for Zoo animals in order for
them to demonstrate species-typical behaviour. This
means that monkeys should be able to climb and swing,
birds should be able to build nests, fly, look for food and
elephants should be able to pluck fruits and play with
water, just as they do in the wild. This enhances their
well-being and stops them from being too bored or
frustrated. It also allows animals to exercise choice and
control over their environment. For example, animals
should not be sitting in bare cages, but in enclosures
with caves, holes, trees and rocks, so that they could sit
in the shade or hide from humans if they choose to.
Enrichment includes the design of stimulating and
naturalistic enclosures, the housing of appropriate
social groups of animals (e.g. zebras, giraffes and
ostriches together) and the introduction of objects,
sounds, smells and other stimuli in the animal's
environment. At Zoo Negara, enrichment is an
important part of the daily care of animals.
This is done partly through novel objects such as
special toys for the animals, and food-related
enrichment, where food is presented to the animals in a
variety of ways, such as in puzzle feeders, or hidden
throughout the enclosure. In order to get the food, the
animal must use natural foraging behaviours and/or
mentally solve the puzzle.
This keeps the animals mentally and physically fit.
Novel objects and toys will also make the animals
curious and stimulate their sense of touch, sight, smell,
hearing and taste.
he objective of enrichment activities is to keep the
animals lively, happy, curious and active, and to
encourage them to exhibit the same behaviour and
instincts as they would in the wild.
Why Volunteer at the Zoo?
Nobody likes to see wild animals in captivity. But
sometimes there just isn't a better alternative or
permanent solution in the event of wild animals
confiscated from or surrendered by private owners,
private zoos, circuses and petting zoos, where they
are likely to have been born and raised in captivity.
A good way of helping wildlife and understanding
the challenges involved in operating, managing and
funding wildlife facilities would be to volunteer at
Zoo Negara, where you will be able to do hands-on
work to create a safe, clean and healthy
environment for the animals and be involved in
enrichment programmes to stimulate the animals
and encourage them to engage in natural behaviour
such as foraging and hunting.
Zoo Negara now complies with the latest guidelines
set by the World Association of Zoos and Aquarium
(Waza) and South-East Asian Zoo
Association (Seaza) and has increased its
conservation awareness efforts. It no longer
does elephant shows and there is a lot more
emphasis on enrichment programmes for
the animals. All the recently acquired
animals are legally sourced and there is a
great deal more transparency in the way the
Zoo operates. The Zoo Volunteer
Programme is not only a good opportunity
for volunteers to get hands-on about helping
wildlife, it is also an exercise in
transparency. Volunteers can see for
themselves that animals are not being
denied the food and medical care they
need, and volunteers can provide feedback
to the Zoo management. Zoo Negara has
also implemented a ban on styrofoam
products and packaging within its premises,
and the noisy diesel trams have been
replaced with silent electric trams. All these
efforts indicate Zoo Negara's willingness to
improve, and we should support and
applaud these efforts and lend a helping
hand.
5

ECO KIDS continued
When and Where
Sunday, 28th July 2013, from 8.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.
Zoo Negara Malaysia, Hulu Kelang, 68000 Ampang, Selangor.
What do I have to bring or do?
1. Please wear comfortable old clothes that cover the knees, chest and shoulders, and
shoes such as trainers and sneakers that cover your toes. That means no shorts,
slippers, dangly jewellery or sleeveless tops.
2. Please bring your own drinking water, sunblock, snacks and a camera.
3. You will have to pay a fee of RM30, which goes towards the purchase of food for the
animals to be used in the Enrichment Workshop.
4. Please bring cardboard toilet paper rolls, brown paper bags, clean coconut shells
(collect these from outside sundry shops) and brown cardboard boxes to be repurposed
into toys and puzzles for the animals.
5. Please try to take public transport or carpool if possible. If you are driving, please try to
park in the staff parking area or housing area next to the Zoo to avoid hefty parking
charges.
6. When you arrive, please enter the Zoo from Gate 3 and ask the security personnel to
direct you to the Education Office/Library. We will all meet in front of the Education
Office at 8.30 a.m. You will be asked to fill in forms and pay the agreed fee of RM30.
The Zoo staff and education officers will then guide and coach us for the rest of the day.
Please bring your used toilet paper rolls, boxes and other discarded materials with you
so that we can hand them over at the Enrichment Centre.
7. At the Enrichment Centre, you will be required to cut and join leaves, paper and other
materials to make food puzzles and toys for the animals. The Zookeepers will then
present the toys or food to the animals and you will get to watch the animals enjoy the
fruits of your labour.
8. Outside of the Enrichment Centre, you will be required to help the keepers clean up
animal enclosures, wash food and water bowls, prepare food and feed the animals.
Volunteers who are fasting and young children may be exempted from these duties.
9. Upon completing your duties, you will be given plenty of free time to walk around the
Zoo and observe the animals.
This programme is limited to a maximum of 40 participants (ideally, 10 - 20 adults and 20 -
30 children). If you are interested in participating in this workshop, please email your
details (name, age, MNS membership number and contact number)
to wongeelynn@yahoo.com or send a text message to Ee Lynn at 013 228 6812 by 15
July 2013. Priority will be given to MNS members and registration of participants will be on
a first come, first serve basis. Payment is to be in cash on the day itself, and to be given
directly to the Zoo staff. Official receipts will be issued by Zoo Negara.
JULY 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.
Indoor Talk: Landscape Photography
Speaker: Mr Lee Hong Leng
Date & Time: 24 th July 2013, 8.00pm
Venue: MNS HQ
With our forthcoming MNS Photo Group photography
contest theme on “Landscape”, Mr Lee Hong Leng will
be sharing with us on the technique and “an eye” on
capturing good landscapes.
Mr Lee Hong Leng has been a photography contest
judge for the past two decades and was one of the
Quality Control people of Kodak Malaysia where he
started in the photography industry. He has also lectured
in photography in local colleges and is much respected
in the photographic field.
We encourage all members who want to elevate him or
herself into the next level in photography to come to
learn from the Mr Lee.
Leisure cum Photography Trip Fraser’s Hill
Date: 7 th & 8 th September 2013
Cost: RM100.00per person (incl. dinner & breakfast
and accommodation only)
Fraser’s Hill is less than 2 hour drive from KL and is a great
place for photography insects and birds. There are many
nice walking trails here too. We will be staying in the
Methodist Centre.
Please email Alex Foong at afoong16@gmail.com to book.
Places are limited as the Centre is very cozy and private.
6

JULY 2013 Calendar of Activities continued
Pathfinders Day Trip to Setinggi Waterfalls
Date: 21 July
Time: 8:30am
Venue: Around Serendah
3
1
It’s a easy, 2-hour trek
to the falls The trail is fairly
wide and mostly covered, with
interesting flora and fauna.
Enjoy nature at
your own pace. The trail is
easy but do try to keep up
with the group as there are
a few forks and turnoffs.
Take pictures but don’t dilly
dally for too long!
2 Proper shoes
required Safety firstyou
don’t want to step
on this little friend!
Cool, clear waters and lots of fun!
Bring your packed lunch, get away from
the city and the awful haze. Enjoy the fresh air and
recharge at the waterfalls.
4
Join Pathfinders on this
easy weekend trek!
Suitable for everyone (except for children
under age10). RM10 per participant
Register with scubasim@gmail.com
7

Bird Watching at Kuala Koh
Date: 14 – 17 September, 2013
Venue: Kuala Koh National Park
Kuala Koh is situated at one of the four entrances to Taman Negara at
the conference of Sungai Lebir and Sungai Koh, the oldest and largest
protected area in central Peninsular Malaysia. It is also one of the
Important Bird Areas (IBA Code: MY17). The whole park was gazetted
as a National Park in 1938 and is one of Malaysia’s ASEAN Heritage
Site.
Leisure cum Photography Trip: Cameron Highlands 3D2N
Date: 16 th - 18 th Aug (Fri-Sun)
Venue: MNS-BOH Field Study Center, Cameron Highlands
Cost: RM190 per person (include meals and accomodation only)
The name “koh” means a type of palm in local Kelantanese. The park
offers superb wilderness, pristine rivers and lush forest with giant trees
like the tualang and the neram (which has fruits eaten by Kelah fish),
and lots of bamboo. Taman Negara has recorded over 380 species of
birds, 200 species of mammals (binturong, mousedeer, sunbear), 67
species of snakes, 55 species of frogs, 30 species of rats, 80 species of
bats and 109 species of fresh water fish. Some rare birds sighted
include the Malaysian Peacock Pheasant, Great Argus, Wallace’s
Hawk-eagle, Moustached Hawk-Cuckoo, Short-toed Coucal, Rufouscollared
Kingfisher, Bamboo Woodpecker, Grey-chested Jungle-
Flycatcher, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Temminck’s Sunbird and
Helmeted Hornbill.
Birding spots:
Near the park headquarters there are lots of fruit trees that may attract
frugivorous birds eg. Red-throated Barbet, Green Iora, Bulbuls and
Hornbills.
The hanging bridge across Sungai Lebir provides easy access to the
trails, Impian Hide.
Also be prepared for Night Safari.
Trip is open to MNS members only.
Cost of trip is RM400.00 per person. This covers the expenses for food
and accommodation at Kuala Koh National Park, car pooling, highway
tolls, jeep ride and insurance for trip. There are 20 places for this trip
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 trip.
For more details and confirm your bookings, please contact Andy Lee
at 012 3993193 or e mail at andylee@megaline.com.my
Cameron Highlands is well-known for its
cooling temperature and tourism attractions.
Come July, we are heading up to MNS-BOH
Field Study Centre where we will stay there
for 3D2N. The centre is located deep into the
tea plantation valley at Habu, a small urban
area shortly after Ringlet, and away from city
sights and sounds. More precisely, it is located
on the slopes of Gunung Cantik, where one
can do a short hike up the tea plantation to
enjoy the beautiful sceneries of Cameron
Highlands hills and valleys and to take in the
chilling winds.
It is generally known that the temperature at
the centre and its vicinity is lower than Tanah
Rata and Brinchang despite
being lower in altitude; this is because the
centre is located about 9 km inside from the
main road and where there is absence of
commercial development. There are times
when the area is completely shrouded in
mists (hint: photography opportunity).
Details of the trip will be posted on our
official MNS Photogroup (Selangor Branch)
website at http://www.mnsphotogroup.org.
To register (hint: first come, first served),
please submit your particulars via online
registration at: http://bit.ly/mnsform.
Finer details will be emailed to PAID
joiners. Don’t forget to apply for leave as
16 th July which is a Friday.
8

Would You Like To
Escape From The
Crowd?
If Yes, Join The Hornbill
Volunteer Programme!
AUGUST and SEPTEMBER 2013 PROGRAMME
Programme dates in August 2013 (closing date for bookings is 31 July)
Each slots 4 pax 4D/3N (Tue-Fri) Space 5D/4N (Fri-Tue) space
Group A1 2-6 August 2013 2
Group A2 6-9 August 0
Group A3 9-13 August 2013 1
Group A4 13- 16 August 2
Group A5 16-20 August 2013 2
Group A6 20-23 August 1
Group A7 23- 27 August 2013 3
Group A8 27- 30 August 2 0
Programme dates in Sept 2013 (closing date for booking is 31 Aug)
Each slots 4 pax 4D/3N (Tue-Fri) space 5D/4N (Fri-Tue) space
Group S1 30 Aug – 3 September 1
Group S2 3-6 September 4
Group S3 6- 10 September 4
Group S4 10-13 September 4
Group S5 13-17 September 1
Group S6 17-20 September 4
Group S7 20- 24 September 4
Group S8 24-27 September 4
The Plain-pouched Hornbills (PPHB) are back in August and September. This is
the season where thousands of PPHB flock to Belum-Temengor forest. For these
two months, volunteers will stay in the forest and count the PPHB twice daily.
This PPHB census will offer valuable information which will be used to advocate
for the protection of Temengor forest, a healthy forest that is, especially in
addressing logging threats.
Why are the hornbills important? They are mainly fruit eaters and they spread the
seeds of forest trees. The second reason for joining 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.
You can share any special skills that you have with your camp mates. There are
also special slots with invited guests to share something with you. We also want
you to express yourself in drawing/poem/song/ other art form and prizes will be
waiting for you. For more details, updates and bookings, please go to:
http://www.mnshornbillvolunteerprogramme.wordpress.com
VOLUNTEER PACKAGE 1 [4D/3N] (Tuesday-Friday)
Day 1
• Meet Volunteer Coordinator in Banding Island Jetty, Gerik, Perak (3.00p.m.)
• Boat transfer from Banding Island to Kampung Tebang
• Introduction and familiarization with the indigenous Jahai villagers
• Hornbill monitoring (5.30 。V 7.30 p.m.) in Kampung Tebang
Day 2 – 3
• Hornbill monitoring (6.45 。V 9.00 a.m.)
• Activities in Kg Tebang or excursion
• Hornbill monitoring (5.30 。V 7.30 p.m.) in Kampung Tebang
Day 4 (final day)
• Hornbill monitoring (6.45 。V 9.00 am)
• Debriefing and departure to Banding Island Jetty (10/11am)
VOLUNTEER PACKAGE 2 [5D/4N] (Friday to Tuesday)
As ABOVE but with an extra day
For updates, please refer to the website
9

Love outdoors?
Enjoy peace of mind…
for you and your family by writing your Will today
Annapurna Base Camp Trek (4130M)
from 16/11/13 to 29/11/13 (Confirm trip)
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
1. Your spouse and children will face cash flow problem because all
your bank accounts including joint accounts maybe frozen.
2. Your children’s welfare may not be taken care of by the people of your
choice
• The legal Process
1. Delay in distribution due to the legal administrative process (2 - 6
years)
2. 2 guarantors / sureties required (amount equal or more than
deceased’s estate)
3. Much more costly resulting in financial burdens to your family
Summary: Walk through villages, then climb through forests into the Annapurna Sanctuary, a valley
surrounded by high Himalayan peaks. A great opportunity to get into the mountains without the
altitude problems of the Mt. Everest.
This fantastic 10-day trek offers the most spectacular landscape views of the Himalayas, allowing
you to be completely immersed in the heart of the towering Annapurna range. Altitudes of 4130m
are reached, and a reasonable level of physical fitness is required to comfortably complete this
expedition.
Two free training trip will provided for the trip.
Further information please sign in:- http://www.mymountaingoal.com/AnnapurnaRegion.htm
Everest Base Camp via Gokyo lake
trek from 24/09/2013 to 09/10/2013 (16D15N) (Confirm Trip)
• Your Assets Distribution (As per Distribution Act 1958 amended in 1997 or
Distribution under Faraid)
1. 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.ooi@gmail.com
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 trip will provided for the Everest Base Camp trip.
Contact : Thong at goalus@mymountaingoal.com H/P : 016-6375622 Off : 03-40248896
Further info please sign in: www.mymountaingoal.com/everestkalapattar.htm
MOUNTAIN GOAL ADVENTURE CONSULTANT (742912-V)
Website: http://www.mymountaingoal.com
E-mail: goalus@mymountaingoal.com
10

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)
Sec: Zalinah 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)
Selangor Branch
c/o MNS HQ address
Website: www.mns.my/selangor; Email: mns.selangor@gmail.com;
E-group: malaysiannaturesociety@yahoogroups.com
Chairman: 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)
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)
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.
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% discount;
6 adverts paid in advance – 10% discount;
9 adverts paid in advance –15% discount;
12 adverts paid in advance – 20% discount.
Submissions: Articles including the author and
photographers’ names (max. 500 words),
advertisements, digital images (100 dpi & no larger
than 640x480 pixels & separately from article), etc.
must reach the Editor by the 13th of each month
(unless noted otherwise) via the following e-mail
address: tapir2005@gmail.com.
e
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/
Pencinta Alam Volunteer Editors
Chan Beng Beng 019-3853591
Kay Lyons 03-79814271
Khor Hui Min 017-8817714
Photography competition, final call for
submission on "Landscape"
by 30th September 2013
MNS Photography Quarterly Contest – Rules & Conditions
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 3 of 2013, the theme for this contest “LANDSCAPE”.
The last quarterly contests covering theme “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: Only photographs from non-DSLR cameras will
be accepted. In your submission, specify the camera used to capture
the photograph e.g. Nikon Coolpix L320.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. Photos must be in their natural state i.e. without
studio set up. For “CREATURES” photographs that are taken in the
zoo or enclosures, please declare accordingly in your submission. 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. Use ONLY the JPEG format. Any other format will
automatically be rejected and will not be entered into contest. Please
resize your image files to a maximum of 1,024 pixels on the long
side. Photos will be evaluated based on: (1) Relevance to theme, if
any, (2) Composition, (3) Colour, (4) Lighting and Shadow and (5)
Creativity. For this quarter, please SUBMIT latest by 30 September
2013. Image files submitted after that will be ignored. Do NOT
submit more than 3 image files; above that number will also be
ignored. Photos that had previously won prizes in other contests are
not eligible for entry into this contest. EMAIL the 3 image files to the
MNS Photogroup mailbox: photo_submit@mnsphotogroup.org
MNS National AGM
Date : 14 – 16 Sept 2013
Venue : NurLembahPangsunEco
Resort (NLPER)
MNS Selangor will be hosting the 66th
Annual General Meeting of MNS.
For more information on the AGM
packages, please visit www.mns.my.
To book a place, kindly contact Leong
Wee Chin at 03-22879422 or email her
at membership@mns.org.my.
Negeri Sembilan and Melaka
Branch AGM
Date: July 21
Venue: Clubhouse, Tiara Melaka Golf &
CountryClub, Ayer Keroh, Melaka.
Time: 9:30am
Programme includes a slideshow of branch
activities and the many flora and fauna seen in
the two states. Breakfast is free for members
(RM10 non-members)
Please contact:
Lim Ming Hui (012-2760327
limmel05@yahoo.com ) or
Stephanie Bacon (012-2175590 or
cooltek@streamyx.com).
REPORT WILDLIFE CRIMES!
Perhilitan Hotline : 1-800-88-5151.
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. Email: mns@mns.org.my
Web: www.mns.my
Membership: Leong Wee Chin
12