PENCINTA ALAM - Malaysian Nature Society (MNS)

PENCINTA ALAM
NEWSLETTER OF THE MALAYSIAN NATURE SOCIETY
February 2009
www.mns.org.my
Jumbo-sized discovery
made in Malaysia
Elephants and more elephants live in national park
NEW YORK (JANUARY 14, 2008) – New data released
today by the Wildlife Conservation Society and Malaysia's
Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) reveals
that a population of endangered Asian elephants living in a
Malaysian park may be the largest in Southeast Asia.
WCS and DWNP researchers estimate that there
are 631 Asian elephants living in Taman Negara National
Park – a 4,343 square kilometer (1,676 square mile) protected
area in the center of Peninsular Malaysia. The new results
confirm the largest-known population of elephants
This is a herd of Asian elephants in Taman Nagara National Park
in Malaysia, now home to SE Asia's largest-known population.
remaining in Southeast Asia.
The WCS/DWNP team counted elephant dung
piles to estimate population size—a scientifically proven
technique that produces accurate figures. There were no previous
scientific population surveys for elephants in the park,
according to DWNP and WCS.
"The surveys reveal the importance of Taman Negara
in protecting wildlife especially those species that need
large home ranges. DWNP will continue to safeguard this
national park, which is the crown jewel of Malaysia's protected
areas system. The numbers of elephants is testament
to the importance of the park in protecting wildlife," said
Dato' Rasid, Director-General of the Department of Wildlife
and National Parks.
"This new survey shows that Taman Negara National
Park is one of the great strongholds for Asian elephants
in Southeast Asia," said Dr. Melvin Gumal,
Director of the Wildlife Conservation Society's
conservation programs in Malaysia. "People were
unsure of how many elephants lived in the park before
our survey, although there were good reasons
to think that the population was substantial."
The park, which contains one of the world's oldest
rainforests—dating back 130 million years, also
supports tigers, leopards, dholes, numerous monkey
species, and 350 types of birds.
Asian elephants are endangered due to habitat loss
and poaching; between 30,000 and 50,000 may remain
in 13 Asian countries.
The Department of Wildlife and National Parks
protects wildlife and manages federal protected
areas throughout Peninsular Malaysia, and the
Wildlife Conservation Society works to protect
Asian elephants throughout their Asian range.
Efforts to save the Asian Elephant have come from
various levels of government and the international community,
including the United States Government. Since 1999,
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through its Asian Elephant
Conservation Fund has invested over $9 million
across Asia which has leveraged an additional $13 million
through conservation organizations such as WCS, private
donations, corporate and other support. The U.S. Congress
recently reauthorized the Asian Elephant Conservation Act
to ensure uninterrupted conservation assistance to protect
Asia's cultural and ecological icon. The Asian elephant is
listed on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species (CITES) and has seen a drastic reduction in
total population across its range as a result of illegal poaching,
increased human-wildlife conflict and other threats.
This project was partly funded by the Asian Elephant Conservation
Fund and the CITES MIKE (Monitoring the Illegal
Killing of Elephants) program, a monitoring tool used
by CITES in the complex business of assessing policies for
trade in elephant products which also helped the Government
of Malaysia meet it obligations to CITES.
Questions for Council
The next meeting of the MNS Council is scheduled
for Saturday 21 February 2009. Members who wish to raise
issues for discussion at Council please contact your Branch
chair (emails are listed on the back page of the newsletter)
or a Council member (contact details are available on the
MNS webpage).
Agenda items must be submitted at least two week
prior to the Council meeting for inclusion.
1

Interview with MNS
Honorary Members
Malayan Nature Journal (MNJ) has come a
long way since 1940. MNS Honorary Members have
given their time, dedication and effort contributing
to the success of MNJ. Maye Yap took the opportunity
to interview some of the MNS Honorary members.
They are Dr E Soepadmo (ES), Dr David
Wells (DW), Dr Geoffrey W.H. Davison (GD), Dr
Lee Su See (SS) , Dr Ruth Kiew (RK) and Dr Francis
SP Ng (SP).
MNS Award Ceremony on Saturday, Feb 21
2009. Join us to honour these outstanding individuals.
This ceremony is held in conjunction with Selangor
Branch Annual Dinner. For further details,
contact Wee Chin at membership@mns.org.my
Ticket price is RM35 per person.
Q1: How would you like to see Malayan Nature
Journal (MNJ) publication evolving in the near
future?
ES: For the benefit of most members of the
Malaysian Nature Society, I would like to see that
the MNJ should not be developed into a "fullpledged
technical/scientific journal" such as the
Botany/Biological Journal of the Linnean Society
London, the Gardens' Bulletin Singapore, the
Malaysian Journal of Science, etc. The coverage of
the MNJ should be focused on those articles dealing
with aspects related to the natural history of various
groups of plants and/or animals and their roles in
maintaining the ecological balance of our ecosystems;
species diversity and their conservation; conservation
and sustainable management of live-supporting
natural habitats; biodiversity inventory of
critical habitats, etc.
GD: I would like to see more botanical papers. And
I would like to see members (e.g. specialist groups)
collaborating with academics in local universities to
collect data for publications. For example, Caving
group collecting information on some aspects of
caves, in collaboration with geologists who help
write-up the results, or Marine Group collecting information
on (say) crown-of-thorns with biologists
helping to write up the results. The questions to be
asked and the design of the data collection would
have to be agreed beforehand. I think such publications
could leverage on the strengths of the MNS
membership. I would like to see MNJ stay the same
size! Too many journals change page size and it’s really
annoying. I would like to see a slim issue regularly,
rather than wait 18 months to see a big issue.
SS: MNJ should remain true to its mission of publishing
original articles on the natural history, biology
and conservation of Malesia in general and
Malaysia in particular. The journal should aim to become
THE JOURNAL for such scientific articles in
particular by Malaysian biologists and naturalists. As
a first step, the journal should aim for listing in the
ISI (Institute for Scientific Information) Citation
Index (Science Citation Index – SCI) which would
then allow scientists in academia to get the recognition
as required by their universities when they publish
in MNJ. By being listed in Citation Index, the
profile of the journal would also be raised.
RK: With a strong emphasis on articles on
Malaysian biodiversity and conservation
Q2: Your most memorable publication and why?
ES: Not one but a few publications.
(1) MNJ 24, Nos. 3 & 4 (1971) 111-259. A Special
Jubilee Issue on the National Parks of Malaysia. This
particular publication was prepared and submitted to
the GOM to prevent the building of a Hydroelectric
Dam at Kuala Tahan, Taman Negara; to hasten the
Gazzettment of the Bako National Park in Sarawak
and the enhancement of the Kinabalu Park in Sabah.
(2) MNJ 30, Part 2 (1978) 119-447. A Proceedings of
the Malaysian International Biological Programme
Symposium: Productivity of Tropical Rain Forest in
Pasoh Forest Reserve. This publication led to the
conservation and establishment of Pasoh Forest Reserve.
Negeri Sembilan as one of the Tropical Forest
Research Centres in the world.
(3) MNJ 41, Nos. 2 & 3 (1987) 83-446. The
Malaysian Heritage and Scientific Expedition:
Endau-Rompin 1985-1986 and MNJ 43, Part 4
(1990). Rompin-Endau Expedition 1989. These two
publications led to the establishment of Endau-
Rompin State Parks in Johore.
(4) MNJ 48, Parts 3 & 4 (1995) 133-456. Belum Expedition,
Temenggor; leading to the establishment of
the Royal Belum State Park in Perak.
(5) MNJ 25, Nos. 3 & 4 (1973) 1-183. Jubilee Issue
on the Malayan Nature Journal Contribution to the
Natural History of Malaysia. An Annotated Bibliog-
2

aphy of articles publishes in MNJ up to 1972. Highlighting the contribution of
the MNS in promoting and providing information on the conservation of
Malaysian biota and their habitats.
DW: Answer depends on whose memory you had in mind. If the writer’s, this is
a difficult one but I suppose I would have to select my Chapter One (‘Resident
Birds’) of Medway, Lord & Wells, D.R., 1976. ‘Birds of the Malay Peninsula’,
volume 5. Over the 30-odd years since this book appeared, of course, regional research
and understanding have moved on although I would still claim its introductory
chapters (others by Medway on migratory birds and Nisbet on the east
Palaearctic migration system) make an at least historically useful benchmark.
The important personal point was that this was the first time that I had attempted
to draw together a picture of the biogeography and ecology of birds in the Peninsula
on a faunal scale (and I remember keeping faster-writing colleagues waiting
several months in the doing of it). Themes covered were of their time,
obviously, but trends were set that I have found myself returning to since, so in
that sense at least I class the exercise as ‘memorable’.
GD: For MNJ, its Volume 32 1979 pps 23-25 – some notes on Savi’s Pygmy
Shrew. For other publications, it is a paper about the Golden Mnkey (Rhinopithecus
roxellanae), which is one of the world’s most amazing animals. This is a
must see animal in Chinese zoos, and one day I hope I can see them in the wild.
RK: Sourcing funding for a seminar on and publication of The State of Conservation
in Malaysia for our 50th Anniversary. The response from scientists expert
in their fields was tremendous so that the volume is a landmark publication,
though it is becoming out-of-date.
SS: I would consider MNJ Volume 55, Parts 3 & 4 in 2001 my most memorable
publication, not because I am a fan of moths but because this was the issue where
we launched the ‘new look’ cover with the beautiful line drawings on the green
cover.
Next Month: Part 2 of the interview
3

MYCAT Watch
Human-tiger conflict
The recent tiger sightings in Raub, Pahang,
have caused villagers there sleepless nights. The
tigers were believed to have attacked an Orang Asli
man and eaten four of the villagers’s cows; this has
prompted the Department of Wildlife and National
Parks to set traps in order to remove these tigers from
the wild.
Human-tiger conflict can negatively affect
the livelihoods of local communities, and the trapping
and removal of wild tigers by the Department of
Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN) is only
an immediate measure to address the concerns over
the safety of local communities there.
Human-tiger conflict is mainly caused by improper
land-use planning and unregulated hunting of
tiger prey such as deer and wild pigs. Tigers facing a
reduction in habitat due to land development and
food shortage due to increased hunting pressure will
be forced to seek food in nearby human settlements.
Settlements with easily accessible food sources such
as cattle will be particularly susceptible to tiger encroachment.
Trapping wild tigers is an unsuitable mitigation
measure in the long run as it does not address
the root cause of human-tiger conflict. Removing
‘problem’ tigers from their habitat is not an effective
long-term solution, and also runs counter to the
government’s recently-launched National Tiger Action
Plan for Malaysia, which plans to double the
country’s population of wild tigers by 2020. Furthermore,
the capacity of local zoos to house and
feed captured tigers will eventually become severely
strained.
Adoption of agricultural best management
practices have been proven to be a successful
method. This practice has been successfully implemented
in places such as Jeli, Kelantan, and Jerangau,
Terengannu. These include building paddocks
to house livestock such as cattle from dusk to dawn
when tigers are most active; regular clearing of undergrowth
in areas adjacent to villages and plantations
to improve visibilty; and use of air horns during
work in adjacent forests and plantations to warn
tigers of human presence. These short-term mitigation
efforts can be easily replicated in Pahang with
assistance from the State and Federal governments.
The key to reducing human-tiger conflict is
proper land-use planning. Forest reserves such as
Bukit Taching are important conservation areas necessary
for maintaining healthy tiger populations in
the wild. Preserving its integrity, minimising adjacent
land development, banning the issuance of hunting
licences and ensuring connectivity to other forest
areas will help maintain tiger habitat and tiger prey,
and thus reduce conflict with humans in the long run.
- Sara Sukor
The Malaysian Conservation Alliance for Tigers (MYCAT) is a
joint programme of the Malaysian Nature Society, TRAFFIC
Southeast Asia, Wildlife Conservation Society-Malaysia Programme
and WWF-Malaysia. MYCAT works in partnership
with the Department of Wildlife and National Parks Peninsular
Malaysia for integrated tiger conservation programmes in
Malaysia. MYCAT is the collaborative platform for the implementation
of the National Tiger Action Plan for Malaysia.
A vote of thanks
The Selangor Branch Open Day was held at
N.E.C. FRIM in Kepong on 22nd Nov. 2008 with the
support of more than 60 volunteers who worked tirelessly
to make this informal occasion a success. A
very small committee managed to persuade all the
10 SIGs to participate in the activity-oriented event,
which drew enthusiastic nature-lovers who were not
disappointed. They were spoilt for choice with the
numerous trail walks, bird watching sessions, an
over-subscribed Canopy Walk, educational talks, art,
craft and face painting interspersed with fire-starting
demos, lucky draws and entertainment.
The Committee would like to extend our sincere
appreciation and thanks to each and everyone of the
SIGs, volunteers and their families who came to contribute
their time, effort and the overwhelming donations
for the Lucky Draw. We wish also to thank
MNS HQ, N.E.C, Nature Owlet, Global Environment
Centre and FRIM for all their help and support.
It was indeed a great pleasure working with all of
you. Thanks a million.
Watch out for news of the next OPEN DAY
in the near future.
Pasupathy Jayaraj
Coordinator.
4

A clay workshop with
a difference
29 March 3009 is a historical day for Marine
SIG, because we will embark on our first-ever marine-themed
I Clay Workshop for kids aged 5 to 12
years! Besides that, we will also be having a marinethemed
Cupcake Decoration Contest on the same
day.
Now, many of you will be wondering –
what’s “I Clay”? Well, it’s a special type of polymer
clay imported from Korea. It’s suitable for children,
because of its qualities – only the softest and lightest
clay is used, and it is safe, non-toxic, has superior
elasticity and superior adhesiveness, clean handling
and is child-friendly. It can be air-dried, has no
cracks after drying and comes in the brightest of
colours.
I Clay classes are taught according to a syllabus
in the I Clay Education Programme and conducted
by certified I Clay teachers. The syllabus is
currently endorsed by the Institute of Clay Art
(Korea), as well as the PJ College of Art and Design.
I Clay classes and workshops are suitable for children,
students, art teachers, kindergarten teachers,
clay and handicraft enthusiasts, and parents.
Clay modelling is beneficial for children, because
it builds confidence, stimulates creativity and
imagination, improves concentration and patience,
plus helps them develop critical thinking skills. In
addition, working with clay gives children the opportunity
to explore translating things from 2D drawings
to 3D objects, and in the process, helps them to
understand proportions, amounts and perception of
colours better. Children can also be encouraged to
develop logical and rational thoughts, as well as develop
both the left brain and right brain.
Certified I Clay teacher, Amy Chai, has graciously
agreed to take time out from her busy schedule
of teaching autistic children and studies to
conduct this workshop, so don’t miss this great opportunity
for some fun. Last but not least, we are also
very grateful to I Clay Art Creations, a company
based in Subang Jaya, for sponsoring this workshop.
For more information about the company and their I
Clay products, visit www.iclay.kids.net.my.
Details abut this workshop can be found in
the Calendar of Activities section. Places are limited,
so book your spot soon!
Member’s Report
- Khor Hui Min (khor.hm@gmail.com)
December Long Walk
25-29 December 2009
Well, YES, we did it! Our fulltime team of eight
reached Tg Similajau! Congratulations to Maye Yap,
Sara Wong, Radhika Bala, Norzie Abdullah, Rabani
Ayub, Roslee Kassim, and Ali Syed Hussin. None worst
for wear except for some blisters and sandfly bites.
We legged it from Tg Bungai - Kpg Sibuti, Kpg
Sibuti - Middle Suai, Middle Suai - Kpg Suai, Kuala
Nyalau - Tg Similajau ... all 70 kms of it. And we spent
a few days at Similajau National Park checking out
crocodiles and ancient mangrove, and whiled the first
few hours of the New Year on the beach around a roaring
bonfire yelping "Yesterday!" and chugging champagne
whenever the song's chorus escaped us.
The walk itself was rigorous to say the least especially
for first timers. We expected to average 4
km/hour but probably only managed a measly 3-
3.5km/hr ... we failed to factor in walking experience,
proper equipment and pack loads. Some routes curved
around bays and promontories which increased estimated
total distance. Walking sans baggage is definitely
more springy than with 10kgs strapped to your back,
hip, and neck!
Some have not walked so far for so long, some
have not walked flat terrain for so far for so long. On
sunny days, direct heat from the sun, reflected heat from
the sands and water tire without us realising it. On rainy
days, wetness from intermittent drizzle dampen more
than just mere clothes and packs on our backs. The 3
liter of water minimum requirement per person and assorted
food and snacks added another 10 kilos at least,
not including camera gear for some of us who thrives on
total punishment. The journey was decidedly more
brisk with day packs. Tg Bungai-Kpg Kuala Sibuti was
relatively easy with a light load of one bottled water and
snacks. So was the Kuala Nyalau-Tg Similajau leg, all
24 kms of it.
For the longer trek, having to carry tents, cook-
continues next page
Discussing walking route during a break along Tg Bungai-
Kpg Sibuti segment
5

Eco Kids
Practicing the 3Rs:
Valentine’s Day Crafts
What better way is there of showing your love
for Planet Earth this Valentine’s Day than by making
gifts from things that would otherwise be discarded?
With a few improvisations, you could
use the same ideas to make crafts for
Mothers’ Day, Fathers’ Day and Teachers’
Day. Have fun and keep thinking up
new ways to reuse things so as to create
less waste!
SCOOP OF HUGS & KISSES
We usually get a new laundry
scoop with each new packet of laundry
detergent. Laundry scoops can be reused
for sand, play-dough and water play, or for scooping
sugar, salt, flour, cereal and pet food. For this craft, you
need clean and dry laundry scoops, pieces of plastic
wrap (clean and smoothen the plastic wrap from flower
bouquets and hampers and cut each sheet into large
squares), rubber bands, red ribbon and red and white
jelly beans or sweetheart candies. Fill each laundry
scoop with candies and wrap the scoop and candies with
a piece of plastic wrap. Pull it tight so that the candies
will not fall out, and then secure the wrap in place by
tying the plastic wrap to the scoop handle using a rubber
band ( It should look a little like a lollipop). Tie a
piece of red ribbon over the rubber band to hide the rubber
band. Attach a little note to the ribbon that says: “A
Scoop of Hugs and Kisses for You!”
YOU COLOUR MY WORLD
For this craft, you will need a cookie/muffin tray
with heart-shaped moulds. Gather all your crayon stubs
and broken pieces, and remove any remaining paper
from them. Fill each heart-shaped mould with a mix of
broken crayon pieces. Get an adult to help you bake the
crayon pieces in an oven at 250 degrees for about 10
minutes until all the crayon has melted. Wait for the
crayon chunks to cool down and harden before you remove
them from the tray. Clean the tray thoroughly. Attach
a note to a ribbon wrapped around the crayon which
says, “I Melt For You!” or “You Colour My World!”
(Photo and idea from familyfun.com)
DON’T BOTTLE UP YOUR LOVE
FOR ME
Wash and dry an assortment of
small- to medium-sized jars. Jam and
baby food jars work best. Remove labels
and glue by soaking them
overnight in hot water and then scrubbing
the labels off. Use leftover sun
catcher or glass paints or coloured permanent
markers to decorate the outside
of the jars with hearts, butterflies and music notes.
Allow the patterns to dry. Fill up the jars with red/pink
and white candies such as sugar almonds, jelly beans
and chewy mints. Put the lid back on the jar and screw
it on tight. If you have saved up the moisture control sachets
from your vitamin bottles, you can put a sachet in
each jar to keep the candies
dry and long-lasting.
You can paint on the jar
lid or attach squares of
pastel-coloured fabric
scraps on the jar lid if
you wish. (Photo and
idea
from
familyfun.com)
- Wong Ee Lynn, gl.mnselangor@yahoo.com
“December Long Walk” continues
Geology 101, bedding planes explained along Kuala Nyalau-
Tg Similajau route.
ing fuel and assorted accessories was definitely a test
of endurance for the entire group. Correct packs and
footwear for long distance walking were crucial, most
didn't have this. Lack of proper attention to these points
resulted in numerous severe blisters for many, we ran
out of elastoplast by Similajau NP. On footwear, light
rubber beach slippers meant for beach walking were
found to be best. So does a backpack with lumbar & hip
support for optimal weight distribution. Your pack may
feel light at the start, after 4 hours of walking with it,
you wished you could be transported to Miri Marriot
Mandala spa instead.
From Tg Bungai to Kpg Kuala Suai, it was all
white sandy beaches, long stretches of coast lined by
tall casuarinas and pandanus. The vista was as far as
your eyes can see, and not a single other soul in sight.
Occasionally there were rivers to cross, most were relatively
shallow at low tide while others chest deep by
the end of the day. Some are so darkly colored by tannin
that by just dipping your foot inside, your imagina-
continues next page
6

Green Living Column
Light bulb collection
and recycling
Why are light bulbs considered hazardous waste?
Fluorescent light bulbs, although energy-efficient,
contain a very small amount of mercury sealed
within the glass. Compact fluorescent light bulbs
(CFLs) and other fluorescent light bulbs are categorized
as hazardous waste, and if discarded in the trash,
may break and cause mercury to be released into the
environment.
Once in the environment, mercury can be converted
to an organic form that accumulates in living organisms
and contaminates the food chain. To prevent
this, light bulbs should be taken to a recycler before
they break. Recyclers can recover the mercury and
other components such as glass, phosphor and aluminium
for reuse.
If your local authority offers no other disposal
options except your household garbage, place the light
bulb(s) in a plastic bag and seal it before putting it in
the trash. However, if your municipality incinerates its
garbage, contact your local authority instead for other
household hazardous waste collection options. Never
send a fluorescent light bulb or tube or any other mercury-containing
product to an incinerator.
Where in the Klang Valley can I send light bulbs for
recycling?
The Green Living SIG found, after making
phone calls to local authorities, electronics recyclers
and retailers such as Ikea (which has a light bulb collection
programme in most countries) that there are almost
no light bulb collection and recycling facilities in
Malaysia.
Megaman (www.megamanuk.com), a manufacturer
of energy-saving light bulbs, appears to be the
only manufacturer to have a light bulb collection and
recycling programme. The Megaman booth at the
Lower Ground Floor of the Bangsar Village Shopping
Centre has a bin for the collection of used light bulbs.
What can we do to improve light bulb collection and
recycling services?
As environmentalists,
we can
try to lobby the government,
the electronics
and lighting
industry and electronics
retailers to:
- Reduce the mercury
content in fluorescent
lighting
products;
- Start a ‘manufacturer
take-back’
policy that requires
(Photos taken by Zawalan Razak)
manufacturers to accept
and recycle
their own products at the end of the products’ useful
lives; and
- Set up more collection points for hazardous household
waste such as light bulbs and batteries.
- Wong Ee Lynn, gl.mnselangor@yahoo.com
“December Long Walk” continues
tion runs wild, filled with stories of ferocious “Bujang
Senangs” and black lagoon monsters. Abandoned farms
were few and far between, and this being the landas season
not a single boat was out at sea. We caught up with
a semangka farmer from Kelulit Tengah and his family
at the last hut who offered ripe limes and water for our
journey. We noticed many animal tracks along the
Sibuti Wildlife Reserve, conversations with local folks
suggested presence of monkeys, deers, wildpigs, civets
and medium size cats.
From Kuala Nyalau to Tg Similajau, our eyes
feasted on completely different landscapes. Here we
found mostly rocky shores with various fascinating geological
features unearthed, and dilligently shaped by
continous wave action over the years. The layered earth
made prominent after all sands were whisked away to
an unsuspecting bay nearby. Golden coarse grain sands
with high silica content alternated with rough, jagged
rocky promontories. All along the coastlines, numerous
small rivers fed into the South China Sea. At low tide,
the coast was indeed a view into infinity ... quiet, serene
and untainted with human presence other than us.
We covered the planned route successfully. We
walked on a stretch of coast not many has walked before.
There were plenty of things to see: numerous signs
of wildlife presence, colorful and helpful local people
and best of all unbounded coastal scenery.
This journey of ours has been dubbed a "Zen of
Pain" by some of us. Fittingly so perhaps for two reasons.
The blisters, sandfly bites, throbbing sunburnt and
parched throats were all part of the exercise. The other
more significant reason must be the heartache realising
that all these natural beauty existing quietly unharassed,
for eons will one day be gone due to apathy and lack of
foresight of those entrusted with it.
- Nazeri Abghani
Photos by Sara Wong
7

Bookshelf
“Portrait of the Global Rubber
Industry” - An Authoritative
Pictorial Book On
Natural Rubber
Publisher: International Rubber
Research and Development
Board (2006). Hardcover, 188
pages containing 375 full colour pictures. Size 22
cm x 31 cm
Editorial Committee: Datuk Dr Abdul Aziz S.A.
Kadir (Chairman); Dr Wan A. Rahaman Wan
Yaacob; Dato’ Dr Ong Eng Long; Kong Ping Yee
Member’s Price: RM180.00
Non-Member’s Price: RM220.00
DO YOU KNOW?
1. The word ‘Rubber’ was first used in 1770 by
Joseph Priestley, the discoverer of oxygen and inventor
of carbonated drinks, to describe the cube
of material that was being sold by an artist’s shop
in London for erasing or ‘rubbing out’ pencil
marks.
The ‘rubber’ used by Priestley was from
the West Indies, hence the term ‘India rubber’.
Later rubber was imported from the state of Para
in Brazil and was thus referred to as Para rubber.
2. Para or Hevea rubber trees grew wild in the
forest almost exclusively on the south bank of Amazon.
They were widely scattered with no more than
two or three tappable trees per hectare.
3. Sir Henry Wickham born in 1846 was credited to
having ‘stolen’ valuable Hevea rubber seeds out of
Brazil. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew planted
70,000 seeds from Wickham’s collection out of
which 2,397 germinated. Of these 1,919 were sent to
Sri Lanka the then Ceylon in 12th April 1876.
4. On 11th June 1877 Ceylon dispatched twenty two
seedlings to Singapore. In October of that same year,
Singapore sent nine of these seedlings to the Residency
Garden in Kuala Kangsar, Malaya where one
survives to this day.
5. By the end of 1877, rubber was happily growing
in Sri Lanka, Singapore and Malaysia.
Also savour the rare stories and exotic pictures on
rubber planting in nine Asian countries: Cambodia
(since 1897), Philippines (1905), China (1904), Sri
Lanka (1876), India (1873), Thailand (1899),
Malaysia (1877), Vietnam (1897) and Myanmar
(1876).
Books are available at ‘The MNS Shop’
T/F: 03-22873471.
E: natureowlet@yahoo.com
Please call/e-mail before dropping in.
Philip’s Birds of the World
Publisher: Philip’s Ltd. (2006).
Hardcover, 384 pages including
photos and descriptions of over
1300 species
General Editor: Dr Andrew Gosler
Member’s Price: RM113.00
Non-Member’s Price: RM125.50
Philip’s Birds of the World is the most
comprehensive single-volume reference work of
its kind. The combination of 1300 bird photographs
and descriptions with a complete checklist
to every known species makes this an essential
reference book for all bird enthusiasts.
- Colour photographs of 1300 species, with detailed
descriptions by expert ornithologists.
- A complete, up-to-date listing of all known
species in the world, with information on status.
- Introduction to bird evolution, classification and
distribution, plus descriptions of each major region.
- Maps identifying key international bird-watching
locations.
8

Calendar of Activities
February
7
Sat Monthly Walk: Rimba Ilmu, the botanical
gardens in Universiti Malaya The walk looks
at plants and their role in biodiversity, in particular
tropical ecology, and includes visits to the herb garden,
the rainforest exhibition and the rare plants conservatory.
The walk commences at the entrance of
the Rimba Ilmu building at 9AM, wear long sleeves
and pants for mosquito protection. RM4 per adult,
half for children. No need to book, but emergency
contact only 012 210 4229.
10
Tue Talk: 'Field Identification of
'Acridotheres' mynas in Peninsular
Malaysia Auditorium of Schmidt Marketing S/B, 5th
Floor, Wisma Domain, 18A Jalan 51A/223, PJ, at
8pm. We see mynas everywhere in the
country and there is a tendency to dismiss them as
common and uninteresting. And especially for the
beginning birders, we find it difficult to tell one
species of myna from another. However, as we see
and learn more, we realise these birds are just as
unique and interesting as any other bird we normally
eagerly seek out.
Mr Allen Jeyarasingam will be sharing with
us insights on 'Field Identification of 'Acridotheres'
mynas (which includes the Common, Jungle, Whitevented
and Crested mynas) in Peninsular Malaysia,
with special reference to the northward spread of the
Javan Myna 'A. javanicus' (White-vented).
Mr Allen J (as we all know him) is the
renowned author of "A Field Guide to the Birds of
West Malaysia and Singapore". He is also a member
of the MNS-Bird Conservation Council, the BCC-
Records Committee and one of the editors of the
Suara Enggang.
Attendance is FOC. All are welcome. Contact
Khoo Swee Seng at swekhoo@yahoo.com or
013-3863663.
14-15
Sat-Sun Trip:
Tasek Bera
(S’gor Brch)
Nature
Guides Group
is organizing a
trip to Tasek
B e r a ,
M a l a y s i a ’ s
largest natural
freshwater lake
and home of
the Semelai
people. It extends
35km long and 20km wide which drains into
the Pahang River, the longest river in Peninsular
Malaysia, via the Bera River. Due to its international
importance, it was declared a protected area under
the RAMSAR Convention in 1994. We will leave on
13 Feb (Fri) 8pm and arrive around 1am. We will
stay in Semelai jungle huts and amongst the highlights
are Stapik Bespak (traditional lighter) demo,
keruing resin extraction, handicraft, hill rice cooked
in pitcher plant, trip to Herbal Garden, birdwatching
and lake exploration. You can also try your hands
making and paddling a dugout canoe (perahu jalur)
or get acquainted with the tunes of Semelai Sewang.
Cost is RM280 per person all inclusive (no
extra charge) except car-pooling charges which are
payable to the drivers. Pe-trip briefing will be held on
6 Feb (Fri) 8pm at MNS HQ. Please contact John
Chan at chankokaik@aol.com or 016-3569 169.
17
Tues Talk: “How old are Malaysian rain
forests?” MNS HQ Auditorium, KL, 8-9pm.
Many tourist brochures say that Malaysia's
forests are the oldest, or 90 million, or even 130 million
years old. But how old is a rain forest? How old
are our rain forests? Where did they come from?
Malaysian rain forests do indeed have a ven-
All events, times and venues are correct at time
of printing. For latest updates, contact your
favourite SIG, check the MNS website regularly
or join the eGroup by sending an e-mail to
mnselangor-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
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.
9

erable heritage, but there is much more to the story
than a mere number.
Speaker Dr Rhett Harrison is a tropical ecologist
who has been working in Malaysian forests for
over 15 years. He is currently working on a UNDP
funded project with FRIM that is developing methods
for conserving biodiversity in production forests.
This talk was postponed from 9th Dec because
the speaker was taken ill. We apologise for any
inconveniences caused and hope that those who
wished to attend will be able to make the re-scheduled
talk.
For more information, please contact Khor
Hui Min (017-881 7714, khor.hm@gmail.com). This
talk is also listed in the Calendar of Activities section.
We look forward to seeing you there.
21
Sat “Under The Sea”: MNS Selangor
Branch Annual Dinner Kelab Golf Negara Subang
at 7pm. See ad on page 3.
21
Sat Birdwatching: Telapak Buruk, Negeri
Sembilan (N9/Melaka Branch) Meet at
Senawang toll exit, 7 am. Coordinator: Ang (06-
2326707, wenshen1@streamyx.com) ; Lim Ming
Hui (012-2760327, lmh75@tm.net.my). Kindly refer
to the Negeri Sembilan/Melaka branch webpage in
case of changes.
March
1
Sun Birdwatching: Birding at Tanjung Tuan
Forest Reserve (Selangor Branch)
Come and experience birding in one of the
last remaining coastal forests on the west coast of
Peninsular Malaysia at Tanjung Tuan, Melaka.
During this exciting time, migratory birds are
returning to their breeding grounds to the north (Russia,
Siberia, China etc..), and Tanjung Tuan is an
ideal place to witness the raptor migration as they
make their way across the Straits of Malacca from
Indonesia. The forest reserve is also home to various
resident and migratory species of birds.
We will be meeting at 07:30am outside
ILHAM RESORT in the car park. Ilham Resort is
where MNS has organized Raptor Watch every year
in March. You are strongly encouraged to also come
for Raptor Watch 2009 which will be held on 14th
and 15th March.
Bring water, snacks, insect repellent and a
hat. Please note that we will be taking a slow walk
up a hill which some may find strenuous, but fortunately,
it's not a race to the top!!
If you are interested in joining us for the
morning, please contact Jasmine on email at
jasnjohn_steed@yahoo.com or SMS: 012 3020887
(from Mon 23rd Feb onwards)
As always, we try to car-pool where possible.
Please indicate whether you require transportation,
or whether you have spare seats in your car to
offer.
1
Sun Annual visit to Rimbun Dahan, the only
indigenous garden in Southeast Asia. The walk
includes the forest and wetland gardens, the herb garden,
the restored century old kampong house, and the
gallery where the 2009 Residency exhibition will be
on display. The artists this year are Justin Lim
(Malaysia), Megan Keating and Lauren Black (both
Tasmanians). Of particular interest to MNS members
is Lauren's work: as a botanical artist she has
spent a year painting and drawing Malaysian rare
species. Meet at the entrance to Rimbun Dahan at
9AM, wear long sleeves and trousers for mosquito
protection. Refreshments will be served at the end of
the visit. Open to MNS members and friends, RM10
per head goes to MNS Belum fund. No need to
book, but emergency contact only 012 210 4229.
Map to Rimbun Dahan can be found at
http://www.rimbundahan.org/about/directions.htm
18-21
Wed-Sat Adventure trip to Taman Negara
(N9/Melaka Branch) M e e t
at 7.30am at Ayer Keroh Toll for those from the
south. Car-pool and drive in to Kg. Kuala Tahan in
Taman Negara.
10

Participants are encouraged to car-pool among themselves. Please
contact the coordinator if transport is required. Car owners may contact the
coordinator if there’re vacant seats in their vehicles. Transportation cost will
be shared.
Arrive for lunch on 18 March and leave on 21 March after breakfast.
Accommodation at Tembeling Riverview Chalet & Restaurant (no star rating).
Activities include trekking, swimming, boat rides and bird watching.
Participants are however free to indulge in their own activities should they see
fit.
Deposit of RM50 (non returnable) before 20th February 2009. Total
cost ESTIMATE : RM200 per person (all inclusive) Coordinator : Richard
Tay (012-2119824, richkstay@gmail.com). Kindly refer to the Negeri Sembilan/Melaka
branch webpage for further details.
29
Sun Cupcake Decoration Contest & I Clay Workshop MNS HQ Auditorium
The theme for the day is “Marine Creatures”, so kiddies must decorate
their cupcakes with marine creatures and they will also be making sea
creatures from I Clay too.
2 – 3.30pm: Cupcake decoration demo and contest for kiddies. The most
creatively decorated cupcake will receive a mystery prize!
3.30 – 5pm: I Clay Workshop conducted by certified I Clay teacher,
sponsored by I Clay Art Creations (www.iclay.kids.net.my).
Of course, the children will take home their cupcakes and I Clay figurines
after the event. J
Who Can Join? Children aged 5 - 12 years. Children must be accompanied
by a parent or another adult.
To register, please contact Khor Hui Min (017-881 7714,
khor.hm@gmail.com). Registration fee per child: RM 30. Places are limited,
so book your spot soon!
11

Sat-Tues Explore Tioman by Sea & Land Marine SIG
Apr11-14
and the Nature Guides are organising a joint 4D/3N trip
to Tioman Island, in conjunction with Earth Day (22 Apr), promising an unforgettable
experience for naturalists and city slickers alike. Over a 4-day
period, you will stay at Juara Mutiara Resort, enjoy 2 days of snorkelling, a
morning trek to look for the famed Rafflesia, and a trek to a lovely waterfall.
Besides that, the “night life” enthusiast will find the night spotting walk exciting
indeed. What are you trying to spot at night? Well, we hope to see a
mousedeer or two.
What’s included in the package? Dorm accommodation, Tioman
round trip ferry ride, all meals including a BBQ, 2 days of snorkelling, 3
walks, a visit to the Marine Park office area, a visit to Tekek (where you can
do your duty free shopping).
Tekek School KPA Programme Each time the Marine SIG organises
a trip to Tioman, a programme will be conducted for the Kelab Pencinta
Alam at Tekek Primary School. Your trip payment will sponsor this programme.
This year’s programme will include a talk and slide show by the
Nature Guides, some arts & crafts fun, a beach clean up, and a tea break.
And don’t worry, because we’ll somehow manage to find time for a beach
clean up for the adults too. J
For more information about this trip, and to register, please contact
Khor Hui Min (017-881 7714, khor.hm@gmail.com). This trip is also listed
in the Calendar of Activities section. Places are limited, so book your spot
soon!
Price: RM360 for members, RM430 for non-members (includes 1-
year MNS membership)
(742912-V)
Website: http://www.mymountaingoal.com
Contact : Thong at goalus@mymountaingoal.com
H/P : 016-6375622 Off : 03-40248896
Annapurna Base Camp Trek (4130M) 09/04/2009 to 22/04/2009 (14D13N)
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
MT Fansipan and Halong bay Expedition from 03/06/09 to 09/06/09
Fansipan is branded "the Roof of Indochina" at the height of 3,143m; Fansipan is
to be approved as one of the very few eco-tourist spots of Vietnam, with about 2,024
floral varieties and 327 faunal species. It takes 2 days to reach the 3,143m summit,
the highest peak of the Indochina Peninsula.
The Ha Long bay, dotted with 3000 limestone islets rising from emerald waters,
is the best known natural wonder of Vietnam. Because of their precipitous nature,
most of the islands are uninhabited and unaffected by a human presence. The
site's outstanding scenic beauty is complemented by its great biological interest.
One free Training trip will provided for the Fansipan trekking Further info
please sign in: http://www.mymountaingoal.com/Vietnam_FanHasch.htm
12

MNS HQ
JKR 541, Jalan Kelantan,
Bukit Persekutuan, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
(just before the Seri Perdana turn-off on
Jalan Mahameru).
M-F 9am-5:30pm.
T: 03-22879422. F: 03-22878773.
mns@mns.org.my www.mns.org.my
Membership: Leong Wee Chin
JOHOR BRANCH
c/o Prof. Madya Dr. Maketab Mohamed,
No. 90, Jalan Pulai 50,
Taman Pulai Utama, 83100 Johor Bahru.
www.mnsj.org.my
Chair Prof Madya Dr. Maketab Mohd
019-3519866, maketab@fkkksa.utm.my
Vice Chairman Dr. Lum Wei Wah
019-7838388, jefflum@tm.net.my
Secretary Zalinah Sarpan, 013-7722229
Zalinah.sarpan@my.lafarge.com
Treasurer Chern Boon Hong
012-7800023
KEDAH BRANCH
289, Tingkat Bawah, Jln Shahab 1, Shahab
Perdana, 05400 Alor Star, Kedah.
Chairman Phang Fatt Khow
012-3116420, fkphang05@yahoo.com
Vice Chair Kalaimani a/l Supramaniam
019-4733505, maniria@yahoo.com
Secretary Tengku Badrillah bT Abdullah
012-4880090, tbadril@hotmail.com
Treasurer Tan Dek
019-5762823, cptps@tm.net.my
KELANTAN BRANCH
204, Jln Sultan Yahya Petra,15150 Kota
Bharu, Kelantan. shown@tm.net.my
Chairman Tan Kee Leong, Michael
012-9538858, mike1958@streamyx.com
Vice Chair Cheah Sin Chor
012-9567702
Secretary Wong Mei Lin
wmeilin@tm.net.my
Treasurer Evone Lim
evone2meng@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, lmh75@tm.net.my
Vice Chair Saffe Mohd Yusof 012-6740054
safe.mohdyusof@exxonmobil.com
Secretary Stephanie Bacon
012-2175590, cooltek@streamyx.com
Treasurer Lee Ah Geok
06-3345666x2116, ahgeoklee@hotmail.com
PAHANG BRANCH
F-4-4, Jalan Padang Golf,
25050 Kuantan. mnspahang@yahoo.com
Chairman Datin Marimah Bt Daud
012-7205383
Vice Chair Mohd Roslan Bin Mohd Rais
019-7124595, mroslan@swss.com.my
Secretary Chow Mee Foong 0199515169
chowmeefoong@yahoo.com
Treasurer Ho Chin Leong
09-5668240
PENANG BRANCH
Nature Information Centre (NIC),
673-B Jalan Kebun Bunga,
10350 Penang. T/F: 04 2273673.
Open Mon-Sat, 7.30am - 11.30am (Please
phone before visiting).
www.geocities.com/mnspenang/
Chairman Kanda Kumar
04-2273673, kandakum@tm.net.my
Vice Chairman Hymeir Kamarudin
019-4428926, hymeir@gmail.com
Secretary Lai Ee May 012-5385642,
eemaylai@yahoo.com
Treasurer Foong Swee Yeok
012-5529694, foong_sy@yahoo.com
PERAK BRANCH
PO Box 34, Ipoh Garden Post Office,
31407 Ipoh.
Chairman Leow Kon Fah 019-5634598,
leow_kingfisher@yahoo.com
Vice Chair Ooi Beng Yean
017-5082206, obybeng@streamyx.com
Secretary Tham Yim Fong
012-5220268, yftham@bgi.com.my
Treasurer Har Wai Ming
019-5724113, wm.har@klk.com.my
SABAH BRANCH
Lot F-4-18, Block F, 4th Floor,
Plaza Tanjung Aru, Jln Mat Salleh,
Tanjung Aru, 88100 Kota Kinabalu.
mns_sabah@yahoo.com.sg
Chairperson Omar Abdul Kadir
019-8110125, omar_kadir51@yahoo.com
Vice Chair Anna Wong
016-8346808, anna888@ums.edu.my
Secretary Zarinah Waheed
019-8329329, zarinah@ums.edu.my
Treasurer Muhammad Ali Syed Hussein
016-2398111, tilan@yahoo.com
SARAWAK (KUCHING) BRANCH
mnskuching@gmail.com
Chairman Rebecca Jothi D'Cruz
019-8579110, aonyx@pd.jaring.my
Vice Chair Dr Georges Schneider
012-8860033, jwsgmgs@streamyx.com
Secretary Chan Mei Ching, Zora Sharon
019-8279881, zorachan76@yahoo.com
Treasurer Jacinta Wong-Schneider
012-8862911, jwsgmgs@streamyx.com
SARAWAK (MIRI) BRANCH
c/o EPA-T-DGP, Sarawak Shell Bhd,
Jalan Pantai, 98100 Lutong.
mnsmiri@yahoo.com
Chairman Nazeri Abghani
085-453185, mnsmiri@yahoo.com
Acting Secretary Grace Siew Yee Len
085-452585
Treasurer Sim Yuh Thin
SELANGOR BRANCH
c/o MNS HQ address
www.mns.org.my/selangor
mns.selangor@gmail.com
E-group: groups.yahoo.com/group/mnselangor
Chairman Gary Phong
013-3836288, garyphong@netscape.net
Vice Chairman Lim Teck Wyn
016-3619148, twlim@rescu.com.my
Secretary Gan Li Li
012-2074840, pat_ganll@hotmail.com
Treasurer Bernadette Chin
012-6928356, berniechin118@yahoo.com
TERENGGANU BRANCH
1926 Bukit Kubang Jambu,
20050 Kuala Terengganu.
mnsterengganu@gmail.com
Chairman Hj Wan Md Adnan
017-9861926, wadnan@streamyx.com
Vice Chair Anuar Abd McAfee
017-9864177, anuar@ms.kusza.edu.my
Secretary Dr Chong Ju Lian
julianchong78@gmail.com
Treasurer Wee Seng Whatt
019-9363828, swwee@pc.jaring.my
A complete directory of Branch
Committee Members and
Branch Special Interest Groups
(SIGs) can be downloaded at
www.mns.org.my
13

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 also available.
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 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.
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 e-
mail it to Bernadette Chin at
berniechin118@yahoo.com or fax her at 03-
51928191 (Attention: Bernie Finance).
Discount Rate for ads paid in advance: 3
adverts paid in advance - 5% off published
rate; 6 adverts paid in advance - 10% off
published rate; 9 adverts paid in advance -
15% off published rate; 12 adverts paid in
advance - 20% off published rate.
Editors
Iska Hashim 03-20732355 (o)
Leong Hon Yuen 03-22742328
Kay Lyons
TURN YOUR TRASH
INTO CASH FOR THE NEEDY
Recycle your trash at the following welfare
homes and you stop good money
from going to the landfill. Please donate
your aluminium cans, plastic containers, steel cans & paper
(glass not accepted) at the following locations anyday from
8am-7pm, unless stated otherwise: Klang & Port Klang Pusat
Cahaya Kesayangan (3374-9440), Persatuan Rumah Grace
(3166-3500), Pusat Kasih Sayang (3372-1723), St. Barnabas
Home (3372-8191), Rumah K.I.D.S. (3373-3400) Puchong
Pure Life Society (7782-9391), Rumah Charis (7781-5977)
Petaling Jaya Spastics Children's Assoc. S'gor & KL (7958-
7106) Selayang Rumah Amal Cheshire (6138-7118)
You may also exchange your recycleables for redemption
coupons at the following locations: Petaling Jaya Taman
Jaya, Saturdays , 5:30-7pm. Johor Baru Giant Cash & Carry,
Plentong. Fridays-Sundays, 3-6pm.
Please clean and dry all your cans and bottles before
depositing at these centers. Please bundle and tie all papers.
TrEES (03-7876 9958)
treateveryenvironmentspecial@gmail.com
www.trees.org.my
Rimba Ilmu
My apologies for the unannounced cancellation
of the January walk..... I have been
doing the walks for years now, and always arrange
a replacement if I can't make it, but more times
than not on a public holiday no one turns up.... I
was required in Penang early that day, and notified
only at the last moment... so decided to take
the risk and not do the walk on the basis of past attendance
on public holidays... however, this time it
backfired and 11 people turned up and waited an
hour. The walk will be conducted again on 7th
February.
- Angeal Hijjas
14