PENCINTA ALAM - Malaysian Nature Society

PENCINTA ALAM
NEWSLETTER OF THE MALAYSIAN NATURE SOCIETY
Dive against debris? Strive against debris!
Teh Chi-Chang and Leong Wai Kuan
Photos by C.H. Ong
While it was very satisfying collecting loads of
trash in the Dive against Debris activity during the
June (1–4) MNS Marine Group trip to Perhentian
Island, the cynical part of us feels this movement
is really just another excuse to scuba dive, and
create more debris!
Project AWARE, in Protecting our Ocean
Planet – One Dive at a Time SM , says 'Collecting
data about the debris found underwater is … critical
to filling current data gaps that exist ” and goes
on, “There would be a lot less marine debris if
people were more careful with their waste.”
Dive against Debris downplays the root cause
– the creation of waste in the first place. Let's
examine our own waste creation, just for this trip.
What did we bring and consume? Really, for an
island holiday, all you need are t-shirt and shorts.
But so subsumed are we in consumerism that, for
us, a holiday is not complete without bags of
potato chips, 3-in-1 coffee packets, snack-sized
chocolate bars, sweets, biscuits …
That's the obvious new debris that we brought
along.The resort also created waste while feeding
and accommodating us: the numerous singleserve
packets of butter and jam at breakfast; the
small soap bars in the rooms – again, all individually
wrapped; the packaging that accompanies all
the other essentials – from laundry detergent to
drums of diesel for the electricity generator….
How about modifying our behaviour, and leading
by example to show that it is possible to reduce
waste and still have an enjoyable holiday? Yes, do
have a bag of our favourite imported potato chips,
but also, do buy munchies from our local kacang
putih vendor, filling our own re-used plastic bags;
let's pre-mix our own 3 in 1 Milo/coffee at home; and
bring our own soap bars and shampoo. On the island,
those in groups could inform the resort operator
we are happy to share a big block of butter and
a jar of jam at breakfast. And we can all use less airconditioning
and enjoy the fresh island air more.
We don't need to dive to know that marine
debris is a problem. A beach survey and clean-up,
which we also performed during the trip for the
Clean Coast Index, may actually provide more accurate
datapoints. It is certainly lower impact – just
walk, collect and tabulate. Don't forget – scuba diving
generates waste too. The boat uses diesel and
engine oil (where do the plastics go?); the electric
air compressor is ultimately diesel powered, and
needs frequent filter changes (hmm … where does
the operator dump the old filters?).
So, let's lead by example. Let's re-use and reduce
wherever we can; and let's also talk with our
dive and resort operators so they create as little new
waste as possible while catering to our holiday. As
our children have shown, all that is essential for a
good time is fresh air, sunshine and a clean beach.
September 2013
www.mns.my
1

A Different KInd of Holiday
Teoh Tee Hui
Sixteen people including three children
participated in the MNS Selangor Branch
Marine Group's World Oceans Day event at Pulau
Perhentian Besar, including new member Teoh
Tee Hui. Here she tells us why she had made the
right choice.
I was torn between two different dive trips –
picking up rubbish underwater in Perhentian
or diving leisurely in Pulau Tenggol. Somehow,
I chose to go to Perhentian.
Event facilitator Lai Chong Haur picked us
up from Petaling Jaya to drive to Kuala Besut.
It was an interesting drive as there were the
four of us to keep company and we had the
second event facilitator Siva Prakash (The
Fish Man!) to tell us about fishes and the
ecosystem throughout the drive.
We stayed for a night in Samudra hostel
which is about 5 minutes away from the jetty.
The following morning, we met up with the
rest of the participants and got to know each
other a little better.
There were several leisure dives to have
a look at the beauty of the dive sites in
Perhentian.This made me feel fortunate to be
able to enjoy the beauty that the underwater
world was able to offer us ... while the corals
are still alive.
We had two clean-up dives sponsored by
Alu Alu Divers and Bayu Dive Lodge; the first
clean-up dive was at the place known as the
A vacationer willing to spend some time helping with
the Clean Coast Index study. Photo: C.H. Ong.
After the “Dive Against Debris” Project Aware cleanup.
Photo: Lai Chong Haur.
dumping ground around Perhentian. There
wasn't as much rubbish as we had expected.
The next dive site was near the shore and
near a campsite. And yes, there was lots of
rubbish to be picked up! I was in Perhentian
for a leisure dive just last September; but I
was never aware how dirty it was until this
time round!
We also had a beach clean-up (MNS-
MIMA Clean Coast Index study), which was
great. It was a fruitful beach clean-up as there
was an assortment of items picked up – fishing
nets, plastic bottles, food wrappers and a
lot of cigarette butts.
The marine videos and after-dive briefings
were really informative to educate us
about how fragile the marine ecosystem is.
Cruelty in shark finning and underwater do's
and don'ts reminded us how we should behave
in the sea. We had a post-mortem of the
clean-ups to understand better how and why
this rubbish ended up in the sea and on the
beach.
Although the participation was not too
great in numbers, we had at least eight vacationers
who took time out to join us. This
created awareness in a small number of people
but hey, every journey begins with a single
step. We also had little ones who participated
in the beach clean-up. Also, meeting interesting
people and camaraderie forged for a
common cause.
For sure, I did not regret my decision to
pick up rubbish.
2

Hornbill Volunteer Programme 2013
The latest count of Plain Pouched Hornbills (27/7/13–15/8/13)
For more details and updates please go to: http://www.mnshornbillvolunteerprogramme.wordpress.com
3

GREEN LIVING COLUMN
MANAGING ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD
POLLUTION
Wong Ee Lynn
gl.mnselangor@yahoo.com
Electromagnetic fields (EMF) and electromagnetic
waves (EMW) are present everywhere
in the environment; natural sources
include the Earth, Sun, ionosphere, lightning
and visible light. EMWs in their natural
frequency are not harmful to humans. Our
Earth's frequency is 7.83 Hz, which is identical
to human (alpha) brain waves.
However, manmade EMFs and EMWs
have increased in the past century with the
development of technology and radio
communications. Devices such as cellular
and cordless phones, electronic gadgets,
satellite systems and microwave ovens come
in a frequency range of between 900 MHz
and 2.4 GHz.
These frequencies are hazardous as
they overload and overstimulate our bodies,
and overwhelm our immune systems. Computers,
for instance, generate enough radiation
to cause concern even at distances up to
about 60 cm (about 2 feet). Some health effects
associated with EMFs and EMWs
include depression, chronic fatigue, memory
loss, irritability, inability to concentrate, insomnia,
headaches, weakened immune system,
anxiety and stress-related ailments.
EMFs are created whenever an electrical
appliance is connected to the mains supply,
including appliances we use in our daily lives
such as computers, mobile devices and refrigerators.
Many appliances do not merely create
EMFs but rely on EMFs in order to function.
Local EMF hotspots include areas close to
electricity meters, main distribution panels, fuse
boxes, battery-based back-up power supplies
and major wiring ducts.
It is very difficult for most of us to eliminate
the use of electronic and telecommunications
devices entirely just to avoid exposure to EMFs
and EMWs. As such, here are some strategies
that could help reduce exposure to EMWs and
promote energy efficiency in our daily lives:
(1) INCREASE DISTANCE
Increasing your distance from an EMWemitting
device will reduce your exposure to
EMWs.
Do not stand or sit in front of a microwave
oven to watch food cook.
Sit at least 6 feet (1.9 metres) away from a
TV set. Do not sit close to the sides and
back of a TV set if you are not watching TV
as radiation is just as high from these angles
as when facing the TV directly. LCD /
flat screen TVs produce much less radiation
than cathode ray types (CRT), so do choose
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a LCD / flat screen unit if you are buying or
replacing a TV set.
Computer power supply or UPS systems
which provide backup power supply for computers
emit powerful radiation, so do position
them as far away from yourself and others as
the cables will allow - at least 1.5 metres.
Position your computer central processing
unit (CPU) tower as far away from you as the
cables will allow (at least 60 cm). If possible,
keep it on the floor. It is best to minimise computer
radiation exposure to your head.
LCD monitors emit minimal EMW radiation,
so do consider making a change to an LCD
monitor unit, laptop or netbook if you are still
using an older CRT type of computer. In addition,
LCD monitors and laptops require less
electricity to run. However, lower radiation
does not mean zero health risk, so please try
to minimise exposure to radiation from LCD
monitors, mobile phones, tablet devices,
smartphones, laptops and netbooks. Place
them on a surface other than your lap or
other part of your body during use.
WiFi information networks, wireless routers,
modems and similar devices also emit high
levels of EMWs. This type of radiation (radio
frequency or microwave) is different from
computer radiation and these wireless
devices have not yet been proven by experts
to be safe. To be on the safe side and to save
electricity, switch off mobile devices and WiFi
routers after use and when you go to bed.
(2) MINIMISE DURATION
Minimise the duration of time spent on your
EMW-emitting devices. Do not leave devices
and appliances on when not in use. Do not take
your mobile phone, netbook, laptop, tablet, e-
reader or similar devices to bed with you. Limit
computer and mobile phone use to a certain
number of hours each day.
(3) SWITCH OFF
Switch all devices off after use, and switch off
chargers once they are fully charged. Try not to
have your computer, smartphone or other electronic
devices in the bedroom. Try not to fall
asleep in front of the computer or TV set. If you
find yourself dozing off, switch off your computer
or TV (switch off completely at the source, not
just put it in sleep mode) and go to bed.
(4) CHOOSE NON-ELECTRONIC
Many appliances and devices we use at home
do not need to be electronic or battery-operated.
Non-electronic kitchen scales, bathroom
scales, hand-powered blenders/ food processors
and non-battery operated children's toys
and musical instruments will help you save
money on electricity and battery costs, as well
as reduce exposure to EMWs. Washing and
drying dishes by hand, and using conventional
non-electric toothbrushes and shavers can
reduce EMW exposure. Use a swiffer pad or
broom instead of a vacuum cleaner if possible.
Hang clothes out to dry instead of using a
dryer. Preparing salads and cooking dishes
using a steamer over a rice cooker while the
rice is cooking will reduce cooking time and
eliminate the need to use extra electronic
appliances and, ultimately, reduce your exposure
to EMWs in the kitchen.
(5) CARE OF SELF
Your body and health are your best safety
devices. To strengthen your immune system
and reduce the health risks associated with
exposure to electromagnetic radiation, take
care of your diet, exercise regularly, go outdoors
frequently, spend at least several hours
a day away from electronic devices and cultivate
a positive attitude to make you more
resilient against stress, anxiety and fatigue.
(Sources: www.emfexplained.info and The
Canadian Initiative to Stop Wireless, Electric
and Electromagnetic Pollution [WEEP])
(This article is also available in Green Living's
blog at:
http://mnsgreenliving.blogspot.com/2013/08/
managing-electromagnetic-fieldpollution.html)
5

MOUNTAIN GOAL ADVENTURE CONSULTANT (742912-V)
Website: http://www.mymountaingoal.com
E-mail: goalus@mymountaingoal.com; tel. 03-40248896
Mt Fansipan and Halong Bay Expedition, 12/12/2013–18/12/2013
Fansipan, 'the Roof of Indochina' it is to be approved as one of Vietnam’s very few eco-tourist spots, with
about 2,024 floral varieties and 327 fauna species. It takes 2 days to reach the 3,143-msummit, the
highest peak of the Indochina Peninsula. 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 human presence.
One free training trip will provided for the Fansipan trip.
Bhutan Tour with Day Hikes and Nepal Tour, 15/10/13–22/10/13
A hearty welcome to the legendary Himalayan mountain kingdom of Bhutan, the last Shangri-La. Bhutan
is wedged between two Asian giants – India and China – bestowed by nature with an incredible diversity
in topography resulting in a wide range of flora and fauna; it is also one of UNESCO's 10 centres for biodiversity.
Bhutan is the only country which still has the Vajrayana Buddhism as the state religion.
Our Bhutan tour combines the cultural and natural grandeur of Bhutan with cultural tours to important
towns and day hikes to the monasteries; it begins in the scenic Paro Valley with a hike to the famous
Tiger's Nest (Taktsang) monastery. After visiting Thimphu, a unique capital city with a blend of traditional
and modern, we drive across the picturesque Dochu La Pass into the subtropical valleys of Punakha.
The tour also includes two more hikes: to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel and to Lungchutse/Trashigang
Goenpa. You will experience breath-taking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan
peaks including the sacred Jumolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan.
One free training trip will provided for the Bhutan tour with day hikes and Nepal tour.
6

ECO KIDS
WILD ENCOUNTERS AT THE MNS ECO
KIDS ZOO ENRICHMENT WORKSHOP
Wong Ee Lynn
(gl.mnselangor@yahoo.com)
Though many of us do not enjoy seeing animals
in captivity, 41 MNS members were keen to learn
how to improve the quality of life of animals at Zoo
Negara. Zoo Education Officer Edwina and team
were there to greet us when we arrived on the
morning of 28 July 2013 and we were taken to
the Enrichment Centre where we were to prepare
food puzzles and treats for the lions, tigers, tapirs
and elephants to keep them mentally and physically
stimulated.
It was also a good exercise in repurposing,
as the workshop participants had spent time
collecting cardboard boxes, coconut shells and
toilet roll tubes for the Enrichment Centre to be
converted into toys and puzzles for the animals.
With the help of their parents, the children who
stayed behind at the Enrichment Centre carved and
hollowed out pumpkins to be stuffed with meat for
the lions and tigers. The pumpkins would then be
concealed in boxes to stimulate the big cats’ natural
hunting and seeking instincts.
A group of participants wrapped a mixture of rice,
palm sugar and bananas in banana leaves to be
presented to the elephants.
Due to the large size of our group, some of the
participants chose to go on a Science Walk with
Dr Ille Gebeshuber, who is not only a Professor in
Physics but also a dedicated MNS member and
volunteer.
The other participants cut up fruits and vegetables
for the tapirs and elephants.
The children put fruits and vegetable pieces on
skewers and poked the sharp ends into a banana
trunk to create a whimsical fruit cocktail bar for the
tapirs.
7

The Science Walk group joined us at 10 a.m. for
the Animal Enrichment Observation. It was not
merely a session during which we observed ‘cute
animals doing cute things’, but an important and
educational lesson on animals’ natural behaviours
and social needs. Education Officer Edwina must
be commended on her short interactive lessons
on snare traps and the wildlife trade, habitat loss,
why some animals could not be reintroduced into
the wild, the need for zoos and animal sanctuaries,
the reason for the Zoo’s ban on styrofoam,
and the conservation status of many animals (i.e.
least concern, endangered and extinct).
The lions found their pumpkins within minutes, but
seemed more interested in guarding the meat and
casting jealous glares at their neighbours, the tigers.
Here come the MNS mascots, the tapirs! Their proboscis
wagged merrily when they smelled the fruits.
And no, they didn’t hurt themselves on the satay skewers.
Aren’t they clever?
Siti the Asian Elephant says: “Reach out and
touch somebody today!
In an ideal world, animals would be able to live
peacefully in the wild without human interference.
However, with the number of threats to
wildlife such as deforestation, poaching and
hunting, zoos and sanctuaries have to be set
up to provide safe living spaces for animals, in
particular, captive-bred or confiscated wildlife
who can no longer survive in the wild. It must
be remembered that zoos and sanctuaries can
never be a good substitute for life in the wild.
Animals in captivity can and do get restless,
bored, depressed and frustrated, and start
displaying behaviour such as swaying, rocking,
biting, begging and overgrooming their fur or
feathers to the point that bald patches appear.
It is hoped that our little contributions helped to
make the animals’ lives a little more fun and
interesting.
We take this opportunity to thank Edwina
and her hardworking team as well as our everobliging
Dr Ille for their time, effort and assistance.
May we all continue to do what we can to
help and protect wildlife and the natural world.
Well, there goes the cow! One of the tigers has
found the pumpkin concealed in a box decorated
to resemble a cartoon cow, but he wasn’t hungry
enough to have his breakfast immediately.
8

Calendar of Activities
All events, times and venues are correct at time of printing. For latest updates, contact your favourite Special Interest Group or check the MNS
website regularly. Booking priority will be given to the organising branch’s members unless stated otherwise.
September 2013
7–8 September 2013 (Saturday–Sunday)
PHOTO GROUP TRIP TO FRASER'S HILL
Venue: Methodist Centre
Cost: RM100.00 per person (includes dinner and
breakfast)
Fraser's Hill is less than 2 hours' drive from KL and
is a great place for photography insects and birds.
There are also many nice walking trails.
We will be staying ar the Methodist Centre (very
cosy and private).
Bookings: email Alex Foong at
afoong16@gmail.com. Places are limited.
Please fill up your details on the form at
http://bit.ly/mnsform-fraser
7–8 September 2013 (Saturday–Sunday)
PENANG BRANCH OVERNIGHT TRIP TO
MAXWELL HILL (BUKIT LARUT)
The Penang Branch will be making a 2D/1N trip to
Maxwell Hill. This will be a general nature outing.
Activities will include daytime trekking, birdwatching,
butterfly watching etc and night-time owl and
moth watching. The group will be staying in a great
place with great food being served. For more information
and reservations contact Peggy Tan at 016-
4200990 or e-mail tpeggypeach@yahoo.com
15 Sept 2013 (Sunday)
MNS 66th NATIONAL AGM
Venue: Nur Lembah Pangsun Eco Resort
(NLPER), Hulu Langat, Selangor
Time: 2 pm
There are various packages arranged for members
to consider. For more information on the AGM packages,
please visit
http://www.mns.my/article.php?aid=2243&sc=1.
To book a place, kindly contact Leong Wee Chin at
03-22879422 or email membership@mns.org.my.
18 September 2013 (Wednesday)
INDOOR PHOTO SHARING
Venue: MNS Auditorium
Time: 8.00 pm
The Selangor Photogroup SIG invites all
members to attend and view two sets of photos
from MNS members who went to either the
Cameron Highlands (23–25 August) or Fraser's
Hill (7–8 Sep) photography trip. All trip goers
are invited to submit your best or favourite
shots (up to a maximum of 5 photo images) for
sharing with all MNS members; the website link
to upload photos will be provided after the trip.
Please *remember* to rename your image files
to include your *name* and *trip* name, e.g.
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:
mnselangorsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
"IMG0032.JPG" to
"JosephChin_Fraser_IMG0032.JPG" so that
we know who has submitted which photos!
Details in Facebook MNS Photogroup Event
Page: http://bit.ly/mnsphotogroup_13sep
(please bookmark).
28 September 2013 (Saturday)
CHILLING OUT AT CHILING WATERFALL
Location: Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor
Time: 8.00 am
Join the MNS Nature Guides to explore one of the
amazing natural attractions in the Selangor, the
Chiling Waterfall, an 80-metre drop multi-tiered
cascade of water. The trail to the waterfall offers
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hikers and nature lovers who are looking for a day
trip or a good morning workout or simply being outdoors
to enjoy the sound, sights and smell of
nature a refreshing experience.
Highlights of the trail are the 6 river crossings and
so, yes, be prepared to get wet! As the waterfall area
also serves as a fish sanctuary, you will be able to
observe and feed the Kelah or Mahseer (bighead)
swimming around your feet. Along the trail and the
river banks, visitors can appreciate the many different
plant species such as pitcher plants, tall grasses
and wild orchids.
The site is managed and maintained by the
Selangor State Fisheries Department and visitors
need only pay RM1 as entrance fee and for the
usage of the basic facilities provided.
Registration: e-mail to azmir
(norazmir71@yahoo.com)
o Only 25 places are available and deadline to
register is 10 September 2013
o Registration will be closed once full or at the end
of the stipulated deadline
o RM15 is chargeable to cover insurance and NG
SIG fund. Plus RM1 entrance fee.
o For directions, refer to
http://waterfallsofmalaysia.com/51chiling.php
o Meet-up point: SPLASH dam in Kuala Kubu
Bharu.
o As parking space is limited near the hiking area,
it is advisable to carpool to the Fish Sanctuary
entrance.
o Toll and petrol charges will be shared among
passengers accordingly
Footnote:
o Wear suitable trekking clothes and footwear with
good traction.
o
o
o
o
Insect repellent is advisable only for those with
sensitive skin.
Bring drinking water and some light healthy
snacks in reusable containers.
Good to include a change of dry clothes and
towels.
Bring along your allergy medicine (if you need).
28–29 Sept 2013 (Saturday–Sunday)
GREEN LIVING TURTLE VOLUNTEER
PROGRAMME
Let's lend our turtles and Mother Nature a hand!
Time: meet at 1.30 p.m., Saturday)
depart at 2.00 p.m., Sunday
Location:
Pusat Penerangan dan Pengurusan Penyu
Turtle Information and Management Centre
Pantai Padang Kemunting,
Pengkalan Balak,
78300 Masjid Tanah
Phone/Fax: 06 384 6754
Accommodation:
Chalet Darul Aslah (budget chalet, triple sharing)
Batu 22,
Pantai Padang Kemunting,
Pengkalan Balak,
78300 Masjid Tanah,
Melaka
Phone: 012 2208159
Transport: On your own, carpooling strongly
encouraged.
Food: On your own.There are many stalls and small
restaurants in the beach area.
Cost per participant: RM80 (for accommodation
and as donation to the Turtle Information & Management
Centre). Account number will be emailed to
participants whose registration is confirmed.
Proposed itinerary:
Saturday afternoon: Briefing and educational video,
tour of the Centre, hatchery clean-up, beach cleanup
and beach litter audit.
Saturday night: Turtle hatchling release, turtle nesting
observation (if one turns up!), night walk.
Sunday morning: Turtle pond clean-up, bathing and
washing the turtles that are being cared for in the
centre for rehabilitation and research purposes.
10

This activity is limited to 30 participants (age 6 and
above) who must have valid MNS memberships.
Priority will be given to MNS members who were not
able to register in time for the Green Living/Eco
Kids Zoo Enrichment Workshop in July.
Please email your details to
wongeelynn@yahoo.com or text (no calls, please!)
013 228 6812 before 14 Sept 2013 to book your
places. Our turtle friends await!
OCTOBER
26 October 2013 (Saturday)
MNS SELANGOR BRANCH: ‘ALIENS’ IN
FRIM (rerun)
Back by popular demand, we will walk again to
catch a glimpse of the ALIENS in the campus of
FRIM. So you think you could easily point out an
alien from afar? Think again. Aliens of the plant
world do not have differently coloured hair, iris,
dressing or manner to distinguish them from the
true natives. In fact, they are so well rooted in our
gardens that we sometimes mistakenly used them
to symbolise our culture… Where are these aliens
from? Who brought them here in the first place? &
why? How have they benefited us? Or how much
damage have they quietly incurred on our native
ecosystem?
Come join Chew Ming Yee and Lim Chung Lu,
two humourous botanists and nature guides, for a
1- to 2-hour easy morning guided walk around the
main campus of FRIM while listening to stories
about how the aliens landed in Malaysia. Further
details will be given upon signing up.
Besides standard entrance charges to FRIM
(refer to http://www.frim.gov.my/?page_id=174), a fee
of RM10 is chargeable to cover insurance and SIG
fund. Children below 18 years pay only RM3.
Registration: email Ms Wan Yeng (wanyeng@rocketmail.com)
or sms only
(hp 016-618 2148, strictly no calls). Limited places
available and deadline to register is 19 October 2013,
whichever comes first.
Directions: Refer to
http://www.frim.gov.my/?page_id=543
Wear suitable loose clothing and good walking
shoes. Insect repellent is advisable for those with
sensitive skin. For the rest, long sleeves should
suffice. Bring a bottle of water and healthy snacks.
Reruns: For those who missed Part 1: Getting to
know the local stars of FRIM and Part 3: The beginning
and the end of a stream, do look out for the
reruns. (date to be fixed later)
NOVEMBER
10 November 2013 (Sunday)
WILD TIGER RUN
Time: 7.30 am – 12.00 noon
Venue: Dataran Merdeka
Distance: 10 km & 3 km
Race pack collection/Tiger Expo: 8–9 November
2013 @ The School by Jaya One
In conjunction with our 10th year anniversary,
Malaysian Conservation Alliance for Tigers (MYCAT)
is organising the Wild Tiger Run, a 10-km and 3-km
run on 10 November 2013 at Dataran Merdeka.
Come run and roar for the Malayan tiger! Visit the
Tiger Expo during race pack collection days (8–9
November 2013), stay on for talks (Saturday only)
to learn about efforts to save the Malayan tiger, and
find out how you can help! Non-runners are most
welcome to drop by. Log on to
www.malayantiger.net for more information.
Contact person: Wong Pui May
Contact Email: mycat.so@malayantiger.net
Register/More information at: www.malayantiger.net
MEMBERSHIP MATTERS
We're sorry for the absence of an update in
latest month's Newsletter, but there was no
news to report as the postponed Membership
Strategic Workshop was only held on
Saturday 24 August 2013. A report on this
important first step in forming a Membership
Strategy Plan will appear in the next newsletter.
It is intended that the Membership Strategy
Plan will be available at the Annual
General Meeting being held on 15 September
2013. Some members of the Membership
Committee will be available then to
answer any questions you may have or to
listen to your comments.
If you have not already read the results
of the survey conducted on-line in March this
year, you can find it on the MNS webpage.
You will need to log-in with a generic username
and password at the ‘Member Login’
section on the front page. If you have forgotten
these, please send a request by email to
membership@mns.org.my.
- Update by Stephanie Bacon, for the
MNS Membership Committee
11

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
any day from 8 am–7 pm, unless stated otherwise:
Klang
Rumah K.I.D.S. (3373-3400)
St. Barnabas Home (3372-8191)
Pusat Kasih Sayang (3372-1723)
Pusat Cahaya Kesayangan (3379-9440)
Petaling Jaya
Spastics Centre (7958-2393)
Puchong
Pure Life Society (7782-9391)
Selayang
Rumah Amal Cheshire (6138-7118)
You may also exchange your recycleables for
redemption coupons at the following locations:
Petaling Jaya
Taman Jaya: Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays,
4:30–6:30 pm
Johor Baru Giant, Plentong: every day except Mondays,
1–6 pm
Please clean and dry all your cans and bottles
before depositing at these centres. Please bundle and
tie all papers.
TrEES (03-7876 9958)
treateveryenvironmentspecial@gmail.com
www.trees.org.my
Computer Recycling Collection
Centre
The MNS Penang, 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 send for recycling by DOEapproved
recycling establishment. Contact
Kanda at 013-4537992 for more information
or check out Penang Branch web pages
KELAB PENCINTA ALAM for YOUTHS
KPA for Youth is the extension of MNS School
Nature Club (Kelab Pencinta Alam) which was
launched on 25 November 2012. This initiative
is supported by the Ministry of Sports and
Youth. The main purpose of the initiative is to
encourage youth membership to cultivate the
importance of nature conservation through
environmental activities involving our youths
and communities. It will also be a platform for
current KPA members to keep involving themselves
in nature activities after they have left
school.
So start young in helping to conserve
Malaysia’s natural heritage for the future.
For further information, contact:
CikSitiNuraini Tel: 03-22879422
Fax: 03-22878773
Email: kpayouth@mns.org.my
Like the KPA For Youth Facebook page for
updated information.
MNS Yahoo Groups
Johor
mnsjohor.blogspot.com
Kedah
kedahmns@yahoogroups.com
Langkawi
mnslangkawi@yahoogroups.com
Moderator: Wendy Chin /
Irshad / Sri Sari
Miri
mnsmiri.blogspot.com
Pahang
mnspahang@yahoogroups.com
Moderator: Chu Seng Poong
Penang
mnspenang@yahoogroups.com
Moderator: Kanda Kumar
Perak
mnsperak@yahoogroups.com
Moderator: Dr Chan Kai Soon
Selangor
malaysiannaturesociety@
yahoogroups.com
Moderator: Bernie Chin / Iska
12

MNS HQ
JKR 541, Jalan Kelantan,
Bukit Persekutuan, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
(just before the Seri Perdana turn-off on
Jalan Mahameru)
M–F 9 am–5:30 pm
T: 03-22879422 F: 03-22878773
mns@mns.org.my www.mns.my
Membership: Leong Wee Chin
Branch Committee Members
JOHOR BRANCH
c/o Vincent Chow
32 Jln Molek 3/11, Tmn Molek,
81100 Johor Bahru; www.mnsj.org.my
Blog: www.mnsj.org.my
Chairman Vincent Chow
vkkchow@yahoo.com
Vice Chair Wee Soon Chit
soonchit@hotmail.com
Secretary Zalinah Sarpan
anggun_firama@yahoo.co.uk
KEDAH BRANCH
5, Belakang Hospital, 09300 Kuala Ketil,
Kedah; kedahmns@yahoogroups.com
Chairman Wan Muhaimin bin Wan Jamil
wanatc@yahoo.com
Vice Chair Tengku Badrillah T. Abdullah
tbadril@hotmail.com
Secretary Phang Fatt Khow
fkphang05@yahoo.com
KELANTAN BRANCH
204, Jln Sultan Yahya Petra, 15150 Kota
Bharu, Kelantan. meklawa@gmail.com
Chairman Aweng a/l Eh Rak
aweng@umk.edu.my
Vice Chair Amir Hamzah Abdul Shukor
amrieta@yahoo.com
Secretary Wong Mei Lin
meklawa@gmail.com
LANGKAWI BRANCH
mnslangkawi@yahoogroups.com
Chairman Eric R. Sinnaya
morahols@gmail.com
Vice Chair Viyayndran Muniandy
vijayndranmnnd90@gmail.com
Secretary Daisy Jeyarani a/p Samuel
daisy_samuel_2005@yahoo.com
NEGERI SEMBILAN/ MELAKA
BRANCH
c/o Cooltek, 350 Jalan Woodland,
Tiara Melaka Golf & Country Club,
Ayer Keroh, 75450 Melaka
Chairman Lim Ming Hui
limmel05@yahoo.com
Vice Chair Kok Chow Hioong
kchioong@live.com
Secretary Stephanie Bacon
cooltek@streamyx.com
PAHANG BRANCH
30 1st Floor Jalan Gambut, 25000 Kuantan,
mnsphg@yahoo.com.sg
Acting Chairman/ Vice Chair
Zela Azni binti Nahizan
palia_potter@yahoo.co.uk
Secretary Chow Mee Foong
chowmeefoong@yahoo.com
PENANG BRANCH
Nature Information Centre (NIC),
673-B Jalan Kebun Bunga,
10350 Penang. 04-2273673
Open Mon–Sat, 7.30–11.30 am (please
phone before visiting)
http://www.geocities.com/mnspenang/
Blog: mnspenang@yahoogroups.com
Chairman Tan Choo Eng
chooengtan@yahoo.com
Vice Chair James Ooi Teik Kok
jamesooiteikkok@yahoo.com
Secretary Tan Pek Tao, Peggy
tpeggypeach@yahoo.com
PERAK BRANCH
8, Jln Virgo, Star Park, 31400 Ipoh
mnsperak@gmail.com
Blog: mnsperak@yahoogroups.com
Chairman Lee Ping Kong
lpk682@yahoo.com
Vice Chair Leow Kon Fah
leow_kingfisher@yahoo.com
Secretary Tham Yim Fong
georgi8tham@yahoo.com
SABAH BRANCH
P O Box 12377, 88826 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
mns_sabah@yahoo.com.sg
Chairman Anna Wong
anna888@ums.edu.my
Secretary Shim Yen Ling
sasaniashim2@gmail.com
SABAH (SANDAKAN) BRANCH
Lot 322, Lorong Pertama 17, Tmn Pertama,
90000 Sandakan
Chairman Chow Kok Cheng, Charles
kcccharles@yahoo.com
SARAWAK (KUCHING) BRANCH
mnskuching@gmail.com
Chairman Anthony C. Sebastian
aonyxenvironmental@gmail.com
Vice Chair Rose Au Nyat Jun
njau44@yahoo.com
Secretary Chan Mei Ching, Zora Sharon
zorachan76@yahoo.com
SARAWAK (MIRI) BRANCH
mnsmiri@yahoo.com;
Blog: mnsmiri.blogspot.com
Chairman Musa Musbah
sammua@yahoo.com
Vice Chair Yeo Hong Yan, John
drjyeo@gmail.com
Secretary Joyce Vikneswari Sivalingam
jvsivalingam@hotmail.com
SELANGOR BRANCH
c/o MNS HQ address
www.mns.org.my/selangor
mns.selangor@gmail.com
E-group: malaysiannaturesociety@yahoo
groups.com
Chairman K. S. Goh, Henry
henrygks10@gmail.com
Vice Chair Lim Teck Wyn
teckwyn@hotmail.com
Secretary Gan Li Li
pat_ganll@hotmail.com
TERENGGANU BRANCH
1926 Bukit Kubang Jambu,
20050 Kuala Terengganu
mnsterengganu@gmail.com
Chairman Hj Wan Md Adnan Wan Ismail
mnsterengganu@gmail.com
Vice Chair Wong Chee Ho
cheeho@umt.edu.my
Secretary Anuar Abdullah McAfee
anuar@ms.kusza.edu.my
Have you been on an MNS
trip? Why not share your
experience with othe members
by writing an account
of your trip and submitting
it (preferably with photographs)
for publication in
Pencinta Alam.
Email your article to:
tapir2005@gmail.com
13

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 editt for length and content.
Submissions: Articles including the author and photographers’ names
(max. 500 words), advertisements, digital images (100 dpi & no larger
than 640 x 480 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
Khor Hui Min 017-8817714
Kay Lyons 03-79814271
Beng Beng Chan 019-3853591
Renew Your Membership
via Online Credit Card Payment
Settling your MNS membership fee is now made easier with on-line credit
card payment via the MNS website.You can now pay your membership fee
in comfort and simplify your life.
To renew, please visit https://www.mns.my/subscription/.
For inquiries, contact Wee Chin at membership@mns.org.my
Nature Owlet – The MNS Shop
Contact Number: +603 22873471
Email: natureowlet@yahoo.com; tapir.shop@mns.org.my
Address: Malaysian Nature Society, JKR 641, Jalan Kelantan, Bukit
Persekutuan, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA.
Google Maps: http://g.co/maps/q5k92
GPS Coordinates: 3.1397°N, 101.6812°E
Business Hours:
Weekdays 0930–1730
Saturdays 1000–1300
Closed on Sundays, public holidays & during MNS events (come &
support our booth there!)
Our Shop offers a variety of products for nature lovers, outdoor
enthusiasts & the general public:
- A considerable selection of books on the environment, flora & fauna,
children's books etc.
- Eco-friendly stationery from O'Bon & ProGreen.
- Clothing including T-shirts from NGOs, organic cotton T-shirts
& Nukleus innerwear.
- Sport optics products by Swarovski, Minox, Steiner, Leica, Nikon, Kowa
& LensPen.
- Outdoor equipment e.g. leech socks & products from Buff, Platypus,
Deuter, Coleman, Mosi-Guard, Light My Fire, Sea to Summit,
Ticket to the Moon, Trangia, etc.
- Souvenirs & gifts such as paintings, mugs, badges, pins, cards,
bookmarks, stickers.
MNS members who show their membership card will receive a discount
for most items.
Please visit & support the new FaceBook page of our MNS Shop! Shop
Announcement on FaceBook Timeline: http://www.facebook.com/Nature-
OWLetMNS
Opening Hours/Contact/Location/Map: http://www.facebook.com/Nature-
OWLetMNS/info
14