PENCINTA ALAM - Malaysian Nature Society (MNS)

PENCINTA ALAM
NEWSLETTER OF THE MALAYSIAN NATURE SOCIETY
www.mns.my July 2012
Celebrating
World Oceans Day
at Perhentian
Finally, after a 10-hour car ride and 30 minutes
on a speedboat, we finally landed on Pulau Perhentian
Besar. What a welcoming sight it was!
Organised by MNS Marine SIG (Selangor Branch),
this annual dive-snorkel-beach clean-up (June 2—5)
is one activity I finally got to participate in. Organisers
Hon Yuen and Wee Liem got down to the business
of settling us in. A small team we were, just the
six of us, a cozy bunch.
After lunch, each of us got into our respective
modules, be it the snorkelers or the divers. I got
drawn in with a group of leisure divers and off I went
for my first dive on the very same day. The abundance
of marine life in pristine waters literally took
my breath away! It was a different world altogether,
with fishes and corals right before my eyes, within an
arm’s length away.
Being the sole leisure diver in the group did
not give me immunity from the assignment given by
our organisers – to identify what marine life we had
Valle Sinniah engrossed in a Marine SIG assignment - photo
by H.Y. Leong
Many hands make light work at the beach clean-up - photo by
JelliButz
Mary and Steven getting ready for skills training with snorkel
diver instructor Colin - photo by H.Y. Leong
At the graduation ceremony, from L to R: Valle, Steven and
Mary - photo by W.L Wong
1

seen and to present to the group. It was a night of discovery.
We learned from each other as well as about
each other, for example, a talented artist and a passionate
beach-comber (who enthusiastically led the
group on a beach-combing night-walk along the tidereceded
beach).
To celebrate World Oceans Day (June 8),
both Marine SIG and Alu Alu Divers (and the staff
and guests of Bayu Dive Lodge) participated in
clean-ups over two days. We were briefed on the do’s
and don’ts of the reef-dive clean up initiated by the
dive centre. It was another first for me. We came up
with numerous plastic bottles, aluminum/tin cans,
fan belts, polystyrene, a kettle, a pot, etc from the
sea. It was heart-wrenching to find such rubbish in
these pristine waters in a protected marine park.
The beach clean-up by Marine SIG was another
eye-opener. The beach was systematically
measured into 100 10-metre wide transects, and we
collected and logged the rubbish in 30 randomly selected
transects. This technique was based on a system
by Maritime Institute of Malaysia (MIMA) to
determine an index for the beach cleanliness. It was
another heart-wrenching sight to see the kind of rubbish
we recorded, amongst many – baby diapers, cigarettes
butts, cans, plastics, etc. Though we were
disgusted with the apathy of many beach-goers, it is
heartening to know that there will be a group of eco
volunteers who are willing to put aside their time for
a clean-up.
Time zipped by too fast, and it was time for
us to be at the jetty again for the boat back to the
mainland. The weekend had been an eye-opener to
us all; not forgetting the great camaraderie that would
go a long way in years to come.
Now, let’s hear what the three course participants
had to say about their experiences:
Mary Chan, SSI Snorkel Diver: I wanted to join
the trip, but the only non-dive package available was
the Snorkel Diver course. I took the course even
though I have snorkeled hundreds of times before!
No regrets though; it was good to go through a systematic
snorkeling course as they not only teach you
the basics (which, of course, I already know) but also
the safety and ecological side of being in the sea. On
the practical side, I got to skin dive a lot (for a better
view of corals and fish). That was some challenge!
How deep can you go?! And how long can you hold
your breath for?! I had expected a lot of other MNS
members to come for this trip, but there were only
four participants and two volunteer organisers. We
had the chance to get to know each other much better
this way! I’m definitely very glad that I joined
this trip.
Steven Lim, SSI Snorkel Diver: This was a good
opportunity for me to give my support (to the environment)
and at the same time learn a new skill. After
all, how hard can a snorkelling course be? I learnt
later that it wasn’t as simple as swimming with a life
jacket and doing a theory test. It required swimming
in open water and diving into the sea without wearing
a life jacket! For two days we went through our
theory lesson and snorkel practical in a confined
water area near the dive centre. We practiced the
kick, the method to dive into the water and the proper
way of clearing the snorkel after submerging. It was
a mixture of fear, fun and excitement. However, my
fear of deep water did not vanish with these newly
learnt skills. Fortunately my instructor Colin understood
my concern and we started our “experiment” –
swimming in shallow water to build up my confidence,
and it paid off! The next thing I knew, I was
swimming in open water without a life jacket. It was
a great relief and a happy moment.
Valle Sinniah, SSI Ecological Diver: I signed up
for this course mainly because I wanted to improve
my buoyancy. Instead I got more than I hoped for. I
learnt about fish, coral and other marine life and at
the same time an opportunity to contribute something
back to the reef. It is a well-known fact that most
dive sites in Malaysia shows significant reef and
ecosystem degradation. In that sense, the course has
thought me the importance of being not only a better
diver but also a responsible and caring one. I had to
complete the Perfect Buoyancy and Underwater Naturalist
specialty courses. The Perfect Buoyancy specialty
course helped me to sharpen my skills in
hovering and streamlining with emphasis on the
finning technique and the Underwater Naturalist specialty
course thought me to identify more of the
many different species of marine life found. As part
of the course I must also participate in one clean up
dive which was so much fun. And I learnt another
important lesson – ‘respect and stay close to your
buddy’.
Main story by JelliButz
2

Green Living Column
Taking action for
Biodiversity, Part 2
1. Water is indispensable to the health of the Planet
and that of its occupants, whether they are animals or
plants. There is enough water for everyone and
everything but, unfortunately, it is badly distributed
and often badly managed. Here in Malaysia, we often
use potable water indiscriminately and excessively.
Here is how you can save drinking water:
water your plants with rainwater, preferably at the
end of the day (to avoid evaporation), recover grey
water (dishwater, bathwater, shower water) and use
it for flushing the toilet and cleaning floors with.
2. Some local authorities are now making an effort to
plan and manage roadsides and road dividers as a
way of promoting biodiversity.
If this is not yet the case in your area, you
might suggest that the department concerned try
these easy-to-apply principles: plant only local
species, replace chemical pesticides and fertilisers
with ecological equivalents, use mulch and groundcover
to limit the growth of undesirable plants and
to reduce watering, compost green waste and use the
compost to feed the soil in the dry season, practise
late mowing, and keep some refuge areas.
3. Would you like to take advantage of your vacation
to protect biodiversity? Then why not become an
eco-volunteer!
By discovering places inaccessible to ordinary
tourists, you can actively help nature protection
associations by participating in research and conservation
projects.
And you do not need to be an expert in biology
or environmental sciences – anyone can take part
in the activities proposed. You can volunteer with the
Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre in Sabah
(sunbears.wildlifedirect.org), the Turtle Conservation
Society in Terengganu (www.turtleconservationsociety.org.my/)
and the Malaysian Conservation
Alliance for Tigers (malayantiger.net/v4/mycat).
4. How does one transform a garden – your own, the
garden at your children’s school or on your company’s
premises – into a natural refuge for biodiversity?
Refuse to use chemical pesticides and
fertilisers.
Help spontaneous
vegetation grow in a corner
of the garden and practise
late mowing which makes
it possible for plant species
to reproduce and
diversify and creates a
shelter for many animals.
Set up a pond or preserve a
dead tree (its cavities can
host a variety of animals),
leave a log pile or a pile of
stones for small mammals,
amphibians and various invertebrates.
Diversify a
hedge with indigenous
species. Plant bee-foraging
plants which attract large
numbers of insects as well
as bees.
5. Like detergents, most cosmetics sold today contain
chemical products (preservatives, synthetic perfumes,
surfactants, etc.) which are not biodegradable
and are therefore harmful to biodiversity, particularly
the aquatic environments into which they are carried
by waste water.
Use eco-cosmetics: wash with Marseilles
(Castile) soap, perfume your bath with a few drops of
essential oil of lavender, clean your skin with an extraction
of camomile or blueberry, exfoliate it with
wheat- or oat bran, nourish it with sunflower or olive
oil.
6. Contrary to what you might think, there is often
more biodiversity in the city than in the country
continues next page
3

(where monocultures prevail, in both
fields and plantations). Surprisingly,
there is a great variety of biotypes in
the city. Public and private gardens,
ponds, parks, forests, streets and avenues,
vacant land, wasteland, railway
sidings, water-course
embankments and even balconies.
Even small cracks in sidewalks, at
the base of buildings or in walls are
colonised by a multitude of wild
plants.
But this biodiversity is vulnerable:
it is not strong enough to
withstand cement mixers and steamrollers.
7. The intensive growing of traditional
cotton uses only 3% of cultivable
surface area but 25% of the
insecticides sold around the world.
Soil exhaustion, deforestation, massive
irrigation, pollution of free
groundwater, exposure of agricultural
workers and local species to
toxic substances... intensive cotton
farming is particularly harmful both
to the environment and to human beings.
On the other hand, extensive
growing of eco-cotton, with natural
fertilisers and pesticides, requires
less water, preserves soil fertility (because
it is alternated with other
crops), and produces cotton that has
softer, more resistant fibres. In addition,
eco-cotton is hypoallergenic
because it is not chemically treated
when made into clothing.
8. When you eat local products
where they are grown and produced,
you are supporting the farmers who
grow indigenous species and thus
limiting the pollution caused by
transport. This is good for both the
local economy and for biodiversity.
Always refuse dishes made from
threatened species (turtle steak, redtuna
sushi, sea cucumber, bush meat,
etc.) or those whose production has a
negative impact on local biodiversity
(fishing or hunting without respect
for minimum sizes or quotas, cultivation
that requires deforestation of
a large area, etc.) Neither should you
accept traditional remedies and cosmetics
based on rhinoceros horn,
elephant tusk, tiger meat or bone, the
musk from musk deer, etc.
A list of threatened species is
available at: www.cites.org and
www.iucnredlist.org
9. Wood has at least two advantages:
it is more resistant than plastic and it
is not derived from oil. Make sure
you choose only FSC- or PEFC-certified
furniture. This means that the
wood from which it is made comes
from sustainably managed forests To
treat the wood, choose natural prodcontinues
next page
(742912-V)
Website: http://www.mymountaingoal.com
Contact : Thong at goalus@mymountaingoal.com
H/P : 016-6375622 Off : 03-40248896
Everest Base Camp via Gokyo lake trek from 25/09/2012 to 11/10/2012
(16D15N) (confirmed trip)
Experience the culture of the Sherpas in route to Khumbu village. Enjoy a climb
to the scintillating Kalapattar 5,545m. /18190ft, one of the most spectacular vantage
points in the Everest region. Explore enchanting views of Everest, Pumori,
Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse, Makalu and many other towering peaks.
Two free Training trip will provided for the Everest Base Camp trip. Further
info please sign in: http://www.mymountaingoal.com/everestkalapattar.htm
Annapurna Circuit trek from 16/10/12 to 31/10/12 (confirmed trip)
Duration: 16
days. Maximum
Elevation:
5416m. Grade:
Medium / Hard.
Walk completely around the Annapurna massif. Trek through low land
Brahmin and Chhettri villages to the remote Manang village, and down the Kalkigandaki
Gorge (officially deepest George in the World). Cross a 5416m pass-probably
the highest you will ever get without climbing a mountain.
Two free training trip will provided for the trip. For further info, please
sign in:- http://www.mymountaingoal.com/AnnapurnaRegion.htm
4

Rethink panda plan
The Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) notes with
concern and is in disagreement with the plan as reported,
“Two pandas coming soon”, NST 12th June 2012.
Although important and strategic for both China
and Malaysia to foster better international bilateral relations,
MNS is of the opinion that the exchange of wildlife should
not be the way to move forward, in line with what should be
a priority of conserving our own endangered animals.
This move also, does not help Malaysia meet the
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Aichi Targets.
The urgent need to support our own local endangered species
such as the Sumatran Rhinoceros (now on the verge of extinction
here in Peninsular Malaysia) and the Malayan Tiger
is more evident as the report also goes on quote that there are
more Giant Pandas in the wild as compared to the Malayan
Tiger, triple the numbers to be exact.
From the funding aspects, reportedly to be about
RM20million, MNS is of the opinion that this would be better
spent in advancing important programmes such as the
National Tiger Conservation Action Plan (NTCAP) which
in the recent performance evaluation of stakeholders, indicates
that Malaysia is still behind in meeting its target. Unless,
the funds to undertake such programme originates
purely from a private/corporate donors, this is mis-prioritized.
Funds are badly needed today for Malaysia in terms
of improving our enforcement capacity in combating the
rampant illegal poaching of our wildlife and trade. Funds are
also sorely lacking in strategic awareness activities, habitat
and key conservation site protection such as the Temengor
Forest Reserve in Perak, which is home to all our big wild
mammal population.
Even the idea of training locals in the field of artificial,
genetics and such as reported, will be funds better
spent by sending interested candidates to China itself and
this will only cost us a fraction of the RM20 million quoted.
In this respect, the MNS calls for the government
to rethink this plan.
We urge them to refocus its aim to target the preservation
of local endangered species, keep its promise to
achieve its international obligations and heed to the growing
number of descending voice from the public who is watching
what precious local wildlife we have left, slip into extinction,
in front of their very eyes.
Professor Dr Maketab Mohamed
MNS President, 13/06/2012
Taking Action, continues
ucts based on linseed oil, beeswax or vegetable oil.
For more information about these labels, look
up: www.fsc.org and www.pefc.org.
10. Reduce your consumption of meat. In order to
raise livestock, it is necessary to have pastures or to
produce forage (soy, corn, beets, colza, etc.), all of
which requires a very large surface area, often carved
out at the expense of forests. In addition, it takes an
enormous amount of water and pesticides to grow
forage crops, resulting in the exhaustion and pollution
of free groundwater. And that is not all! When
ruminants digest, they produce vast quantities of
methane, one of the most potent greenhouse gases,
particularly when they are fed with protein crops,
such as soy.
Finally, too much meat is not good for us
(hypocholesterolaemia, cancer, diabetes, etc.). Instead,
eat lentils, eggs, cheese, legumes or fruit several
times a week.
This post is also available at: http://mnsgreenliving.blogspot.com/2012/06/taking-action-forbiodiversity-part-2.html
Edited and compiled by Wong Ee Lynn
gl.mnselangor@yahoo.com
Music & charity dinner
Featuring Dama Orchestra
29th July 2012
See Hoy Chan Sdn Bhd is organizing a concert
charity dinner on 29th June 2012 at Sime Darby
Convention Centre. The eight-course halal dinner
will feature a show from DAMA Orchestra. Donations
are welcomed in form of
RM300/RM500/RM1,00/ RM1,500/RM2,000 per
person.
Malaysian Nature Society is one of the beneficiaries
where the donations will be used to preserve
Malaysian's natural heritage and conservation
efforts.
Tax exemption receipts are also available
which will be issued by the beneficiaries
within two months after the charity dinner event.
For more information, please contact Melissa
at 03-7729 5933, ext. 788 or 017-6896799 or email
melissale@shcsb.com.my.
5

Eco Kids
Meet the Zero Waste Kids
The Johnson family of Mill Valley, California, has
managed to reduce the environmental impact of their
activities and purchases to such an amazing extent
that they produce only 2 handfuls of rubbish PER
YEAR. The healthy, happy and environmentally-responsible
family has pared down its possessions to
only the necessities, yet they don't feel deprived.
All food waste goes into the compost heap,
they shop in bulk at farmers' markets and they take
their own glass jars and cloth bags so they don't need
to buy anything with packaging. They all use compostable
bamboo toothbrushes, and Mrs Johnson has
replaced toothpaste with homemade tooth-cleaning
powder which she stores in glass jars.
How do the Johnson children, Leo, 10, and
Max, 12, do it? Here are some of the earth-friendly
practices their parents have implemented and the 2
boys are happy to practice and share:
1. The boys are limited to just two bins of
toys each. If they want something new, it has to fit in
the bin. This prevents clutter and teaches the boys to
appreciate and care for the things that they have.
2. If the boys outgrow something, it would
be donated, sold, or re-gifted. The boys' parents, Béa
and Scott Johnson, encourage friends and family to
give gifts of expe rience rather than things. Last year,
10-year-old Leo’s birthday gifts included a weekend
of skiing and gift certificates to a climbing gym and
the local ice cream shop.
3. They carry handkerchiefs rather than buy,
use or accept tissue paper.
4. They do not buy juice and sodas in cartons,
bottles and cans. They use reusable water bottles and
bring it with them when they go out instead.
5. Although they occasionally have to buy
and use medication (from a pharmacy or a clinic),
for common colds, they have a neti pot [for flushing
nasal passages with saline] instead. Instead of Band-
Aids, this family mostly uses peroxide, gauze and
paper tape, as these are biodegradable.
6. Food is always made fresh, from basic ingredients
such as grains, flour and vegetables. The
boys do not eat packaged instant products such as
boxed breakfast cereals, frozen pizzas or fast food.
Leo, age 10, has this to say on life in the school lunch
room, "It isn't hard to say no to chips. They're gone
in three seconds, then the bag is in the trash."
7. Instead of paper lunch bags, the boys carry
their sandwiches to school in cloth napkins. They
also use reusable and washable food containers, and
carry snacks from home such as nuts and cookies in
small, washable cloth sacks.
8. The boys are happy to accept and use previously-owned
toys and clothes. Once repaired and
cleaned up, there is often little difference between
new items and pre-owned items.
9. 12-year-old Max explained how he politely
exercises the principle of “refuse” (i.e. in addition
to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) when offered
goodie bags at birthday parties: “I think: do I want
that? Do I need that? Will I use that? If no, then I say
‘No thanks.’ If they insist, I say ‘No, but thanks for
the offer.' The mothers say, ‘ok’.”
What can YOU do to reduce waste and your
impact on the environment? Can you try to cut down
on junk food, fast food and unnecessary purchases?
Will you forgo party favours and disposable tableware
at your next birthday party? How about forgoing
more toys, and requesting gifts for charity at your
next party? Also, use cloth shopping bags, refillable
water bottles and reusable food containers instead of
plastic bags and disposable packaging. See what else
can be repaired, refilled and reused.
You can read more about the Johnsons in
their family blog at: zerowastehome.blogspot.com
Wong Ee Lynn, gl.mnselangor@yahoo.com
Photo credits: Thomas J. Story, Sunset.com
6

Hornbill Conservation Project
Hornbill Volunteer Programme 2012
10 more slots
in August!
Take this opportunity to experience
“Hornbill Haven” in the Belum Temengor Forest Complex
and play an active part towards conserving the Plainpouched
hornbills (PPHB).
Only 10 more slots to fill in August and the closing
date is 31 July 2012.
Some interesting facts to share with regards to PPHBs:
1. Plain-pouched hornbills are not too shy of the conservation
team or the volunteers, in fact these birds actually
look down at the team as they fly right above our heads!
2. Plain-pouched hornbills are circling around Kg Tebang
to do aerial feeding on mayflies.
3. Hundreds of Plain-pouched hornbills may land on one
tree to feed, preen & they’re noisy!
4. Some of these birds are not only preening themselves
but preen the ones next to them. It could be an indication
of pairing up or a parent preening its offspring.
5. These birds have travelled a great distance to come to
Temengor to feed on fruiting trees.
6. These birds have been reported to be nesting in Thailand,
in December/January and then, once breeding season
is over, they take on a long journey to head all the
way down south to Belum and then Temengor.
7. You can count up to 3,000 hornbills in two hours!
For visual experience, check out
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFIjM8fwAnI&feature=pla
yer_embedded
Note: Logon to the links below for detailed write up on
Tracking Hornbils and Life in the Jungle
http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2012/5/1/lif
efocus/11095543&sec=lifefocus
http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=%2F2012%
2F5%2F1%2Flifefocus%2F11094128
PACKAGE 1 [4D/3N]
Day 1
Arrival in Banding Island Jetty, Gerik, Perak (3.00 p.m.)
Boat transfer from Banding Island to Kampung Tebang
Introduction and familiarization with the indigenous Jahai
community at village
Hornbill monitoring (5.30 – 7.30 p.m.) in Kampung
Tebang
Day 2
Hornbill monitoring (6.45 – 9.00 a.m.)
Activities in Kg Tebang or excursion
Hornbill monitoring (5.30 – 7.30 p.m.) in Kampung
Tebang
Day 3
Hornbill monitoring (6.45 – 9.00 a.m.)
Activities in Kg Tebang or excursion
Hornbill monitoring (5.30 – 7.30 p.m.)
Day 4
Hornbill monitoring (6.45 – 9.00 am)
Debrief by Group Leader and Coordinator
Departure to Banding Island Jetty
PACKAGE 2 [5D/4N]
Day 1-3
Follows as per ABOVE
Day 4
Hornbill monitoring (6.45 – 9.00 am)
Activities in Kg Tebang or excursion
Hornbill monitoring (5.30 – 7.30 p.m.)
Day 5
Hornbill monitoring (6.45 – 9.00 am)
Debrief by Group Leader and Coordinator
Departure to Banding Island Jetty
For further details, email Mabel at
hornbill.vp@gmail.com or Maye Yap at cv-manager@mns.org.my
or log on to http://mnsgerikcrc.wordpress.com/mns-hornbill-volunteer-programme-2012/
for
full details.
7

Calendar of Activities
July
15
Sun Bird Watching: Gunung Telapak
Buruk, Negeri Sembilan Open to all MNS
members.
Come and join the Selangor Branch Bird
Group for a morning of bird watching at Gunung
Telapak Buruk (co-ordinates: 2.833333, 102.0667)
in Negeri Sembilan. The hill is 1,193 meters above
sea level at the peak and we will be able to see a mixture
of lowland and sub-montane species.
Meeting point is at the Seremban South
Bound R & R area (after Nilai) along N-S Highway
at 7.00 am. From here we will convoy to the site.
Please be punctual because there is another 45 minutes
to reach the hill.
The paved road up the hill is quite narrow.
We will car-pool up-hill when we reach the car-park
at the base of the hill. Be careful when turning into
this parking space because there is not clear signage
prior to it.
Bring along binoculars, drinking water, light
snacks, mosquito repellant & umbrella. Wear dull
colored clothes, hat & comfortable shoes.
The event shall end at noon. To register or
for more information, call (aft.8pm) or SMS (anytime)
Mr Liung @ 012-3127998 or Mr Andy @ 012-
3993193.
15
Sun Day Trek: Camp Lolo, Ulu Langat
The Pathfinder will be organising day trek to
Camp Lolo. Ideal place for beginners and adventurous
families. The trail walk is about 1 to 1.1/2 hours.
Bring along your binoculars and camera.
To register, please email 1) Full Name, 2)
NRIC, 3) Contact no 4) Mns membership & Expiry,
& 5) Emergency contact to mokkj2@gmail.com attn
Mok (016-2758739) or scubasim@gmail.com attn
Sim (016-3959495). All are welcome (including
non-members) a RM10 fee will be collected for
group insurance and group fund.
19
Thu Talk: "Future Images, Practice, Eccentric
& Theory" by Alex Moh MNS HQ,
Kuala Lumpur, at 8pm.
Alex Moh, developed a passion for photography
at an early age and became a self-taught photographer.
He specialises in Black and White prints
and has participated in many exhibitions.
Alex was the President of the Photographic
Society of Petaling Jaya from 1997-1999 and also a
member of the Royal Photography Society of Great
Britain since 1995. Alex is also the founder of Silver
Gelatin, a Photography Gallery and teaching centre.
Alex now works for Nikon Centre KL and Nikon
Club Malaysia.
Anyone can do it. Photography has gone
electronic and in the very near future film will be almost
an extinct process used only by a few diehards,
as will the whole business of making prints with
messy chemicals in home darkrooms. The darkroom
will be the computer screen.
Digital cameras will get more powerful as
they get smaller, delivering large view camera quality
in the hand. In the chemical free darkroom, manipulations
that were once the province of master
printers will be done at the touch of a button. Most
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.
photographers will simply tidy up their images, correcting
the colour balance, lightning or darkening
certain areas and so on.
Others will totally change them, taking out
or adding elements at will. Whatever the approach,
these developments have had and will have massive
implications for the future of photography, practically,
aesthetically and theoretically.
22
Sun Photography Outing: Kem Lolo
Pangsoon, Hulu Langat, 7am till noon.
Interested in photographing the trails, forests,
streams and waterfalls? Then let’s capture the beauty
of morning sun rays, misty forest, migrating ants and
silky streams!
Wonder what is and where is Kem Lolo?
Kem Lolo, or Lolo Camp is a campsite suitable for
anyone who wants to camp far away from city and
8

y the side of stream that flows into Langat Reservoir
located at the end of the main road to Pangsoon
village. This big campsite is also the pathway to the
famous Mount Nuang whose summit is at the altitude
of 4,898 feet, situated at the Selangor-Pahang
border. Every weekend, there will be many people,
especially hikers, who will trek up to this mountain.
For our photography trip, we will tread on the gravel
and slight mud terrains along the ‘Never Ending
Road’ which will take about 1.5-2.0 hours. The nickname
‘Never Ending Road’ was labeled as such because
of the road that never seems to end especially
coming back from a long day’s hike to Mount
Nuang.
Join us at this half-a-day photography outing.
Don’t forget to bring along your tripod and neutral
density filter especially for photographing the stream
on long exposure. As the trail goes up and down several
times before reaching Kem Lolo, the walk can
be a challenge, so it is expected that you have some
level of fitness, especially when you have to
carry photographic equipment.
You are welcome to join us even if
you do not want to do photography but just
want to sweat out at the walk (and have a
dose of exercise), laze and get wet at the
stream! How cool is this?
To register, please EMAIL 7 items:
(1) full name, (2) contact number, (3) NRIC,
(4) MNS membership number, (5) membership
expiry date, (6) emergency contact
name, and (7) emergency contact number, attention
to Jimmy Oddstuff at mnsphotogroup@gmail.com.
A RM10 fee will be collected for
group insurance and group fund.
More details (including meetup) will
be emailed to registered joiners who are MNS members.
Aug - Sept
Aug 11
Sat Talk: “Malaysian Macrofungal
Diversity” by Dr Lee Su See MNS
HQ Auditorium at 2pm. Please contact Ilyas Sapiyan
at isapiyan@hotmail.com (or sms to 012 6176870)
to reserve a seat.
For a long time fungi were considered plants
and they were only separated into their own kingdom,
Kingdom Fungi in 1969. Although Malaysia is
recognized as one of the 17 most megadiverse countries
in the world with an estimated 15,000 species of
vascular plants, very little is known about its fungi.
The fungi play vital roles in ensuring the equilibrium
of the natural ecosystem as saprophytes, parasites,
mutualists and symbionts. Others provide numerous
drugs, food like mushrooms, and the bubbles in
bread, champagne, and beer. The fungus kingdom
encompasses an enormous diversity of taxa with varied
ecologies, life cycle strategies, and morphologies
ranging from single-celled aquatic chytrids to large
mushrooms. However, little is known of the true biodiversity
of Kingdom Fungi, which has been estimated
at around 1.5 million species, of which only
5% have been formally classified. This talk will give
a brief introduction to the Kingdom Fungi and elaborate
on the diversity of the larger fungi or macrofungi
in Malaysia. The utilization of some fungi for
food and medicine by local indigenous groups in
Peninsular Malaysia will also be discussed.
Sept 15-18
Intermediate Bird Watching
Course: Merapoh
Ever been on a bird watching trip and you
hear lots of birds chirping but could not see any? The
birds seem to be very shy and hiding amongst the
bushes. You can now ID them by their calls (after
completing the intermediate course). Identifying
birds by calls is just one part of the course. Others
include ways of doing bird surveys, looking at birds
in more details etc.
The course will be held over four days at
Merapoh, which is another entrance into Taman Negara.
It will be mainly lowland forest birds but for
those who had been there, you will know that it is an
exciting place to catch some of the wonderful
species.
Those with at least two years of bird watching
experience will find this course to be most useful.
Please call or SMS Mark Ng at 012-319 5189,
for registration or information.
9

Upcoming AGMs
Johor branch
Date: 7 July 2012 (Saturday) Time: 3.00pm
Venue: New York Hotel, No.22,
Jalan Dato' Abdullah Tahir, 80300 Johor Bahru.
Miri Branch
Date: 7 July 2012 (Saturday) Time: 2.00pm
Venue: Lambir Hill National Park
Selangor Branch
Date: 7 July 2012 (Saturday) Time: 2.30pm
Venue: Bilik Kiara, Kelab Golf Perkhidmatan Awam,
Bukit Kiara, Off Jalan Damansara, KL
Pahang Branch
Date: 14 July 2012 (Saturday) Time: 2.30pm
Venue: SMK St Thomas, Kuantan
Melaka & N Sembilan Branch
Date: 15 July 2012 (Sunday) Time: 10.00am
Venue: Club House Conference Room,
Tiara Melaka Golf and Country Club
Langkawi Branch
Date: 20 July 2012 (Friday) Time: 7.00pm
Venue: Coco Jam Conference Room,
Frangipani Resort & Spa
Renew membership via
Online Credit Card Payment
Settling MNS membership fee is now
made easier with on-line credit card payment via
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
Sabah Branch
Date: 21 July 2012 (Saturday) Time: 10.00am
Venue: KK wetland, Likas
Kelantan Branch
Date: 27 July 2012 (Friday) Time: 7.00pm
Venue: PT 1972, BrambleRose.
Pdg Pak Amat, Pasir Puith
Kedah Branch
Date: 28 July 2012 (Saturday) Time: 9.30am
Venue: SMK Teloi Kanan , Kuala Ketil, Kedah
Love outdoors?
Enjoy peace of mind… for you and
your family by writing your Will today!
Perak Branch
Date: 28 July 2012 (Saturday) Time: 4.00pm
Venue: 70, Jalan Chan Chee Keong,
Ipoh Garden South, Ipoh
MNS 65th National AGM
Date: 15 September 2012 (Saturday)
Venue : Residence Inn Cherating, Pahang
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…..
1. Your Family
• Your spouse & children will face cash flow problem because all your bank accounts including joint accounts will be frozen.
• Your children’s welfare may not be taken care of by the people of your choice
2. The Legal Process
• Delay in distribution due to the legal process (2 - 6 years)
• 2 guarantors / sureties required (amount equal or more than deceased’s estate)
• Much more costly resulting in financial burdens to your family
3. Your Asset Distribution (As per Distribution Act 1958 amended in 1997) or (Distribution under Faraid)
• The law will decide on the distribution of your estate such as house (s), Businesses, bank accounts, shares, etc.
LOVE YOUR FAMILY, WRITE YOUR WILL TODAY AND ENJOY A PEACE OF MIND wherever you may be… Golfing,
Travelling, Trekking, Caving, Mountain Climbing, Diving, Biking, Camping, etc.
Why leave to chance….for more information, please call……
MARY OOI Professional Estate Planner (Rockwills Corporation Sdn. Bhd.), Islamic Estate
Planner (as-Salihin Trustee Sdn. Bhd.) H/P: 012-3379906 or email: mary_3_ooi@hotmail.com
10

MNS HQ
JKR 641, 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
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.
JOHOR BRANCH
32, Jln Molek 3/11, Tmn Molek,
81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
www.mnsj.org.my
Chair Vincent Chow
019-7557755, vkkchow@yahoo.com
Vice Chairman Wee Soon Chit
012-7112112, soonchit@hotmail.com
Secretary Zalinah Sarpan, 013-7722229
zalinah.sarpan@my.lafarge.com
KEDAH BRANCH
5 Belakang Hospital, 09300 Kuala Ketil,
Kedah
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 b. Baharom
013-5215025,
mfauzidesaman@yahoo.com.my
KELANTAN BRANCH
204, Jln Sultan Yahya Petra, 15150 Kota
Bharu, Kelantan E: shown@tm.net.my
Chairman Tan Kee Leong, Michael
012-9661228,
mikeogekelate@yahoo.com
Vice Chair Mohd Razali B Che Ali
017-9386015, calmoraz@yahoo.com
Secretary Wong Mei Lin
019-9109073, meklawa@gmail.com
KUCHING BRANCH (SARAWAK)
E: mnskuching@gmail.com
Chairman Cheong Ah Kwan
019-8349499,
kwan_indutek@hotmail.com
Vice Chair Georges Schneider
Secretary Sunita Sara Gill
012-4370050, sunitashamsul@gmail.com
LANGKAWI BRANCH
mnslangkawi@yahoogroups.com
Chairman Eric R. Sinnaya
019-4499142, morahols@streamyx.com
Vice Chair Chin Jong Wah
012-4888798, samy@ envomarine.com
Secretary Zuraidah Zainal Abidun
017-5600384, hajahzuraidah@yahoo.com
MIRI BRANCH (SARAWAK)
E: mnsmiri@yahoo.com;
Blog: mnsmiri.blogspot.com
Chairman Peter Pillai
012-8782889, seeborneo@gmail. com
Vice Chair Musa Musbah
016-8746127, sammua@yahoo. com
Secretary Joyce Vikneswari Sivalingam
012-4604609, jvsivalingam@hotmail.com
NEGERI SEMBILAN/
MELAKA BRANCH
c/o Cooltek, 350 Jalan Woodland, Tiara
Melaka Golf & Country Club,
Ayer Keroh, 75450 Melaka
Web: mns-n9melaka.yolasite.com/
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
No. 30 1st Floor Jalan Gambut, 25000
Kuantan, Pahang
mnsphg@yahoo.com.sg
Blog: mnspahang@yahoogroups.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 0199515169
chowmeefoong@yahoo.com
PENANG BRANCH
Nature Information Centre (NIC),
673-B Jalan Kebun Bunga,
10350 Penang. T/F: 016-4840747
Open Mon–Sat, 7.30 am – 11.30 am
(Please phone before visiting).
E-mail: mnspenang@yahoo.com
Web: www.geocities.com/mnspenang/
Chairman Tan Choo Eng
019-4484344, chooengtan@yahoo.com
Vice Chairman Tajul Arosh
016-4352920, tajul_ab@yahoo. com
Secretary Peggy Tan
016-4200990, tpeggypeach@yahoo.com
PERAK BRANCH
8 Jalan Virgo, Star Park, 31400 Ipoh
E: 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
P.O. Box 12377, 88826 Kota Kinabalu,
Sabah
E: mns_sabah@yahoo.com.sg
Chairperson Omar Abdul Kadir
019-8110125, omar_kadir51@yahoo.com
Vice Chair Jemy @ Jimmy Bin Omar
013-8560000, jimmyomar@gmail.com
SANDAKAN BRANCH (SABAH)
– Pro Term Committee
Lot 322, Lorong Pertama 17, Tmn Pertama,
90000 Sandakan
Chairperson Chow Kok Cheng, Charles
013-8866968, kcccharles@yahoo.com
Vice-Chair Datin Nurifrideri Bederi
012-8157931, hassdc@yahoo.com
Secretary Shane Ho Tshun Wei
016-8310220, shanehtw@ yahoo.com
SELANGOR BRANCH
c/o MNS HQ address
E: mns.selangor@gmail.com
malaysiannaturesociety@yahoogroups.com
Chairman K. S. Goh, Henry
012-3669930, henrygks10@ gmail.com
Vice Chairman Lim Teck Wyn
016-3619148, teckwyn@ hotmail.com
Secretary Gan Li Li
012-2074840, pat_ganll@hotmail.com
TERENGGANU BRANCH
1926 Bukit Kubang Jambu,
20050 Kuala Terengganu
E: mnsterengganu@gmail.com
Chairman HjWan Md Adnan
017-9861926,
mnsterengganu@gmail.com
11

Vice Chair Anuar Abd McAfee
012-9864177, anuar@ms.kusza.edu.my
Secretary Chen Pelf Nyok
012-6968238, chenpn@gmail. com
Editors
Iska Hashim 03-20732355
Kay Lyons 03-79814271
Khor Hui Min 017-8817714
TURN YOUR TRASH
INTO CASH FOR THE NEEDY
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 e-
mail it to Bernadette Chin at
berniechin118@yahoo.com or fax her at 03-
51928191 (Attention: Bernie Finance).
Discount Rates
For advertisements paid in advance:
3 adverts paid in advance – 5% off;
6 adverts paid in advance – 10% off;
9 adverts paid in advance –15% off;
12 adverts paid in advance – 20% off.
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-copy
Help the environment and opt to download
the newsletter from the Selangor Branch
website (www.mns.org.my) or the Selangor
Branch e-group: groups.yahoo.com/group/
To open the pdf file, you’ll need a pdf reader,
such as Adobe Reader (downloadable for
free at www.adobe.com).
Computer Recycling Collection
Centre (Penang)
The MNS Nature Information Centre
(NIC) is a designated recycling collection centre
for old computers and computer parts by the
Penang City Council. Please send your unwanted
computers and parts to the NIC to be send for recycling
by DOE approved recycling establishment.
Contact Kanda at 013-4537992 for more
information or check out Penang Branch web
pages
Nature Owlet - The MNS Shop
T/F: 03-2287 3471
tapir.shop@mns.org.my or natureowlet@yahoo.com
www.facebook.com/NatureOWLetMNS
Open Mon-Fri 0930-1730 hrs, Saturday 1000-1300 hrs. Closed
on Sundays & Public Holidays as well as during major MNS
events (e.g. Raptor Watch etc).
Offers a growing selection of books for the nature lover
(kids included) and MNS Publications The Malaysian Natural-
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 Rumah K.I.D.S.
(3373-3400). Klang St. Barnabas Home (3372-8191). Klang
Pusat Kasih Sayang (3372-1723). Klang 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 , 4:30-6:30pm. Johor
Baru Giant Cash & Carry, Plentong. Everyday except Mondays,
1-6pm.
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
ist and Suara Enggang; MNS apparel; outdoor gear
(from Buff, Coleman, Maglite, Campingaz, Leatherman,
Deuter, Mora); sport optics and supports (from
Leica, Minox, Meade, Nikon, Swarovski & Manfrotto)
and more.
Members who show their membership card
receive a discount for most items.
12