PENCINTA ALAM - Malaysian Nature Society (MNS)

PENCINTA ALAMNEWSLETTER OF THE MALAYSIAN NATURE SOCIETYJuly 2009www.mns.org.myNo Electricity?No Problem!MNS Selangor Branch’s biannual Open Dayevent – at which MNS members and the general publiclearn about MNS and how to get involved in thenumerous activities available through its Special InterestGroups (SIGs) – was recently held on 23 May,2009, at Taman Pertanian Malaysia, Bukit CahayaSeri Alam, in Shah Alam. The theme was, “Nilai airtanah air-ku”, and celebrated the value of water.Open Day welcomed a total of 278 registeredvisitors, of which 214 were non-MNS members, including80 students and 7 teachers from the BeaconhouseSri Inai School in Damansara Jaya. We hadBeaconhouse Sri Inai students enjoying cold Revive Isotonics atOpen Day16 people sign up as new MNS members and fivemembership renewals on the day.In spite of a power outage which affected thepark, most scheduled activities went ahead, includingkayaking, interpretive nature walks with nature photographytips, a night frogging walk, bird watching,arts and crafts, Green Living activities, a rope andknots demonstration, a water quiz, a mushroom andflora hunt, a Water Conservation Hunt, campingskills demonstrations, hands-on water quality testingactivities, a Turtle Workshop in conjunction withWorld Turtle Day, games and educational displayson water conservation, tiger conservation activities,and the displays and sales of merchandise and usedbooks. Unfortunately, because of the electricity failure,the talks and screenings portion of Open Daycentering on vegetarianism and how meatless dietscan contribute to the fight against global warming,as well as a PowerPoint presentation showcasing theMNS SIGs, had to be cancelled. On the bright side,our carbon footprint was much smaller, as a result!Open Day was made possible by the involvementand contributions of a dedicated organizingcommittee and a dynamic army of volunteers, theMNS SIGs, MNS Headquarters, Nature Owlet, CoreZone, LUAS (Lembaga Urus Air Selangor), WWF-Malaysia, SMTV (Supreme Master TV), MSMS (theMalaysian Society of Marine Sciences), Taman PertanianMalaysia and its staff (especially Encik MohdSaiful Nizam), MNS members Yong Siew Kien andher husband Roy, Justlife, and Majlis BandarayaShah Alam. Vegetarian lunches (which were extremelywell-received) for the approximately 120volunteers and booth exhibitors was sponsored byLoving Hut Restaurant in Puchong, while Mrs. MayLim and other members of SMTV made deliciousvegetarian and vegan food for everyone to try atOpen Day. To all of you, a multitude of gratitude!Open Day would never have happened without yourcollective inputs/ contributions/ time/ efforts/ will/goodwill. The organizing committee would also liketo thank Permanis Sdn Bhd for its generous sponsorshipof Revive Isotonic, the new generation revitalizingisotonic drink, which was provided toeveryone at Open Day.Please look out for the next Open Day andcome and support it!Eugene LeeMay 2009 Open Day CoordinatorQuestions for CouncilThe next meeting of the MNS Councilis scheduled for Saturday, 18 July 2009. Memberswho wish to raise issues for discussion atCouncil, please contact your Branch chair (emailsare listed on page 20) or MNS HonorarySecretary at jessie1303@gmail.com. Agendaitems must be submitted at least two weeksprior to the Council meeting for inclusion.1

MNS Branch Annual General Meetings (AGM)and National AGM 2009Branch Annual General MeetingsCome and join us and have the opportunity to listento the achievements and challenges of the outgoingBranch committee 2008/2009 members. And you canvote for the new Branch Committee members2009/2010.Who can attend Branch AGM?MNS members with valid subscription. If you areunsure of your membership, send an email to Wee Chinat membership@mnns.org.my to enquire further.Present Issue to BranchPlease submit in writing to Branch Secretary notless than seven days before the AGM.Vote at Branch AGMsAll committee positions will be available for re-electionand anyone who wishes to stand for a committeeposition must notify Branch Secretary as soon as possible.You can find his/her details at the end of thisnewsletter.Branch Date Venue TimeJohor & Singapore 4/7/09 (Saturday) Paragon Hotel 3.00pmKuching 4/7/09 (Saturday) Conference Room, AZAM Complex, Jalan 3.00pm – 5.00pmCrookshank, KuchingKedah & Perlis 11/7/09 (Saturday) Kedah Branch Office10.30am289, Tingkah Bawah, Jalan Shahab 1, ShahabPerdanan, 05350 Alor StarPahang 11/7/09 (Saturday) SMK St. Thomas, Kuantan. 4.00pmMiri 15/7/09 (Wednesday) Kelab Rekreasi Petroleum Lutong 6.30pmMelaka & N/Seremban 19/7/09 (Sunday) Cooltek, Tiara Melaka Golf & Country Club, 10.00amMelakaKelantan 24/7/09 (Friday) Perdana Resort, Kota Bahru 4.30pmPenang 25/7/09 (Saturday) Disted College, George Town, Penang 2.30pmSelangor 25/7/09 (Saturday) Rimba Ilmu 3.00pmSabah 25/07/09*(Saturday) Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre 2.00pmPerak 1/8/09 (Saturday) Perak Shooting Association* 4.30pmTerengganuDate and venue to be announced by post tomembers62th MNS NationalAGM 200926/9/09 (Saturday) Hosted by Miri BranchBorneo Tropical Rainforest Resort2.00pm* TentativeConsequences from climatechange in MalaysiaPeople are always talking about global, bigpicture impacts arising from climate change. Whatwould be serious impacts from climate change inMalaysia? Global and national experts agree on thetemperature rise in the next 50 years since 1990s. Is2°C really a big deal? Most people would probablyresort to using air-conditioning and not expecting itto affect their lives. The truth is a small change likethis can trigger the sea level rise and a shift inweather pattern!Even when there is no water supply, the firstthing we would think of is to grab a phone and complaint;we are tax payers, we pay our water bills, sowe cannot accept any reason for not getting qualitywater supply, specifically when we’re a rich tropicalcountry with abundance of forests and natural resources- and the government would have to take theblame. Hey, the government is not the rain god, althoughwhat they do (or don’t do!) will affect it.Rainfall distribution determines water amountsstored in dams and reservoirs, and therefore watersupplies for households, industrial, and agricultureand other uses.Animal and plant species that are unable toadapt quickly will be threatened, some perhaps to extinction.A study from FRIM has predicted that about47% of mammals and 29% of birds are already vulnerableto climate change, such as Talpa micrura(Short-tailed Mole), Aethalops alecto (Grey FruitBat) and Rattus edwardsi (Edward’s Rat). Some ofthese species are important pollinators of crops andcontinues on page 162

Hornbill Volunteer ProgrammeInterviews Part 2Q1: Can you share good as well as not so good experiencesof your trip?Anand Kumar (AK): Travelling there on boat and seeingthose tree stumps in the water. Staying with theOrang Aslis was a highlight because of who they are andwhat they represent. And of course seeing the differentwildlife out there. It was quite magical to hear the Arguspheasants call and the hornbills as well.Ang Sek Chuan (ASC): Have to push myself up early inthe morning, stepping into chilling lake and focusing ourbinoculars with poor dawn lighting and the joy of observinga formation of hornbills.Lim Bing Yee (LBY): POSITIVE EXPERIENCESa. seeing and hearing the PLAIN pouch returning/departingin multitudes.b. observing the presence ofother hornbill species.c. pleasant boat ridesd. the thrill of 'sharing' with anon-birder the flight/call ofhornbillse. the ability to pick up skills asa counter quickly without feelingoverwhelmed.f. meeting an orang asli communityg. listening to 5am chants in themorning!h. enjoying good company withlikeminded people out to achieve ameaningful project.Suggestions to think about:a. To remind participants to bringantihistamines to counteract allergiesto fine dust etc that might belurking.b. A talk about “hornbills” prior tothe project starting to inform wouldbe participants about the hornibillsthat can be seen and the Belumarea and Belum itself and whatthey are expected to do as counters.(perhaps more recent pictures andinformation).Jordan Lau Kok Wei (LKW): Co-operate with teammember and guide to count hornbills, flight of hornbillsin V shape, few thousands at a time, 1 st time I seen.Lee Li Liang (LLL): Good and bad experience too, torush back to the hut in the speed boat with the heavy rain,soaked into the skin and wondering if the weather forceus to swim in the water.Lim May Nee (LMN): Overall, it is a good experience.Seow Boon Eu (SBE): Wonderful and memorable experienceI had in my entire life, the experience was like thefirst time experience with the fireflies in Kampung Kuantan,Kuala Selangor.Besides, I also have a change to experience thecontinues next page3

life of the Orang Asli, live near to the aborigine made usfeel like part of them, we slept very early, and wake upvery early before sunrise, the night sky was really beautifuland clear, without any light pollution, the the heavenfor stargazing. The morning call started with the hen, andcontinued by the beautiful bird songs. The orang asli kidsare playful and shy. I really admire their childhood.The not so good experiences, was mainly thelogging activities, it shouldn't be allowed in the forest reserve,otherwise, what is the purpose of reserving the forestfor logging?Ch’ien Ch’ien Lee (CCL): The trip was very enjoyablenot just for the opportunity to see so many hornbills, butalso to get the chance to explore some of the forestaround BT. We were fortunate to see Rafflesia cantleyiin bloom, which was a big plus.Q2: All of you have assisted MNS Conservation teamin collating research data through this Hornbill VolunteerProgramme. What kind of impact would youlike to see at the end of these volunteer programmes?AK: To see that the main reason for this project to comeabout being fufilled. Keeping Belum-Temengor and itsspecies and also the indigenous people intact without anychanges particularly impact of logging oil palm plantationsetc.ASC: Quickly declare Temenggor Forest Reserve as astate park and stop all logging activities.LBY: More awareness of the value of the BelumTemenggor area and the need to prevent the overharvestingof huge trees that are contained within that couldbe nesting places for hornbills, especially the Plainpouch. Also perhaps some sustainable economic ecotourismactivity can be generated for the Orang asli community.LKW: Government 's concern.LLL: When you look at the figure, you will be surpriseand hope MNS can achieve the objective by continuouslycarried out the project. Save the forest, save the birds.LMN: Hopefully, we have helped in getting more accuratedata for the Hornbill Conservation programme.SBE: Stop logging in this area, and preserve the forestfor the plain-pouched hornbill and other birdlife andwildlife. Reduce the human activities there, especiallyvisitor to the park.Last but not least, please do not introduce anyforeign species to Belum-Temengor forest, especially theOrang Utan from Borneo.CCL: I see the work we have been doing as only the beginningof the real research, as it seems there is a lot wedon't know about this species. Sure we have ascertainedthat there is a very substanial population of PPHB in thisreserve, but there are lots of other questions such aswhere are these birds dispersing to year-round? As a volunteer,I would be very interested to hear about followupresearch concerning this species.PROGRAMME ITINERARY FOR 2009PACKAGE 1 [4D/3N]Day 1- Arrival in Banding Island Jetty, Gerik, Perak (2.00 p.m.)- Boat transfer from Banding Island to Kampung Tebang- Introduction and familiarization with the indigenous Jahaicommunity at village- Hornbill monitoring (5.30 – 7.30 p.m.) in Kampung TebangDay 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 TebangDay 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 JettyPACKAGE 2 [5D/4N]Day 1-3 Follows as per Package 1.Day 4- Hornbill monitoring (6.45a.m. – 9.00 am)- Activities in Kg Tebang or excursion- Hornbill monitoring (5.30 – 7.30 p.m.)Day 5- Hornbill monitoring (6.45 a.m. – 9.00 am)- Departure to Banding Island JettyActivities in Temengor may include camp crafts, herbal gardenplanting, hut enhancement and raft building. Excursionsin Temengor may include visits to nearby waterfall, salt licksand Rafflesia sites.INTERESTED? Email Jessie at community@mns.org.myfor more details4

Eco KidsEnergy & ClimateChange Quiz1. Which one is not a fossil fuel?a. Oilb. Woodc. Coal2. How much carbon dioxide (CO2) is put intothe air for every litre of petrol an average caruses?a. None. Using petrol does not put CO2 into theair.b. 2.4 kgc. 24 kg3. What does the word “petroleum” mean?a. Rock oilb. Ancient sea creaturec. Swamp gas4. Which of these human activities contributesthe most to global warming?a. Riding skateboardsb. Cutting down treesc. Using fossil fuels for energy5. What is coal made from?a. Dead plantsb. Dinosaur fossilsc. A whole bunch of chemicals mixed together byscientists.6. What percent of energy used around theworld comes from fossil fuels?a. Noneb. 90%c. 40%7. Which fossil fuel creates the least amount ofcarbon dioxide (CO2)?a. Natural gasb. Coalc. Oil8. What are greenhouse gases?a. Gases that trap heat above the Earthb. Gases that are made by plants growing in greenhousesc. Gases used to heat greenhouses to make it warmenough for plants to grow9. Which of the following is NOT a greenhousegas?a. Methaneb. Oxygenc. Carbon dioxide10. What is “permafrost”?a. Frozen soilb. A powerful refrigeratorc. Cores of ice studied by scientists to find outwhat the climate was like long ago.-Wong Ee Lynngl.mnselangor@yahoo.comAnswers: 1. (b); 2. (b); 3. (a); 4. (c); 5. (a); 6. (b); 7.(a); 8 (a); 9. (b); 10 (a).Member’s ReportGunung Chamah:Gem Above The Clouds“SSh! Hide! They are after us!” yelled Sil.We scrambled into some bushes and shrubs.Screams of excitement of the Siamang gibbons shatterthe stillness of the forest. We had just caughtsight of these creatures diving from limb to limb,gabbling excitedly and creating a menacing ruckus.Vines shook and branches fell. Using their weightand their strength, they stirred the canopy like stormwinds. We were having sandwiches for lunch andthese magnificent creatures wanted a share of ourfood. We packed our bags and dashed into thewilderness. We were soaked with perspiration andadrenaline. Alistair,Sylvie and I had embarked on ajourney of adventurous discovery .We were on ourtrek up a great mountain, Gunung Chamah (7360feet high) in Kelantan near Gua Musang. Last yearclimbers perished at Gunung Rajah in Pahang after astormy weather.Gunung Chamah is enhanced by whorls ofmist and rich splashes of colours as it towers abovethe blue skyline of the surrounding. Alastair,Sylvie, Hooi and I reached the foothills on a bumpyride in a Hi Lux. Our orang Asli were from a littlesettlement at Kampung Rekoh. The soil gets thinneras we ascended and the gnarled trees look twisted.The tranquil atmosphere is soul-gratifying and thebonsai-like growths and rich splashes of azure in thesky, mesmerize one’s being. To me these splendidsights are akin to “food ” for the soul for at times anindividual needs solitude and a communion with nature’screation. Pelting rain with intermittent drizzlecontinues next page5

kept us company.At certain slopes, I closed my eyes and heldon for dear life for the space of the ledge beneath myfeet was enough for only one foot. So I had to tip toeand balance myself precariously on the edges of hugeboulders. Mud was everywhere as we slid downslippery slopes and struggled over huge, fallen trees.Someone yelled in pain as she fell on her arm. Astorm of wild bees stung one man who suffered fromfever and swollen legs. All aches vanished as wecaught sight of the brilliant mossy forest resemblinga fairyland in a story book. Reward was waiting asthe sunrise at the summit was a magnificent sight tobehold. It takes your breath away and one can onlygape at the myriad of colours in vibrancy. The brilliantblue, streaked with the gold and yellow of thesunshine in contrast with the dark grayish clouds,resembled an artist’s masterpiece. The climb up thesummit is not just conquering the mountain. Thetreasure of flora and fauna is a lesson in nature- a lessonthat is well worth the physical effort. When wefinally descended to the base, our tour guide waslaughing at my gait. “Look! She is walking like acrab!” I grinned as cameras started clicking. Myknees had begun to ache even though I carried abamboo stick all the way. We thought about the narrowridges and crests that sent the adrenaline pumping.Everyone was in a state of exaltation and thiswas heightened with a splendid dinner with a liberaldose of whisky to commemorate our success. “Willyou climb again?” asked my friends who did notclimb up. The radiant smile on my face answeredtheir question. The cool, crisp air, the invitingscenery, the rolling hills and the picturesque landscapeare simply irresistible.- Peggy Tan, Penang MNSNotice of Selangor Branch AGMDate: Saturday, 25 July 2009Time: 3.00pmLocation: Rimba Ilmu Auditorium, UniversityMalayaThe Annual General Meeting of MNS SelangorBranch will be held. The agenda is as follows: -* Table & adopt the minutes from the last AGMi.e. 2008* Discuss any matters arising* Present & receive the Chairman 's report on thelast year's activities, and from the co-ordinatorsof each of the Special Interest Groups.* Table & adopt the accounts for the year 31 May2009* Elect the next branch committee & auditors forthe coming year.* Other matters: -Announce the Annual Branch AwardsOther matters can be raised but noticeshould be given to the Secretary in writing (includingemails). Please include your name, membershipnumber & contact number. Confirmationwill be sent once your message is received.For those who would like a copy of theminutes prior to the AGM or the map, please contactthe Secretary at pat_ganll@hotmail.com (Mobile012-207 4840)Light refreshments will be served after themeeting. The activities lined up as below: -2.00pm: Talk & slide show by YasaminIbrahim & Lim Tze Tshen on“Latest Fossil Finds in Selangor”3.00pm: Branch AGMWant to help develop the MNS Selangorbranch, interested in helping organise events, gotnew ideas for branch activities - WE NEED YOU!MNS Selangor Branch would like to invitemembers whom are interested to serve on theCommittee.Requirements: -1. PASSIONATE about GREEN issues2. Channel your TIME & ENERGY with likemindedindividuals for branch CONSERVATIONefforts3. Contribute EFFORT to turning green ideasinto realityInterested? Now is the time to stand up &make yourself known to us. Please submit the2009 Branch nomination form that can be foundon www.mns.org.my by 10 July 2009.6

Interview with Council MemberAngela Hijjas sharesher MNS momentsQ1: You accepted the position of Chairperson,Membership Advisory Committee in 2004 andhave led membership initiatives for a period of 5years. What was the motivating factor to take onthis role on a voluntary basis?Having chaired Selangor Branch for sometime, I had been involved with membership andshare the passion to strengthen MNS by increasingour numbers. For a country with mega biodiversity,Malaysia's record of appreciation is slim and we allknow that concern translates into action more readilythan if people are ignorant. So the possibilitiesfor conservation are huge if you can engage and recruitmore people, but also people can benefit interms of the quality of their individual lives by beingmembers of MNS. We talk a lot about the benefits ofbeing with "like minded people" to the extent that wegloss over the real value that this infers: living underthe pressures of a competitive urban society, we needto have other interests that sustain us, and interestingactivities to make life that much richer. I believeMNS Branches do all of this, but they need the supportof a sustained programme from the secretariatto recruit more people as members and volunteers.Personally I have benefitted hugely be being a memberof MNS and then by taking up small voluntaryduties leading to bigger things: I have learned somuch about nature, and how an NGO like MNS hasto operate to achieve its goals. By being part of thatmy life has been greatly enriched.Angela Hijjas at the launch of the Belum Temengor SignatureCampaignQ2: You submitted a resignation letter in 2009and subsequently relinquished all official positionsin MNS including the Chairperson of MembershipAdvisory Committee. Are you able toshare with us the reasons leading to this?My timing was bad, that I freely admit, as Ishould not have stood in the last election, but at thattime I didn't know what was going to happen in ourown business. In 2008, Hijjas and I tendered for agroup of houses in Georgetown, Penang, and to oursurprise we won the bid. That then required a hugeeffort to begin a new venture there, restoring thebuildings and converting them into a hotel. We hopeto open in a year but it is a full time job for me thatrequires a lot of travel sourcing materials and actuallybeing there to supervise and make decisions. Istill run our artists' residency programme as well, andwith family commitments too it was an obvious decisionthat had to be made. I do think, however, thatthere should be a turnover of Council members, andthat ten years is enough for anyone; after that a breakof at least one term should ensue, and then one couldbe eligible again. This would ensure that there isnew blood coming in with each new Council. Webrought new people into the current Council, andthey are indeed taking new approaches.Q3: With the Branch AGMs approaching in July09 and MNS is seeking interested members tohold voluntary positions within the branch committee,would you like to share positive experiencesof holding various positions within MNS?For me, MNS offered a life changing opportunityto get involved. Like many, I share the hugeconcerns about environmental degradation and thelack of action on the part of government. Workingwith an NGO like MNS gives an opportunity tomake a difference, rather than moaning and feelingineffective. There are many positive things that wecan all do to bring change, but it is hard to do it alone.Once again the possibility of working with "likeminded" friends makes doing something that mucheasier. Whether you volunteer to help at a jumblesale, or take people on nature related events, or participatein any of the events organized by others, youcontinues next pageAngela Hijjas taking questions from the public during thescreening of Temengor: Biodiversity in Crisis7

Green Living ColumnComposting ConundrumsComposting has the following benefits over conventionalmeans of disposing of household and gardenwaste:1. Can be used as fertilizer and mulch to improvesoil quality;2. Reduces the volume of rubbish disposed of, andconsequently, the fuel used to transport rubbish to landfills.3. Reduces the amount of organic waste being sentto landfills, thus reducing the amount of methane generatedin landfills as a result of the decomposition of large amountsof organic matter.Here are some questions posed to Green Living bythose who have attempted household composting:Q: WHAT CAN I DO WITH MEAT, FOOD WASTEAND PET WASTE? CAN I ALSO COMPOST THESEIF I LIVE IN AN APARTMENT, OR COMPOSTUSING A BIN OR POT?The general advice is that you should not put petwaste or anything greasy, cooked or meat-based into a compostpile, unless you have a special composter (such asGreen Cone, or a compost aerator). However, these compostingdevices are expensive and not easily available inMalaysia. Furthermore, as the purpose of composting is toreduce waste, it would not make sense to increase consumptionby purchasing another product.Composting advocates and practitioners advise thefollowing steps to ensure that any organic matter that is includedin your compost pit decomposes quickly without contaminatingthe rest of the compost:i. Most wet waste such as fruit and vegetable mattershould be evenly spread out within the compost pile, skinsidedown, to ensure rapid drying. It is best to chop or breakup larger pieces.ii. Maintain a good proportion of wet waste, dry wasteand aged compost. Do not put too much wet waste in at anygiven time.iii. Expose all food waste to sunshine to speed up the decompositionprocess and to eliminate odours. To preventflies and snails, cover the wet waste with a light layer of soilor aged compost, or cover the compost pit/bin with a mosquitoscreen to keep insects out.iv. It is best not to compost fat, gristle and organs from animalcarcasses. Most worms will not aid in the decompositionof anything with oil or fat. Meat and grease also tend toattract scavenging animals and flies. All bones that are to becomposted should be thoroughly cooked and stripped freeof meat to prevent bacterial and maggot infestation. Burythe bones deep within a pocket of dry and aged compost inthe compost pile. Be prepared to take a longer time beforeyou can turn the compost.v. Composting meat and bones works best for those withlarge compost pits in landed areas, and is less suitable forthose living in apartments or composting using bins or pots.This is because microorganisms in soil will help meat andbone waste break down more easily. Also, balcony compostpots/bins may not receive sufficient heat and sunlight to killbacteria.vi. It is best to burn or char bones and meat waste to killbacteria, but it will not make sense to start the oven or grilljust to burn waste for inclusion in compost. Burn the bonesand meat in an existing fire, e.g. a barbecue pit at the end ofa party before the coals die out.vii. To be on the safe side, compost your meat/bone wastein a separate site from your existing compost pit. This is becauseif the decomposition process is not complete, therewill be highly dangerous bacteria in your meat and bonewaste that will contaminate the rest of your compost. Whenyour meat-based compost is completely dry and odourlessand there are no recognisable pieces of meat/bone scraps inthe compost, it is ready for use.viii. Pet waste can be buried in soil PROVIDED it is faraway from water sources and food plants (i.e. fruits and vegetables).Pet waste should only ever be buried near flowerbeds and non-fruit trees.ix. Most compost practitioners recommend NOT diggingup composted pet waste or meat/bone waste for use in otherareas of the garden, but to leave it in the soil where it isburied. This means that the composting was carried out to reducewaste and to improve soil quality, but is not intended tobe a method of producing compost fertiliser to be used inpotted plants or other parts of the home or garden.x. Local environments and soil quality differ, so youmight not be able to compost meat or pet waste as successfullyas your friends who live in different areas. Weather alsoplays a factor in how quickly decomposition takes place. Itis always easier more sanitary to compost in the hot season.- Wong Ee Lynngl.mnselangor@yahoo.comAngela Hijjas Interview continuesare helping the cause, and biodiversity conservationis the greatest problem facing our world. By ignoringit, we have entered a mindset that has caused allthe problems of climate change and degradation; butby participating and helping in an organization likeMNS you can deal with these huge issues, knowingthat the passion is shared by others. We have to standand be counted; our electoral experience last year hasdemonstrated clearly that it makes a difference, andstanding for a voluntary position in an NGOstrengthens the organization and the chances of success;it also gives that individual an opportunity fora life changing experience that he or she would nothave otherwise. So get involved if you can, and youWILL make a difference… stand aside and you haveno right to complain. One taxi driver story I heardrefers to the national election last year: he was holdingforth on who, why and what, and that no one wasdoing what they should be doing, in his opinion. Onbeing asked "So who are you going to vote for?" hereplied, like many others, that he doesn't vote. Myfriend rightly responded by telling him he had noright to complain if he didn't even exercise that smallresponsibility, and she was right. It's up to us.8

Member’s ReportThe ABC’sOf BirdwatchingHi. Let me introduce myself. I’ma back garden variety of birdwatcher...tatteredbird book on the verandah tablealongside my smudged Petaling Streetbinoculars. Or rather, I used to be! Thatis until I attended the MNS Selangor BirdGroup Beginner’s Course on May 15th.After dinner at our Frasers Hillbase on Friday 15th, we all attended thefirst Classroom session. We were introducedto the different types of binoculars(bins), good field guides and note-takingtips and bird topography. I discoveredthere is a lot more to identifying a birdthan just its colour – we were taughtabout the various uses of different shapedbeaks; how a bird flies; where the bird isseeking its food; and that there are sexual,age, seasonal and geographical differencesto the same bird. My mindboggled as I lay down in my (very comfortable!)bed that night but I knew onething for sure – the Petaling Street binswould have to go!On Saturday morning, we roseearly and headed off in groups for ourfirst Practical Session. My group headedto ‘Telecom loop’ and as we ambledalong we were greeted almost immediatelyby a Black and Crimson Oriole. Itwas very similar to my yellow back gardencousin at home who often wakes usin the morning with his loud call!Then we saw a small ‘dancing’ bird,moving its tail from side to side as if itwas performing a Chinese fandance….the very appropriately namedWhite-throated Fantail. We saw manyother birds on this morning trip, butthe loveliest sight was of a pair ofPygmy Wren Babblers (Pnoepygapusilla). These were tiny birds (9cm)with no tails, round bodied, with scalychest feathers and mottled brownwing feathers. They were scuttlinglow on the side of the path, and ourexperienced guides suggested that westep back as the birds seemed to bewaiting for us to pass. As we movedback, we saw that the birds were indeedin the process of nest building onthe opposite side of the path.In the afternoon, we had morelearning to do…sketching, colours,safety and conservation - to name justa few of the subjects covered. Andafter the rain stopped (!), we went outat 4.30pm for another practical session.It was drizzling, grey weatherand the birds, like us, seem to preferdrier weather! However, we enjoyedwatching a Slaty-backed Forktail,who seemed to be leading the waydown the ‘old New Road’. We alsosaw a Black-crested Bulbul and anotherDrongo, this time a BronzedDrongo with a forked tail. But thehighlight of the afternoon appeared aswe were ready to return to the hotel.continues next pageBOOKS ON SALE1. The True Causes of All Diseases. 192pRM45.00 Subsidised offer price: RM15.002. Human Diseases. (Describes 101 diseases). 336p.RM 60.00 Subsidised offer price: RM20.003. Sex Problems: Causes, Cure and Prevention. 224p.Subsidised offer price: RM10.004. Hair Problems: Causes, Cure and Prevention. 276p.RM24.00 Offer: RM20.005. Asthma, Bronchitis, Cough, Sneezing and Sweating. 145p.RM15.00 Offer: RM12.006. Heart Problems, Diabetes & Related Diseases. 284p.RM24.00 Offer: RM20.007. Your sex Potentials. 91p.Offer: RM 10.008. Health Problems: Diagnose Yourself 148p.RM 9.60 Offer: RM8.009. Obesity: Causes, Cure and Prevention. (Meant for ALL people) 471p.Hard Cover.RM120.00 Special offer price: RM60.00These can be purchased in most Malaysian bookshops.If unavailable, contactNEO HEALTH CARE(Reg.No.001659456-X)No.12, Jalan Ara SD 7/3-E, Bandar Sri Damansara, 5220 KL.H/P: 012-207 1414. Tel:03-6272 2284.Ms.Jothi:012-206 2344.(After Office Hours)E-mail:vmpalani@streamyx.com / Website: www.neo-healthcare.com************************************************************“PREVENTION OF CANCER AND OTHER MAJOR DISEASESIN ECOLOGICAL HEALING SYSTEM”TALK by Dr.V.M.Palaniappan, Ph .D.At 9.30a.m, Sunday, 31.5.2009No.30-A, Jalan Ara SD 7/3-A, Bandar Sri Damansara, 52200 KL.Admission: FREE. Must register in advance.CONTACT NEO HEALTH CARE FOR DETAILS9

BookshelfMember: RM 60.50Non-member: RM 67.20Plants and Flowers ofMalaysiaAuthor: Ivan PoluninPublisher: Times EditionsType of Cover: Hard coverYear Published: 2004From mountain peaks to coastlines,Malaysia boasts rich and varied flora. About tenthousand species of flowering plant are found inthe states of Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah andSarawak. This figure represents 4 percent of theworld’s total of flowering plants and does not includethe species introduced to the region fromthe great rainforests of tropical America andAfrica.A lavishly illustrated handbook, Plantsand Flowers of Malaysia captures some of thewonderful, weird, beautiful, rare and commonplants that are part of Malaysia’s natural heritage.The book features 170 native and naturalizedMalaysian plant species, including a parade ofcarnivorous pitcher plants – the world’s most successfulvegetable trappers of insects – and extraordinaryant plants; the fantastic,giant-flowered, parasitic Rafflesia; little knownmountain rhododendrons; and beautiful orchids.In the first section of Plants and Flowersof Malaysia, Dr.Polunin describes Malaysia’s mainvegetation types and offers a guide to the best placesto see Malaysia’s plant life. The second section focuseson the detailed description of the featuredspecies, which have been grouped according to theirhabitat. Full-colour photographs illustrate eachspecies and the accompanying caption contains awealth of information about the plant, its origin andits uses. A special section on climbers and epiphytesis also featured. All these make this book an invaluableintroduction to the plants and flowers ofMalaysia.Member: RM 36.00Non-member: RM 40.00A Photographic Guide To Birds OfBorneo, Sabah, Sarawak, BruneiAnd Kalimantan (Third Edition)Author: G.W.H Davison and ChewYen FookPublisher: New HollandYear Published: 2008 (first publishedin 1996)Type of Cover: Soft coverNo. of pages: 144- Distinctive thumbnail colour tabs outlining eachfamily group to enable quick identification.- Compact, easy-to use format; the ideal pocket-sizetraveling companion.- Authoritative text describing key identification features.- Full-colour photographs illustrating each of the252 species described.Books are available at ‘The MNS Shop’T/F: 03-22873471.E: natureowlet@yahoo.comPlease call/e-mail before dropping in.ABC’s of Birdwatching, continuesOn hearing loud rustling in the trees, one of ourLangkawi naturalists said that there was a Hornbillnearby. I must admit I was doubtful, but I had to eatmy bins when a huge bird flew up into the branchesof the tree above us. It was beautiful: with a largeyellow ‘horn’; majestic yellow beak; black mantleand face mask; and white tail with a black band. Asit flew, our guide Bing pointed out the yellow stripeand white edging of the feathers under its wings. Itwas a Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis).All in all, it was a fantastic weekend. Notonly had I managed to find some like-minded people,interested in nature and conservation, but I feltI had learned enough to set me confidently on thepath with my notebook and bins in hand. As Istopped the car in my drive at home, an OrientalMagpie Robin hopped onto the gate. I smiled at thewelcome home, and then a small voice in my headsaid “is it a male or a female?”.Many thanks go to the wonderful people ofthe Bird Group, who not only volunteered their timeto teach us but did so with humour, charm and integrity.- Cheryl Lamb10

Calendar of ActivitiesJuly11Don’t forget to vote!Find your branch AGMdate on page 2.Sat Seminar: “Malaysian Biosafety Act2007: What? Why? How?”10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Auditorium, Malaysian NatureSociety Headquarters. Free of chargeModern Biotechnology is the science of deliberatemanipulation of the genetic material of livingorganisms that otherwise cannot happen innature. In Malaysia, with it’s rich biodiversity andstrong agriculture base, modern biotechnology hasgreat potential to be a major contributor to the nation’swealth and food security. Although mankindcan benefit tremendously from this technology, theremaybe some potential risks and adverse effects thatmay affect the health of plants, animals, humans andthe safety of the environment. With this in mind, thegovernment formulated a set of rules , the BiosafetyAct 2007, to regulate the development and safe useof living modified organisms (LMOs) and its productsto protect human, plant, animal health and theenvironment.Realizing the importance of this Act, theMalaysian Nature Society is working together withMinistry of Natural Resources and Environment(NRE), supported by the United Nations DevelopmentProgram- Global Environment (UNDP-GEF)Biosafety Project, to bring awareness to the publicand increase its knowledge on Biotechnology andBiosafety.Under this initiative, this seminar is aimed to1. To increase awareness on benefits andpotential risks of modern biotechnology on human,animal and plant health and the environment.2. To enlighten the public on the government’sefforts to ensure that the benefits of modernbiotechnology can be enjoyed by the general publicwithout compromising the health and safety of humans,animals and plants as well as the environmentthrough the imple mentation of the BiosafetyAct.3. To provide a platform for the mutual sharingand gathering ofinformation on modern biotechnology andbiosafety so thatwhatever fears and apprehensions of the publiccan be put torest.Seminar ProgramEnquiresThe seminar is open to all MNS membersand lunch will be provided. There will be only 40seats allocated for participants. Interested participantsplease register by 8th July 2009. Any request toregistration after the date will not be entertained. Toregister and further enquires please contact: PrasadVasudevon, Tel: 03-22879422/ 016-2401650, E-maileeprogram@mns.org.my19Sun Melaka/N9 Branch AGM COOLTEK,Tiara Melaka Golf & Country Club, 350 JalanWoodland, Tiara Melaka golf & Country Club, AyerKeroh, Melaka. Co-ordinates 2 degrees 16.852 minutesNorth, 102 degrees 18.963 minutes East.Full morning of events7:30am Walk and bird watching, lead by Ang TeckHin9:00am Breakfast at the Clubhouse (free formembers, RM10 for non-members)10:00am AGM at the COOLTEK low energy home11:00am Tour and explanation of energy efficiencyfeatures of COOLTEK12 noon FinishA travel subsidy will be paid to Negeri Sembilanmembers who car pool.Please contact one of the co-ordinators if youwish to attend, so that we can order your breakfast.Meet at the Clubhouse car park at 7:30amLook up http://www.ien.dk/cooltekCoordinators: Lim Ming Hui (H/P: 012-2760327,limmel05@yahoo.com; Stephanie Bacon (H/P: 0122175590, cooltek@streamyx.com)11

19Sun Trail walk: Kota Damansara CommunityForest Park Meeting point: oppositeS.M.K. Section 10, Kota Damansara at 8.30a.mJoin the Nature Guides for an early morningInterpretive trail walk through this lovely forestwhich is part of the original Sungei Buloh Forest.Bring your family and friends. Suitable for childrenabove 5 years. Please come with good walkingshoes.How to get there: After One Utama ShoppingComplex, turn left at Ikea. Go through theSurian Tunnel and drive up until the huge CasaIndah Apartment block. Turn right at the traffic lightsthere, and drive straight on past the Polo Groundson the right. Keep a lookout for the SMK. Section10 signboard, and turn right at the junction. Theschool is at a dead end.P lease register with Pasu . SMS only- hp 019-3199770 or e-mail pasupathy_jayaraj@yahoo.com..There will be a nominal fee for the SIG fund—RM2.00 for adults, and RM1.00 for children above 5years.Don’t forget to vote!Find your branch AGMdate on page 2.19Sun Birdwatching: Templer’s ParkCome join the Selangor Branch Bird Groupfor a morning of birdwatching in a lowland rainforest.The park is located 25 km north of KualaLumpur. Travel along the old trunk road Jalan Ipoh,go pass Selayang and head towards Rawang. About8km from Rawang, look out for some houses on theleft and a Shell petrol station on the right. Take thenext U-turn available and head back towards KL.Templer’s Park is at the first left turn after the Shellstation. Refer to map at piedfantail.com Meet at thecar park at 7.15 a.m. Contact: Tang at 012-3061133between 6.00-10.00pm or e-mail him attuck.hong@yahoo.comBring along your binoculars, drinking waterand a light snack. Wear dull-coloured clothes, hat andcomfortable shoes. Mosquito repellent will alsocome in useful.26Sun Hike: Bukit Kutu, Kuala Kubu BahruThe Selangor Branch Nature Guides SIG isorganizing another hike up Bukit Kutu in the HuluSelangor district. The trail starts from the Temuanvillage of Kg. Pertak, just after Kuala Kubu Bahruon the road towards Fraser's Hill. River crossings,steep sections and crawling under fallen bamboo obstaclesmake this hike challenging.It takes about 4.5 hours to go all the way upthe hill, and about 3.5 hours to come back down.Shoes with good grip are essential. Bring plenty ofwater and isotonic drinks as well as a poncho or raincoatin case it rains. A cap and hiking stick will behelpful. Leech socks (which can be purchased fromMNS), insect repellant, minyak kapak and chocolateswill also be useful. Please bring a change of clothesand a pair of sandals so that you can get back intothe car clean .We will meet just after the toll at the Rawangexit along the North South Expressway at 7:30am.Please be punctual. Along the way we will stop atKuala Kubu Bahru for breakfast and to pack ourlunch. A nominal fee of RM15 for members andRM25 for non-members will be collected for the SIGfund. A pictorial summary of a previous MNS hikecan be found at:guynextdoor84.blogspot.com/2007/12/bukit-kututripyeah.htmlPlease register your interest with Ilyas at isapiyan@hotmail.com/ hp-012-6175870 (SMS only)Sun Birdwatching: BM Hill, Seberang Perai26 BM Hill Recreational Area Car Park at 8am.The Penang Branch bird group will be walkingup the BM Hill Jeep Road to some birdwatching.It has been sometime since we used the Jeep Roadon our birding trips to BM Hill. Bring along packedlunch and drinking water. We hope to be back at thecar part at about 2.00 pm.For more information contact Kanda: 013-4537992, or e-mail kandakum@tm.net.myAll events, times and venues are correct at timeof printing. For latest updates, contact yourfavourite SIG, check the MNS website regularlyor join the eGroup by sending an e-mail tomnselangor-subscribe@yahoogroups.comDon’t Leave Home Without ItAll members are required to show their membershipcards to participate in any of theBranch’s activities. New members who haven'treceived their cards will be required to showtheir membership payment receipts. Lost yourcard? Contact Wee Chin at HQ.12

August9Sun Visit to Aenon Health Farm 2630-1,Jalan Tanjung Maniac, Batu 7, Kampung Tengah,Bukit Rambai, 75250 Malacca. Co-ordinates 2 degrees15.342 minutes North, 102 degrees 11.324minutes EastStarting at 11am, join us to understand theworkings of your local health farm in Bukit Rambai.A briefing on the facilities and aims of thehealth farm will be given, followed by a lecture thatmay change for ever your eating habits to a morehealthy way. A healthy, vegetarian buffet lunch at 1pm is included at the nominal charge of RM15 perperson.Look up http://health.aenon.org.my/about/Coordinators: Lim Ming Hui (H/P: 012-2760327,limmel05@yahoo.com; Stephanie Bacon (H/P: 0122175590, cooltek@streamyx.com)15-18Sat-Tues PADI Open Water Course(4D/3N) Refer to package details in last month’snewsletter. Non-member price: RM 1,270 (includes1-year MNS membership) Please make booking paymentof RM200 by 1 July. Full payment by 15July..Contact Khor Hui Min (017-8817714,khor.hm@gmail.com).17-21Don’t forget to vote!Find your branch AGMdate on page 2.Mon-Fri Julan Falls Upper BaramSarawakThese twin 250 metres vertical waterfallswere “discovered” in 1955 by an Oxford Universityexpedition which spent 6 months on the remote anduninhabited Usun Apau plateau being resupplied byparachute drops. Since then there have been few visitsto the plateau, one of the ancestral homes of theOrang Ulu. This trip is not offered by tour companiesnor is it in guide books. This is a journey for waterfalladdicts, photographers and wilderness fans.We will travel by plane and 4WD to our basecamp. Over the next two days we will travel on footthrough the jungle to the base of the falls followed byDo you know that all our Assets including banks’ accounts will be frozened 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 appliesto Muslims and Non Muslims.If you pass on without having a VALID WILL….this is what happens…..1. Your Family Your spouse and children will face cash flow problem because all your bank accounts including joint accountswill be frozen Your children’s welfare may not be taken care of by the people of your choice2. The legal Process Delay in distribution due to the legal administrative process (2 - 6 years) 2 guarantors / sureties required (amount equal or more than deceased’s estate) Much more costly resulting in financial burdens to your family3. 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 maybe… Travelling,Trekking, Caving, Mountai n Climbing, Diving, Biking, Camping, etc.Why leave to chance….for more information, please call……MARY OOIProfessional Estate Planner (Rockwills Corporation Sdn. Bhd.)Islamic Estate Planner (as-Salihin Trustee Sdn. Bhd.)H/P: 012-3379906 or email: mary_3_ooi@hotmail.coma trek up to the plateau where we will camp to lookthe vast expanse of the Ulu Baram from 3750 feet.The plateau is not flat and has three mountains includingan extinct volcano and many streams whichrun off to join up many of the rivers of Sarawak, suchas the Rajang, Plieran, Tinjar and Baram.This is a guided trip with porters and requiresadvance planning and commitment owing to theneed to book seats on the twin otter aircraft early.13

The cost of the trip itself is RM1200 including land transport, accommodationand meals in Sarawak. Participants must make their own plane bookingsto Miri arriving the evening before and overnight accommodation inMiri. We will require a RM500 deposit by 15th June. The balance is payableon 15th July. The limit is 15 persons.Those interested please contact Ashleigh Seow on 0198171416 ora.kivilaakso@gmail.com for further details.22-23Sat-Sun Trip to Sg Pulai Estuary & Kukup National ParkRefer to package details in last month’s newsletter. Cost: RM190 (members)/RM260 (non-members, includes 1 year membership). Places are limited,first come & paid first served! Booking: By Friday, 24 July = pay RM100. Confirm: By Friday, 31 July = pay full sum (RM190 or RM260). Contact:Khor Hui Min 017-881 7714, khor.hm@gmail.com26-31Wed-Mon Danum Valley Conservation Area and SepilokOrang Utan Sanctuary, SabahRM1100.00 (exclude airfare to Sandakan). Limited to 15 photographerwith DSLR.Danum Valley covers 43,800 hectares and comprises almost entirelylowland dipterocarp forest. DVCA represents the largest expanse of pristineforest of this type remaining in Sabah. The Photo Group is revisiting DanumValley with an intention to further document the richness and diversity ofthis conservation area thru photographic images.Besides the day trekking we shall also be doing night walk and nightphotography as the animal are more active at night. We shall be limitingthe number to 15 members to allow more opportunity in capturing wildlifeand animal during our trek.On the first day, we will visit Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary andthen we proceed to Danum Valley in the evening.Please call Alex Foong (012-2893133 after 7.00pm)afoong@ku.com.my or Yap Kok Sun (013-2087418) for a place. Airasiareturn to Sandakan return tickets cost about RM350.00(742912-V)Website: http://www.mymountaingoal.comContact : Thong at goalus@mymountaingoal.comH/P : 016-6375622 Off : 03-40248896Kathmandu to Lhasa, Xigatse, Gyatse and Namcho Lake via Everest Base Campfrom 17/09/09 to 02/10/09(16D15N)The drive from Kathmanduto Lhasa Tour viaEverest Base Camp takesseven days over the'Friendship Highway'; along the way stopping at quietly enchanting Buddhist monasteriesand remote villages untouched by modern civilization. A generous two nightswill be spent at Everest Base Camp, time to take in some unforgettable views of thehighest mountain on the planet. The road also passes through quiet Nyalam, the historicalXigatse ,Gyantse and Namcho Lake. And that's all before the road even comesinto Lhasa itself; the spiritual heart of this country. For centuries the home of theDalai Lamas and the target of devout pilgrimages, you could spend happy weeks lostin Lhasa's historical and spiritual treasures.Further info please sign in:www.mymountaingoal.com/everestkalapattar.htmAnnapurna Base Camp Trek(4130M) 08/10/2009 to21/10/2009 (14D13N)Walk through villages,then climb through forests into the Annapurna Sanctuary, a valley surrounded by highHimalayan peaks. A great opportunity to get into the mountains without the altitudeproblems of the Mt. EverestThis fantastic 10-day trek offers the most spectacular landscape views of theHimalayas, allowing you to be completely immersed in the heart of the towering Annapurnarange. Altitudes of 4130m are reached, and a reasonable level of physical fitnessis required to comfortably complete this expedition.Two free training trip will provided for the trip. Further information pleasesign in:- http://www.mymountaingoal.com/AnnapurnaRegion.htm14

MNS HQJKR 541, Jalan Kelantan,Bukit Persekutuan, 50480 Kuala Lumpur(just before the Seri Perdana turn-off onJalan Mahameru).M-F 9am-5:30pm.T: 03-22879422. F: 03-22878773.mns@mns.org.my www.mns.org.myMembership: Leong Wee ChinJOHOR BRANCHc/o Prof. Madya Dr. Maketab Mohamed,No. 90, Jalan Pulai 50,Taman Pulai Utama, 83100 Johor Bahru.www.mnsj.org.myChair Prof Madya Dr. Maketab Mohd019-3519866, maketab@fkkksa.utm.myVice Chairman Dr. Lum Wei Wah019-7838388, jefflum@tm.net.mySecretary Zalinah Sarpan, 013-7722229Zalinah.sarpan@my.lafarge.comTreasurer Chern Boon Hong012-7800023KEDAH BRANCH289, Tingkat Bawah, Jln Shahab 1, ShahabPerdana, 05400 Alor Star, Kedah.Chairman Phang Fatt Khow012-3116420, fkphang05@yahoo.comVice Chair Kalaimani a/l Supramaniam019-4733505, maniria@yahoo.comSecretary Tengku Badrillah bT Abdullah012-4880090, tbadril@hotmail.comTreasurer Tan Dek019-5762823, cptps@tm.net.myKELANTAN BRANCH204, Jln Sultan Yahya Petra,15150 KotaBharu, Kelantan. shown@tm.net.myChairman Tan Kee Leong, Michael012-9538858, mike1958@streamyx.comVice Chair Cheah Sin Chor012-9567702Secretary Wong Mei Linwmeilin@tm.net.myTreasurer Evone Limevone2meng@yahoo.comNEGERI SEMBILAN/MELAKA BRANCHc/o Cooltek, 350 Jln Woodland,Tiara Melaka Golf & Country Club,Ayer Keroh, 75450 MelakaChairman Lim Ming Hui012-2760327, lmh75@tm.net.myVice Chair Saffe Mohd Yusof 012-6740054safe.mohdyusof@exxonmobil.comSecretary Stephanie Bacon012-2175590, cooltek@streamyx.comTreasurer Lee Ah Geok06-3345666x2116, ahgeoklee@hotmail.comPAHANG BRANCHF-4-4, Jalan Padang Golf,25050 Kuantan. mnspahang@yahoo.comChairman Datin Marimah Bt Daud012-7205383Vice Chair Mohd Roslan Bin Mohd Rais019-7124595, mroslan@swss.com.mySecretary Chow Mee Foong 0199515169chowmeefoong@yahoo.comTreasurer Ho Chin Leong09-5668240PENANG BRANCHNature Information Centre (NIC),673-B Jalan Kebun Bunga,10350 Penang. T/F: 04 2273673.Open Mon-Sat, 7.30am - 11.30am (Pleasephone before visiting).www.geocities.com/mnspenang/Chairman Kanda Kumar04-2273673, kandakum@tm.net.myVice Chairman Hymeir Kamarudin019-4428926, hymeir@gmail.comSecretary Lai Ee May 012-5385642,eemaylai@yahoo.comTreasurer Foong Swee Yeok012-5529694, foong_sy@yahoo.comPERAK BRANCHPO Box 34, Ipoh Garden Post Office,31407 Ipoh.Chairman Leow Kon Fah 019-5634598,leow_kingfisher@yahoo.comVice Chair Ooi Beng Yean017-5082206, obybeng@streamyx.comSecretary Tham Yim Fong012-5220268, yftham@bgi.com.myTreasurer Har Wai Ming019-5724113, wm.har@klk.com.mySABAH BRANCHLot F-4-18, Block F, 4th Floor,Plaza Tanjung Aru, Jln Mat Salleh,Tanjung Aru, 88100 Kota Kinabalu.mns_sabah@yahoo.com.sgChairperson Omar Abdul Kadir019-8110125, omar_kadir51@yahoo.comVice Chair Anna Wong016-8346808, anna888@ums.edu.mySecretary Zarinah Waheed019-8329329, zarinah@ums.edu.myTreasurer Muhammad Ali Syed Hussein016-2398111, tilan@yahoo.comSARAWAK (KUCHING) BRANCHmnskuching@gmail.comChairman Rebecca Jothi D'Cruz019-8579110, aonyx@pd.jaring.myVice Chair Dr Georges Schneider012-8860033, jwsgmgs@streamyx.comSecretary Chan Mei Ching, Zora Sharon019-8279881, zorachan76@yahoo.comTreasurer Jacinta Wong-Schneider012-8862911, jwsgmgs@streamyx.comSARAWAK (MIRI) BRANCHc/o EPA-T-DGP, Sarawak Shell Bhd,Jalan Pantai, 98100 Lutong.mnsmiri@yahoo.comChairman Nazeri Abghani085-453185, mnsmiri@yahoo.comActing Secretary Grace Siew Yee Len085-452585Treasurer Sim Yuh ThinSELANGOR BRANCHc/o MNS HQ addresswww.mns.org.my/selangormns.selangor@gmail.comE-group: groups.yahoo.com/group/mnselangorChairman Gary Phong013-3836288, garyphong@netscape.netVice Chairman Lim Teck Wyn016-3619148, twlim@rescu.com.mySecretary Gan Li Li012-2074840, pat_ganll@hotmail.comTreasurer Bernadette Chin012-6928356, berniechin118@yahoo.comTERENGGANU BRANCH1926 Bukit Kubang Jambu,20050 Kuala Terengganu.mnsterengganu@gmail.comChairman Hj Wan Md Adnan017-9861926, wadnan@streamyx.comVice Chair Anuar Abd McAfee017-9864177, anuar@ms.kusza.edu.mySecretary Dr Chong Ju Lianjulianchong78@gmail.comTreasurer Wee Seng Whatt019-9363828, swwee@pc.jaring.myA complete directory of BranchCommittee Members andBranch Special Interest Groups(SIGs) can be downloaded atwww.mns.org.my15

Climate Change from page 2fruits, and this will definitely hamper ouragricultural produce in the long run.Here’s what some national experts hadto say:PTM: The average growth rate ofMalaysia final energy demand from1990 until 2007 was 7.4%. Percentageof change from 1990 until 2006 forMalaysia C02 emissions was at 211.Malaysia experienced strong energy demandfrom 1990 until 2007 due to higheconomic growth.FRIM: Peat swamps and mangroveforests are the most vulnerable to climatechange, which followed by biodiversityloss in these areas.MMD: Mean temperature projected toincrease in Malaysia, with Peninsula &Sabah recording an increase of morethan 0.74% over global mean temperatureincrease calculated by IPCC, extremeweather to increase with moretropical cyclones.NAHRIM: if Malaysia experiences100cm sea level rise, we would loseabout 7,000 more km2 of our land, forwhich more than 0.3% of the populationwould be affected.MSMS: Global Ocean Temperaturecontinues to rise, almost reached the increaserate in terrestrial.MARDI: there will be a 10% of riceyield reduction for every 1 ºC increasein temperature. Similarly, if rainfall increaseby 15% at early time of growth,rice yield will reduce by 1.5T per ha.This event was organized by theMalaysian Nature Society on behalf ofthe Malaysian NGOs (MENGO) andfunded by DANIDA Programme. Proceedingsfrom this workshop will bepublished and posted on the MNS website.For more information, go towww.mns.org.my.- Chong Yen MeeAdvertising rates: Classifieds: RM5 percolumn inch. Quarter page ad: RM30. Halfpage ad: RM60. All payments must be madeto “Malaysian Nature Society SelangorBranch”. Please bank in cash or cheque toMaybank MBB account no 014150307352.After banking in, please scan the slip and e-mail it to Bernadette Chin atberniechin118@yahoo.com or fax her at 03-51928191 (Attention: Bernie Finance).Discount Rate for ads paid in advance: 3adverts paid in advance - 5% off publishedrate; 6 adverts paid in advance - 10% offpublished rate; 9 adverts paid in advance -15% off published rate; 12 adverts paid inadvance - 20% off published rate.EditorsIska Hashim 03-20732355 (o)Leong Hon Yuen 03-22742328Kay LyonsMNS LibraryA modest collection of books and periodicals is housed at the MNS Headquarters. Only fullypaid up members may borrow books for a period of two weeks. This period is renewable. Periodicalsare for use only in the library. Readers wishing periodical articles may have themphotocopied. A small, but growing collection of books for young readers is also available.Pencinta Alam is a monthly newsletter made possible by dedicated volunteers andcontributors 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 thefollowing e-mail address: tapir2005@gmail.com.TURN YOUR TRASHINTO CASH FOR THE NEEDYRecycle your trash at the following welfare homesand 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), PusatKasih Sayang (3372-1723), St. Barnabas Home (3372-8191), RumahK.I.D.S. (3373-3400) Puchong Pure Life Society (7782-9391), RumahCharis (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 redemptioncoupons 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 depositingat these centers. Please bundle and tie all papers.TrEES (03-7876 9958) treateveryenvironmentspecial@gmail.comwww.trees.org.my16