PENCINTA ALAM - Malaysian Nature Society

PENCINTA ALAM 

NEWSLETTER OF THE MALAYSIAN NATURE SOCIETY 

Protect Ulu Muda 

The Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) views 

with concern the intention of the Kedah State Government 

to reverse the previous decision that bans 

logging in the Ulu Muda catchment area. MNS, 

along with several other organizations, campaigned 

in 2003 to have the then proposed helicopter logging 

stopped. 

This coalition, now known as the Friends of 

Ulu Muda (FOUM) II, have come together yet again, 

to advocate for the same cause – that there should be 

zero-logging in Ulu Muda. Catchment forests provide 

vital ecological, environmental, and economic 

services - all of which that cannot be compromised 

by logging and its effects. 

FoUM II’s Stand and Recommendations 

Considering the conflict that is yet again arising 

with regard to the Ulu Muda forests, several environmental 

non-government organisations (NGOs) 

and community-based organisations (CBOs) have 

agreed to revive the coalition to save Ulu Muda, now 

known as Friends of Ulu Muda II, to prevent the social, 

environmental and food crisis that will arise 

from logging Ulu Muda. The Coalition's stand and 

recommendations are as follows: 

1. FoUM II’s stand is that there should be 

zero logging at Ulu Muda. Logging of any kind and 

for whatever reasons should not be allowed at Ulu 

Muda. The Federal government directive of 18th 

May 2003 banning logging at Ulu Muda should be 

upheld. 

2. The rich biodiversity of the Ulu Muda 

forests and their potential for the sustainable utilisation 

of non-timber forest products and services, 

should be protected and conserved to serve the long 

term interests of the State and the country. The protection 

of the Ulu Muda forests should be enhanced 

by establishing a State or National Park covering the 

entire Ulu Muda catchment area. A management plan 

should be prepared for the State or National Park. 

3. The Federal government should deliver on 

its promise to compensate the Kedah State government 

for not logging Ulu Muda. This could be in the 

form of annual funds for development, the amount 

of which is proportionate to the forested area set 

continues page 4 

September 2008 

www.mns.org.my 

In the pipeline: 

The Kelau Dam 

remains in dispute 

Reprinted from The Star, 13/5/08 

THE status of the controversial Kelau Dam 

project, which involves piping water from Pahang to 

Selangor, remains on shaky ground. It is learnt that 

certain quarters in the new Selangor Government 

want the project reviewed in light of criticisms of a 

shoddy Environmental Impact Assessment process 

and interest in obtaining water from Perak instead of 

Pahang. 

The Kelau Dam project was mooted in the 

late 1990s following a spate of water shortages in Selangor 

and concerns that the state will be water-deficient 

in the future. The RM3.8bil project would be 

partially funded by development aid from the Japan 

Bank of International Cooperation (JBIC). 

The inter-state raw water transfer project includes 

a 30m rock-filled dam across Sungai Kelau 

near Bentong, a 4,090ha reservoir and a 45km tunnel 

through the Main Range to transfer raw water to a 

treatment plant in Hulu Langat in Selangor. (The cost 

excludes the tunnel and the treatment plant construction.) 

The original plan includes the damming 

continues next page

The meandering Sungai Kelau. A total of 4,090 hectaresof agricultural and forest land is 

to be inundated for the controversioal Kelau Dam project. (Fotos: Colin-COAC) 

of Sungai Telemong (south of Karak) but this has 

been shelved. 

Human settlements will be relocated: the 

Temuan tribe at Sungai Temir near Raub, the 

Chewong at Bukit Cenal and Felda Kelau settlers. A 

total of 4,090ha of land including the 1,549ha Lakum 

Forest Reserve will be inundated. 

Critics have questioned the benefits of the 

project given the costs, environmental and social impacts, 

and the lack of a clear water conservation policy. 

Although Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid 

Ibrahim has said the state would honour the water 

purchase agreement signed with Pahang, it has been 

urged to reconsider the need for the project. 

Initially slated to commence in 2003, the 

water transfer project has 

met with protests from 

both local and international 

non-governmental 

organisations like the 

Centre of Orang Asli 

Concerns, Sahabat Alam 

Malaysia and Friends of 

the Earth-Japan. 

The groups demanded 

for the JBIC’s environmental 

and social guidelines 

to be honoured 

according to its loan approval 

criteria. JBIC introduced 

the guidelines 

in 1999 following complaints 

that its grants and 

loans in developing 

countries were causing 

environmental damage 

and social disintegration. 

Due to the protests, the project period has 

been revised twice, first to 2005-2012 and then 2008- 

2015. The loan agreement for RM2.4bil was finally 

signed in March 2005. Appearing to have cleared the 

hurdles, the Malaysian government is confident that 

the project would take off by next month. Newly appointed 

Energy, Water and Communications Minister 

Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor has said that land 

acquisition was ongoing and tenders were being 

evaluated. His predecessor Datuk Seri Lim Keng 

Yaik announced in January that Kumpulan Darul 

Ehsan Berhad, the Selangor investment arm, has 

been awarded the contract to build and operate the 

Langat II water treatment plant that will receive raw 

water from Pahang. 

Judicial review 

Opponents of the project, however, are not 

about to give up. Last October, 27 Orang Asli sought 

judicial review of the approval of the Detailed Environmental 

Impact Assessment (DEIA). Among others 

things, they challenged a claim in the report that 

the Orang Asli had agreed to the project and were 

willing to be resettled. The High Court has set July 9 

to hear the case. 

Kamarul Hisham Kamaruddin, counsel for 

the Orang Asli, says the affected communities were 

not consulted and were only informed in 2002, after 

the report was approved in 2001. 

The indigenous people, particularly the 

Chewongs, are adamant on staying put as their village 

on higher ground will not be affected. 

The legal action also claimed that the EIA 

was shoddy in the assessment of biodiversity while 

alternatives to the project, like tapping into Sungai 

Perak and Kenyir Dam in Terengganu, were not considered. 

Kamarul reckons as the purchaser of the raw 

water, the Selangor government has to weigh the 

legal impediment before going ahead with the project. 

Centre for Orang Asli Concerns (COAC) has 

produced a 32-minute video titled Drowned Forests 

and Damned Lives: The Orang Asli and the Kelau 

Dam Project criticising the project. Its coordinator 

Dr Colin Nicholas believes the project is yet another 

means for certain parties to benefit from the construction 

contracts. He is especially critical of JBIC's 

reliance on the assessment done by the Malaysian 

government instead of making its own independent 

continues next page

assessment. 

Nicholas, who had represented the Orang 

Asli in consultation chaired by the Pahang state economic 

development unit after the DEIA was approved, 

says the Chewong community maintains that 

they did not consent to being relocated 40km away to 

Sungai Bilut. 

Nicholas fears the relocation exercise is to 

vacate the land for others. Citing the case of the Sungai 

Selangor dam project in Kuala Kubu Baru, Selangor, 

he says the Temuan community of Kampung 

Pertak was moved only to have their land taken over 

by influential personalities to build holiday homes.* 

The JBIC, however, is satisfied that its guidelines 

have been met. Says its country representative 

Takeshi Toyoda: “We understand that the Ministry 

of Energy, Water and Communications has followed 

our guidelines fully. We heard from the ministry that 

the procedures are in order and we believe their decision 

(to go ahead with the project) is right.” 

Asked about the legal redress taken by the 

Orang Asli, he says: “The court case is against the 

Malaysian government. We’re not in a position to 

comment.” 

- Hilary Chiew 

* Note: This is a misquote as the Peretak Temuans 

were never resettled as they stood their ground as 

their lands would not be submerged. Now they have 

the Sultan of Selangor as their neighbour. 

The Center for Orang Asli Concerns (COAC) have 

released a video about the construction of the Kelau 

Dam. View it at www.coac.org.my 

Member’s report 

A Day of Trekking, 

Knots & Fire 

Warm sunshine greeted us as we gathered outside 

the Kota Damansara Community Forest Park. We waited 

with anticipation, as 30 children from the Ti-Ratana Children’s 

Home would be arriving soon. On this day, a group 

of volunteers from diverse backgrounds, including those 

from a few different Special Interest Groups and non- 

MNS members, had gathered together for a common 

goal: to educate and inspire the young children to understand 

and care for the environment. This nature camp was 

co-organised by Green Living and the Marine Group of 

the Malaysian Nature Society, Selangor Branch. 

At 9:30am, our expected party arrived. Wideeyed 

and excited, the children and 5 helpers, including 4 

volunteers from Ireland, disembarked from the bus. After 

a short introduction, we plunged headlong into our first 

activity of the day – a nature walk. The children and volunteers 

were divided into two groups for the walk – one 

led by John, another by Pasu. 

Our first stop was a polluted lake. Disgusted by 

the smell oozing out of the lake and rubbish thrown everywhere, 

the children saw firsthand the consequence of not 

caring for our environment. Many even pledged to only 

throw rubbish into trashcans in the future. 

Led by Aunty Pasu of the Nature Guides, we 

crossed a wooden bridge and entered the forest. Knowledgeable 

and experienced, she pointed out the different 

types of flora and explained their uses as we trekked along 

the forest floor. Some of the younger children had never 

been in a forest before and were afraid. They clung unto 

the volunteers’ hands and moaned or cried. But they 

brightened up with continuous encouragement from the 

volunteers. As time went on, they began to appreciate the 

fungi growing on decaying wood and the butterflies fluttering 

by. Despite the endless annoyance from mosqui- 

The Ti-Ratana Children crowd 

around as Ashleigh of the Nature 

Guides demonstrates how to 

start a fire. (Photo: Hurnain 

Hamid) 

toes and their sweat 

drenched bodies, the 

children emerged from 

the forest after an hour 

as conquerors, cheering 

and raising their walking 

sticks high above 

their heads. 

Keong and Ashleigh got 

us going with the next 

activity, which was 

knot-tying and fire-starting. 

They showed us 

how to tie a bow knot 

and a bowline knot. 

After that, we moved to 

the piles of dry sticks 

and tinder set on a cement 

counter. Keong, 

with a strike of his 

hands, set the tinder on 

fire. Everyone clapped and cheered. Then, the children 

were given a chance to try out as well. Eagerly, they 

waited in line and as they succeeded in starting the fire, 

you could see their eyes light up as well. 

Growling tummies indicated that it was time for 

lunch. After a meal of rice and lemon chicken, we proceeded 

on with games. We played a variation of the popular 

rock-paper-scissors game: sharks-dolphins-humans. 

Although the young children did not really follow the 

rules, they thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Chasing each 

other like little whirlwinds all over the place, they filled 

the air with laughter. 

All too soon it was time to leave. After bidding 

the children farewell, we too went on our way, happy with 

the knowledge that a seed for the love of nature had been 

planted in each of the children’s hearts. Hopefully, it will 

continue to grow in the years to come. 

- Soon Pei Yee (aspy.uw@gmail.com)

Ulu Muda continues 

aside by the State government for protection. 

4. An Ulu Muda Trust Fund should be established 

and beneficiaries of water sourced from Ulu 

Muda should contribute to this trust fund. The 

Penang State government should contribute to this 

fund and private companies and members of the public 

should also be encouraged to contribute. There 

should be a committee comprising Federal and State 

agencies, as well as representatives from the private 

sectors, farmers, and NGOs, to ensure that the trust 

fund is effectively used for the protection of the 

Ulu Muda water catchment areas. 

For further information, please contact: 

Mr Nizam Mahshar 

Friends of Ulu Muda II Secretariat 

c/o Sahabat Alam Malaysia 

21, Lintang Delima 15 

11700 Pulau Pinang. 

Tel:+604 6596930 

Fax: +604 6596931 

Email: sam_inquiry@yahoo.com 

For MNS: 

Phang Fatt Khow 

Chairman, MNS Kedah Branch 

fkphang@hotmail.com 

The Importance of the Ulu Muda Forests 

The Ulu Muda forests cover an area of approximately 

160,000ha (about twice the size of Perlis) located 

within the districts of Baling, Padang Terap and Sik in the 

north-eastern corner of Kedah. The Ulu Muda area consists 

of a number of forest reserves, the biggest of which 

is the Ulu Muda Forest Reserve (see Table 1 and Figure 

1). There are three large man-made lakes within the Ulu 

Muda area, namely Muda, Pedu and Ahning, formed by 

the construction of three correspondingly-named dams 

that store water from the surrounding catchment forests 

and regulate it for use in Kedah, Penang and Perlis for rice 

cultivation and for domestic and industrial consumption. 

The Ulu Muda forests plays an important role as 

a water catchment area for the Pedu, Muda and Ahning 

dams and provide upstream protection to major rivers that 

supply 80% of drinking water for Penang and Kedah, and 

to a lesser extent, Perlis. 

The most important rice producing region in Peninsular 

Malaysia, the Muda irrigation scheme, so aptly named 

as the Rice Bowl of Malaysia, relies on water sourced from 

the Ulu Muda forests. The area under the scheme accounts 

for about 40% of total rice production in Malaysia and supports 

the livelihood of 63,000 families that are directly involved 

in rice farming. This area is also in fact one of the 

country’s eight large granary areas designated under the 

Third National Agriculture Policy (1998-2010) as permanent 

rice producing areas to realise a minimum self-sufficiency 

level for rice of 90% by 2010. As such, the protection 

of water supply to this important “rice bowl” of Malaysia is 

of utmost importance for the country’s food security, more 

so now with the recently worldwide crisis of shortages in 

rice supply. 

The rivers that originate from the Ulu Muda 

forests, including the Muda and Kedah rivers, sustain the 

fisheries resource important for the livelihood of fishing 

communities of the Kedah coast, as well as supplementing 

the income of padi farmers who depend on the rivers. These 

rivers are also important for maintaining critical ecosystems 

such as the mudflats along the Kedah coast which is an important 

area for migratory birds and edible shellfish. 

The industrial areas in Kedah such as the Kulim 

Hi-Tech Park and those in Penang, including Bayan Baru 

and Seberang Perai, are dependent on the water which originates 

from the Ulu Muda forests. The tourism industry in 

Penang, particularly the hospitality sector, is also a heavy 

user of water sourced from Kedah. 

The National Physical Plan and draft Kedah Structure 

Plan identifies Ulu Muda as an Environmentally Sensitive 

Area Rank I, which means that the area is for strict 

protection and logging is not allowed. The sheer size of the 

Ulu Muda forests and the presence of relatively untouched 

primary forest support a rich diversity of fauna adnd flora. 

It is important for conservation of large mammals such as 

the Asian elephant, the Malaysan tiger, the Malayan tapir, 

seladang and the clouded leopard,. It is also designated as an 

Important Bird Area (IBA) for the rich avian fauna found 

within its boundaries.

The Green 

Selipar 

Have you ever tried to plan an 

environmentally-friendly or sociallyaware 

local holiday for yourself and 

discovered that there isn’t enough information 

out there? Do you depend 

on word-of-mouth to find out the best 

natural places to go, meet knowledgeable 

local guides and travel with 

a positive conscience? 

Selangor Branch is about to 

embark on a new project to gather information 

on Malaysian destinations, 

tourism services and other related enterprises 

or NGOs that help us to holiday 

with heart. 

The Green Selipar is ‘green’ 

because we hope to list places and 

people that offer honest opportunities 

to give back to the local community, 

protect the environment or wildlife or 

preserve and promote local culture 

and heritage. The selipar (slipper) is a 

ubiquitous presence in Malaysia, and 

traveling in this country can and 

should be as simple, comfortable and 

practical as wearing them... at the 

same time, our travels should leave as 

small a footprint as possible. 

We know that there are bits of 

information here and there, useful 

websites that you stumble upon or 

local knowledge parked in experienced 

travelers’ minds. We want to 

collate all that information and put it 

in one place so that it will be easier 

for a visitor to Malaysia or a concerned 

local resident to make plans. 

Running out of a website, The 

Green Selipar will allow MNS members, 

family and friends to post information 

on your own favourite 

getaways, cultural experiences, information 

portals and other organizations 

that are worth recommending. 

At the same time, if you’ve traveled 

based on someone else’s recommendation, 

you can get back online to update, 

add on to or comment on the 

existing information. 

Through this project, MNS 

can help to promote authentic “green” 

tourism options (many of whom don’t 

get enough recognition), and MNS 

members can both benefit from, contribute 

to and support this growing interest 

in conscientious travel, 

entertainment and shopping. 

To find out how you can contribute 

or get involved, contact 

Catherine Bossis at 

greenselipar@gmail.com To find out 

more about The Green Selipar and 

how to holiday with heart, log on to 

http://greenselipar.com/. (The site 

will be up and running in mid-September.) 

- Serina Rahman 

(742912-V) 

Website: http://www.mymountaingoal.com 

Contact : Thong at goalus@mymountaingoal.com 

H/P : 016-6375622 Off : 03-40248896 

Everest Base Camp / Kalapattar trek from 17/10/08 to 03/11/08 (18D17N) 

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 at www.mymountaingoal.com/everestkalapattar.htm 

MT Fansipan and Halong bay Expedition from 15/11/08 to 22/11/08 

Fansipan is branded "the Roof of Indochina" at the height of 3,143m; Fansipan 

is to be approved as one of the very few eco-tourist spots of Vietnam, 

with about 2,024 floral varieties and 327 faunal species. It takes 2 days to 

reach the 3,143m summit, the highest peak of the Indochina Peninsula. 

The Ha Long bay, dotted with 3000 limestone islets rising from emerald 

waters, is the best known natural wonder of Vietnam. Because of their 

precipitous nature, most of the islands are uninhabited and unaffected by a 

human presence. The site's outstanding scenic beauty is complemented by its 

great biological interest. 

One free Training trip will provided for the Fansipan trekking. Further 

info at www.mymountaingoal.com/Vietnam_FanHasch.htm

Eco Kids 

Nutritious Weeds 

from the Sea 

Seaweed is high in nutrients. It can be eaten 

on its own, used as a wrapping (such as for sushi), or 

even added to soups and salads. For centuries, seaweeds 

have been eaten as food in China, Japan and 

the Republic of Korea. When people from these 

countries migrated around the world, they brought 

the custom of eating seaweed 

with them. 

Today, 90 per 

cent of the world's seaweed 

producers are from 

China, Japan, the Philippines 

and Korea. Seaweed 

is now popular as 

food in many more 

countries all over the 

world. The people living 

along the seaside in 

tropical countries such 

as Indonesia and 

Malaysia also eat fresh 

seaweeds, especially as 

salads. 

Apparently hun- 

Fresh seaweed sold in a tamu (once-a-week market) in Kota 

Belud, Sabah. 

(Photo: David Hagerman. eatingasia.typepad.com) 

dreds of varieties of seaweed are in existence, some 

of them not even named yet. The most common varieties, 

such as arame, hijiki, wakame, kombu and 

nori are sold dried in large supermarkets in major 

cities all over the world. They are rehydrated in cold 

water, and then combined with other ingredients. 

Seaweeds are high in fibre, protein, vitamins 

and rich in minerals. For example, they contain between 

seven and 14 times as much calcium as milk, 

depending on the type of seaweed. Minerals 

strengthen our body and its systems, making it important 

to eat seaweed regularly, which is particularly 

rich in iron, protein, calcium, zinc and iodine. 

Arame has a mild, semi-sweet flavour and is 

good for blending with other flavours (either 

steamed, sauteed, added to soup or eaten in salads); 

while hijiki is slightly bitter tasting and requires slow 

cooking. Kombu is sweet tasting, and can be eaten 

either raw or cooked. 

Wakame is similar to 

kombu, tasting almost 

like spinach. Nori is best 

used for wrapping, but 

after soaking it can also 

be added to soup or used 

as a salad ingredient. 

Fresh seaweeds commonly 

used in local salads 

in Malaysia are the 

Gracilaria seaweed and 

sea grapes (Caulerpa). 

In Sabah, fresh seaweed 

handpicked from 

coastal areas is sold in 

the market at RM1 per 

bundle, and eaten as 

‘Latok’ salad, after being blanched in hot water. The 

dried ones are sold at RM3 per kilo. 

In Terengganu and Kelantan, ‘Kerabu Sarer’ 

is a seaweed delicacy. It is imported from southern 

Thailand and sold at RM7 per kilo, and is usually 

available during the fasting month. 

Besides being used as food, seaweed is also 

used in industry. For example, Gracilaria can be used 

to manufacture commercial agar. There is also 

presently a lot of active research in seaweed for 

biotechnology and medicine, and even for use as 

biofilters to clean up polluted water. 

At present, Sabah commercially grows and 

exports Eucheuma denticulatum and Kappahycus alvarezii, 

the main sources of carrageenan. The compound 

is used as an industrial gum at a plant in 

Semporna, which produced about 5,000 tonnes in 

2000, according to Dr. Christine A. Orosco, Marine 

Biology programme coordinator and lecturer of Universti 

Malaysia Terengganu. 

- Khor Hui Min (khor.hm@gmail.com) 

Further reading: 

www.fao.org/docrep/006/y4765e/y4765e0b.htm 

www.aseanbiotechnology.info/News/24000588.htm 

www.nst.com.my/Current_News/Goodbites/gbites/Articles/20080610111016/Article 

espace.library.uq.edu.au/eserv/UQ:7973/Chan_APCMST.pdf 

MNS Cave Group Selangor Branch's Committee 2008/09 

Coordinator Yee Yoke Chuan, 019-2788815, 

YokeChuan.Yee@mnscavers.org 

Secretary Ng Suelynn, 012-3034780, 

Suelynn.Ng@mnscavers.org 

Treasurer Rosalynee Lee, 016-2116077, 

Rosalynee.Lee@mnscavers.org 

Quartermaster Darren Wong, 019-2164638, 

Darren.Wong@mnscavers.org 

Librarian Tony Yap, 013-3809118, 

Tony.Yap@mnscavers.org 

Dark Caves Coordinator Darren Wong, 019-2164638, 

Darren.Wong@mnscavers.org 

Webmaster Felicia Hooi, 012-2183556, 

Felicia.Hooi@mnscavers.org

Green Living Column 

A Q&A on indoor plants 

Q: Since plants only absorb carbon dioxide during the 

day and use oxygen at night, is it safe or healthy to 

have indoor plants in the bedroom? Will the plant use 

up my oxygen supply or increase the carbon dioxide 

levels in my home? 

A: According to Will Creed, an interior landscaper with 

Horticultural Help, New York: “Plants are absolutely safe 

in bedrooms and in hospitals. That plants steal oxygen is 

an old myth that has been thoroughly debunked. Plants 

do use a small amount of oxygen at night, but during the 

day they create more oxygen than they use at night. For 

any 24-hour period, it is a net plus of oxygen. Plants also 

use carbon dioxide which is what we exhale. That is why 

plants and animals (including humans) have been so compatible 

for eons.” 

The reason for this is that plants do not have muscles 

and other functions necessary in animals’ and humans’ 

functioning that require high levels of oxygen use. 

Photosynthesis produces a far greater amount of oxygen 

during the day than the small amount of oxygen the plant 

needs to meet its energy needs. 

During the night, the plant actually uses oxygen 

it has left over from the daylight photosynthesis, or takes 

the oxygen from the air surrounding the plant to meet its 

energy needs. This is not nearly the amount of oxygen 

an animal needs over the same period of time. 

This is a good thing, because almost all the oxygen 

we have in the atmosphere is a result of plants producing 

far more oxygen than they need! 

Q: But are there benefits of keeping indoor plants? 

Isn’t it far easier to have and maintain artificial 

plants? 

A: Much research has been conducted in this area by 

many interested parties, including office and apartment 

managers and employers! 

Not only do complaints about headaches, stress, 

heart/circulation symptoms and colds decrease when indoor 

plants are present, according to Dr. Leona Rogler in 

"The Comprehensive Office Series," but also having 

plants in a room can help to keep the air clean. 

Studies have shown that plants in indoor spaces 

have the following benefits that artificial plants do not: 

- Absorb harmful substances and toxins such as 

formaldehyde, ammonia and carbon monoxide. 

- Filter out dirt and dust from the air. 

- Keep up the atmospheric humidity levels 

- Have a cooling effect. 

- Reduce stress levels. 

- Lift the general mood. 

- Encourage productivity 

- Dampen or muffle sounds. 

Q: What would be the easiest indoor plants to grow 

and care for? 

A: Plants like the Epipremnum Pinnatum ‘Aureum’ 

(Money Plant) and Syngonium Podophyllum ‘Albovirens’ 

(Arrowhead Plant) (see pictures) can be easily 

grown in water, which makes them suitable for people 

with asthma or allergies to the fungi and bacteria in soil. 

They grow and multiply easily in almost all conditions 

and require very little care. 

- Wong Ee Lynn 

gl.mnselangor@yahoo.com 

REMINDER: COLLECTION OF RECYCLABLES 

MNS HQ collects paper, aluminium cans, plastics, used 

laser toner and inkjet cartridges, unwanted computers and 

printers for recycling. MNS does NOT collect old clothes, 

old toys, old furniture or glass bottles. Drop off your recyclables 

anytime at the bins next to Nature Owlet. 

Money raised from the sale of recyclables will help fund 

MNS HQ activities. 

For more information on recycling centres in 

your area, please collect a copy of the Recycling Directory 

from the Ministry of Housing and Local Government 

in Pusat Bandar Damansara during office hours. 

*Propose A Topic! E-mail us at 

gl.mnselangor@yahoo.com and let us know what topic 

you would like to learn more about.*

Bookshelf 

WILD ANIMALS OF 

SINGAPORE 

A Photographic Guide to Mammals, 

Reptiles, Amphibians and 

Freshwater Fishes 

This is the most comprehensive 

account of Singapore’s wild animals 

ever produced in one volume. 

Almost all terrestrial 

vertebrates currently occurring are described and illustrated 

in brilliant habitat photographs taken in Singapore: 

38 mammals, 87 reptiles, 25 frogs and toads, 

and 30 freshwater fishes. 

There are additional chapters on how and 

where to find wildlife in Singapore, as well as checklists 

of all species ever recorded in the country, including 

those extinct, introduced or of indeterminate 

status. 

Written and illustrated by a dedicated and experienced 

group of local wildlife experts. 

Project Co-ordinators: Nick Baker and Kelvin 

K.P.Lim 

Member’s Price: RM63.00 

Non-Member’s Price: RM70.00 

Publisher: Draco Publishing and Distribution Pte. Ltd. 

and Nature Society (Singapore) 2008 

Books are available at ‘The MNS Shop’ T/F: 03- 

22873471. E: natureowlet@yahoo.com Please call/email 

the MNS Shop before dropping in. 

THE MALAY 

ARCHIPELAGO 

Alfred Russel Wallace (1823- 

1913) occupies a unique position 

in 19th century science. A remarkable 

observer and a prolific 

creator of ideas, he provided as 

much of the groundwork of later 

biology as any man, with only the 

possible exceptions of Darwin 

and Mendel. He developed the 

concept of evolution by natural selection independently 

of Darwin, and also adapted the new theories of evolution 

to genetic discoveries that occurred after Darwin’s 

time. His work also provides the foundation for the scientific 

study of botany and zoology in many parts of the 

world. 

This book is still one of the great classics of 

natural history and travel. It contains Wallace’s observations 

on the different native peoples inhabiting the islands; 

descriptions of the island groupings, such as the 

Indo-Malays, the Timors, the Celebes, the Moluccas, 

and the Papuan Islands, and his accounts of the abundant 

and strange animals, startling birds, and varied insects, 

that flourished there. His basic thesis that the 

western half of the archipelago is Indian in animal life, 

whereas the eastern is Australia, is still accepted, and 

the line separating the two is called the Wallace Line in 

his honour. 

This is the unabridged reprint of the 1922 edition, 

with 62 drawings and maps. There are three appendices, 

one on cranial measurements, and the other 

two on native languages and vocabulary. 

Authors: Alfred Russel Wallace 

Member’s Price: RM48.40 

Non-Member’s Price: RM53.80 

Publisher: Reprinted by Graham Brash, Singapore 1987 

Member’s report 

An SOS Trip To Remember 

Wow! Look how much rubbish we collected at 

Pulau Merambong! (Photo: Lim Kar Mern) 

A week has passed since the seahorse trip to 

Johor last weekend (2-3 Aug 2008). The experience 

was shared with 13 others, all with different reasons 

for joining the trip in the first place. Most of us were 

curious as to what takes place at a Seahorse Conservation 

Programme conducted by Save Our Seahorses 

(SOS), while others were regular volunteers. But all of 

us shared the same excitement and curiosity when the 

journey began at the KL Sentral Monorail station on 

an early Saturday morning. 

We arrived in Johor in the mid-afternoon and 

had a quick bite before beginning the program for the 

day – a visit to the Kukup National Park. The ride there 

was rather eventful as we missed a turn into our destination 

and as a result, turned up late at the briefing centre. 

We called it distraction by ‘pasar malam’. 

Although we missed the briefing, we managed to make 

it for the guided tour through the national park, which 

took us through a walk across a suspension bridge 

placed strategically over the Snake River, a growing 

continues next page

MNS Selangor Branch 

2008 Awards 

RECIPIENT – WONG EE LYNN 

When Selangor Branch requested 

for interested individuals to volunteer 

in heading the newly proposed 

Green Living SIG, Ee Lynn volunteered 

& has been heading the SIG solo since 

then. Her projects with the SIG are endless! 

Starting with producing (write, edit 

& print) a green living booklet back in 

August 2006 & a bilingual 3R Pullout and Recycling Guide 

for the Ministry of Housing and Local Government. During 

her lunch breaks, she gives CSR talks to major MNCs on behalf 

of the SIG & MNS HQ. Because of her bottomless passion 

for a greener way of living & sharing it all, she rarely turns 

down an event invitation for Green Living to setup a booth. 

One of her favourite events are the children's day camp for welfare/shelter 

homes. The joy & happiness she has brought to 

these children is infectious; she now has loyal supporters for 

her charitable endeavours. To raise funds in order for the SIG 

to do greater things, she started the sale of eco-friendly merchandises 

and the collection and sale of 2nd hand books. In 

order to keep the momentum on Green Living among MNS 

members, she started 2 sctions i.e. "Eco-Kids" and "Green Living" 

in Pencinta Alam which she contributes regularly. The 

responsibilities, achievements and popularity of the SIG has 

grown so much under her care. Recently, she has added another 

charity to her already over-burdened portfolio. With the 

help of friends, she is providing home care to neuter, vaccinate 

and re-home stray cats which would otherwise be euthanized. 

Despite her busy schedule and long to-do list, she is often quick 

to say yes to help out. Her sincerity, compassion and goodness 

of heart shines like a beacon. 

RECIPEINT – KHOR HUI MIN 

At first glance, Hui Min may come across as someone 

who has set her allegiance with the aquatic creatures. She is 

the co-coordinator of the Marine Special Interest Group in 

MNS, an active member of the Malaysian Society of Marine 

Sciences' council and sub-executive 

committee. A great supporter of Save 

Our Seahorses, often collaborating with 

SOS to organise outings to observe seahorses 

up close and to help with their 

scientific study. She's also the honorary 

editor for the MSMS newsletter – 

Oceanews.Apart from her obvious marine 

interests, she harbours a deep desire 

to be a hawker. Always keen to 

volunteer her famous spaghetti recipe to help spice up public 

events such as Kota Damansara Communicity Park's 'Forest 

4Us'. She also has great interest in education, especially in the 

early environmental education of young children. She organised 

the Arts and Crafts competitions for children both from 

the public and from a welfare home during the MSMS AGM 

at the National Science Centre. She would like to author environment/nature 

themed books for children one day. In her spare 

time, she also volunteers for the Centre for Independent Journalism 

Malaysia. Like most girls, she's into yoga and mammals. 

But unlike them, she's especially fond of rodents! She 

currently has 2 rabbits. 

RECIPIENT – SURIN SUKSUWAN 

Surin is intelligent, articulate, and, in the right mood, 

makes a wonderful sparring partner for intellectual word 

games. Capable of being both a brute and a gentleman. Most 

relevant for this citation, however, is Surin's passion and commitment 

for conserving the natural world around us, both at 

professional level as a key staff member of WWF Malaysia as 

well as a member and volunteer for MNS. His contributions to 

the Society as well as conservation at large, runs into volumes. 

To name but a few, both the guidebooks on Bukit Gasing and 

Kota Damansara would not have materialized without his 

input. His stint on the MNS Selangor committee added a keen, 

informed voice and increased knowledge on the legal aspects 

of environmental issues and also a vocal participant on the 

mnselangor yahoo forum. Surin was instrumental in setting up 

the Perlis State Park. His commitment inspires others to not 

despair especially when facing a brick wall in nature conservation 

issues. Surin,is a friend, motivator, treasure chest of information, 

good company, and most of all the example of a 

passionate conservationist that more than deserves this award. 

SOS, continues 

anticipation to bump into wild boars (which did not 

materialise unfortunately, to the dismay of this writer) 

and a brief educational discourse on mangrove wildlife 

by the Kukup National Park officer. The day ended 

with a seafood dinner and the need for a shower and 

sleep for all concerned. 

Sunday started bright and early for us. Sleepyeyed 

and slightly sleep deprived, we headed to the Pendas 

jetty to catch the boat to the Pulai River Estuary to 

begin our volunteer duties. When we arrived at the seagrass 

meadow, the most stunning part of it was the fact 

that Malaysia was on our right, and Singapore was to 

our left, and we were literally walking on the sea in the 

middle. We were divided into teams and set off on our 

hunt for Hippocampus kuda. This writer’s team was 

very lucky the first time around as one of our members 

managed to find 2 seahorses (a pair) within a matter 

of minutes. All in all, our entire group collectively 

managed to find 5 seahorses and 2 pipefish that day. 

The next agenda on the itinerary was a visit to 

Pulau Merambong, where a Clean-Up session of the 

beach was planned, with complimentary rambutans for 

our efforts to tidy up the beach the best we could. A 

group photo was called for, and all of us gave our 

biggest smiles amidst a sea of bin bags that contained, 

amongst other things, a helmet and a tyre. 

Our trip ended with a gathering at Old Town 

White Coffee for lunch before the lot of us made our 

respective ways homeward towards the daily routine 

that awaited us in the week ahead. Without a doubt, 

the 14 of us certainly did leave Kukup with a time to 

remember. I wouldn’t be surprised if some of us make 

it back to Kukup for another round of the Seahorse 

Volunteer Survey at the Pulai River Estuary and the 

wonders beneath the water’s surface. 

- Malini Madiyazhagan (malinimadi@gmail.com)

MYCAT Watch 

Below is the abstract of a recently published 

article delving into the attitudes towards the consumption 

and conservation of tigers in China. The 

results of the recent survey indicate a substantial 

residual demand for products made from tigers, 

which could easily a surge in demand if China lifts 

the trade ban on tiger parts, which it put in place in 

1993. The ban must be kept in place, and members of 

the consuming public the world over must refrain 

from purchasing products which claim to be made 

from tigers. 

Attitudes toward Consumption 

and Conservation of Tigers in 

China 

By Brian Gratwicke, Judy Mills, Adam Dutton, 

Grace Gabriel, Barney Long, John Seidensticker, Belinda 

Wright, Wang You and Li Zhang 

Abstract 

A heated debate has recently emerged between 

tiger farmers and conservationists about the 

potential consequences of lifting the ban on trade in 

farmed tiger products in China. This debate has 

caused unfounded speculation about the extent of the 

potential market for tiger products. 

To fill this knowledge gap, we surveyed 1880 

residents from a total of six Chinese cities to understand 

Urban Chinese tiger consumption behavior, 

knowledge of trade issues and attitudes towards tiger 

conservation. We found that 43% of respondents had 

consumed some product alleged to contain tiger 

parts. Within this user-group, 71% said that they preferred 

wild products over farmed ones. 

The two predominant products used were 

tiger bone plasters (38%) and tiger bone wine 

(6.4%). 88% of respondents knew that it was illegal 

to buy or sell tiger products, and 93% agreed that a 

ban in trade of tiger parts was necessary to conserve 

wild tigers. 

These results indicate that while Urban Chinese 

people are generally supportive of tiger conservation, 

there is a huge residual demand for tiger 

products that could resurge if the ban on trade in tiger 

parts is lifted in China. We suspect that the current 

supply of the market is predominantly met by fakes 

or substitutes branded as tiger medicines, but not listing 

tiger as an ingredient. 

We suggest that the Traditional Chinese Medicine 

community should consider re-branding these 

products as bone-healing medicines in order to reduce 

the residual demand for real tiger parts over the 

long-term. The lifting of the current ban on trade in 

farmed tiger parts may cause a surge in demand for 

wild tiger parts that consumers say are better. Because 

of the low input costs associated with poaching, 

wild-sourced parts would consistently undercut 

the prices of farmed tigers that could easily be laundered 

on a legal market. 

We therefore recommend that the Chinese 

authorities maintain the ban on trade in tiger parts, 

and work to improve the enforcement of the existing 

ban. 

To read the full article, visit 

www.plosone.org/doi/pone.0002544 

Kuching Wetlands 

Beach Clean Up 

At 8am on Thursday 19th June 5 dedicated 

MNS volunteers set off to Santubong. It looked like 

it was going to be a grim day, overcast and quite 

windy. Litter picking in the rain wouldn’t be much 

fun. In fact our efforts were rewarded and the conditions 

were good. Not too hot, the rain held off and 

the wind kept the sand flies at bay. 

We crossed the estuary in a fishing boat 

kindly leant to us by a villager in Santubong. As we 

slowed, to find a path to the shore between the fishing 

boats and their drift nets, an Irrawaddy Dolphin 

(Oracaella brevirostris) popped up, the first of several 

groups we were to see. 

On the beach, everyone’s reaction was the 

same surprise when they saw the amount of plastic 

bags and other rubbish littering the place. We were 

never going to be able to clean it all but for the next 

few hours every single plastic bag in sight was collected 

and loaded onto the boat, (literally hundreds of 

them). 

continues next page

Take a Look at Earth 

Gary Gellar, of the Biodiversity Unit at 

NASA, the American Space Agency, visited Kuching 

this June. He is no stranger to Malaysia or to other 

parts of South East Asia. In fact, about 4 years ago 

he visited Kuching and gave a talk for the Malaysian 

Nature Society, on Global Warming. The Earth is 

still warming -- and 'The Star' (June 29, 2008), carried 

a report suggesting that for the first time in 

known history, the Artic might be free of ice. Terrifying, 

and even more so because we don’t seem to 

be able to make the necessary lifestyle changes to 

tackle the problem (a drastic understatement). 

On this visit Gary chose not to talk about 

Global Warming, but about a way of seeing the Earth 

and the changes on its surface. The TerraLook website 

-- ‘terra’ meaning Earth and ‘look’ of course look 

-- gives the tools for you and me to see the Earth and 

the way it has changed for about the past 30 years. 

TerraLook is the result of an idea that began 

several years ago when Dr Gellar, who was travelling 

through Southeast Asia, suggested that Park 

Managers in Laos use satellite imagery (photographs) 

to observe the protected areas they were 

managing. He was told that this was not feasible because 

the software (programs) and the pictures were 

just too expensive and their management budgets 

would not stretch to cover this huge expenditure. 

This was when Dr Gellar began searching for ways 

to make the tool of satellite imagery available on a 

large scale, not just to a select few; and the beginning 

of TerraLook 

TerraLook became reality in 2007 with the 

development of a website, enabling individuals to 

obtain copies of NASA satellite imagery dating back 

to 1975. Many agencies, including The Nature Conservancy, 

the World Bank Development Grant Facility 

Program’s Inter-American Biodiversity 

Information Network Connectivity Project, the U.S. 

State Department, the Gordon and Betty Moore 

Foundation’s Amazon Protected Area Network project, 

and The World Conservation Union, supported 

its development. 

A visitor to the user friendly website 

(http://terralok.cr.usgs.gov/) is ‘walked’ through the 

steps in ordering the imagery. These images are free 

but in very large jpeg files that need to be downloaded 

on fast broadband. TerraLook images are 

taken mainly from Tri-Decadal Global Landsat Orthorectified 

images from the USGS EROS archive 

and ASTER images from the Land Processes Distributed 

Active Archive Center . 

The saying, ‘A picture is worth a thousand 

words’ was never truer. Satellite imagery enables 

us to see our home planet from a bird’s eye view and 

because the images go back to 1975, it is possible to 

see the changes. With the rapid movement of images 

from the past to the present, give the impression that 

the change is taking place at that moment. We can 

see more easily the land and the changes over time. 

This ability is one of TerraLook’s many benefits to its 

users. 

We can see the cutting of the forests and the 

expansions of the cities and the threatening of protected 

areas and the melting of the polar icecaps ... 

and the steps we are taking to protect the planet 

Earth. Thereby using this powerful to show how we 

are much more in touch with nature. 

For more info go to terralok.cr.usgs.gov 

- Mary Margaret 

Beach Clean Up, continues 

The end result was satisfying, and with the 

sea hibiscus in flower and the Mangrove kingfisher 

squawking his approval, things were back to how 

they should be. 

We couldn’t resist a quick effort at Proboscis 

(Nasalis larvatus) sighting and a well-earned rest. 

Mid-day is not a good time for spotting Proboscis in 

mangroves as there is not typically enough shade for 

them. With luck on our side we headed up to a particularly 

dense patch of forest. A second pair of Dolphins 

arched through the water and on the shore a 

long black shape bounced into the water. Not long 

enough for a croc, too fat for a monitor lizard. A family 

of four white-throated otters were having an afternoon 

dip to cool off and for a spot of fishing. The 

biggest otter was successful and he bounded off with 

a large fish hanging from his mouth. 

Shortly afterwards on the far bank, hanging 

off a Nibong palm (Oncosperma tigillarium) (above 

the spines) eying up the big white trumpet shaped 

flower of the aptly named Mangrove Trumpet Tree 

(Dolichandrone spathacca)we spotted a group of Proboscis 

Monkeys. A fairly small group of perhaps just 

4 or 5 were having a lunch time feed up in the forest 

above us. 

It is surprising what a difference a few people 

can make in a short time. It made you realise that 

if everyone did their bit recycling for instance, overall 

it can have a significant impact. Much more than 

we often think it will. 

Thank you to everyone who helped. Perhaps 

for next year’s trip we can have a beach BBQ. 

- William Beavitt

Calendar of Activities 

September 

6 

Forest Safety & Confidence 2008: Knife Safety and 

Maintenance Workshop This workshop, conducted 

by Selangor Nature Guides Group, is from 9am-5pm 

and will be conducted in Kota Damansara Community 

Forest Park. 

It includes: 

Parang (Bring your own if you have one) 

- Felling saplings 

- Trimming 

- Cutting poles 

- Clearing brush 

- Trail cutting 

- Trail blazing 

Small knife (Bring your own if you have one) 

- safe cutting; 

- felling saplings 

- peeling 

- batoning; 

- shortening sticks 

- feather sticks 

- walking sticks 

- carving try sticks; spoons 

- notches; holes tent pegs; 

- sharpening 

Lunch and certificate will be provided. Cost: RM50 per 

person (MNS members) or RM80 (non-MNS members). 

Those interested please contact John Chan at 

chankokaik@yahoo.com or or call 016-3569 169. Look 

out for the next workshop on Firecraft & Cordage! 

18 

Thu Talk: Photography tips and sharing MNS 

HQ, KL, at 8.00pm. Mr. Yap Kok Sun and Alex 

Foong will be sharing their photography know-how 

to members in this session. We welcome Photography enthusiasts 

who want to learn the finer point of photography 

to come and join us in this sharing session. It is our objective 

to elevate members into the next level in photography. 

In this sharing, we hope to bring members beyond 

the “point and shoot” camera set-up. Besides composition, 

we will also share with you on the effect of lighting and 

others. 

Members who have friends who are non-members 

and want to introduce them into photography can 

bring them along, but it is limited to a one member, one 

guest basis due to space constrain. 

20 

Sat Trekking to Sg. Lepoh Waterfall, Ulu Langat 

This is one of the easier treks and popular spot 

for beginners and family to start-off with. Enjoy 

outdoor activities such as birdwatching, photography, 

botanising and appreciation of Nature.The trek entails 2 

hours hike which will leads members from a 'durio' orchard 

farm to secondary forest for the final ascent of 2 

steep hills, nicknamed "Dolly Parton's Hills" before reaching 

the Sg. Lepoh intake. 

Wear good walking shoes (with grips), bring 

along a packed lunch, a bottle of drinking water & ground 

sheet (optional) for seating purposes. Bring umbrella or 

raincoat in case it rains. Please do not litter or leave your 

rubbish behind. The cost for this trip is RM20.00 for 

Group Fund and other expenses. Please direct credit to 

Bank - Account No. Maybank 1122 2303 8585 (Lim Sock 

Teen). Please keep the slip and SMS to the coordinators 

below for recording. Places are limited. 

Due to limited carpark space at this area, participating 

members are strongly encourage to car-pool, offer 

or need a ride, please e-mail to pathfsel@yahoo.com or 

call the following between 9 pm to 11 pm: Sidney Seok 

(019-2221123)or Leo Khang Meng (016-2712424). 

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. 

21 

Sun Birdwatching: Old Pump House road, 

Genting Highlands The Old Pump House Road 

provides a mixture of interesting birds of the sub-montane 

forest. You will get a chance to see such delights as Hornbills, 

Barbets, Wren-Babblers, Woodpeckers and a whole 

lot more. 

We will meet at 07:00 a.m. at the Indian restaurant 

next to Sri Malaysia hotel at Gohtong Jaya. In our support 

of green living, we suggest car-pooling where possible. 

For those interested in joining this half-day trip, 

please phone/sms Tang with your name & membership 

number at 012-3061133 (7pm-10pm). 

It is recommended that you bring your binoculars, 

drinking water, a light-weight raincoat, a snack and wear 

earth-coloured clothing. 

Please note that the Old Pumphouse Road is on 

an incline for some of the way.

21 

Sun Trip to Dark Caves The Selangor Branch 

Cave Group would like to invite you to join us for 

our Dark Caves tour! Every 3rd Sunday of the month, we 

conduct a trip to Dark Caves (located at Batu Caves). 

You are invited to join us for this 4-hour adventure 

session to gain an understanding of limestone cave 

formation and be introduced the type of formations that 

can be found in the caves such as stalactites, stalagmites, 

columns, pillars, etc. You will also be exposed to the types 

of fauna that can be found in the caves such as cave cockroaches, 

millipedes, and bats on their contribution to the 

eco-system. 

There are approximately 2 km of passages on several 

levels. The main attractions of these caves are their 

size and formations, and their ecology. Some large passages 

are enough for airplanes, and others' are so tight that 

even crawling through poses a challenge! The caves consist 

of seven major sections : Cavern A to Cavern F and the 

Great Cavern, named in the 1920's by the leaders of the 

first major scientific research group and it is still retained 

today. We will be exploring through a few Caverns, and 

we are sure you will have a good time joining us. 

The cost is RM35 for MNS members & RM80 for 

non-MNS members for the adventure tour. So, come along 

with your adventurous spirit! Please contact Darren Wong 

(019-2164638, darren.wong@mnscavers.org) or Chee 

Min Er (019-3148408, miner.chee@mnscavers.org). 

21 

Sun Day trip to Asahan (N9/Melaka Branch) 

Trekking along waterfall, suitable for all age groups 

including young and old, be reasonably fit. Do wear 

suitable attire, trekking shoes and swimming gear. Bring 

own food and plenty of water, also a change of clothes. 

Meeting place at Air Keroh exit toll at 8.00am. Confirm 

with coordinator by 18 September. Coordinator – Mr 

Richard Tay (Tel no. 012-2119824). 

October 

9 

Thu Talk: “A lot of hot air? Carbon Trading and 

the future of Kyoto” MNS HQ Auditorium, Jalan 

Kelantan, KL, at 8.00pm. All are welcome. 

Climate change is probably the single biggest 

issue facing our planet. Scientists believe that it will affect 

ecosystem functions on a global scale and as a result 

the human way of life itself. The Kyoto protocol attempted 

to offer a framework of solutions and for the first time introduced 

the use of economic tools to address a global environmental 

problem. Amongst them, the Clean 

Development Mechanism (CDM) allows industrialised 

countries with a greenhouse gas reduction commitment 

(called Annex 1 countries) to invest in projects that reduce 

emissions in developing countries. In return Annex 1 

countries can buy these emission ‘credits’ and use them 

for compliance reasons. Carbon is now a commodity that 

can be bought and sold. But does this really work? 

Nick Stantzos, a member of the MNS and a project 

manager at EcoSecurities Malaysia, a carbon credit 

company, will discuss how carbon finance could be a solution. 

The talk aims to explain how the Clean Development 

Mechanism works, which are the benefits and the 

problems of such an approach, where Malaysia stands and 

what lies ahead after Kyoto expires in 2012. It would be 

great to see you there and have a lively discussion! 

11-12 

Sat-Sun Trip: Kinta Nature Park, Perak 

An overnight trip to Kinta Nature Park 

(which we hope will be gazetted by the Perak State govt). 

This is an old mining area with many pools and interconnecting 

tracks and rich with bird and aquatic life. Trip will 

be coordinated by both Selangor and Perak Branch. For 

those who are keen, please call Bernie at 012 6928356 or 

email berniechin118@yahoo.com for booking by Sep 30. 

Cost of trip: RM190 per person inclusive of car pool and 

one night stay. Suitable for children. 

11-12 

Sat-Sun 2D/1N trip to Tanjung Piai- 

Kukup (N9/Melaka Branch) The southernmost 

tip of mainland Asia, Tanjung Piai Johor National 

Park comprises of coastal mangroves. Kukup island shelters 

an array of wetland-associated plant and animal life. 

Kukup is famous for its seafood restaurants and cage cultured 

fish farms. Activities include mangrove boardwalks, 

bird watching, guided tours and park trails. Accomodation 

would be at chalet-on-stilts. Trip is suitable for young and 

old and cost would be on a pro-rata basis. Meeting place 

at Ujong Pasir Petronas Station, Melaka, at 7.00am. Confirm 

with coordinator by 4 October. Coordinator – Ms Tan 

Bee Wah (Tel no. 06-2833439). 

25-26 

Sat-Sun Festival of Wings 

Like always, September marks the long 

journey for migratory birds. Dozens of species fly far 

away from their wintering homes crossing seas and continents 

in order to find a warm place to sleep rest and eat. 

This journey is a yearly occurrence with the birds as they 

use the same route. As the world celebrates them in World 

Bird Migration Day, Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) 

and Kuala Selangor Nature Park (KSNP) celebrate them 

with the Festival of Wings. 

The ‘Festival of Wings’ is an annual event organized 

to promote the importance of birds as natural indicators 

for earth health, awareness of the environment as well 

as promoting Kuala Selangor as an eco-tourism destination. 

This year, the event will be held on 25th – 26th October 

2008. Two separate programs have been designed to 

attract different interests: 

1. The ‘Amazing Kuala Selangor Nature Hunt’ 

A day program designed to attract adventurous 

people, adults and students alike. In groups of 4, teams 

will observe wildlife, explore the park and carry out exceptional 

tasks such as nature craft and mangrove replanting 

in this rewarding program. But, it is not only for 

fun, teams will also learn the importance of the flora and

fauna. 

2. ‘Bird Watching & Waders Monitoring Program’ 

More for the watchers, this program will give you 

a taste of bird watching and give you the basic skills for 

when you go out and do it yourself. Relax and enjoy yourself 

as this program will help you to see the beauty of birds 

for yourself. 

The programs will be conducted at two different 

places, KSNP itself and the exclusive Sultan Salahuddin 

Abdul Aziz Power Plant in Kapar. Sultan Salahuddin 

Abdul Aziz Power Plant is not just another power plant. 

What makes this place special is that it is home to many 

of our local birds and attracts thousands of waders during 

the migration period. Interesting! The Power Plant has 

very tight security, only workers are allowed to enter the 

premise, but Bird Watching & Waders Monitoring participants 

are welcome. 

You are welcome to join any of these two activities; 

the Amazing Kuala Selangor Nature Hunt or the Bird 

Watching & Waders Monitoring program for a minimal 

fee: 

Amazing Kuala Selangor Nature Hunt 

Adult Category RM 80.00 

Student Category RM 35.00 

Bird Watching & Waders Monitoring Program 

Adult RM 120.00 

Student RM 80.00 

If you would like to attend the program(s) please 

contact Kuala Selangor Nature Park (KSNP) to confirm 

your place by 7th October 2008. Fees are to be paid either 

in cash on arrival at KSNP or by a cheque made payable 

to Malaysian Nature Society (MNS). 

To confirm your place or if you have any questions 

please contact: 

Mr. Raj - 012-296 8438 

Ms. Laila - 012-602 8462 

KSNP Tel - 03-3289 2294 

KSNP Fax -03-3289 4311 

About Kuala Selangor Nature Park 

The establishment of Kuala Selangor Nature Park 

(KSNP) was proposed in 1987 by MNS as an alternative 

to a then proposed golf course. It is currently the only nature 

park managed by an NGO, in collaboration with the 

Selangor State Government. Based on the three pillars of 

the park objectives i.e. nature conservation, education and 

awareness, KSNP today is recognized for its wetland conservation 

work and habitat protection. Local businesses 

and communities have benefited economically from the 

existence of the nature park and the mangrove belt along 

its coastline. We at MNS are constantly working on the 

conservation of KSNP as KSNP aims to facilitate the 

amalgamation of biodiversity, local communities and the 

industry and tourism. This is proposed to be carried out 

primarily through education, awareness and hands on 

training programmes. 

The Park contains 800 acres of mangrove forest, 

secondary forest and brackish water lake systems that provide 

shelter for a diverse range of birds and animals including 

the Milky Stork and the Silver Leaf Monkey. The 

Park is situated 70km north of Kuala Lumpur with good 

transport links and car park area for those who wish to 

drive. 

November 

1-2 

Sat-Sun The Genting “Go Green” Trailblazer 

The Genting Trailblazer will be a challenging 

14km run through the forest with the "Go Green" message. 

With a partnership with MNS, the Trailblazer promises 

to have minimal impact on the environment. 

The Genting Trailblazer isn't merely a run, it 

promises to be an adventure carrying the "Go Green" message. 

Running through the forest, you will come face to 

face with 14 km of muddy terrain, daunting obstacles and 

challenges. 

Working hand in hand with MNS, the Genting 

Trailblazer has committed to minimize the impact on the 

environment by implementing several "Go Green" measures 

including the prohibiting the use of plastic bottles, 

sustainable methods of preparation and implementation of 

the race, perusing eco-friendly products and conducting 

green forums and talks. 

MNS will be conducting talks on conservation, 

habitat and species as well as running activities during the 

run. 

With over RM72, 000 worth of cash and prizes to 

be won, more information on the Genting Trailblazer can 

be found at: 

www.gentingtrailblazer.com 

verydirtypeople.blogspot.com 

Facebook Group: Genting Trailblazer 

7-11 

Fri-Mon Birding in Langkawi Langkawi Island 

in the north-west of Peninsular Malaysia is 

a place to seek out bird species that do not occur further 

south. Don't miss out on the chance to see the Brownwinged 

Kingfisher, Plain-backed Sparrow, Mountain 

Hawk-Eagle, Black-hooded Oriole and Jerdon’s Baza. November 

is also a good time to possibly spot some exotic 

migrant birds. Come join the Selangor Branch Bird Group 

to explore and find some of the birding gems of Langkawi. 

Cost: RM320 per person ex-Langkawi. This includes 

accommodation and transportation on the island. It 

will also cover the cost of a boat trip. Meals are on your 

own account. Participants are required to make their own 

way to Langkawi and to meet at a pre-determined place 

on 7th Nov. You will have an option to extend your stay in 

Langkawi on your own with 4 nights accommodation free. 

Closing date: 24 Oct 2008. Registration and payment 

contact: Alan Yu (016-3322991, 

alanyu01@gmail.com). Payment mode: Bank into Maybank 

Account No. 1-14196-18946-5; cheques to be made

out to YU TOH BING. Please register and confirm place 

with Alan before banking in your cheque. Pre-trip meeting 

will be held on Thu 30 Oct at 8 pm at the MNS HQ 

Auditorium 

15-16 

Sat-Sun Trip to Sg Pulai Estuary & 

Kukup National Park 

Join us in the Seahorse Volunteer Programme 

with Save Our Seahorses (SOS) & participate in our seahorse, 

pipefish & dugong monitoring survey. If you’re 

lucky, you’ll see a seahorse! We’ll also visit the uninhabited 

island of Pulau Merambong nearby and Kukup National 

Park. A seafood lunch in Kukup will be provided. 

Travel is by carpool, costs to be borne by each individual. 

This package covers: 

(1) 1-night stay in a boutique hotel (Sat night) 

(2) 2 meals (Sun breakfast & Sun seafood lunch) 

(3) Seahorse Volunteer Programme costs (boat transfer + 

guide fees + Pulau Merambong visit) 

(4) Kukup National Park costs (entrance ticket + guide + 

boat) 

Cost: RM190 (members)/ RM260 (non-members, 

includes 1 year membership). Places are limited, first 

come & paid first served! 

Booking: By Friday, 17 October = pay RM 100 

Confirm: By Friday, 31 October = pay full sum (RM190 

or RM260) 

Contact: Khor Hui Min 017-881 7714, 

khor.hm@gmail.com 

21-23 

Fri-Sun Intermediate Birdwatching 

Course @ KSNP Are you able to identify 

birds, but maybe have difficulty with families such as Bulbuls, 

Warblers and Egrets, which all look so similar? 

Aware of different bird calls, but need help learning them? 

Want to learn more about birds and birding? If so, the Intermediate 

Course is 

for you! Join the Selangor Branch Bird Group for two 

nights and two days of practical and classroom sessions 

at Kuala Selangor Nature Park. We will also touch on 

monitoring techniques, and how these techniques can enable 

you to contribute towards conservation work through 

birdwatching. 

Cost: RM200 per pax includes accommodation, 

meals, transportation and course materials. 

Registration/Check-in 7pm sharp Friday evening, 

as course begins promptly at 8.30pm. Max. 20 pax so 

book your place early to avoid disappointment! MUST 

HAVE YOU WRITTEN YOUR WILL YET? WHO WILL TAKE CARE OF YOUR FAMILY 

UPON YOUR UNTIMELY DEMISE? 

LOVE YOUR FAMILY, WRITE YOUR WILL TODAY AND ENJOY A PEACE OF MIND wherever you 

maybe…Travelling, Trekking, Caving, Mountain Climbing, Diving, Biking, Camping, etc. 

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 ac 

counts 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 administrative process (2 - 6 years) 

� 2 guarantors / sureties required (amount equal or more than deceased’s estate) 

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. 

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 

have own binoculars and field guide. NOT suitable for Beginners. 

Briefing on Tue 18 Nov at MNS HQ Auditorium 

at 8 pm. 

Contact: Khoo Swee Seng (013-3863663, email 

swekhoo@yahoo.com) to book or for further information. 

Cheques for payment are to be made out to Khoo Swee 

Seng and mailed to No.2 Jalan SS3/38, 47300 Petaling 

Jaya. Please contact him to book before sending cheque. 

Closing date 11th Nov.

MNS HQ 

JKR 541, Jalan Kelantan, 

Bukit Persekutuan, 50480 Kuala Lumpur 

(just before the Seri Perdana turn-off on 

Jalan Mahameru). 

M-F 9am-5:30pm. 

T: 03-22879422. F: 03-22878773. 

mns@mns.org.my www.mns.org.my 

Membership: Leong Wee Chin 

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 

c/o Prof. Madya Dr. Maketab Mohamed, 

No. 90, Jalan Pulai 50, 

Taman Pulai Utama, 83100 Johor Bahru. 

www.mnsj.org.my 

Chair Prof Madya Dr. Maketab Mohd 

019-3519866, maketab@fkkksa.utm.my 

Vice Chairman Dr. Lum Wei Wah 

019-7838388, jefflum@tm.net.my 

Secretary Zalinah Sarpan, 013-7722229 

Zalinah.sarpan@my.lafarge.com 

Treasurer Chern Boon Hong 

012-7800023 

KEDAH BRANCH 

289, Tingkat Bawah, Jln Shahab 1, Shahab 

Perdana, 05400 Alor Star, Kedah. 

Chairman Phang Fatt Khow 

012-3116420, fkphang05@yahoo.com 

Vice Chair Kalaimani a/l Supramaniam 

019-4733505, maniria@yahoo.com 

Secretary Tengku Badrillah bT Abdullah 

012-4880090, tbadril@hotmail.com 

Treasurer Tan Dek 

019-5762823, cptps@tm.net.my 

KELANTAN BRANCH 

204, Jln Sultan Yahya Petra,15150 Kota 

Bharu, Kelantan. shown@tm.net.my 

Chairman Tan Kee Leong, Michael 

012-9538858, mike1958@streamyx.com 

Vice Chair Cheah Sin Chor 

012-9567702 

Secretary Wong Mei Lin 

wmeilin@tm.net.my 

Treasurer Evone Lim 

evone2meng@yahoo.com 

NEGERI SEMBILAN/ 

MELAKA BRANCH 

581-A Taman Aman, Ujong Pasir, 

75050 Melaka. 

Chairman Lim Ming Hui 

012-2760327, lmh75@tm.net.my 

Vice Chair Saffe Mohd Yusof 012-6740054 

safe.mohdyusof@exxonmobil.com 

Secretary Stephanie Bacon 

012-2175590, cooltek@streamyx.com 

Treasurer Lee Ah Geok 

06-3345666x2116, ahgeoklee@hotmail.com 

PAHANG BRANCH 

F-4-4, Jalan Padang Golf, 

25050 Kuantan. mnspahang@yahoo.com 

Chairman Mohd Roslan Bin Mohd Rais 

019-7124595, mroslan@swss.com.my 

Vice Chairman Ray J Crehan 

019-9647448, raybeth.crehan@gmail.com 

Secretary Kua Chui Neo, Patricia 

019-9313668 

Treasurer Ho Chin Leong 

09-5668240 

PENANG BRANCH 

Nature Information Centre (NIC), 

673-B Jalan Kebun Bunga, 

10350 Penang. T/F: 04 2273673. 

Open Mon-Sat, 7.30am - 11.30am (Please 

phone before visiting). 

www.geocities.com/mnspenang/ 

Chairman Kanda Kumar 

04-2273673, kandakum@tm.net.my 

Vice Chairman Hymeir Kamarudin 

019-4428926, speleocorp@myjaring.net 

Secretary Lai Ee May 012-5385642, 

eemaylai@yahoo.com 

Treasurer Foong Swee Yeok 

012-5529694, foong_sy@yahoo.com 

PERAK BRANCH 

PO Box 34, Ipoh Garden Post Office, 

31407 Ipoh. 

Chairman Leow Kon Fah 019-5634598, 

leow_kingfisher@yahoo.com 

Vice Chair Ooi Beng Yean 

017-5082206, obybeng@streamyx.com 

Secretary Neal Nirmal 

012-6195432, kghijau1@tm.net.my 

Treasurer Har Wai Ming 

019-5724113, wm.har@klk.com.my 

SABAH BRANCH 

Lot F-4-18, Block F, 4th Floor, 

Plaza Tanjung Aru, Jln Mat Salleh, 

Tanjung Aru, 88100 Kota Kinabalu. 

mns_sabah@yahoo.com.sg 

Chairperson Omar Abdul Kadir 

019-8110125, omar_kadir51@yahoo.com 

Vice Chair Anna Wong 

016-8346808, anna888@ums.edu.my 

Secretary Zarinah Waheed 

019-8329329, zarinah@ums.edu.my 

Treasurer Muhammad Ali Syed Hussein 

016-2398111, tilan@yahoo.com 

SARAWAK (KUCHING) BRANCH 

mnskuching@gmail.com 

Chairman Rebecca Jothi D'Cruz 

019-8579110, aonyx@pd.jaring.my 

Vice Chair Dr Georges Schneider 

012-8860033, jwsgmgs@streamyx.com 

Secretary Chan Mei Ching, Zora Sharon 

019-8279881, zorachan76@yahoo.com 

Treasurer Jacinta Wong-Schneider 

012-8862911, jwsgmgs@streamyx.com 

SARAWAK (MIRI) BRANCH 

c/o EPA-T-DGP, Sarawak Shell Bhd, 

Jalan Pantai, 98100 Lutong. 

mnsmiri@yahoo.com 

Chairman Lee Bor Seng 

019-8782287, bor-seng.lee@shell.com 

Vice Chair Nazeri Abghani 

016-8542212, nabghani@yahoo.com 

Secretary Sim Wan Chee 

012-8076699, kee6699@yahoo.com 

Treasurer Tan Cheng Yam 

019 8574157, borseng@yahoo.com 

SELANGOR BRANCH 

c/o MNS HQ address 

www.mns.org.my/selangor 

mns.selangor@gmail.com 

newly 

elected 

E-group: groups.yahoo.com/group/mnselangor 

Chairman Gary Phong 

013-3836288, garyphong@netscape.net 

Vice Chairman Lim Teck Wyn 

016-3619148, twlim@rescu.com.my 

Secretary Gan Li Li 

012-2074840, pat_ganll@hotmail.com 

Treasurer Bernadette Chin 

012-6928356, berniechin118@yahoo.com 

Committee Members 

Chris Shepherd 

012-234 0790, cstsea@po.jaring.my 

Eugene Lee 

012-3160954, eugene.t.lee@aya.yale.edu 

James Cherian 03-7806 2464 

tansencherian@yahoo.com 

Lillian Danielle Khoo 

012-273 7316, wiccanlilly@hotmail.com

Loretta Soosayraj 

012-310 0594, loret22@yahoo.com 

Pasupathy Jayaraj 019-319 9770 

pasupathy_jayaraj@yahoo.com 

Rhett Harrison 014-8934631, 

rhett_d_harrison@yahoo.co.uk 

Rick Gregory 

013-363 0126, rikory@gmail.com 

Serina Rahman 

017-672 9367, serina_mola@yahoo.com 

BIRD GROUP 

mnsselangorbirdgroup.blogspot.com/ 

Khoo Swee Seng 

013-386 3663, swekhoo@yahoo.com 

CAVE GROUP 

www.mns.org.my/caving.php 

Yee Yoke Chuan 019-278 8815, 

yokechuan.yee@mnscavers.org 

FLORA GROUP 

Mariam Jutta 

017-5027584, fedupferret@hotmail.com, 

GREEN LIVING GROUP 

Wong Ee Lynn 016-288 6812 

gl.mnselangor@yahoo.com 

HERPETOFAUNA GROUP 

Hurnain Hamid 

019-3405394, hurnain@hotmail.com 

MARINE GROUP 

mnsmarine.blogspot.com 

Khor Hui Min 

017-8817714, khor.hm@gmail.com 

MYCAT 

(Malaysian Conservation Alliance for Tigers) 

Loretta Soosayraj 012-310 0594 

malaysian_cat2003@yahoo.com 

NATURE GUIDES GROUP 

www.mns.org.my/artsig.php?aid=89 

Gary Phong (see Chairman) 

PATHFINDERS GROUP 

Soong Wye Ping 

03- 7726 7993, pathfsel@yahoo.com 

PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP 

Alex Foong 

03-9171 0891, afoong@ku.com.my 

TERENGGANU BRANCH 

1926 Bukit Kubang Jambu, 

20050 Kuala Terengganu. 

mnsterengganu@gmail.com 

Chairman Hj Wan Md Adnan 

017-9861926, wadnan@streamyx.com 

Vice Chair Anuar Abd McAfee 

017-9864177, anuar@ms.kusza.edu.my 

Secretary Dr Hing Lee Siang 

hingls@umt.gov.edu.my 

Treasurer Wee Seng Whatt 

019-9363828, swwee@pc.jaring.my 

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). 

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. 

Editors 

Iska Hashim 03-20732355 (o) Leong Hon Yuen 03-22742328 Kay Lyons 

TURN YOUR TRASH 

INTO CASH FOR THE NEEDY 

Recycle your trash at the following welfare 

homes and you stop good money 

from going to the landfill. Please donate 

your aluminium cans, plastic containers, steel cans & paper 

(glass not accepted) at the following locations anyday from 

8am-7pm, unless stated otherwise: Klang Rumah K.I.D.S. 

(3333400). Klang St. Barnabas Home (3372-8191). Klang 

Pusat Kasih Sayang (3372-1723). Petaling Jaya Spastics 

Centre (7955-0296). Puchong Pure Life Society (7929391). 

Puchong PERKOPB, MCA Hall (7781-6467) Selayang Rumah 

Amal Cheshire (6187118). 

You may also exchange your recycleables for redemption 

coupons at the following locations: Petaling Jaya Taman 

Jaya, Saturdays , 5:30-7pm. Subang Jaya Giant Cash & Carry. 

Everyday except Mondays, 1-7pm. Ulu Klang Giant Hypermarket. 

Saturdays, 3-6pm. Johor Baru Giant Cash & Carry, 

Plentong. Everyday except Mondays, 1-7pm. 

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

Nuclear power: 

No solution 

to climate change 

“Nuclear power is expensive, slow and 

dangerous and it won't stop climate 

change. If the answer is nuclear power, it 

must have been a pretty stupid question.” 

Ian Lowe President, Australia Conservation 

Foundation. 

The new battlecry of the nuclear industry 

is that nuclear energy is the answer to 

global climate change. Nuclear energy is 

toxic and dangerous. Far from being rehabilitated, 

the nuclear option is a convenient distraction 

from the problem of climate change 

and stalls real action to combat it. 

Nuclear power lobbyists are correct 

that climate change demands an urgent and 

quick response. But replacing polluting coal 

and other fossil fuel-based power with another 

environmental disaster -- in the form of 

nuclear power -- is NOT the answer we need. 

Our best long-term solution for an emission 

free and greenhouse-friendly future are the 

truly clean and green renewable energy 

sources – particularly wind and solar - combined 

with technologies that vastly improve 

energy efficiency. 

In Asia... 

Asia is projected to have the largest growth 

in installed nuclear generating capacity from 

2002-2025, accounting for 96% of the total 

projected increase. 

Cost: Nuclear power is more expensive. 

Not only is nuclear power more expensive 

than fossil fuel generation and clean, 

renewable wind power, it also leaves a 

legacy of unsafe yet highly expensive technologies. 

Costs associated with safety and 

security, insurance and liability in case of ac- 

cident or attack, waste management, construction 

and decommissioning are rising 

substantially for nuclear power, while the 

cost of wind and solar power is falling. Nuclear 

power plants have only presented a veneer 

of economic viability in the past due to 

heavy government subsidies. As energy 

markets have liberalized around the world, 

investors have turned their backs on nuclear 

energy. The number of reactors in western 

Europe and the United States peaked 15 years 

ago and has been declining since. By contrast, 

the amount of wind power and solar energy 

is rising at rates of 20 to 30 per cent a 

year. 

The hazards associated with nuclear 

power include the risk of potentially catastrophic 

accidents like the 1986 Chernobyl 

nuclear reactor disaster, routine releases of radioactive 

gases and liquids from nuclear 

plants, the problem of nuclear waste and the 

risks of terrorism and sabotage. The International 

Energy Outlook 2005's projection that 

Asia will have the largest growth in nuclear 

generation in the next two decades exposes 

the region, which consists mostly of developing 

countries to these hazards, more than 

any other region. Asia will soon be dumping 

ground of nuclear technology if we do not reject 

this trend. and work in favor of renewable 

energy and improved efficiency. 

Waste: Nuclear waste disposal is 

still an unsolved problem. The most dangerous 

form of pollution ever created, nuclear 

waste remains radioactive for hundreds of 

thousands of years. Uranium mines typically 

generate volumes of long-lived, low level 

waste which is kept on site. Reactors release 

radioactive emissions to air and water. Reprocessing 

plants generate a high-level radioactive 

waste stream and emissions to air 

and water. All these pose risks to the health 

of the public. Monitoring and maintaining 

waste deposits over a period spanning 20 

times the length of known civilization is an 

unacceptable burden we are placing on all future 

generations – with no guarantees of long 

term safety. 

Nuclear proliferation: Nuclear 

technology, such as uranium enrichment is 

also used in nuclear weapons production, and 

therefore a proliferation risk. There are now 

more than 40 countries with the capacity to 

build nuclear weapons, and international efforts 

to stop the proliferation of nuclear 

weapons technology are failing. Nuclear technology 

will always carry the risk that it will 

be used to construct weapons of mass destruction. 

Greenhouse polluters: Claims that 

nuclear power is “emissions free” are false. 

Substantial greenhouse gas emissions are 

generated across the nuclear fuel cycle. Fossil-fuel 

generated electricity is more greenhouse 

intensive than nuclear power, but this 

comparison only holds true if high-grade uranium 

ores are available. Even with such highgrade 

ores, there is a massive increase in 

greenhouse pollution from mining, processing 

and reactor construction before any electricity 

is generated. The known resources of 

high-grade uranium ores only amount to a 

few decades' use at the present rate. Most of 

the earth’s uranium is found in very poor 

grade ores, and recovery of uranium from 

these ores is likely to be considerably more 

greenhouse intensive. Nuclear power emits 

more greenhouse gases per unit energy than 

most renewable energy sources, and that comparative 

deficit will widen as uranium ore 

grades decline. 

Safe, clean alternatives 

To avoid dangerous further changes to our climate, 

we need to act now. Asia in particular 

should make a commitment to the sensible alternatives 

that produce sustainable cost-ef- 

fective reductions in greenhouse pollution: 

wind power, solar water-heating, energy efficiency, 

gas and energy from organic matter. 

Renewable energy and energy efficiency can 

deliver the power we need – without the environmental 

and social problems. 

Renewable energy already supplies 

19% of world electricity, compared to nuclear’s 

16%. The share of renewables is increasing, 

while nuclear’s share is decreasing. 

Renewable energy sources such as wind 

power and solar power are growing by 20- 

30% every year. In 2003, the cumulative installed 

capacity of solar photovoltaic (PV) 

systems around the world passed the landmark 

figure of 2,400 Megawatts of solar photovoltaic 

power. Global shipments of PV cells 

and modules have been growing an average 

annual rate of more than 35% for of the past 

few years, providing employment for 10,000 

people and generating business worth more 

than 3 billion euros annually. Wind power, 

on the other hand, is the world’s fastest growing 

energy source with installed capacity 

growing at an average annual rate over the 

last 5 years of 15.8% 

Renewable energies have truly limitless 

sources, can be more easily deployed in 

remote developing regions, present absolutely 

no risk to global security and are environmentally-friendly. 

Because there is only a finite 

amount of investment available for new energy, 

any investment in nuclear power is effectively 

money denied to renewables and 

energy efficiency. Nuclear power, with fifty 

years of failure as its track record and still no 

solutions to its fundamental problems, remains 

a shockingly poor investment choice. 

The wise decision then, is to say no to nuclear, 

yes to renewables and energy efficiency. 

- www.greenpeace.org/seasia/en/

PENCINTA ALAM - Malaysian Nature Society

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