cover dpn - Forest Research Institute Malaysia

This issue’s focus
Nature
Awareness
Also in this issue
Up - Coming Seminar and Symposium
Effectiveness of Environmental Education
Nature Awareness Through the Five Senses
Environmental Interpretation in Recreational Areas
Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!
Promoting Peat Swamp Conservation, the EE Approach
Kem Penyelidikan Sains
National School Nature Club (KPA) Workshop 2006
Sepetang Bersama-sama Penaung Puspanita
Sukan Persatuan Badan Berkanun Malaysia 2006
FRIM Juara MARS
FRIM IN FOCUS
8th Pacific Rim Bio-based Composites Symposium
This symposium, organized jointly by the Forest Research
Institute Malaysia, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universiti
Teknologi Mara, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysian Timber
Industry Board, Malaysian Panel-products Manufacturers
Association, Malaysian Timber Council, Malaysian Palm Oil
Board, SIRIM Bhd. and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, is a
biennial event that provides a forum for discussion and
exchange of information on the latest development and
findings in biocomposites. It also acts as a platform to
promote and strengthen cooperation and networking
among participants comprising, among others, researchers,
experts, manufacturers, and machine suppliers.
A one-day workshop will be organized a day before the
symposium for local and foreign participants.
Registration for Symposium (21-23 November 2006)
Local Professionals
Local Students
Walk-in
RM
RM
RM
800.00
300.00
300.00/day
Foreign Professionals
Foreign Students
Walk-in
USD
USD
USD
500.00
300.00
180.00/day
Registration for Pre-Symposium Workshop
(20 November 2006)
Local Participants
Foreign Participants
RM
USD
150.00
100.00
On-line registration, please visit
http://www.frim.gov.my/newsevent_reg2.cfm
Enquiries:
“8th Pacific Rim Bio-based Composites Symposium”
Secretariat
Forest Research Institute Malaysia
52109 Kepong, Selangor, Malaysia
(Attn: Dr. Rahim Sudin/Ms. Rafeadah Rusli)
Phone : +62797286/+62797287/+62797000
Fax
: +62804620
E-mail : rahims@frim.gov.my or rafeadah@frim.gov.my
National Seminar and Workshop on Forest Biotechnology
Registration for Workshop (6-7 December 2006)
This seminar, organized by the Forest Research Institute
Malaysia will address recent information on policy, R&D and
funding mechanisms related to forest biotechnology, issues
on resource conservation, and generation of new wealth
from tropical forests. The seminar is expected to provide
future direction and cooperation as well as establishing
networks among relevant agencies and companies on
biotechnology. The participants of the workshop will have
hands-on experience in recent biotechnology techniques in
forest resource conservation and commercialization.
Registration for Seminar (4-5 December 2006)
EDITORIAL BOARD
Early registration (before 1 October 2006) RM
After 1 October 2006
RM
Foreign participants
USD
Advisors
Dato’ Dr. Abdul Razak Mohd. Ali
Dr. Abdul Rahim Nik
Technical Editor
Dr. Chan Hung Tuck
350.00
400.00
400.00
Molecular Marker Technique
Tissue Culture Technique
2-DE
MALDI/LCMS
SEPBOX
Seed Cryo-preservation Technique
RM
RM
RM
RM
RM
RM
500.00
300.00
1500.00
600.00
600.00
200.00
On-line registration, please visit http://www.frim.gov.my
Enquiries:
“National Seminar and Workshop on Forestry Biotechnology”
Secretariat
Forest Research Institute Malaysia
52109 Kepong, Selangor, Malaysia
(Attn: Lili Sahira/Getha/Noraliza)
Phone : +62797651/+62797628/+62797334
Fax
: +62731427
E-mail : lili@frim.gov.my
getha@frim.gov.my
noraliza@frim.gov.my
FRIM In Focus (FIF) is distributed free of charge
upon request. We welcome feedback on any
of the FIF articles. Address comments and
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Editor & Production Coordinator
Norhara Hussein
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FRIM In Focus
Forest Research Institute Malaysia
52109 Kepong, Selangor, Malaysia
Editor
Nik Zanariah Nik Mahmood (B. Malaysia)
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603 – 62731076
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FRIM IN FOCUS
Effectiveness of Environmental Education
Research and Development
“
Chong Mew Im
Environmental education (EE) The process of recognizing values and
classifying concepts in order to develop the skills
and attitudes necessary to understand and
appreciate the inter-relatedness among man, his
culture and his biophysical
surroundings.
“
Hands on wetland activity for teachers
Environmental education (EE) conveys a literal meaning - it’s an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach in
creating awareness on the different functions and services provided by the environment to humankind. The EE definition by
the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) in 1970 is:
‘The process of recognizing values and classifying concepts in order to develop the skills and attitudes necessary to
understand and appreciate the inter-relatedness among man, his culture and his biophysical surroundings. ‘
This term was coined at a time when environmental problems and issues started to emerge in developed countries and
affected the quality of life. Nevertheless, it is applicable anywhere on a global scale. It was hoped through EE, man would
appreciate and respect the earth and try to preserve the natural heritage and so reduce environmental catastrophes.
Over the years, EE programs had been developed for different ecosystems to suit different age groups and were conducted by
government, non-governmental organizations and even private agencies. However, the effectiveness of most of these
programs has yet to be evaluated and measured. Presently, EE programs are evaluated based on activities, facilities and the
resource persons’ performance but not the effects on knowledge and attitude change.
Evaluation is essential in assessing the effectiveness of the programs. The effectiveness of the program is important in order to
achieve the objectives of EE. The question remains whether these programs have been truly successful and effective in
enhancing the knowledge and changing the attitude of the participants.
An evaluation of the effectiveness of the EE programs for pupils aged 11 was carried out at FRIM in 2005. The findings
indicate that continuous EE programs are needed to retain environmental knowledge and attitude change among the
pupils. Thus, FRIM is assessing the teachers’ needs in undertaking the programs and the possibility of integrating EE
elements into school curricula.
Today’s children are tomorrow’s leaders, and so, many programs developed by FRIM’s Environmental Physiology and Education Unit (formerly known as Forest Recreation and Environmental Education Section) are for school children and teachers.
Hands-on workshops on the different ecosystems and themes are conducted in FRIM’s grounds for both school children and
teachers.
more on page 8
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Nature
Awareness
Through the
Five Senses
Nik Azyyati Abdul Kadir and Dr. Noor Azlin Yahya
Nature awareness can be instilled through two approaches. The first being theoretical
learning focusing on nature and environmental issues. The other more effective
approach is by the emotive experience
of taking part in exciting field trips and camping activities that
require stimulating all five senses of the body, such as visiting
the Keruing Trail at FRIM. Similar outings encourage ecological
sensitivity and build empathic relationships with the natural
environment.
When guided through the forest, participants are asked
questions to arouse their senses. Did you smell something?
What did you hear? What did you feel? When you tasted the
fruits, could you smell it? Did you see a butterfly? How did you
know it was a butterfly? Did you see the trees? How big are
they? What color is the sky? Did you see any birds? What were
they doing? What parts of our bodies did we use to experience
and enjoy the nature?
Students being briefed before they scout the forest
God gave us the gift of sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste.
Both humans and beasts derive knowledge from the senses as
they collect data that escalate to the brain where the signals
are interpreted. The information we gain is not just limited to
certain stimuli but can also influence the way we think.
Using our senses during outdoor activities creates a warm and
positive feeling towards nature. Enjoying the smell of crushed
leaves, scented flower buds and sweet aroma of ripe fruits.
Listening to birds chirping, frogs croaking, cicadas calling and
the soft whispers of the wind. Touching tree barks and the
velvety surface of leaves. Even by just looking at the green and
shady tree canopies would make us more appreciative of
nature and the environment we are living in.
03 FRIM IN FOCUS
Feel the texture of the tree bark
next page
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Nature awareness is developed mentally, emotionally and
physically. All of these components affect each other and they
integrate to influence our mindset. The more we are aware of
our thoughts, the more we are in touch with our emotions
thus triggering our behavior and actions.
Calming the mind, enhancing the senses, expressing our
curiosity and feelings towards the natural world cause people
to be aware of their place with nature. This awareness is what
we pass down to our children and reflect on our
symbiotic relationship with the environment.
The kulim fruit smells of
garlic
Listen to cicada's call in
the forest
Differentiate the leaf shapes (picture left and right)
LET'’S FEEL THE NATURE
Walk carefully in the forest today.
The worms and spiders have come out to play.
Butterflies and ladybugs are on the wing,
Listen, You'll hear the White-rumped
Shama sing.
Learn the symbiotic interaction between termites and
dead wood through visualization
Cloaks of green are falling away,
As blossoms peek out to greet the day.
Stop and think of all the life you see,
Its future lies with you and me.
The termite and ant and honeybee
Are all here for a reason, you see.
They work together to make the world bright.
Out part is to protect them with all our might.
-adopted from Ellen F. Trickler-
Some plants respond to touch
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ENVIRONMENTAL INTERPRETATION
IN
RECREATIONAL
AREAS
R o s l i n a N o r d i n & D r. N o o r A z l i n Ya h y a
Photos: Public Relations Unit, FRIM &
Parks and Recreation Management Unit, FRIM
Natural outdoor recreation resources in Malaysia: From the mountain to the sea and anything in between
Visitors to recreational areas now have the chance to
learn about their natural and cultural resources
through `environmental interpretation’, a service for
parks, refuges and similar leisure spots. This informative feature elaborates on geological processes,
animals, plants, ecological communities, history and
pre-history of man.
The term `interpretation’ comes into play when
technical jargons of natural science or related fields
are translated into layman terms to help park
enthusiasm of visitors from different and diverse backgrounds; hence encouraging them to appreciate and
understand the environmental phenomenon.
develop awareness among visitors about the area.
Secondly, it aims to achieve management goals by
inculcating values of respect and considerate use of
parks and recreational resources. Interpretation can
also be used to reduce human impact on resources by
diverting people from fragile or overused areas and
bringing them into areas that can endure intensive
use.
Finally, interpretation promotes public understanding
of an organization and its programs. Each organization has its own message to convey, therefore a
successful interpretation program would reflect an
organization’s quality service.
Freemen Tilden, ‘the Father of Interpretation’ was the
first author who shared his view on environmental
interpretation. He defined interpretation as ‘an
educational activity, which aims to reveal meanings
and relationships through the use of original
objects, first-hand experiences and by illustrative
media, rather than simply to communicate factual
information’.
The interpretative communication approach stresses
on dissemination of ideas and building relationships
rather than simply providing isolated facts and banal
figures. The goal of an interpreter is to offer a firsthand look at a site and to evoke visitor participation
that ultimately creates a memorable experience.
This initiative is known as an `interpretive program’
that involves personnel, facilities and related
interpretive activities of an organization or individual
area. The program helps relate the natural or cultural
phenomena of a park or comparable area to visitors
and deploys creative methods to deliver the subject
matter.
The primary objective of the interpretive program is to
05 FRIM IN FOCUS
next page
Map and guide: Basic interpretation
materials in recreational areas
Endau Rompin Nature Education Center:
An example of a good nature interpretation center
in Malaysia
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Littering is not good for the environment: A park is
a unique place that necessitates special behavior
Kayaking: Water-based activity
Mountaineering: Hard-core outdoor
recreation activity
OPPORTUNITIES FOR HANDS-ON INTERPRETATION
IN FRIM
Opportunities for on-site interpretation exist when
people come together to pursue leisure activities. In
Malaysia, interpretation is practised in parks, forests,
museums, nature centers, visitor centers and other
locations that are not necessarily related to land
resources.
About 80 years ago, Forest Research Institute
Malaysia’s (FRIM) grounds were made up of abandoned mining pools, vegetable gardens and shrubby
forests. Since 1926, foresters and scientists became
caretakers of the wooded area for research purposes.
The result is the mature forest that surrounds the FRIM
campus today.
Located in the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, the fresh
surroundings of FRIM make it one of the best
destinations for recreation and eco-tourism activities
among outdoor enthusiasts as well as domestic and
foreign tourists. Popular attractions that draw them to
FRIM and create opportunities for hands-on
environmental interpretation include the Sungai Kroh
waterfall, traditional houses from Malaysian historical
states (Terengganu and Melaka), four nature trails
(Keruing Trail, Salleh Trail, Engkabang Trail and Rover
Track), arboreta, a canopy walkway and the Perah
camp site.
As an initiative to educate visitors on forest
ecosystems and its functions, FRIM provides various
products
and
services
concerning
nature
interpretation. For instance, self-guided pamphlets
were developed to facilitate visitors during their visit
to FRIM. The pamphlets entail interpretation of
fascinating flora, fauna and ecosystems contained in
FRIM campus grounds along the Rover Track and
Salleh, Engkabang, Canopy and Keruing Trails.
Recently, the information gathered were digitized and
transformed into interactive display entitled `FRIM’s
Educational CD ROM, Volume 1: Nature Trails’ that
allows visitors to experience interactive viewing pleasure.
Bird-watching: Educational and recreational activity
boundary, to gain positive perceptions towards
the complexities of co-existence within the environment.
Environmental interpretation benefits visitors,
managers or service providers as well natural
resources in parks and recreation areas. It
enriches a visitor’s experience and gives a clearer
picture of natural processes.
Environmental interpretation is an effective tool
that can be employed by recreation managers
and service providers to reach out to the public.
An educated audience may make wiser decisions
on matters related to management of natural
resources. It may reduce unnecessary destruction
of park properties, resulting in lower maintenance and replacement costs.
Nature interpretation is instrumental to the
economy of an area and our country. It is also
beneficial in preserving a significant historic site
or natural area by arousing citizen concerns while
motivating the public to support and take
action to sensibly and logically protect their
environment.
next page
Furthermore, nature guides provided by FRIM Public
Relations Unit for schools, goverment agencies and
foreign researchers are usually FRIM scientists.
Basically, interpretive products and services offered
by FRIM have broadened beyond the park or forest
Jungle trekking: Basic outdoor recreational activity
in the forest
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Nature interpretation is designed and operated in
FRIM to serve people in 5 main approaches:
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2
1
Welcoming students to FRIM makes
them feel wanted and not merely tolerated
Guided visit : Sensitizing students
on FRIM’s research activities
3
Available self-guided interpretive materials: Orienting visitors to FRIM
4
5
FRIM's nature guide managed to get
an Arab boy to taste durian,
a local fruit
Responding to visitors’ needs: A
nature guide should always be prepared
to answer questions
Wetlands will not be regarded as wasteland
as nature interpretation can
make a difference
MERDEKA !
MERDEKA !
MERDEKA !
Wahayu Abdul Wahab and Shahrin Azlan Selamat
In 1956, the then Prime Minister of Malaysia Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra
Al-Haj led a delegation to London to hold talks with the British
Government concerning independence for Malaya. The Malayan
delegation, comprising four representatives of the Malay Rulers and four
Alliance representatives, convinced the British Government to set a date for
independence - 31 August 1957.
31 August 2006 marks the 49th year of this country's independence from
British colonialism. On that day, the joyful triumphant shouts of “Merdeka!
Merdeka! Merdeka!” resonated throughout the nation as Malaya's first Prime
Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman stood on a podium at Merdeka Square and
did the same.
07 FRIM IN FOCUS
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FRIM`S DDG (Operation) Dato` Dr. Latif receives
Jalur Gemilang from the DG, Dato` Dr. Abdul Razak
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from page 2
Educational brochures, CDs on FRIM’s nature trails, guidelines on developing websites for school nature gardens, plants and
animals observation in school areas have been published for easy reference. In addition, FRIM is developing interpretative
materials for freshwater wetlands to help teachers in integrating EE into school curricula.
Two conferences on EE were organized in 2003 and 2005. These conferences attracted many local and international experts
to share their experiences in EE. Through the conference in 2005, ‘Best of Both Worlds’, a network of five countries has been
established, whereby biennial conferences would be organized as a platform to share and exchange information on current
EE practices.
With collaborations from the Japanese and local agencies, a community project was conducted in 2003 at Sungai Petekah
FELDA Pasoh Dua, Negeri Sembilan to develop a model plan for the establishment of a green corridor linking fragments of
forest to recover ecological sustainability, genetic degradation and wildlife biodiversity. Students from Pasoh Dua National
Secondary School had been participating actively in monitoring activities and have even made a request to continue the
project or conduct similar projects in the future with FRIM. Thus, monitoring activities were further conducted in 2004 and
2006 with some modifications based on the students’ response in 2003.
Effective implementation of EE programs would involve participation of stakeholders, target groups and other relevant
agencies. FRIM, as a research institute, encourages more joint efforts in the development of EE programs in order to ensure
their effectiveness.
Webbing game
Tree planting activity at Sg. Petekah
Best of Both Worlds Conference bat education workshop
Photos: Teresa Ong
Malaysia as we know it today is a
thriving developing country, often
considered as a “role model” by its
South-East Asian neighbors for its
economic and political stability,
multicultural harmony and steady
progress. A few campaigns were
launched in conjunction with the
recent Independence Day celebration
among Malaysians from all over the
nation. They proudly waved the ‘Jalur
Gemilang’ as a symbol of appreciation
towards the country.
Corporate Communication Unit of
Forest Research Institute Malaysia
(FRIM) was also putting up such an
effort to develop patriotism among
workmates and to enhance the love
for the country towards a better
productivity. The dative of the
patriotism should be carried out at all
time. The dauntless of our previous
leader who strived hard for the
independence shouldn’t be forgotten.
We are now the ones responsible for
charting the path for future undertakings of the country.
The Directorate leads the waving of
‘Jalur Gemilang’
FRIM staff members waving ‘Jalur Gemilang’
as a symbol of appreciation to the country
Three days before 31 August 2006,
FRIM organized a Flag Giving Day to all
its employees in conjunction with the
49th Malaysia Independence Day. A
thousand pieces of flag (Jalur
Gemilang) were given out during the
Institute`s monthly assembly on the
28 August. The flags were sponsored
by giant companies, namely Petronas
Malaysia (500 flags), Bina Puri Sdn.
Bhd. (500 flags) and Selayang City
Council MPS (300 flags).
FRIM IN FOCUS 08
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PROMOTING
PEAT SWAMP
CONSERVATION
THE EE APPROACH
Toh An Nee & Venite P. Castillo
Launched in June 2002, the Peat Swamp Forest (PSF) Project
supports the conservation and sustainable use of PSFs and associated wetlands by
initiating processes for the development and implementation of integrated management
plans in three selected sites - Loagan Bunut National Park, Sarawak; Klias Peninsula, Sabah; and
South-East Pahang Peat Swamp Forest, Pahang.
Over the past few years, the PSF Project
team partnered with various parties
including non-governmental organizations
and consulting stakeholders ranging from
local communities to government agencies. The team also conducted
numerous activities towards the
formulation of an integrated management
plan for the respective sites, using a
participatory approach backed up with
scientific information and data.
Awareness raising and environmental
education (EE) are crucial aspects for
bolstering partnership as well as
strengthening support for the
Project’s mission. The following are
some examples of major EE activities
undertaken by the PSF Project:
Klias EE program engaged locals to
participate in conservation efforts
A study tour for representatives of the
Bukau/Pulaimanang nature interpretation
trail program to various nature
interpretive centres in Peninsular
Malaysia was organised. Members of
the communities were trained to
serve as tour guides along the 1.3 km
trail located in the south-eastern part
of the Klias Forest Reserve. They
facilitated EE activities and provided
visitors with information to dispel
misconceptions regarding PSFs and
highlight the important functions of
the unique ecosystems.
MNS Nature Club (KPA) EE activities
for teachers and students
The PSF Project, Malaysian Nature
Society and Pahang Forestry Department jointly organized a series of oneday guided field visits to the Pekan
Forest Reserve in June/July 2004 for
over 100 students from several nearby
secondary schools. A three-day
workshop, themed ‘Towards Peat
Swamp Forest Conservation’ for KPA
teachers was held in Pekan in July
2005, involving about 120 participants
from all over the country. A four-day
KPA youth workshop was organized in
July 2006, with the Department of
Environment and Education Department, involving 220 students and
teachers in Kuala Selangor Nature Park.
The workshop comprised indoor and
outdoor EE activities to appreciate the
different ecosystems and lifestyle of
forest dependant communities.
Group photograph of organizers and
participants of the recent KPA Youth
Workshop at Kuala Selangor Nature Park
A KPA member at the PSF
Project exhibition booth on the final day
of the KPA Youth Workshop
National Training on the Conservation
of PSF and Wetlands
MNS Education Office briefing students
during a one-day study trip to Pekan
peat swamp forest
In collaboration with the Forestry
Department
Peninsular
Malaysia
and Wetlands International-Malaysia
Program, the first training session on
the conservation and management of
PSFs and wetlands was recently
conducted at the Forestry Training
Unit, Kepong, for 26 participants
comprising mainly District and
Assistant District Forestry Officers.
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09 FRIM IN FOCUS
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The objective was to enable
participants to use the available tools
to manage state PSFs in a sustainable
way by incorporating not only timber
but also biodiversity values and
ecosystem functions in a participatory
manner involving local communities.
There will be two more training
sessions conducted later this year,
targeting personnel from state agencies directly or indirectly involved in
the management of PSFs and
wetlands.
Forestry officers in a group discussion
during the national training course
Biodiversity Conservation Workshop
for Journalists
Together with the Environmental
Management and Research Association
of Malaysia (ENSEARCH), the PSF
Project conducted a Workshop on
Biodiversity Conservation for Journalists
in Kuala Lumpur in May 2006. The
workshop was attended by 16 journalists to foster better understanding of
biodiversity conservation, highlight
local and international issues as well
as revive interest in environmental
journalism.
Scientific expeditions to promote
greater understanding of the PSF
and wetland ecosystems, and to
cultivate scientific, social and basic
research skills
In 2004, the Loagan Bunut Scientific
Expedition was conducted by the PSF
Project with Universiti Malaysia
Sarawak, Sarawak Forest Department
and Sarawak Forestry Corporation
between March and April, involving
over 100 researchers. The findings were
presented at a seminar officiated by
Sarawak Environment and Public
Health Minister Datuk Michael Manyin
in Kuching in August 2004. The
expedition’s findings were compiled
into a book entitled, Scientific Journey
Through Borneo: Loagan Bunut and
distributed to all state agencies.
In 2005, the Biodiversity Expedition to
Sungai Bebar, Pekan, was conducted
with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia,
FRIM and Pahang Forest Department,
between February and March, involving
over 120 participants. Some EE activities
were also conducted for school
children and local Asli Jakun communities at the Bebar expedition base
camp. A media visit was also
organized for environmental journalists. The results of the various studies
were presented at a seminar,
launched by the Pahang Chief Minister, Dato’ Sri Adnan Yaakob in August,
and published in a book entitled,
Biodiversity Expedition, Sungai Bebar,
Pekan, Pahang - Summary Findings.
The one-day workshop was designed
and facilitated by Prof. Dr. Mohd.
Nordin Hasan, Commissioner of the
Commission on Ecosystem Management,
IUCN, The World Conservation Union
and the then ENSEARCH President.
Journalists participating in the media visit
program during the Bebar Expedition
Journalists in a group discussion
Photo: ENSEARCH
Researchers interacting with students
participating in the EE activities at
the Bebar Expedition base camp
Publications and other information
materials to highlight concerns and
encourage more urgent action
The PSF Project produced various
publications and EE materials for
distribution including five editions of
its biannual newsletter, Leaf and 10
books such as Black Water Jewel South-East Pahang Peat Swamp Forest
(2004); Permata Air Hitam - Hutan Paya
Gambut Pahang Tenggara (2005); An
Annotated Bibliography on Tropical
Peat Swamp in Southeast Asia (2005);
Policy
Analysis
of
Peatland
Management and Conservation in the
Klias Peninsula, Sabah (2005); A
Handbook on the Peat Swamp Flora of
Peninsular Malaysia (2005); and
Scientific Journey Through Borneo:
Loagan Bunut - A Scientific Expedition
on the Physical, Chemical, Biological
and Sociological Aspects (2006).
Among others, the Project also
produced
leaflets,
brochures,
calendars, educational CDs, posters,
buntings and photographs.
Some of the PSF Project publications
As a result of the Project’s efforts to
raise awareness on the significance of
the PSF and wetland ecosystems and
the importance of biodiversity
conservation among the different
target groups, there has been an
increasing interest and awareness on
PSF conservation. This is reflected in
the extensive media coverage on PSF
issues since the implementation of
the PSF Project, the continued
support given by the stakeholders
including local communities, as well
as the positive response from state
authorities to the various project
initiatives and recommendations
towards the conservation and
sustainable use of PSF.
FRIM IN FOCUS 10
FRIM IN FOCUS
KEM PENYELIDIKAN SAINS Melentur buluh…
Wahayu Abdul Wahab
Hari pertama mendaftar
Melentur buluh biarlah dari rebungnya... Pendedahan awal
terhadap sesuatu pasti akan menimbulkan minat dan rasa ingin
tahu yang mendalam bagi diri seseorang. Menyedari akan
keperluan untuk menerapkan nilai-nilai dan semangat menghargai
alam semula jadi, FRIM dan Kementerian Pelajaran Malaysia (KPM)
telah mula menjalinkan usahasama untuk mengadakan Kem
Penyelidikan Sains sejak tahun 2000 lagi. Pada tahun ini, buat kali
yang kelima, KPM telah memilih pelajar tingkatan empat aliran
sains yang mewakili setiap negeri dari seluruh Malaysia untuk
mengikuti Kem Penyelidikan Sains. Sepanjang program yang
berkonsepkan back to nature tersebut, para peserta ditempatkan di
Kem Perah, FRIM. Mereka dikehendaki bermalam di dalam khemah
yang telah disediakan bagi mendapatkan suasana kehidupan
hutan yang sebenarnya.
Pada tahun-tahun yang lepas, pelajar yang terpilih adalah daripada
kalangan pelajar terbaik dari setiap negeri tetapi pada tahun ini,
KPM memutuskan untuk memilih pelajar yang berpotensi dalam
bidang sains bagi memperkembang lagi minat, pengetahuan serta
kebolehan mereka yang tidak hanya bertumpu pada pembelajaran
di dalam bilik darjah sahaja. Sehubungan dengan itu, kem lima hari
empat malam pada 3 – 8 Julai 2006 ini merupakan satu landasan
bagi para pelajar untuk menimba ilmu. Satu pembaharuan yang
ketara pada tahun ini ialah penggunaan bahasa Inggeris sebagai
bahasa untuk berkomunikasi antara pembimbing dengan peserta
kem.
Sesi taklimat oleh pegawai dan saintis FRIM
Peserta menikmati makan tengahari
11 FRIM IN FOCUS
Kem Penyelidikan Sains ini diadakan selaras dengan objektifnya
untuk menjadi medium ke arah mendedahkan para pelajar kepada
kerja-kerja penyelidikan sains khususnya bidang sains perhutanan.
Di samping itu para pelajar berpeluang mendekati kerja–kerja
penyelidikan para saintis. Di sepanjang program ini, peserta telah
dibahagikan kepada beberapa kumpulan kecil di bawah
pengawasan saintis yang berkenaan. Dengan itu, mereka
berpeluang untuk mengetahui lebih lanjut tentang kerja-kerja
penyelidikan yang dijalankan di FRIM. Secara tidak langsung, ini
menarik minat para pelajar untuk mendalami ilmu sains
perhutanan dan menjadikan ia matlamat kerjaya pada masa
hadapan.
lihat muka sebelah
FRIM IN FOCUS
Menerusi program ini, para pelajar turut diuji ketahanan
mental dan fizikal masing-masing menerusi aktiviti lasak di
samping menerapkan unsur-unsur kecintaan terhadap alam
sekitar. Mereka juga turut didedahkan kepada beberapa
spesies hutan yang jarang-jarang dapat dilihat, antaranya
black lily, melembu, jelutung, keladan, mersawa gajah, kapur,
daun selaginella, bemban dan lain-lain lagi.
Lawatan ke makmal
Program lima hari ini juga dirangka menerusi modul-modul
tertentu bagi memastikan objektif program tidak
tersasar daripada matlamatnya. Peserta turut diberikan
kebebasan untuk memilih tajuk yang sesuai di bawah
pengawasan saintis yang berkenaan bagi melengkapkan
pembentangan kertas kerja mereka pada hari akhir program
berkenaan. Para peserta telah membentangkan kertas kerja
dalam bahasa Inggeris dan diadili oleh Pegawai Penyelidik
FRIM.
Majlis penutup Kem Penyelidikan Sains 2006 ini telah
disempurnakan oleh Dato’ Abdul Fatah Iskandar yang
merupakan Exco Infrastruktur Negeri Selangor.
Sesi pembentangan laporan secara berkumpulan
Lawatan ke makmal tisu kultur
Mengemas khemah sebelum pulang
Peserta bersama semua fasilitator
FRIM IN FOCUS 12
FRIM IN FOCUS
National School Nature Club (KPA) Workshop 2006
and KPA 15th Anniversary Celebration
Jayaradha Veerasamy: Public Relations Executive, Malaysian Nature Society
Educating young minds on the beauty and fragility of our
natural heritage has long been a priority for the Malaysian
Nature Society (MNS). Projects that reach out to children on
the awareness of their natural surroundings and to understand better their roles in the protection of our precious
environment began as early as 1958. MNS
realized that to reach out to children
systematically would be to work together
with schools as well as the Ministry of
Education. To reach this goal Kelab
Pencinta Alam (KPA) MNS or MNS School
Nature Club was set up in 1991. With the
support of the Ministry of Education and a
small grant from a private company, MNS
embarked on recruiting schools to be part
of the MNS umbrella. The project attracted
12 schools within the Klang Valley. Today,
after 15 years of KPA, close to 300 schools
are part of this project, reaching out to
approximately 12,000 school children
nationwide.
Mud-face
area of activity and conducted it successfully. Pratap of
Sultan Sulaiman Shah National Secondary School said that it
provided him an opportunity to share his love for the
environment with other students and also gave him a boost
on his self-esteem. Pratap and his fellow schoolmates, who
are also volunteers under the Rakan
Taman Alam Kuala Selangor (Friends of
Kuala Selangor Nature Park) program,
highlighted the beauty and the uniqueness of the firefly colony found at the Park.
While they were in Kuala Selangor Nature
Park, they went through bird watching,
water quality monitoring and mangrove
ecology programs. The students also
visited the Dark Caves where they were
exposed to cave ecology and learned
about tropical rainforest ecology in the
FRIM-MNS-SHELL
Nature
Education
Centre.
d students after the vis
it to
mangrove forest
KPA celebrated its 15th anniversary by
holding a National Workshop in Kuala Selangor Nature Park
from 27 - 30 July 2006. The project hosted 220 secondary
school students from more than 70 different schools and
teachers from every state in Malaysia. This mega event was
sponsored by UNDP/GEF, Department of Environment,
Malaysia and the Ministry of Education.
For four days, the participating students were entertained
with an array of fun learning activities. What’s interesting
about this particular workshop was that it was entirely hosted
by student facilitators who had undergone training for three
months. Furthermore, each group of facilitators selected an
RIM
hoto in F
Group p
13 FRIM IN FOCUS
Mang
Kuala S rove ecolog
y
elango
r Natu in
re Park
MNS Environmental Education Senior
Program Officer, Evelyn Lim said that the
idea of getting the student facilitators to run programs was a
great success as the students learned better from their peers.
“Student facilitators are able to reach to the children at their
level, which makes learning about the environment more
fun,” she said. At the end of the four-day program the
students displayed work they had done in an exhibition.
Other sponsors of the program include HSBC Bank (M) Sdn.
Bhd., Coca-Cola Company Malaysia, Majlis Daerah Kuala
Selangor and Kuala Selangor Nature Park.
Forest ecology in FRIM
FRIM IN FOCUS
SEPETANG BERSAMA-SAMA PENAUNG PUSPANITA NRE
Sharmiza Adnan
Suasana di Dewan Serbaguna Baiduri, NRE, Putrajaya pada petang itu begitu ceria. Masing-masing menguntum senyuman
di bibir. Sebahagian besar ahli menyarungkan sepasang baju kurung berbunga-bunga warna ungu, warna rasmi
PUSPANITA. Oh! Rupa-rupanya seramai 100 orang ahli PUSPANITA NRE begitu teruja untuk meraikan majlis sepetang
bersama-sama penaung PUSPANITA Kementerian Sumber Asli dan Alam Sekitar (NRE), Y. Bhg. Datin Seri Normala Samsudin
pada 7 Julai 2006. Maklumlah, program ini memberi peluang kepada isteri Menteri Sumber Asli dan Alam Sekitar, Y. B. Dato’
Seri Azmi Khalid, untuk beramah mesra dengan ahli-ahli PUSPANITA NRE. Beliau turut melancarkan Buletin Alam Suri serta
laman web PUSPANITA NRE dan menyampaikan sijil dan sumbangan kepada Ibu Cemerlang dan Hadiah Sukan.
Dalam ucapan perasmian beliau, Y. Bhg. Datin Seri Normala menyatakan bahawa objektif penubuhan PUSPANITA bukan
sahaja dapat mengeratkan lagi silaturahim malah dapat membantu usaha kerajaan meningkatkan martabat wanita dalam
masyarakat. Beliau menyarankan agar ahli-ahli dapat menggunakan PUSPANITA sebagai satu platform untuk
meningkatkan jati diri dan menambah pengetahuan dalam menghadapi cabaran alaf baru.
Yang paling menggembirakan, beliau turut memberi sokongan penuh dan bersedia menyertai aktiviti yang dijalankan oleh
PUSPANITA NRE. Datin Seri Normala juga berharap ahli-ahli PUSPANITA dapat bergerak aktif dalam mempromosi program
yang dijalankan bagi memastikan faedah dapat dikongsi bersama. Sepanjang program setengah hari tersebut, beliau
dibawa melawat gerai-gerai pameran jabatan di bawah NRE yang diadakan di ruang legar NRE sempena Hari Bersama
Pelanggan. Program diakhiri dengan jamuan hi-tea bersama-sama ahli PUSPANITA NRE.
AN AFTERNOON WITH THE PUSPANITA NRE PATRON
On 7 July 2006, more than 100 members attended an afternoon meeting with PUSPANITA, Ministry of Natural Resources and
Environment (NRE) patron Datin Seri Normala Samsudin at the Baiduri Multipurpose Hall, NRE, Putrajaya. It was a meet & greet
session for society members with Datin Seri Normala who is also the wife of Dato’ Seri Azmi Khalid, Minister of NRE. Datin Seri
Normala launched the Alam Suri Bulletin, the PUSPANITA website and gave away certificates and prizes to Outstanding Mothers
and Sport Awards recipients.
During her opening speech, Datin Seri Normala mentioned that the establishment objectives of PUSPANITA in government
agencies was to strengthen ties, build relationships as well as assist government efforts to improve the status of women in the
community. She suggested that PUSPANITA members use the society as a platform for self-improvement and to obtain knowledge
necessary to face challenges of the new millennium.
Datin Seri Normala also pledged her full support and willingness to join activities organized by PUSPANITA. She hoped that
PUSPANITA members would promote programs planned to ensure mutual benefit sharing. During the half-day event, she visited
exhibition booths of departments under the NRE Ministry at the building’s foyer. The event ended
with a hi-tea with PUSPANITA members.
FRIM IN FOCUS 14
Sukan Persatuan Badan Berkanun Malaysia 2006
pembakar semangat…
Dr. Rahim Sudin
Wajah-wajah ceria kontingen FRIM pada
Majlis Perasmian Sukan Badan Berkanun
di Stadium UiTM, Arau
Kalah bukan bererti undur, malah itulah yang dijadikan sebagai
pembakar semangat pasukan FRIM untuk terus meningkatkan
mutu dan kemahiran dalam pelbagai acara sukan. Kontingen
FRIM seramai 127 orang yang menyertai Sukan Persatuan Badan
Berkanun Malaysia 2006 di Arau, Perlis pada 23 - 29 Jun lalu telah
mempamerkan semangat kesukanan dan setiakawan yang tinggi.
Kontingen FRIM telah mengambil bahagian dalam
sembilan daripada 19 acara yang dipertandingkan iaitu
badminton, bola jaring, bola sepak (senior dan veteran), bola
tampar (lelaki dan wanita), ping pong, boling dan golf.
Pada keseluruhannya, pasukan FRIM telah mempamerkan banyak
peningkatan dengan berjaya mara ke pusingan kedua hingga
suku akhir. Dengan melayakkan diri ke peringkat suku akhir, ini
bermakna pasukan FRIM telah menempatkan diri sebagai lapan
pasukan terbaik bagi acara-acara tersebut.
Sokongan yang memberangsangkan
untuk pasukan FRIM
Kejayaan Ketua Pengarah FRIM, Y. Bhg. Dato’ Dr. Abdul Razak
Mohd. Ali merangkul gelaran johan Pertandingan Golf Jemputan
VVIP yang disertai oleh Ketua-Ketua Eksekutif Agensi yang
mengambil bahagian cukup membanggakan kita. Isteri Ketua
Pengarah FRIM, Y. Bhg. Datin Hajah Sabariah Mat Aris turut hadir
memberikan sokongan moral kepada pasukan FRIM.
Selain FRIM, pertandingan kali ini disertai oleh 50 agensi yang
bergabung di bawah Persatuan Badan Berkanun Malaysia yang
dianggotai oleh institusi penyelidikan, universiti, majlis berkuasa
tempatan, lembaga-lembaga badan berkanun, bank-bank
tempatan seperti Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) dan Bank Rakyat.
Piala pusingan yang menjadi rebutan
sukan MARS
MAJULAH SUKAN UNTUK FRIM!
FRIM juara MARS!
Dr. Rahim Sudin
Saintis FRIM bukan sahaja menonjol dalam bidang penyelidikan, malah mereka juga telah membuktikan bahawa
otak yang cerdas datangnya daripada badan yang sihat. FRIM buat kali pertama telah dinobatkan sebagai johan
keseluruhan temasya sukan Malaysian Association of Research Scientists (MARS) yang diadakan di MARDI pada
13 Mei 2006. Selain kontingen FRIM, seramai 120 orang dari agensi lain yang turut mengambil bahagian termasuklah SIRIM, MPOB, TNBR, LGM, MINT, MARDI, IMR, MIMOS dan STRIDE. Acara yang dipertandingkan ialah bola
sepak, bola jaring, bola tampar, golf, tarik traktor (lelaki), tarik traktor (wanita), tenis, badminton, ping pong,
boling, karom, catur, dart, scrabble dan endurance challenge. FRIM berjaya mengungguli lima acara iaitu tarik
traktor (lelaki), tarik traktor (wanita), bola sepak, bola tampar dan tenis. Mereka juga berjaya menjadi naib johan
dalam acara ping pong dan boling. Pasukan bola jaring, dart dan scrabble pula tidak kurang hebatnya. Mereka
berjaya hingga ke peringkat separuh akhir. Syabas dan tahniah!