Pencinta Alam Newsletter - July 2014

PENCINTA ALAM
NEWSLETTER OF THE MALAYSIAN NATURE SOCIETY
July 2014
www.mns.my
NEWS/LETTERS
Tapir Conservation Programme Launch
30 May 2014 (Reproduced from the MNS website)
Uniqueness of Migratory Birds Could Make
Selangor Famous – Malaysian Digest, 10 June 2014
The uniqueness of birds migrating across continents to Kuala Selangor each year has
the potential of becoming a famous tourism product in the country.
The Vice President of the Malaysia Nature Society, Professor Dr Ahmad Ismail, said
that Malaysia is at the top 20 on the tourist map that has diversity and originality of
nature.
“In Kuala Selangor, there is also the Festival of Wings each year to attract foreign
tourists to see birds in the midst of their migration.
“There was a time when tourists from 21 countries came to Malaysia to take pictures
of birds,” said Dr Ahmad.
“The people should be educated in school to conserve natural resources, not just for
food, but also for tourism”.
Outing at Lata Bomoh Ali Waterfall
The Malayan Tapir is one of the world's most interesting herbivore
and is unique to South East Asia. Being the largest of the four species
of known tapirs in the world, the Malayan Tapir or Cipan faces
severe threats and is listed Vulnerable by IUCN.
The plight of tapirs is symbolic for the wider threat to their habitats
specifically, and the world's ecology in general. The decline of tapir
populations is indicative of the general health of their ranges; their
disappearance from their home ranges often marks a point of 'no
return' for the natural environment. The destruction of forests into
small, isolated enclaves and the encroachment of human activity into
pristine forests affect all native species. However, as the largest - yet
perhaps the quietest - of animals in their ranges, tapirs disappear
without trace with countless other species.
For Malaysia, the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) and Mutiara
Taman Negara has taken the lead in celebrating the Tapir as an icon
event since 2012 via the World Tapir Day celebrations in April
annually. As part of a new initiative, the Tapir Conservation
Programme (TCP) was unveiled in Taman Negara, Kuala Tahan on 30
May 2014.
Log on to MNS website: www.mns.my to find out more.
Letter to Editor
1 June 2014
It was a beautiful Sunday! My daughter Hui Yin, 2 cute granddaughters and I went for
jungle-trekking at Lata Bomoh Ali Waterfall in Hulu Langat, Selangor. We had a
wonderful and extraordinary trip filled with so much fun and thrills!
Along the way, we climbed hills , encountered slippery rocks and large fallen tree
trunks, and walked across fast flowing streams . We saw many magnificent plants
and beautiful flowers , and creatures that we rarely see outside the forest.
The pool by the waterfall was like a Jacuzzi or spa in nature with the water flowing
down onto our backs and massaging us. It is so relaxing that you will be reluctant to
get up!
Nature is great! What scenery! Everybody, no matter young or old should join in and
explore for themselves! You are bound to feel healthier and your tension released! If
a grandmother like me and the 2 kids could make it all the way, why can’t you dear ?
To avoid mosquitoes, do not wear black or carry black bags!
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Sim, the jovial organizer, his
caring assistants and all others who helped us to make this excursion so meaningful
and so unforgettable!
- Mrs Wendy Lai
2
FEATURE
Wildlife Conservation
A weekend with the turtles at Ma’Daerah Sanctuary, Kerteh
Story and photos by Khor Hui Min
Sunrise at Ma’Daerah Turtle Sanctuary, Kerteh.
We started our programme after dinner with an
educational presentation and talk by the
Department of Fisheries. A little later, we made
our way to the beach, which was off-limits to the
general public, and released some turtle
hatchlings. They had to be released at night,
hours after they had successfully dug their way
out of their nest. They were safe in the cover of
darkness, safe from their slumbering would-be
predators. Then, we walked from one end to the
other end of the beach, approximately 800m
worth of wading in sand. How did those people
walk so fast in the soft, sinking sand in the dark, I
wondered?
We were in luck that night, as a green turtle had
come up to nest. We sat down on the sand and
waited quietly for the mother turtle to finish
laying her eggs. The moment seemed to last an
eternity, as the turtle took her own sweet time.
In the meantime, we watched the lights of the
ships far out to sea in the distance as the
minutes trickled slowly by.
However, after braving some rain (with our
umbrellas and raincoats), we found that the turtle
had changed its mind and had crept back to the
sea without laying a single egg. Well then, it was
probably scouting the place out to find a suitable
spot to lay her eggs another night. So, we called it
a night and curled up on our dorm beds for some
shut-eye.
The
next
day
dawned bright and
early. The weather
was great as we
visited all the places
of interest with
educational value,
including the Turtle
Information Centre
and the Aquatic
Biodiversity Gallery,
both located at
Rantau
Abang,
Dungun.
Nests buried at the
hatchery.
A hatchling
digging its
way out of
the warm
sand just
before
sunset.
The Journey to the Sanctuary
I had not joined a trip organised by an MNS
Selangor Branch SIG for a few years, and this
outing reminded me that it was fun to travel and
volunteer with fellow MNS members and nature
lovers. Moreover, this was a small group, not the
usual group of 30 pax. So, we had time to interact
and talk with each other.
It was interesting to note that our adventure did
not begin with our programme in Terengganu
either. It started much earlier, during our journey
by car. We were surprised when Patricia’s car
started to overheat, and we had to pull over, only
to discover that the fan belt had been shredded by
a rogue screw. Luckily, we were near a rest stop
and we made it there to wait for the highway tow
truck. An hour or two later, our tow truck arrived,
and it took us all to Gambang. Then, Joe, the
mechanic brought us to Kuantan. Patricia’s
beloved Matilda (the car) retired for the duration
of the trip for some R&R at Joe’s workshop, while
we proceeded to Ma’Daerah Turtle Sanctuary,
Kerteh by taxi. We thought we were going to be
late, but we seemed to have arrived at about the
same time as the rest of the gang. In fact, we
arrived around 6pm, just in time to freshen up and
then go out for dinner. Food in Terengganu was as
I remembered it – affordable, delicious and
available in generous portions. Local delicacies
were plentiful and found in convenient places too.
On our return trip, Matilda had waited safely at
the workshop for us, and we went home all
together without the slightest mishap thereafter. 3
FEATURE
Wildlife Conservation
A weekend with the turtles
We also visited the mystical Bukit Penyu (Turtle
Rock), and went for a short trek at Rimba
Bandar Bukit Bauk, the urban forest of Dungun.
After that, we managed to do some volunteer
work at the turtle sanctuary – we dug up the
unhatched eggs to find out why they did not
hatch.
On our last day, we went to the new ecoCare
Mangrove Project Site in Kerteh and planted a few
mangrove seedlings before we went home.
Volunteers
digging up
unhatched
eggs.
A new hatchling soon to be released
into the sea in the night.
All in all, it was a delightful trip and we have the
organiser Cikgu Hashimi Ismail and his
assistant Norazmir Mustapha to thank for making
everything happen.
All the information was recorded in the
sanctuary’s forms. Later at night, a turtle did
come up to lay its eggs, and the hatchery
workers swiftly brought the eggs back and
reburied them safely in the hatchery. In spite
of all this activity, we still managed to have a
wonderfully delicious BBQ too. :)
A NO-TURTLE NIGHT
POEM
By Patricia Zahara
We patrolled the beach
An hour long past –
No sign of turtle treads.
A rest before returning
Brought close conversations
And B-B-Q fare
From a friendly family.
Now we wait in the Centre
Aware of rustling sounds
In the surrounding palms
Which grow to swaying motions
Fiercer by the minute,
A crescendo of wind sounds
All around us now –
Finally, the rain
A torrent full of power,
Lashing the canvas
And netting of the Hatchery,
A climax of sounds
And smells of the ozone.
The beach, no longer peaceful,
Is smashed by waves
Of growing height.
Some even reach the roadway
And dash our hopes
Of finding turtle life.
There will be no Turtles tonight!
The Gang (picture courtesy of Latifah Saimi)
4
FEATURE
Green Living
BYOB Green Concepts -- Paving the way to a plastic packaging-free revolution
Story and photos by Wong Ee Lynn
gl.mnselangor@yahoo.com
We all know how most of our plastic waste end
up in landfills, rivers and oceans. We know how
our plastic packaging profligacy ends up
endangering wildlife, marine life and even
domestic and farm animals. Green Living has
been advocating “reducing, reusing and
recycling” (3Rs) for years, but for many years
there weren't many alternatives to recycling
the empty plastic packaging that our household
cleaning solutions and personal care products
come in.
For years, our standard response has been to
reduce the amount of cleaning agents we use,
to clean with cleaning solutions and soaps less
frequently and only when necessary, to use
cleaning solutions such as vinegar and baking
soda (which unfortunately comes in packaging,
too) and to buy eco-friendly products that
come in biodegradable packaging or postconsumer recycled plastic packaging. This
means that choosing eco-friendly alternatives
often becomes an expensive and tiresome
option, rather than something we can and
should all do as a matter of course.
Sometime last year, however, other Malaysian
Nature Society forum members started to
recommend a retail outlet known as BYOB Green
Concepts (Bring Your Own Bottle) where one can
purchase cleaning solutions and shampoo/soap
refills for a very reasonable price. Green Living
decided to visit the outlet in Damansara Kim.
We also love it that they have many informative
posters on plastic waste and waste reduction tips
placed strategically all around the outlet.
We were greeted at the entrance by a robot
constructed out of empty containers to collect used
bottles in. This is a brilliant idea, as first-time visitors
and passersby who stop by without empties could
then make use of the donated bottles and
containers without having to go home, collect their
empties and return another day. What a good way
to share and reuse resources, and reduce the fuel
usage of those who would otherwise have to return
another day!
The store concept is commendable and the layout
and store design are consistent with their emphasis
on the 3Rs. We love the pallet furniture and the
repurposed bottles and cans as part of their interior
decoration. The store has very clear signs on their
products and price range, which is helpful.
The store manager very kindly allowed me into the
staff area to take photographs of the jerry cans
filled with different soaps and cleaning solutions.
Service was quick, efficient, polite and friendly.
Apart from conventional dishwashing liquid,
cleaning solutions and personal care products,
BYOB also has a plant-based, eco-friendly range of
cleaning solutions known as "OMG".
We should all do whatever we can to reduce waste
and reduce our environmental impact and BYOB
Green Concepts is a good place to start.
For more information, please visit the following
links: BYOB Green Concepts on Facebook: BYOB
Malaysia. List of outlets in Malaysia: Outlets
Location.
5
FEATURE
Green Living
5 Myths about Renewable Energy (RE)
en/campaigns/climate(Reproduced from Greenpeace and available at: http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/campaigns/climatechange/energyrevolution/renewable-energy-myths/) . Contributed by Wong Ee Lynn
MYTH 1
RE IS TOO EXPENSIVE!
MYTH 2
RE IS NICE TO HAVE BUT NOT BIG ENOUGH!
Right now, RE is actually already cheaper than coal and nuclear power at every step.
In recent years the costs of wind and solar energy have declined substantially. Today renewable
technologies are the most economical solution for new capacity in a growing number of countries and
regions, and are typically the most economic solution for new grid-connected capacity where good
resources are available. (Some headlines cited:)
•
Citigroup: The age of RE is beginning. Increasingly cost competitive with coal, gas and nuclear in the
USA.
•
HSBC: Wind energy is now cost competitive with new-build coal capacity in India. Solar to reach
parity around 2016-18.
•
Deutsche Bank: solar now competitive without subsidies in at least 19 markets globally. In 2014
prices to decline further.
•
Unsubsidised RE is now cheaper than electricity from new coal and gas fired power plants in
Australia.
RE technology is ready to go, and it is working
reliably in countries around the world.
1. International Energy Agency: Any country can
reach high shares of wind, solar power costeffectively.
2. By 2050 almost all of global energy needs can be
met with renewables.
3. Germany, Europe's biggest economy, already gets
25% of it’s electricity from renewables, and is
aiming for 80% by 2050.
4. Wind power was Spain's top source of electricity
in 2013, ahead of nuclear, coal & gas.
5. Renewables supplied 42% of mainland Spain’s
electricity in 2013.
6. In 2012 China’s wind power generation increased
more than generation from coal.
7. Portugal generated more than 70% of its
electricity from RE sources during
the first quarter of 2013.
8. In the US, nine states are getting 12% or more of
their electricity from wind. Iowa & South Dakota
exceed 25%.
9. Philippines produces 29% of its electricity with
renewables, targeting 40% by 2020.
10.Denmark is going to produce 100% of its heat
and power with RE by 2035 and
all energy by 2050.
But it doesn't stop there. There are no input costs for wind and solar energy. So for example, while one
needs to buy coal for a coal-fired power plant to generate electricity (and coal mining itself has massive
environmental costs), solar and wind energy don’t have input costs like that – sunlight and wind are free.
As a result, they replace more expensive production in the electricity market, lowering wholesale
electricity prices. This is good for consumers but – unsurprisingly – upsets the producers of dirty energy.
THE HIDDEN COSTS OF COAL AND NUCLEAR
Market price aside, coal and nuclear power have huge hidden costs that aren’t included in the price that
you and I pay for electricity. We’re talking about the costs of water pollution, health impacts, the plant’s
huge water footprint, and climate change.
For instance, in the United States, accounting for these hidden costs, conservatively doubles to triples the
price of electricity from coal per kWh generated. In South Africa, the Energy utility Eskom is currently
building a coal-fired power plant, and it’s estimated that the plant will cause damage of up to 5.7 bln US$
for every year it operates.
6
FEATURES
Green Living
5 Myths about Renewable Energy (RE)
MYTH 3
RE CAN’T SUPPLY ELECTRICITY 24/7!
MYTH 4
ELECTRICITY GRID CAN’T HANDLE RE!
RE can meet all our energy needs in a safe
and reliable way. When the shares are small,
balancing supply and demand goes with the
flow as part of the overall grid management.
As shares of wind and solar approach 30%
and more, smart integration becomes
important.
An electricity grid – the system that connects
power stations to consumers – can handle large
shares of variable RE if it is designed to do so.
The key is to have a mix of sources spread
over a wide area: solar and wind power,
biogas, biomass and geothermal sources. In
the future, ocean energy can contribute too.
Intelligent technologies can track and
manage energy use patterns, provide flexible
power that follows demand through the day,
use better storage options and group
producers together to form virtual power
plants.
With all these solutions we can secure the RE
future needed. We just need smart grids to
put it all together and effectively ‘keep the
lights on’.
Adding wind and solar on top of ‘business as
usual’ is not how it works. What’s needed is a
gradual transformation of the whole energy
system to accommodate modern energy
production and consumption.
Typically the ones who claim that wind and
solar will bring trouble to the grid are the old
players, who failed to take RE seriously and
over-invested in fossil fuel capacities instead. RE
is now eating their profits and making their old
business models out-of-date.
In reality, Europe, for example, can switch to
77% renewable electricity by 2030 while
maintaining affordable security of supply.
MYTH 5
RE IS BAD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT!
Birds and bats: A common argument against wind farms
is that they kill birds and bats. However, if
environmental impact assessments are conducted and
migratory and local bird population patterns are
assessed before construction, this is avoided
completely. It is vital that these assessments are made
to ensure the safety of birds and bats, as with any
development project.
Noise: Studies have shown that noise complaints,
especially those related to wind farms, are often
unrelated to actual noise. In most cases it was found
that people were actually opposed to the farms on
aesthetic grounds – which would be the same with coal
or nuclear plants. It was also found that ‘noise’
complaints dropped off rapidly when local communities
derived income from the RE projects in question.
Land use: The land used for RE projects, like wind farms,
can still be used for farming and cattle grazing.
International experience has shown that livestock are
completely unaffected by the presence of wind farms
and will often graze right up to the base of wind
turbines.
Footprint of renewables: Unlike coal and nuclear RE
pays off its carbon footprint and does so relatively
quickly. Depending on where they are made, solar
panels offset their carbon footprint in about four years.
Computer Recycling Collection Centre, Penang
(Pictures courtesy of 123rf.com)
The MNS Penang, Nature Information Centre (NIC) is a designated recycling collection centre for old
computers and computer parts by the Penang City Council. Please send your unwanted computers and parts
to the NIC to be sent for recycling by DOE approved recycling establishments. Contact Kanda at 013-4537992
for more information or check out Penang Branch web pages.
7
FEATURE
Eco Kids
A Guide To Clouds
(Compiled from: http://www.weatherwizkids.com/weather-clouds.htm)
Contributed by Wong Ee Lynn
A. What are clouds?
A cloud is a large collection of very tiny droplets of water or ice crystals.
The droplets are so small and light that they can float in the air.
B. How are clouds formed?
All air contains water, but near the ground it is usually in the form of an
invisible gas called water vapor. When warm air rises, it expands and
cools. Cool air can't hold as much water vapor as warm air, so some of the
vapor condenses onto tiny pieces of dust that are floating in the air and
forms a tiny droplet around each dust particle. When billions of these
droplets come together they become a visible cloud.
C. Why are clouds white?
Since light travels as waves of different lengths, each color has its very
own unique wavelength. Clouds are white because their water droplets or
ice crystals are large enough to scatter the light of the seven wavelengths
(red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet), which combine to
produce white light.
D. Why do clouds turn gray?
Clouds are made up of tiny water droplets or ice crystals, usually a
mixture of both. The water and ice scatter all light, making clouds appear
white. If the clouds get thick enough or high enough all the light above
does not make it through, hence the gray or dark look. Also, if there are
lots of other clouds around, their shadow can add to the gray or
multicolored gray appearance.
E. Why do clouds float?
A cloud is made up of liquid water droplets. A cloud forms when air is
heated by the sun. As it rises, it slowly cools till it reaches the saturation
point and water condenses, forming a cloud. As long as the cloud and the
air that its made of is warmer than the outside air around it, it floats!
F. How do clouds move?
Clouds move with the wind. High cirrus clouds are pushed along by the jet
stream, sometimes traveling at more than 100 miles-per-hour. When clouds
are part of a thunderstorm they usually travel at 30 to 40 mph.
G. Why do clouds form at different heights in the atmosphere?
The characteristics of clouds are dictated by the elements available, including
the amount of water vapor, the temperatures at that height, the wind, and
the interplay of other air masses.
Cloud chart
Cloud group
Cloud height
Cloud types
High clouds = Cirrus
Above 18,000 ft
Cirrus
Cirrostratus
Cirrocumulus
Middle clouds = Alto
6,500 – 18,000 ft
Altostratus
Altocumulus
Low clouds = Stratus
Up to 6,500 ft
Stratus
Stratocumulus
Nimbostratus
Clouds with vertical growth
Cumulus
Cumulonimbus
Special clouds
Mammatus
Lenticular
Fog
Contrails
8
FEATURE
A Guide To Clouds
Cirrus clouds are the most common of the
high clouds. They are composed of ice and are
thin, wispy clouds blown in high winds into
long streamers. They are usually white and
predict fair to pleasant weather. Their
movement will indicate the direction of
weather change within 24 hours.
Stratus clouds are uniform grayish clouds that
often cover the entire sky. They resemble fog
that doesn't reach the ground. Light mist or
drizzle sometimes falls out of these clouds.
Cirrostratus clouds are thin, sheet-like high
clouds that often cover the entire sky. They
are so thin that the sun and moon can be
seen through them. Cirrostratus clouds
usually come 12-24 hours before a rain or
snow storm.
Stratocumulus clouds are low, puffy and
gray. Most form in rows with blue sky visible
in between them. Rain rarely occurs with
stratocumulus clouds, however, they can turn
into nimbostratus clouds.
Cirrocumulus clouds appear as small, rounded
white puffs that appear in long rows. The
small ripples in the cirrocumulus clouds
sometime resemble the scales of a fish. They
are usually seen in the winter and indicate
fair, but cold weather. In tropical regions,
they may indicate an approaching hurricane.
Altostratus clouds are gray or blue-gray mid
level clouds composed of ice crystals and
water droplets. The clouds usually cover the
entire sky. In the thinner areas of the clouds,
the sun may be dimly visible as a round disk.
Altostratus clouds often form ahead of
storms with continuous rain or snow.
Altocumulus clouds are mid level clouds that
are made of water droplets and appear as
gray puffy masses. They usually form in
groups. If you see altocumulus clouds on a
warm, sticky morning, be prepared to see
thunderstorms late in the afternoon.
Eco Kids
Nimbostratus clouds form a dark gray, wet
looking cloudy layer associated with
continuously falling rain or snow. They often
produce precipitation that is usually light to
moderate.
Cumulus clouds are white, puffy clouds like
pieces of floating cotton. They are often
called "fair-weather clouds". The base of each
cloud is flat and the top has rounded towers.
These clouds grow upward and they can
develop into giant cumulonimbus clouds,
which are thunderstorm clouds
Cumulonimbus clouds are thunderstorm
clouds. High winds can flatten the top of the
cloud into an anvil-like shape. They are
associated with heavy rain, snow, hail,
lightning and even tornadoes. The anvil
usually points in the direction the storm is
moving
9
July/August 2014
All events times and venues are correct at time of printing. For latest updates, contact the Special Interest Group or check the MNS
website regularly. Booking priority will be given to the organizing branch‘s members unless stated otherwise
Calendar of Activities
MNS Branch Annual General Meeting Schedule
Branch
Date
Venue
Time
Terengganu
21 June 2014 (Sat)
Lake Kenyir Resort
3.30 pm
Mutiara Hotel (formerly known as Holiday Inn), Johor Bahru
2.00 pm
Johor
5 July 2014 (Sat)
Kedah
12 July 2014 (Sat)
290 Jalan Shahab 1, Shahab Perdana 05350 Alor Setar
5.00 pm
N Sembilan/Melaka
12 July 2014 (Sat)
Tabika, Green Street Homes, Seremban 2, 70300 N Sembailan
10.00 am
Kuching
12 July 2014 (Sat)
Sarawak Cultural Village’s Meeting Room, Santubong
1.00 pm
Selangor
12 July 2014 (Sat)
Rimba Ilmu
2.00 pm
Pahang
12 July 2014 (Sat)
Jehan’s house in Taman Guru
2.30 pm
Perak
12 July 2014 (Sat)
70 Jalan Chan Chee Keong, Ipoh Garden South, 31400 Ipoh
4.30 pm
Kelantan
18 July 2014 (Fri)
Prof. Dr Aweng’s house in Tumpat
5.30 pm
Sabah
19 July 2014 (Sat)
(To be advised in due course)
10.00 am
Langkawi
26 July 2014 (Sat)
Bayview Hotel Langkawi
7.00 pm
Penang
26 July 2014 (Sat)
(To be advised in due course)
2.00 pm
Attend and vote
MNS Members with valid
subscriptions are eligible to
attend, vie for committee
positions and vote.
For enquiries, please contact
the following:
Membership
Wee Chin at
membership@
mns.org.my
Committee
position
Branch
secretary,
contact details
in the
Directory at
the end of this
newsletter.
Bird Watching trip to Sungai Congkak Recreational Forest, Hulu Langat, Selangor
13 July 2014 Sunday, 7.30am
Open to all MNS members.
Come and join Selangor Branch Bird Group
for a morning of bird watching at Sungai
Congkak Recreational Forest, Hulu Langat.
This is a popular retreat for locals. It nestles
beside a tropical rainforest. It will be a fun
morning of bird watching along the well
shaded track which runs beside the cool,
cascading stream.
Meeting point & time: In front of the mosque at Pekan Batu 14 (mile 14th) Hulu Langat at 7.30 am. From here
we will convoy to the site. The event shall end at noon.
Direction: From Cheras-Kajang Expressway, after passing Batu 9 Toll Plaza, take the 1st left turn. Follow this
road straight till you reach a set of traffic lights with a Police Station on the right. Take a left turn into Jalan Hulu
Langat. Go straight along this long kampong road and look out for the mosque on the left.
Preparation for the trip: Bring along binoculars, drinking water, light snacks, mosquito repellant &
umbrella/poncho. Wear dull colored clothes & comfortable shoes.
To register or for more info: Call (after 8pm) or SMS (anytime) Mr Liung @ 012-3127998 or
Mr Andy @ 012-3993193.
10
July/August 2014
Calendar of Activities
All events times and venues are correct at time of printing. For latest updates, contact the Special Interest Group or check the MNS
website regularly. Booking priority will be given to the organizing branch‘s members unless stated otherwise
Green Living visit and volunteer session with “Eats, Shoots and Roots" Edible Garden
6 July 2014 Sunday, 9.00am
"Eats, Shoots and Roots" (ESR) is a Malaysian social
enterprise founded in January 2012 with the objective of
designing and establishing edible garden systems based
on permaculture and ecological principles.
They received the British Council & Arthur Guinness Fund
Entrepreneurs for Good Award in 2013 for their
environmental education and edible garden initiatives.
ESR has very kindly agreed to host MNS members for a
day at their edible garden so we can do some hands-on
learning about permaculture, food co-op gardens and
creating our own edible gardens.
Date
: 6 July 2014 (Sun)
Deadline for registration
: 2 July 2014
Time
: 9.00 – 11.00 am
Registration fee (Donation to ESR) : RM10.00 per person
Meeting point : Jalan 5/10, Bukit Gasing, 46000 Petaling Jaya.
Agenda
: A 15-minute guided tour of the garden, followed by a briefing and group
allocation/division session. Participants then carry out their assigned tasks in the
garden, with short breaks in between for socialising and discussion.
Dress code
: Long-sleeved shirt and trousers for gardening/outdoor work. Please bring your
own drinking water, sunblock, insect repellent and gardening gloves.
Participants : Limited to 15 participants. Priority will be given to MNS members. Registration will
only be opened up to non-MNS members on a first-come, first-served basis if MNS
members fail to fill up all 15 places by 2nd July 2014.
To register
: Email your name, MNS membership number and contact information to Green
Living coordinator Wong Ee Lynn at wongeelynn@yahoo.com by 2nd July 2014.
Things you can donate/contribute: Mulch, including from your compost heap, or dry leaves (small
leaves, otherwise please help us by chopping/ripping larger leaves up) swept and bagged up by the
local councils. Leftover paving stones. Fruit and vegetable seeds for a seed swap session.
Bird Talk - Hawk Mountain Sanctuary
Herping at Bukit Gasing with the Herpetofauna SIG
17 July 2014 Thursday, 8.00pm
26 July 2014 Saturday, 7.30pm
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is an international centre for raptor conservation,
education, observation and research. It is located on a ridge of the Hawk
Mountain of the Blue Mountain chain in eastern Pennsylvania, USA at an
elevation of between 1300 to 1500 feet. Its mission is to conserve birds of prey
worldwide by providing leadership in raptor conservation science and education,
and by maintaining Hawk Mountain Sanctuary as a model observation, research
and education facility
Speaker: Dr Puan Chong Leong, a lecturer from University Putra Malaysia, was
fortunate enough to train there for a couple of weeks. He will share his
experiences as an international trainee there.
Time & place: 8pm at the MNS auditorium in KL. All are welcome (including nonmembers) and admission is free (no prior registration required).
Enquiries: Contact Lim Wai Kong (012-3935189, drwklim@yahoo.com).
Time & meeting point: 7.30pm sharp for regn , Bukit Gasing main entrance.
Register with
: Steven Wong at steven.wong.sp@hotmail.com
The Bukit Gasing Forest Reserve is a modest green area straddling over the
Petaling Jaya - Kuala Lumpur border. Covering a 100 hectares, it’s a former
rubber estate now reclaimed by nature! It is frequented by hikers, trekkers
and anyone that enjoys nature. Come with us as we uncover the nocturnal
faunal diversity of Bukit Gasing!
This is a night activity between 8pm to 11pm, with the possibility of running
late depending on how much we find. A headlamp or a flashlight is vital. Hiking
shoes are advised as some parts of the trail may be steep or slippery. Also
bring a camera, spare batteries, ponchos, water and light snacks.
A fee of RM15 will be collected for non-members and RM10 for members. The
fee will go the group fund, educational materials and insurance for members. 11
July/August 2014
Calendar of Activities
All events times and venues are correct at time of printing. For latest updates, contact the Special Interest Group or check the MNS
website regularly. Booking priority will be given to the organizing branch‘s members unless stated otherwise
Nature Walk at FRIM -The beginning and end of a stream
MNS Photogroup Activities
9 August 2014 Saturday, 8.00am
Fellow KL folks habitually frown at our often revolting rivers cum monsoon drains
as we pass them in the city. On the other hand, during weekends, virtually every
Hutan Lipur (recreational forest) around Klang Valley with a cascade or waterfall is
overflowing with city dwellers soaking their bodies and souls in the refreshing
water.
Indeed, water is life. The Malaysian government initiated a 10-year’ “River of Life”
project to revive the infamously polluted Klang River in 2010. It’s high time we pay
more attention to our rivers.
Despite its name that means “murky river”, Sungai Keroh is a clear stream that
flows through the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM). It then follows an
east-westerly course, joins Sungai Batu near Jalan Duta, and finally merges into
Sungai Gombak and Sungai Klang.
Come join Chew Ming Yee and Lim Chung Lu who are botanists and nature guides,
for a half day hike tracing the source of a tributary to Sungai Keroh, until spring
water emerges from a rocky slope. Further details will be given upon signing up.
Close-up Photography
The Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park
5 July 2014 Saturday, 9.00am
For directions: Refer to http://www.frim.gov.my/?page_id=543.
As a follow up to our recent Macro workshop where participants
learnt the ‘How To’ basic approach to Close up/Macro
photography, the MNS Photogroup is organising an outing to the
Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park @ Taman Tasik Perdana, Jalan
Cendarasari, Kuala Lumpur. This trip is specifically organized for
those who intend to participate in the MNS Photogroup’s 2nd
Quarter Macro Photography Contest. However, MNS members
who are interested to learn Close-up Photography are also
welcome to join. Tripod is not allowed into the park, therefore
please bring your monopod.
Fees:
Besides
standard
entrance charges to
FRIM
(refer to
http://www.frim.gov.my/?page_id=174), a fee of RM15 is chargeable to cover
insurance and SIG fund.
Kindly register with our coordinator, John Choong @
choongjohn@ymail.com or for more details he is reachable at
019-2263912.
Preparation: Wear suitable trekking clothes, leech socks and shoes with good
traction. A trekking pole would also be helpful. Insect repellant is advisable for
those with sensitive skin. Bring a bottle of water and some healthy snacks.
Please meet at the Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park’s entrance at 9am.
To register: Email Wan Yeng (wanyeng@rocketmail.com) (preferable mode) or
sms only (hp 016-618 2148, strictly no calls). Limited places available and deadline
to register is 2 August 2014, whichever comes first. Priority is given to MNS
members who had joined FRIM walks Part 1 or Part 2. (For those who had missed
out part 1 & 2: look out for the annual reruns).
As the entire walk is done off trail, it is not suitable for children below 15 years.
Entrance fee is RM10.00/pax.
12
July/August 2014
Calendar of Activities
All events times and venues are correct at time of printing. For latest updates, contact the Special Interest Group or check the MNS
website regularly. Booking priority will be given to the organizing branch‘s members unless stated otherwise
MNS Photogroup Activities
Photo sharing and Contest results
• travel photography – Nepal
• photo review – Endau-Rompin Selai
• prize giving - 1st MNS Quarterly
Photography Contest 2014
“Landscape”
16 July 2014 Wednesday, 8.00pm
MNS Auditorium
Join Salmah Forbes as she talks on a beginner’s
approach to travel photography, illustrated with
photos from her visit to Nepal (Kathmandu and
Bhaktapur) in 2012. She will share her ideas and
the challenges faced by a new photographer who
is trying to record the atmosphere of the places
she visits.
Salmah is a fairly new recruit to photography. Her
interests cover natural history and travel. With a
particular interest in people and places, Salmah
looks for the local citizens and their way of life in
capturing the essence of a new location. Find out
more by attending this travel photo session and
get a glimpse of old Nepal.
Participants to the recently completed
photography trip to Endau Rompin Selai will be
sharing their photos and experiences with the
audience. Constructive feedback from members
with the view to improve one’s skill and
technique would be shared.
MNS Photography 2014 Quarterly Contest: 1 July to 30 September 2014
Starting this quarter, the MNS Photogroup Committee is conducting its 2nd quarterly photography contest.
This contest is open to all MNS members. The contest will run from this second quarter till end of
September 2014.
The theme for this quarter’s contest is “MACRO”. The subsequent quarterly contests covering the theme
“BIRDS” will be announced at a later date.
From the submissions received, three (3) best photos will be selected per contest. First, second and third
winners will be awarded prizes.
As we are encouraging amateur and beginner photographers to enhance their photography skills, all
photographs captured with digital camera will be accepted into the contest.
Rules & Conditions :
For MACRO category, images are to be on Flora and Fauna, ie. flowers, leafs, insects, feathers....and so on.
The images captured shall be between 1/2 life size to full size on the sensor.
Photographs can be captured with any type of digital camera. Select 3 of your best shots for the theme.
You may use a post-processing software to tweak your photos such as cropping, brightness, contrast,
colour, saturation, HDR, panoramic stitching and etc. but not introduce superimposition i.e. putting other
things there; or you may leave them as they are without modification. Photos must be in their natural
state i.e. without studio set up.
Do NOT place visible watermarks on the image files. This is to avoid bias in photo judging. Any photos
found with watermark will be rejected.
Use ONLY the JPEG format. Any other format will automatically be rejected and will not be entered into
contest.
13
July/August 2014
Calendar of Activities
All events times and venues are correct at time of printing. For latest updates, contact the Special Interest Group orAdvertisement
check the MNS
website regularly. Booking priority will be given to the organizing branch‘s members unless stated otherwise
MNS Photography 2014 Quarterly Contest:
1 July to 30 September 2014
Please resize your image files to a maximum of 1,024 pixels on the
long side.
MOUNTAIN GOAL ADVENTURE CONSULTANT (742912-V)
Website: http://www.mymountaingoal.com
E-mail: goalus@mymountaingoal.com
Tibet Trip : Kathmandu to Lhasa, Xigatse, Gyatse and Namcho Lake via
Everest Base Camp from 09/09 to 24/09/2014 (16D15N)
Photos will be evaluated based on: (1) Relevance to theme, if any, (2)
Composition, (3) Colour, (4) Lighting and Shadow and (5) Creativity.
Do NOT submit more than 3 image files; above that number will also
be ignored. Photos that had previously won prizes in other contests
are not eligible for entry into this contest.
EMAIL the 3 image files to mnsphotogroup@gmail.com and/
or photo_submit@mnsphotogroup.org
For this quarter, please SUBMIT latest by 30 September 2014. Image
files submitted after that will be ignored.
Nature Photography Competition
“MNS Natural History Photographer of the
Year 2014”
For all the submissions received in the year during our MNS
Photography 2014 Quarterly Contests, we will select the best i.e. 20
with highest points garnered in all the 3 contests entered, for them
to enter for another round on the same 3 themes. For the Best Image
submitted, we will name the contestant "The MNS Natural History
Photographer of the Year". There will be a Grand Prize courtesy of
Schmidt Marketing (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.
This Photo Competition is open to all paid-up MNS members only.
1st Prize : B+W Close-up filter (NL4)
2nd Prize : Lenspen (NLP-1 + Mini Pro 2)
3rd Prize : Cullmann Lens Case
The drive from Kathmandu to Lhasa Tour via Everest Base Camp takes seven days over
the 'Friendship Highway‘, along the way stopping at quietly enchanting Buddhist
monasteries and remote villages untouched by modern civilization. A generous two nights
will be spent at Everest Base Camp, time to take in some unforgettable views of the
highest mountain on the planet. The road also passes through quiet Nyalam, the historical
Xigatse, Gyantse and Namcho Lake. And that's all before the road even comes into Lhasa
itself, the spiritual heart of this country. Here, the home, for centuries, of the Dalai Lamas
and the target of devout pilgrimages, you could spend happy weeks lost in Lhasa's
historical and spiritual treasures.
Everest Base Camp / Kalapattar trek
from 30/09 to 13/10/2014 (14D13N) (Confirmed trip)
Experience the culture of the Sherpas in route to Khumbu village.
Enjoy a climb to the scintillating Kalapattar 5,545m. /18190ft, one of the most spectacular
vantage points in the Everest region .
Explore enchanting views of Everest, Pumori, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse, Makalu and
many other towering peaks.
Two free Training trip will be provided for the Everest Base Camp trip.
Contact: Thong at goalus@mymountaingoal.com H/P : 016-6375622, Off : 03-40248896
Further info please sign in: www.mymountaingoal.com/everestkalapattar.htm
14
DIRECTORY
MNS HQ
JKR 541, Jalan Kelantan,
Bukit Persekutuan, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
(just before the Seri Perdana turn-off on
Jalan Mahameru)
Mondays –Fridays 9 am–5:30 pm
T: 03-22879422 F: 03-22878773
mns@mns.org.my www.mns.my
Membership: Leong Wee Chin
Branch Committee Members
JOHOR BRANCH
c/o Vincent Chow
32 Jln Molek 3/11, Tmn Molek,
81100 Johor Bahru; www.mnsj.org.my
Blog: www.mnsj.org.my
Chairman Vincent Chow
vkkchow@yahoo.com
Vice Chair Wee Soon Chit
soonchit@hotmail.com
Secretary Zalinah Sarpan
anggun_firama@yahoo.co.uk
KEDAH BRANCH
291 Jalan Shahab 1, Shahab Perdana,
05350 Alor Setar, Kedah
kedahmns@yahoogroups.com
Chairman Wan Muhaimin bin Wan Jamil
wanatc@yahoo.com
Vice Chair Tengku Badrillah T. Abdullah
tbadril@hotmail.com
Secretary Phang Fatt Khow
fkphang05@yahoo.com
KELANTAN BRANCH
204, Jln Sultan Yahya Petra, 15150 Kota
Bharu, Kelantan. meklawa@gmail.com
Chairman Aweng a/l Eh Rak
aweng@umk.edu.my
Vice Chair Amir Hamzah Abdul Shukor
amrieta@yahoo.com
SecretaryWong Mei Lin
meklawa@gmail.com
LANGKAWI BRANCH
mnslangkawi@yahoogroups.com
Chairman Eric R. Sinnaya
morahols@gmail.com
Vice Chair Viyayndran Muniandy
vijayndranmnnd90@gmail.com
Secretary Daisy Jeyarani a/p Samuel
daisy_samuel_2005@yahoo.com
NEGERI SEMBILAN/ MELAKA BRANCH
c/o Cooltek, 350 Jalan Woodland,
Tiara Melaka Golf & Country Club,
Ayer Keroh, 75450 Melaka
Chairman Lim Ming Hui
limmel05@yahoo.com
Vice Chair Kok Chow Hioong
kchioong@live.com
Secretary Stephanie Bacon
cooltek.my@gmail.com
PAHANG BRANCH
30 1st Floor Jalan Gambut, 25000 Kuantan,
Pahang mnsphg@yahoo.com.sg
Acting Chairman/ Vice Chair
Zela Azni binti Nahizan
zela.azni@gmail.com
Secretary Chow Mee Foong
chowmeefoong@yahoo.com
PENANG BRANCH
Nature Information Centre (NIC),
673-B Jalan Kebun Bunga,
10350 Penang. 016-484 0747
Open Mon–Sat, 7.30–11.30 am (please
phone before visiting)
http://www.geocities.com/mnspenang/
Blog: mnspenang@yahoogroups.com
Chairman Tan Choo Eng
chooengtan@yahoo.com
Vice Chair James Ooi Teik Kok
jamesooiteikkok@yahoo.com
Secretary Tan Pek Tao, Peggy
peggypeach@yahoo.com
PERAK BRANCH
8, Jln Virgo, Star Park, 31400 Ipoh, Perak
mnsperak@gmail.com
Blog: mnsperak@yahoogroups.com
Chairman Lee Ping Kong
lpk682@yahoo.com
Vice Chair Leow Kon Fah
leow_kingfisher@yahoo.com
Secretary Tham Yim Fong
georgi8tham@yahoo.com
SABAH BRANCH
P O Box 12377, 88826 Kota Kinabalu,
Sabah
mns_sabah@yahoo.com.sg
Chairman Anna Wong
anna888@ums.edu.my
Vice Chair Jimmy Omar
jemyomar@gmail.com
Secretary Shim Yen Ling
sasaniashim2@gmail.com
SABAH (SANDAKAN) BRANCH
Lot 322, Lorong Pertama 17, Tmn
Pertama,
90000 Sandakan, Sabah
Chairman Chow Kok Cheng, Charles
kcccharles@yahoo.com
Vice-Chair Gengadharan G Pillai
genga_pillai@yahoo.com
Secretary Chia Ah Theng
asrio_88@yahoo.com
SARAWAK (KUCHING) BRANCH
mnskuching@gmail.com
Chairman Anthony C. Sebastian
aonyxenvironmental@gmail.com
Vice Chair Rose Au Nyat Jun
njau44@yahoo.com
Secretary Chan Mei Ching, Zora Sharon
zorachan76@yahoo.com
SARAWAK (MIRI) BRANCH
mnsmiri@yahoo.com
Blog: mnsmiri.blogspot.com
Chairman Musa Musbah
sammua@yahoo.com
Vice Chair Yeo Hong Yan, John
drjyeo@gmail.com
Secretary Joyce Vikneswari Sivalingam
jvsivalingam@hotmail.com
SELANGOR BRANCH
c/o MNS HQ address
www.mns.org.my/selangor
mns.selangor@gmail.com
E-group:
malaysiannaturesociety@yahoo
groups.com
Chairman K. S. Goh, Henry
henrygks10@gmail.com
Vice Chair Lim Teck Wyn
teckwyn@hotmail.com
Secretary Gan Li Li
pat_ganll@hotmail.com
TERENGGANU BRANCH
1926 Bukit Kubang Jambu,
20050 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu
mnsterengganu@gmail.com
ChairmanWong Chee Ho
cheeho@umt.edu.my
Vice ChairWee Seng Whatt
swwee88@gmail.com
Secretary Anuar Abdullah McAfee
anuar@ms.kusza.edu.my
15
Advertisement
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.
Submissions: Articles including the author and photographers’ names (max. 500
words), advertisements, digital images (100 dpi & no larger than 640 x 480 pixels
& separately from the article), etc. must reach the Editor by the 13th of each
month (unless noted otherwise) via the following e-mail address:
tapir2005@gmail.com.
Advertising rates:
Classifieds: RM5 per column inch; Quarter page ad: RM30; Half page ad: RM60.
All payments must be made to ‘Malaysian Nature Society Selangor Branch’.
Please bank in cash or cheque to Maybank MBB account no 014150307352.
After banking in, please scan the slip and e-mail it to Bernadette Chin at:
berniechin118@yahoo.com or fax her at 03-51928191 (Attention: Bernie,
Finance).
Discount rate for ads paid in advance:
3 adverts paid in advance – 5% off published rate;
6 adverts paid in advance – 10% off published rate;
9 adverts paid in advance –15% off published rate;
12 adverts paid in advance – 20% off published rate.
This issue’s editor : Lee Meng Lai (leemenglai@hotmail.com) 012 3882002.
Next issue’s editor : Doreen Varghese (creamymushroom1963@yahoo.com)
Kelab Pencinta Alam
The KPA programme aims to encourage interest, understanding and
involvement in various environmental activities and conservation efforts
amongst the school-going generation. Among some of the special
programmes held for KPA are camps, workshops and environmental
projects. Contact the KPA Officer at 03-22879422 for more information.
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.
* * *
The Malaysian Naturalist Facebook page is now available with current
articles and other interesting news. Do like the page at this
link https://www.facebook.com/MalaysianNaturalist
Renew Your Membership via Online Credit
Card Payment
Budding writers, naturalists and travel-bugs.
Have you been to an MNS activity lately?
Settling your MNS membership fee is now made easier
with on-line credit card payment via the MNS website.
To renew, please visit https://www.mns.my/subscription/.
For inquiries, contact Wee Chin at
membership@mns.org.my
Why not share your experience with other members by
writing an account of your activity and submitting it
(preferably with photographs) for publication in Pencinta
Alam.
Email your article to: tapir2005@gmail.com
16