~behind these hazel's eyes~

New Page..New Image..New Life!!~~~~

2008-05-11T14:28:00.001+08:00

Hi there, I already develop a new page with new brands! Come and join me there as well. Do visits another me at http://janggeltrekking2.blogspot.com/ . There are more stories related to my daily life and everything happen surroundings. Thank you for all support and wish me a gud luck! Happy New born JANGGELTREKKING2!!!

A little paradise in the city

2008-05-10T13:37:00.001+08:00

A little paradise in the city

By GOH EE KOON Photos by IBRAHIM MOKHTAR

NOT too long ago, the partly hidden recreational spot in Taman Tun Dr Ismail was a little bit of nature for children and adults to enjoy.

Among the trees, small and shallow streams with fish would delight the younger ones, who would bring little nets or even dip their hands into the water in attempts to catch them while indulgent parents looked on.

The spot is still there, but the place has changed quite dramatically, turning from an unofficial recreational spot into a park that is visited by scores during the weekdays and hundreds during the weekends.

The Lembah Kiara Recreational Park is perhaps one of the newer ones in the Klang Valley, but its popularity already establishes the fact that it is going to be well used for many years to come.

Entrance is free and most of adults who come here either do so with their friends or families. The mornings and late afternoons are the most popular times to visit this place.

One of the biggest draws of this medium-sized park is its well-paved running path. With a cushion-like surface, the red-coloured path absorbs the shock of impact from pounding feet and exercising and running is a lot more comfortable than the more challenging 5km undulating walk a little way off.

The route of the run is broken up into two sections – one with higher inclines for the more athletic and a slightly more level one for those who prefer to take a leisurely stroll around the area. Both paths join and separate at different points, and hence, each one that visitors take offers different sights.

The wider path winds through different types of trees, and at certain vantage points, you can see almost the whole park. Along the path, a suspension bridge is also popular and is built over a large stream.

The smaller walking path circles through the large pond and here and there, couples and families settle to enjoy a spot of fresh air or look for fish and turtles swimming near the surface.

The smaller walking path also allows access to a cemented platform, where teenagers often play ball or adults carry out line-dancing and Chinese fan dance sessions.

The landscape of the Lembah Kiara Recreational Park is also well-sculpted, with palms, clumps of flowers like cannas and different types of shrubs, all of which are well-kept.

The clearing nearest to the car park is the most popular place, where a wooden bridge often sees young children hanging over the side to look into the water.

At the side, specially-erected bars and benches are popular among those who want to build up muscles.

Lembah Kiara Recreational Park is located at Jalan Abang Haji Openg, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur.

Air Quality Modeling-Level 1

2008-04-18T20:48:00.004+08:00

This few days, I attended a course of Air Quality Modeling – Level 1, for 4 days at EiMAS (again after 3 month courses on September last year). Actually, I’ve been asked from my boss to replace her for this course. Terpaksa la pergi sebab nanti boleh tambah benda nak tulis dalam SKT and of coz I will nurture more knowledge regarding Air Quality Modeling which is a part of my job descriptions. Hehehe...

I met all my frens there, and togather we share stories from the past 4th months. It was really great.!! PEACE!!!

Taman Alam Nature Park ~ PART 2

2008-04-14T10:30:00.003+08:00

Continued from the previous issue.. "Taman Alam Nature Park". I found this article from Utusan Malaysia dated on 28 March 2008. Please read this article for further information regarding this beautiful place.

"KUALA SELANGOR 28 Mac – Jika anda masih mencari-cari lokasi yang keindahan alam semula jadi masih belum tercemar dek arus pembangunan, Taman Alam Kuala Selangor pasti memberi anda pengalaman manis yang sukar dilupakan.

Ini kerana alam semula jadinya masih ‘dara’ tanpa sedikit pun pencemaran, sekali gus menjadikan taman tersebut sentiasa mendapat perhatian pelancong tempatan dan asing.

Taman seluas 296 hektar itu dibuka pada tahun 1987 dan dibahagikan kepada dua bahagian utama iaitu hutan hujan tropika seluas 201 hektar dan selebihnya merupakan hutan paya bakau.

Taman itu diletakkan di bawah pengurusan Persatuan Pencinta Alam Malaysia dan persatuan itu jelas berjaya mengekalkan keindahan alam semulajadinya tanpa sebarang gangguan yang boleh merosakkan habitat yang menjadi ‘penghuni’ setia di situ.

Jika anda mahu ke sana, perjalanan untuk ke taman yang terletak bersebelahan dengan Bukit Melawati itu hanya mengambil masa satu jam sahaja dari Kuala Lumpur.

Walaupun taman itu agak terpencil dan kurang dikenali, namun ia masih mampu menarik ramai pengunjung setiap hari terutamanya pada hujung minggu dan cuti umum.

Selain kehijauan tumbuhan, Taman Alam itu juga merupakan sebuah taman burung dan pengunjung akan berpeluang melihat sendiri pelbagai jenis spesies burung yang hidup liar dan bebas di taman itu.

Menurut Pegawai Pengurusan Taman Alam Kuala Selangor, Asokumar Rajadurai, terdapat 156 jenis spesies burung di situ, termasuk burung-burung dari luar negara seperti dari Siberia yang berhijrah dari negara mereka terutamanya pada bulan September hingga April.

“Sesetengah burung yang menjadi penghuni di taman ini ialah burung-burung dari kawasan sejuk di hemisfera utara yang mencari makanan di kawasan panas di hemisfera selatan.

“Antara spesies burung tempatan yang menjadi penghuni setia di taman ini ialah burung bakau, burung bangau, ketitir, pekaka, raja udang, pucong, serandau, helang bahu hitam dan jika anda bernasib baik, pasti kelibat burung helang merah pasti memukau pandangan mata.

“Manakala burung-burung yang berhijrah pula ialah seperti purple herow, great eagle, tiger shrike, brown shrike, arctic shrike, warbler, purple swamphen dan banyak lagi,” katanya kepada Utusan Malaysia baru-baru ini.

Bagi memudahkan pengunjung melihat kehadiran burung-burung tersebut, beberapa menara tinjau disediakan untuk para pengunjung.

Mereka pastinya akan terpegun dan leka menyaksikan pelbagai mergastua berterbangan bebas di alam semulajadinya tanpa gangguan.

Kehadiran burung-burung itu juga menjadikannya taman tersebut sebagai sebuah lokasi yang paling menarik untuk dilawati, selain kelip-kelip di Kampung Kuantan, tidak jauh dari situ.

Malah, taman itu juga menjadi tumpuan para saintis dan pengkaji untuk menyelidik tentang habitat dan kehidupan burung-burung tersebut.

Selain dapat melihat pelbagai burung-burung yang sukar dilihat di tempat lain, di taman ini juga terdapat pelbagai spesies tumbuh-tumbuhan liar yang masih terpelihara.

Di kawasan hutan paya bakau yang meliputi kawasan seluas kira-kira 100 hektar pula, pengunjung boleh menyaksikan banyak spesies haiwan yang jarang ditemui.

Hutan paya bakau yang terbentang luas untuk diterokai itu juga pasti memberi pengalaman baru yang berbeza kepada setiap pengunjung.

Hutan paya bakau di sini bukan sahaja berfungsi sebagai ejen pengekalan ekosistem di kawasan itu, malah turut menjadi habitat semula jadi kepada beberapa jenis haiwan. Bagi pengunjung yang belum pernah melihat spesies haiwan yang menghuni paya bakau, inilah tempatnya untuk ‘berkenalan’ dengan haiwan-haiwan tersebut. Terdapat pelbagai spesies siput seperti siput sedut, siput roman dan siput beliung menanti pengunjung di tasik buatan manusia seluas lapan hektar yang terletak di tengah-tengah taman tersebut. Selain itu, pengunjung juga dapat melihat ikan belacak yang gemar bermain di akar-akar kayu pokok bakau serta beratus-ratus ekor ketam batu yang berwarna-warni membina sarangnya. Tetapi, pengunjung dinasihatkan supaya berhati-hati apabila meneroka taman tersebut kerana kebanyakan haiwan seperti biawak, memerang, belatuk, bangau dan lotong oren dibiarkan hidup bebas di habitat itu. Di samping melihat haiwan, aktiviti lain turut disediakan di taman itu seperti aktiviti mandi lumpur, penanaman semula pokok kayu bakau serta aktiviti pendidikan dan penyelidikan untuk pelajar-pelajar sekolah. Bagi pengunjung yang ingin menikmati keindahan suasana malam sambil mendengar ‘kicauan’ cengkerik di taman itu, mereka boleh menginap di taman tersebut. Taman Alam dibuka setiap hari dari pukul 9 pagi hingga 6 petang dan bayaran RM4 bagi dewasa dan RM1 bagi yang berumur 17 tahun ke bawah dikenakan."

BOTTLED WATER BOYCOTTS: Back-to-the-Tap Movement Gains Momentum

2008-04-14T09:15:00.007+08:00

Hello guys.. I found an interesting article from the internet to share. I think, this is the good way to nurture people to appreciate their environment. how bout you guys??

Janet Larsen (http://www.earthpolicy.org/Updates/2007/Update68.htm)

From San Francisco to New York to Paris, city governments, high-class restaurants, schools, and religious groups are ditching bottled water in favor of what comes out of the faucet. With people no longer content to pay 1,000 times as much for bottled water, a product no better than water from the tap, a backlash against bottled water is growing.

The U.S. Conference of Mayors, which represents some 1,100 American cities, discussed at its June 2007 meeting the irony of purchasing bottled water for city employees and for city functions while at the same time touting the quality of municipal water. The group passed a resolution sponsored by Mayors Gavin Newsom of San Francisco, Rocky Anderson of Salt Lake City, and R. T. Rybak of Minneapolis that called for the examination of bottled water’s environmental impact. The resolution noted that with $43 billion a year going to provide clean drinking water in cities across the country, “the United States’ municipal water systems are among the finest in the world.”While the Mayors Conference fell short of moving to stop taxpayer money from filling the coffers of water bottlers, a growing number of cities are heading in that direction.

Los Angeles, which has restricted the purchase of bottled water with city funds since 1987, now has more company. By the end of 2007, purchasing bottled water will be off-limits for San Francisco’s departments and agencies, saving a half-million dollars each year and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. St. Louis is poised to ban bottled water purchases for city employees in early 2008.At the launch of Corporate Accountability International’s “Think Outside the Bottle” campaign in October, Mayor Anderson of Salt Lake City described the “total absurdity and irresponsibility, both economic and environmental, of purchasing and using bottled water when we have perfectly good and safe municipal sources of tap water.” He urged city government departments and restaurants to stop buying bottled water.

In November, the city council of Chicago, beleaguered by swelling landfills and a stretched budget, placed a landmark tax of 5¢ on every bottle of water sold in the city in order to discourage consumption. That same month, Illinois state agencies were banned from purchasing bottled water with government funds. With 86 percent of used water bottles in the United States ending up as garbage or litter instead of being recycled, switching from the bottle to the tap helps to alleviate the trash burden.New York City is urging residents to drink tap water, which is naturally filtered in the protected Catskill forest region. In Kentucky, the Louisville water utility hands out free bottles for residents to fill with “Pure Tap.” Dozens of other local governments are talking up tap water and are looking into banning the bottle. (See list of other cities and initiatives.)Tap water promotional campaigns would have seemed quaint a few decades ago, when water in bottles was a rarity. Now such endeavors are needed to counteract the pervasive marketing that has caused consumers to lose faith in the faucet. In fact, more than a quarter of bottled water is just processed tap water, including top-selling Aquafina and Coca-Cola’s Dasani. When Pepsi announced in July that it would clearly label its Aquafina water as from a “public water source,” it no doubt shocked everyone who believed that bottles with labels depicting pristine mountains or glaciers delivered a superior product.

Despite the less-frequent quality testing and sometimes commonplace origin of the product, bottled water consumption has soared. Annual consumption in the United States in 1976 was less than 2 gallons for every man, woman, and child; some 30 years later, Americans on average each now drink about 30 gallons of bottled water a year. (See data.)

All this hydration costs Americans more than $15 billion a year. The price of individual bottles of water ranges up to several dollars a gallon (and more for designer brands), while tap water is delivered directly to homes and offices for less than a penny a gallon. People complaining about $3-a-gallon gasoline may start to wonder why they are paying even more per gallon for bottled water.

With sales growing by 10 percent each year, far faster than any other beverage, bottled water now appears to be the drink of choice for many Americans—they swallow more of it than milk, juice, beer, coffee, or tea. (See data.) While some industry analysts are counting on bottled water to beat out carbonated soft drinks to top the charts in the near future, the burgeoning back-to-the-tap movement may reverse the trend.

In contrast to tap water, which is delivered through an energy-efficient infrastructure, bottled water is an incredibly wasteful product. It is usually packaged in single-serving plastic bottles made with fossil fuels. Just manufacturing the 29 billion plastic bottles used for water in the United States each year requires the equivalent of more than 17 million barrels of crude oil.

After being filled, the bottles may travel far. Nearly one quarter of bottled water crosses national borders before reaching consumers, and part of the cachet of certain bottled water brands is their remote origin. Adding in the Pacific Institute’s estimates for the energy used for pumping and processing, transportation, and refrigeration, brings the annual fossil fuel footprint of bottled water consumption in the United States to over 50 million barrels of oil equivalent—enough to run 3 million cars for one year. If everyone drank as much bottled water as Americans do, the world would need the equivalent of more than 1 billion barrels of oil to produce close to 650 billion individual bottles.Concerns about this high energy use and the associated contribution to climate change, along with worries about waste, are driving many groups back to tap water. The United Church of Canada is one of the religious groups abandoning bottled water for moral reasons. The Berkeley school district no longer offers bottled water. And after watching 3,000 empty bottles pile up each week, the Nashville law firm Bass, Berry, & Sims has stopped stocking bottled water.Europeans have long led the world in per person consumption of bottled water. Italy tops the list worldwide, with Italians drinking 54 gallons per person in 2006. Italy is closely trailed in per capita consumption by the United Arab Emirates and Mexico, followed by France, Belgium, Germany, and Spain. (See data.)Yet even in Western Europe the bottle is starting to lose clout. Rome, a city of many historic fountains, is promoting its tap water. Florence’s city council, schools, and other public offices offer only city water. In the United Kingdom, the Treasury and the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs have ceased offering bottled water at official functions. Bottled water sales in Scandinavia are projected to fall because of growing environmental concerns.Even France, home to Evian, is seeing a sales slowdown. During a 2005 tap water promotion campaign in Paris, the water utility handed out refillable glass carafes. Now Paris Mayor Bertrand Delanoë serves only tap water at official events and encourages others to do the same. Total bottled water sales in France fell in 2004 and 2005, but rebounded in 2006.

Slowing sales may be the wave of the future as the bottle boycott movement picks up speed. With more than 1 billion people around the globe still lacking access to a safe and reliable source of water, the $100 billion the world spends on bottled water every year could certainly be put to better use creating and maintaining safe public water infrastructure everywhere.

Pulau Redang Trip

2008-04-08T08:41:00.005+08:00

Salamsssss…I’m back! No matter what happened yesterday, I will still proceed with tomorrow! GUUUUUDDDDD!!! (hehehe with a new trademark). This year will be a great year for me in order to manage my life to the fullest! I have new busy life, I got new friends (go to hell to those burglars!), I got new ‘son and daughter’ (hehehe thanks to them all, I will take care of you till the end of life! InsyaAllah) and the most important thing, I on my way to change my life.

Ok let’s leave those Guuuuuud things in my pocket; the tiredness is still with me when I put my steps together out from the airplane. Actually I just came back from a wonderful trip to Pulau Redang with my wonderful partners. It was really fun. It was my first time went there and the first thing appeared in my mind was; “Oh my GOD, It was so beautiful”. The nature still untouched and virgin. The sea crystal clear blue water makes me almost to cry. I enjoy snorkeling and swimming, and the best part is the time feeding the fish with my own hand! The feeling was so great! Thanks to my Redang roommate, Fadli, Nordin and Budiman..you guys are the best. We have a great fun there right???? And not forget the person who brought me into this ‘world’, Sam and Nazrul, you are the best among the best! PEACE!

Taman Alam Nature Park - Kuala Selangor

2007-11-09T20:37:00.000+08:00

I went to Taman Alam Nature Park at Kuala Selangor last weekend as part of my compulsory training program (EiMAS) and it was a great experience!. We (trainers) arrived there on saturday afternoon and the program started with nature walk activities. and then at night we went to Kampung Kuantan to watch Kelip-kelip!!! hahahhaha it was so exciting! and in the Sunday evening, the program ended with Nature Hunt and my team manage to be the 2nd runner up of!!! here, i put some photos to share..enjoy!!. PEACE!!

Time to Start A New Chapter!!!

2007-11-06T20:16:00.001+08:00

Hai...first of all, I want to wish to myself..Welcome back!!!!! After 3 month I leave this place then today i manage to start it back...I really miss my blog!!! ARgghhh Muah..muah..muah..... (over excited la pulak!!!!) So I better start with Hari Raya…then My course at EiMAS and then the activities that I enjoyed during the course..WAAAAA sound interesting isn’t it? For me…it is a long time to attend 3 months course containing so many lectures and activities… but sometimes those activities make me appreciate my life to the fullest!!!. OK la for those, friends that I forgot to wish Selamat Hari Raya…sorry to say…I’m to busy with my job lately.. BUT that didn’t mean that I forgot to remember it.. I really mean it. So I want to wish Happy Belated Hari Raya ..(even thera are a few days more of Syawal). Have a nice Hari Raya and Maaf Zahir Dan Batin!!!. Back to my latest activity, currently I’m attending a long course at EiMAS, UKM as part of my job. It is a really long course (three months) and involving so many activities and lectures.(the most boring part). But I really enjoy the visits to Pulau Pangkor (kem Motivasi …kononya) –Boleh berkayak!!!, and the the latest to Kuala Selangor Nature Park. To be a part of the nature is really interesting! I mean it!. Here are some pictures that I can share in order to interperate my feelings..hahahaha PEACE!!!.

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!

2007-08-07T09:34:00.000+08:00

I miss my Blog!!!! Really2 miss it......

PERTANDINGAN DEBAT ALAM SEKITAR ANTARA INSTITUSI PENGAJIAN TINGGI 2007

2007-07-19T09:06:00.000+08:00

Hello Guys..just to inform that "PERTANDINGAN DEBAT ALAM SEKITAR ANTARA INSTITUSI PENGAJIAN TINGGI 2007" will be held on 27-31 JULY 2007 at UNIVERSITI SAINS ISLAM MALAYSIA(USIM) NILAI, NEGERI SEMBILAN. SEMUA DIJEMPUT HADIR.

Just What Is a Greenhouse Gas, Anyhow?

2007-07-16T12:17:00.000+08:00

I found an article about green house gas and I think it will let us understand more about their existence: chek it out. They're in the news almost as much as Brad and Angelina, and you know they have something to do with global warming. But what exactly is a greenhouse gas? In a nutshell, they're gases in the atmosphere—both naturally occurring and caused by humans—that absorb and emit radiation.

Ultraviolet radiation and sunlight hit the Earth and its atmosphere. Most of this is reflected back into outer space, thanks to the ozone layer, clouds, and ice on the Earth's surface. Approximately 25 percent is absorbed by the planet, and is then re-emitted as infrared radiation. Some of this re-emitted radiation is absorbed by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, exciting the molecules and causing them to emit the radiation back to the planet again, as heat.

The more of these gas molecules there are in the atmosphere, the more infrared radiation can be absorbed and sent back to the Earth's surface. Increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the air will result in an increase of infrared radiation being trapped and re-emitted.

The greenhouse gases that we have the widest understanding about are carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs, used for aerosols). CO₂ currently contributes the most to the greenhouse effect – the amount of radiation being trapped and re-emitted by greenhouse gases – but the other gases combined will soon be as important to the greenhouse effect as CO₂.

These gases are increasing in concentration in the atmosphere, and they have higher rates of absorption of infrared radiation. CFCs, for instance, can absorb 20,000 times as much heat as CO₂. However, international decisions to curb CFC emissions have helped stabilize CFC levels in the air.

Greenhouse gases are not, inherently, a bad thing. In fact, they help make this planet livable. Without them, the average temperature of the Earth's surface would be slightly less than 0 degrees Fahrenheit! With the greenhouse effect, the average surface temperature is 59 degrees Fahrenheit. But the growing concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has the power to raise the average temperature.

Cows that burp less seen helping in climate fight!

2007-07-11T10:54:00.000+08:00

I found an interesting article about global warming… hmm its sound funny but it’s contain full of messages that make us seriously think about the solution. Maybe, not many people aware or have a chance to read it, so I put it in here to share with u all. Enjoy it!

Manners aside, getting cows to burp less can help reduce global warming. Using modern plant-breeding methods to find new diets for cows that make them belch less is a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, scientists said on Monday.

The key is developing new varieties of food that are easier for cattle to digest and also provide a proper balance of fiber, protein and sugar, said Michael Abberton, a scientist at the UK-based Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research.

This could open up plant-based solutions as alternatives to reducing stock as farmers look for ways to cut methane emissions amid warming climates, he told a briefing on farming and climate change at London's Science Media Centre.

He noted the average dairy cow belches out about 100 to 200 liters of methane each day, making diet changes a key potential factor in reducing this greenhouse gas.

"There is a common misperception about how methane gets into the atmosphere," he said. "It is actually through belching rather than the other end."

Agriculture is responsible for about seven percent of UK greenhouse gas emissions and a large proportion of two of the most potent gases with 37 percent of methane and 67 percent of nitrous oxide.

Greenhouses gases are widely blamed for causing global warming. Scientists say average temperatures will rise by between two and six degrees Celsius by the end of the century, causing droughts, floods and violent storms.

Abberton said introducing easier-to-digest legumes that tend to reduce methane emissions is an example of an approach scientists are beginning to explore. Legumes such as clover and alfalfa are commonly used for animal fodder.

It also requires farmers to balance cows' legume intake with other food and to develop different species of grass that are also more digestible, he added.

"What I'm saying is there are approaches within plant breeding that can lead to reduced emissions," he said.

~Tabiat TAK PA!~

2007-07-10T08:31:00.000+08:00

(source: the star)

PENANG: Say no to a tree-less and dirty environment – this is the Prime Minister’s advice to the people. He said the people had the power to compel developers and hawkers to be environment-friendly.

“The rakyat have a choice not to buy houses in housing estates where developers cut down all the trees. Why live in such an uncomfortable environment?” he said when opening the Environment Awareness Campaign 2007 at the Queensbay Mall here yesterday. Abdullah also urged the people to shun dirty eateries.

Failure to take care of the environment could also pose a major setback to the tourism sector, Abdullah warned. He said an investor had rejected plans to build a hotel in Pantai Pasir Gemuruh near Teluk Kumbar in Penang because the place was dirty.

“This particular beach used to be clean, and beautiful. But now it is full of rubbish,” he said. Later during a press conference, he said 50% of the rivers in the country were polluted, of which 5% were extremely polluted.

“There are no more waterfalls in Penang. Sungai Kelang is filthy and mining ponds in Batu Pahat, Johor are filled with garbage.

“On my way here from the airport, the road was littered with durian husks and rambutan waste,” he said, adding that these marred the landscape and reflected the local attitude.

He also called on the public to observe cleanliness inside and outside their homes. “Do not throw garbage into drains. This will clog the drainage system. “The recent massive floods in Johor cost the Government RM1bil to repair damaged infrastructure. We could have used that money to build schools and hospitals,” he said.

He also called for greater enforcement to check illegal logging. “Illegal logging destroys the environment including rivers,” he said, noting that natural freshwater fish habitat had been mostly destroyed.

Abdullah said the onus was on the public to keep the environment clean. “I want this campaign to be a success; it is important for our future,” he said. Earlier in his welcoming speech, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Azmi Khalid said it was time people dropped the “tidak apa” (never mind) attitude to safeguard the world from further environmental degradation.

Abdullah Takes Dirty Malaysians to Task - (Source: New Straits Times)

2007-07-10T08:21:00.000+08:00

Let's think about it....

GEORGE TOWN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi yesterday slammed those who continued to pollute the environment by disposing of rubbish indiscriminately. He said filthy habits had caused most states in the country to become dirty and ugly while rivers were badly polluted.

At the launch of the National Environment Awareness Campaign 2007 here, Abdullah also took to task developers who were bent on cutting every tree to construct as many houses as possible at their project sites. Such practices, he said, not only created unsightly residential areas but also contributed to rising temperatures and flash floods.

"We can see rubbish everywhere in most places. "People are throwing rubbish next to their houses, along the roads and into the rivers. "If this continues, the country will soon become dirty and ugly. "Eventually it is the people who will suffer." Abdullah cited the situation in Penang as an example and said the island was once known as the "Pearl of the Orient" because of its natural beauty. He said it should have been everyone's responsibility to take care of the island's cleanliness and preserve its beauty.

"However, what we are seeing today is completely the reverse. The rivers here are dead, the beaches polluted and waterfalls which were once excellent are all gone.

"This is not only happening in Penang but also in other states."

Abdullah said everyone should play a role in maintaining the environment and called on the people to start fulfilling this responsibility. He said the tourism industry, which contributed billions of ringgit to the country's economy, would suffer if the level of cleanliness continued to deteriorate.

Abdullah said people should start avoiding dirty places and stop buying houses in areas without greenery.

"The people can force retailers and developers to ensure they also maintain the environment."

Also present at the launch at the Jom Heboh carnival site in Bayan Baru here were Abdullah's wife Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah, Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon and Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Azmi Khalid.

At a press conference later, Abdullah was asked to comment on the controversy surrounding CTOS Sdn Bhd, which was charged in court last week for various irregularities. The prime minister said any company that breached the law would be charged by the authorities.

"If they have breached the rules, then they just have to face action."

PEACE!

After a few days....

2007-07-04T08:53:00.000+08:00

I’m feeling tired after attending 4 days of enforcement course at INTAN. It was really exciting to gain something about environmental law.

Visit Malaysia 2007!

2007-06-21T11:48:00.000+08:00

Something makes me shock when I read the information board in front of the Bird’s park entrance which is mentioning that the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park is the largest bird park in South-East Asia, and holds thousands of birds representing nearly every major species of this part of the world. Isn’t it great? Oh ya, I forgot to tell here that we also went to the Malaysian National Monument which is also known as one of the world's largest freestanding bronze sculptures. The monument commemorates those who died in Malaysia's struggle against Communist insurgency in the 1950s. Beside the National Monument are the ASEAN Gardens and the Memorial Tun Razak, which houses memorabilia of Malaysia's second Prime Minister, the late Tun Abdul Razak Hussein. Hmm…Even it sounds very patriotic, I think these experiences should be gained on every Malaysian citizens. Until the next experience… PEACE!

Jokes

2007-06-21T08:59:00.000+08:00

"Good Things About Global Warming" As presented on the 01/04/96 broadcast of LATE SHOW with DAVID LETTERMAN 10. Domino's Pizza will not be almost room temperature when it arrives 9. No more snow for Giants fans to throw 8. Outside chance the cast of "Friends" will spontaneously combust 7. Boardrooms across America will begin to look like those naked pictures in National Geographic 6. Ed Sullivan Theater will heat up to a balmy 34 degrees 5. Fat guys can make their own gravy 4. Canada will be able to use a whopping 9% of its landmass 3. Real bacon will be sold on the streets of New York City (cut to vendor) 2. Can get to see what Michael Jackson really looks like when his face melts 1. Higher temperature = more golf courses = greater chance O.J. will catch real killers

ECO Cartoons (Rustle the Leaf)

2007-06-20T14:44:00.000+08:00

Sometimes, we can learn something from these:

Ecological Footprint Quiz

2007-06-20T07:56:00.001+08:00

Last night I found something interesting which is related to the World conservation and people awareness (maybe). Actually it is quiz called ‘Ecological Footprint Quiz’ and I did enjoy the quiz. The result show as below:

What can we say about it? We need more space to support our interests, needs and so on… and just imagine if single person need an average of 3.2 GLOBAL HECTARES per person. And it is equal to 3 planets in order to support the way of life. Is it possible? Let’s think about it….

WHAT ABOUT OTHER SPECIES?

Humans are not alone on this planet – we share it with at least 10 million other species. Some species, like rats and the flu virus, benefit from living alongside people. People breed other species, like corn and cows, because we want their products. Still others, like tigers, redwoods, and beetles in the forest, are in danger of dying out because of human activities.

Conservation biologists believe that it may require 30-70% of the biosphere simply to maintain biodiversity – nature’s complex web of interdependent life-forms. Currently, about 3% is set aside as protected parks or reserves. The United Nation's Brundtland Commission suggested the politically courageous, but ecologically insufficient goal of increasing the world's protected area to 12% of the biosphere. To accommodate these other species, how much of the Earth’s biologically productive area do you think should be set aside for them? Let’s think about it….

Global Warming...What can we do?

2007-06-19T10:24:00.000+08:00

Nowadays, people keep talking about 'global warming' and the effects to the environment. It's make me think of something.. especially the way of people organizing their life. Are we really aware about it? Are we really care about the Ozone layer?

Kepelbagaian Biology (Biodiversity)

2007-06-13T09:00:00.000+08:00

Kepelbagaian Biologi atau Biodiversiti didefinisikan sebagai keanekaan di antara organisma hidup dari pelbagai sumber dari daratan mahupun samudera dan lain-lain yang melangkau ekosistem akuatik dan sebahagian daripada ekosistem yang kompleks termasuk di dalam kelompok spesies dan antara spesies dan ekosistemnya. Kepelbagaian Biologi biasanya dibahagikan kepada tiga peringkat; kepelbagaian genetik, kepelbagaian spesies dan kepelbagaian ekosistem. Kepelbagaian genetik ialah kepelbagaian dalam spesies yang diukur mengikut variasi dalam gen setiap tanaman, haiwan dan mikroorganisma. Kepelbagaian genetik berlaku dalam dan antara populasi suatu spesies. Kepelbagaian spesies merujuk pelbagai organisma hidup di dunia. Manakala kepelbagaian ekosistem merujuk pelbagai habitat, komuniti biosis dan proses ekologi dalam persekitaran daratan, persekitaran laut dan persekitaran akua yang lain. Sebahagian besar daripada Kepelbagaian Biologi negara masih perlu diselidiki dan didokumenkan. Kekurangan data menghalang usaha untuk menggunakan sumber biologi negara dengan lebih baik. Pemusnahan habitat yang berterusan menyebabkan kehilangan Kepelbagaian Biologi negara sebelum sebahagian besar daripadanya dapat didokumenkan. Kehilangan Kepelbagaian Biologi akan melibatkan kehilangan spesies berpotensi untuk dibangunkan dan dijadikan produk berguna.

Malaysia terkenal kerana kaya dengan kepelbagaian biologinya dan telah tersenarai sebagai antara dua belas negara di dunia yang kaya dengan kepelbagaian biologinya. Flora dan fauna kita menggambarkan kepelbagaian ini. Terdapat 377 spesies alga makroskop (seperti alga hijau, merah dan perang) dan alga mikroskop (alga biru hijau, diatom dan dinoflagelat) telah didokumenkan di Malaysia. Alga ini mendiami habitat seperti pantai batu dan berpasir, terumbu karang, lumpur dan muara. Sebanyak 475 spesies briofit direkodkan di Semenanjung Malaysia, manakala 582 dan 330 spesies diketahui terdapat di Sabah dan Sarawak. Kulat merupakan satu kumpulan spesies yang tidak dikaji secara mendalam di Malaysia. Terdapat pelbagai kumpulan kulat tetapi tiada anggaran bilangan yang tepat untuk negara kita. Kulat boleh didapati di pelbagai habitat, dari ekosistem marin hingga ke tanah tinggi. Banyak spesies kulat mempunyai kepentingan perubatan, patologi dan ekologi. Dianggarkan 2,500 spesies kulat bakau direkodkan di Semenanjung Malaysia, yang terbesar adalah spesies daripada subbahagian Askomikota. Dianggarkan sekurang-kurangnya 70% kulat di Malaysia masih belum ditemui.

Malaysia sangat kaya dengan flora dan dianggarkan mengandungi kira-kira 12,500 spesies tumbuhan berbunga dan lebih daripada 1,100 spesies paku-pakis dan kumpulan paku-pakis. Banyak paku-pakis ini adalah unik dan tidak ditemui di mana-mana tempat lain di dunia. Malaysia berada di tempat kelima dari segi kepelbagaian tumbuhan di Rantau Asia-Australia.

Bagi mamalia pula, terdapat 297 spesies mamalia darat di Malaysia. Sebanyak 22 mamalia laut direkodkan di Malaysia dan ini termasuk dolfin, ikan paus dan dugong (Dugong dugon). Malaysia menjadi tempat tinggal hampir 742 spesies burung. Sekurang-kurangnya 522 spesies adalah spesies tempatan, 192 spesies bermigrasi dan 52 spesies tempatan dengan ciri bermigrasi. Terdapat tiga spesies endemik di Semenanjung Malaysia manakala di Borneo terdapat 39 spesies endemik. Bilangan spesies amfibia dan reptilia yang direkodkan di Malaysia adalah masing-masing 242 dan 567 spesies. Beberapa spesies baru ditemui dalam penyelidikan yang semakin giat dijalankan baru-baru ini. Banyak spesies herpetofauna adalah endemik di Borneo, sebagai contoh, 110 spesies katak adalah endemik dan kira-kira 20% ular dan cicak di Malaysia hanya ditemui di Borneo. Kepelbagaian invertebrata sangat luas, yang sebahagian besar daripadanya tidak diketahui. Kumpulan penyelidikan yang aktif di Malaysia pula hanya mengkhusus kepada kupu-kupu, rama-rama dan anai-anai.

Bagi ikan air tawar, terdapat 290 spesies yang diketahui di Semenanjung Malaysia, manakala di Sabah dan Sarawak pula terdapat lebih daripada 100 dan 200 spesies masing-masing. Selain itu, sebanyak 1,500 spesies ikan laut boleh didapati di Malaysia. Kebanyakannya membiak dan menghabiskan masa hidupnya di terumbu karang. Bagi ketam air tawar pula, terdapat 102 spesies, lebih separuh daripadanya ditemui dan diberi nama antara tahun 1990 hingga 2000. Krustasia laut terdiri daripada teritip, ketam dan udang. Terdapat kira-kira 10 spesies ketam komersil, 53 spesies udang dan 30 daripadanya dikomersilkan. Moluska merupakan kumpulan fauna kedua terbesar selepas serangga. Filum Moluska di Malaysia terdiri daripada 7 daripada 8 spesies siput kekima (2 spesies endemik di Sabah dengan dua spesies dikategorikan sebagai terancam dan satu spesies hampir pupus ( Tridacna gigas ). Manakala Nudibrank pula mempunyai pelbagai spesies di Malaysia (kira-kira 3,000 spesies).

Langkawi: First Unesco National Geopark in South-East Asia

2007-06-12T08:47:00.000+08:00

The Langkawi Geopark, comprising all of the 99 islands in the Langkawi archipelago is Malaysia’s first geopark. It is located in the northwestern corner of peninsular Malaysia within the State of Kedah. The total land area of Langkawi Geopark is about 478 square kilometres.The main island is accessible by sea from Kuala Perlis , Kuala Kedah and Penang or by air from Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Singapore.

Identified as the 'birthplace' or fetus land of the region, the terrain and natural landscape reflect the geo-diversity of the islands that is deeply entrenched within the complex geological history of the area. Langkawi Geopark has the best-exposed and most complete Palaeozoic sedimentary sequence in Malaysia originating from the beginning of the Cambrian to the Permian period. Later, during the Mesozoic era, the islands underwent a major tectonic even that resulted in the emplacement of its numerous granitic igneous bodies. This incredible power generated by nature from deep beneath the earth's mantle had pushed up huge blocks of older rocks and placed them above a very much younger terrain.

In Langkawi geological history, much of the development is linked to events that occurred during the time of the prehistoric supercontinent of Pangaea and the southern hemispheric Gondwanaland more than 550 million years ago. It probably began with the deposition of the Machinchang sandstone in a lacustrine environment during much of the Cambrian time. This was followed by the submergence of the land during the late Cambrian period (~500m.y.), which saw the invasion of shallow marine fauna into the seas around Langkawi. The continuous subsidence of the sea floor resulted in the formation of thick limestone of what is known as the Setul Formation during the Ordovician period ( `440m.y.), at the end of which the sea became too deep, causing the limestone deposition to cease.The Setul limestone continued to develop from the Silurian until the Middle Devonian ( ~370 m.y.) period, followed by the deposition of sandstone and mudstone - an occurrence that is related to the rafted ice during the melting of the Gondwana ice cap.

The Chuping limestone is believed to have stopped depositing before the end of the Permian era (~245 m.y.) by this tectonic event that among others had brought up a large block of earth crust in the eastern part of Langkawi and overlapping the much younger block in the west. The tectonic event ended with the emplacement of granite beneath the Langkawi crust at the end of the Triassic (`220 m.y.) era. The black sandstone and mudstone of the Singa Formation evolved during the early Permian era (~280 m.y), before the sea level was slowly brought up by a complicated tectonic process.

What we have in Langkawi today are the combined results of these processes. The prolonged weathering that took place ever since the land mass of Langkawi was brought to the surface around 220 million years ago has produced a beautiful mountainous range of Machinchang sandstone at the northwestern corner, the conical Gunung Raya granite at the center and a rugged terrain of Setul limestone in the east. In the southwest, the Singa Formation dominates, while the Chuping limestone found itself in the western part of Pulau Dayang Bunting. Some of the landscapes are truly outstanding, particularly those of the Machinchang and the karstic limestone in the eastern part of Langkawi.Based on its outstanding geological landscape and other associated features such as the sedimentary structures, fossils and erosional effects, Langkawi certainly is geological heritage of high value.The Langkawi islands are mainly protected under the jurisdiction of the Permanent Forest Reserves, Recreational Forest or Geoforest Park that are overseered by the Forestry Department.

THE MACHINCHANG CAMBRIAN GEOFOREST PARK

The Machinchang Cambrian Geoforest Park hosts the oldest geological formation in Malaysia known as the Machinchang Formation. Among the important geosites in the park are Teluk Datai (where the oldest deposits of sand rest), Pantai Tengkorak (where the old continent had been submerged – exhibiting fine examples of sedimentary structures). Tanjung Buta / Pulau Jemuruk (graveyards of the oldest life forms in the country) and Tanjung Sabung (where the limestone succeeds sandstone).

Also located within the park are some natural wonders that had resulted from recent geological processes such as the Temurun and Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls, remnant islands of Anak Burau and Anak Datai and the beautiful beaches in Teluk Datai and Pantai Kok. The Machinchang peak exhibits peculiarly chopped sandstone that has often been associated with the colourful folk myth of the brawl between the two giants, Mat Chinchang and Mat Raya . The Machinchang ridges can be classified as one of the most beautiful landscapes in the area.

KILIM KARST GEOFOREST PARK

The Kilim Geoforest Park features limestone dominating the eastern part of the main Langkawi Island and the adjacent small islands of the Setul Formation. Magnificently formed landscape of nearly vertical to subrounded karstic hills with pinnacles of various shapes and sizes, can be viewed.The northeast region of Langkawi, which comprises the three river basins of Kilim, Air Hangat, Kisap and the neigbouring island of Langgun and Tanjung Dendang are spectacular in its beauty. The birds and the cave system found in this area have also contributed to the myths and legends of the islands. The name ‘Langkawi’ is said to have been derived from the Brahminy Kite eagle, the most dominant faunal species in the area. Gua Cerita (Cave of Stories), which lies in the northern tip of the region has many legends and beliefs associated with the giant mythological bird, Garuda. The epic battle between Rama and Rawana and Sang Gedembai – a human-like giant female creature with a power to curse anything and turning it into stone.Within these Geoforest Parks, caves are plentiful for exploration activities, while a collapsed cave has formed two of the biggest fresh water lakes, namely Tasik Langgun and Pulau Dayang Bunting. Among the caves found in the parks include Gua Tok Jangkit, Gua Teluk Dedap, Gua Cerita, Gua Teluk Udang , Gua Siam, Gua Buaya, Gua Tanjung Dendang and Gua Kelawar.The ecosystems of the old limestone rock formation, the caves, the mudflats and the seas that surround it have three main vegetation: the mangroves, the vegetation of the limestone hills and the flora of the mudlats and beaches.A mangrove forest promotes a unique root system with a physiology of the plant species that are capable of preventing soil erosion and cleaning the water contaminated with metallic pollutants. The mangrove also serve as breeding grounds to many species of fishes, prawn and other sea life.

The mangrove vegetation in this area is quite diverse and includes many important species; some with medicinal properties. The limestone hills of the area have a rich diversity of species of ornamental plants such as the cycads and orchids, the limestone rocks also support many bryophytic flora, lichens and macro fungi.Forty-five species of birds have so far been recorded in the respective areas and this list includes ten migratory species. The most prominent among the raptor species found along the sea coast and the river of the northeast region are the Brahminy Kite and white-bellied sea eagle. The two raptor species are among the more popular attractions. Other examples of biodiversity that exist on the mudflats, the beaches and the sea are mudskippers and phytoplankton. A total of seven species of mudskippers have been identified and 129 species of marine and 55 of freshwater phytoplanktons recorded.Bats are among the faunal species prominent in the area. Three species that roost on the walls of the well known Gua Kelawar (Cave of the Bats) have been identified . The limestone forests are also home to myriads of small and tiny faunal species, of which the beetles have attracted special interest. Many species were collected from the forest of the Pulau Tanjung Dendang, Pulau Langgun and Gua Cerita and one of them is the smallest beetle in the world, collected in Pulau Tanjung Dendang. Some of these beetle species are rare, some yet to be identified.The Langkawi archipelago is rich in fossils of ancient and extinct sea creatures from the Paleozoic era spanning between 542 million years and 257 million years ago. Several species of brachiopod were found and identified. Among the fossils found are those of a 280 million year-old brachiopod, which is also known as lamp shells, and 400 million year old fossils of scypho crinites in Teluk Mempelam on Pulau Langgun.An alien granite dropstone that is at least 1 billion years old can be found in a sandstone and mudstone rock formation in Pulau Tepor southwest of Langkawi. It is the oldest dropstone ever found in the region. This dropstone once drifted along in a glacier before it was dropped in Langkawi hundreds of million years ago. Another geological treasure in Langkawi comes in the form of ancient seabed located in Pulau Ular.

DAYANG BUNTING GEOFOREST PARK

The Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest Park mainly comprises the Permian overthrusted by the older Setul Formation limestones. These finest marbles resulted from the baking of Chuping Limestone by small granite intrusion underneath. There are a number of caves within the park. One of the most unique features of the park is the Tasik Dayang Bunting, a fresh water lake. A large mangrove forest flourish along the Selat Dayang Bunting ( Dayang Bunting Straits) . The combination of landscapes from marble and granite bedrocks formed a figure resembling a pregnant woman on her back,hence, the name Tasik Dayang Bunting or Lake of the Pregnant Maiden.

Malaysia National Park

2007-06-08T10:12:00.001+08:00

Taman Negara National Park was established in Malaysia in 1938/1939 as the King George V National Park. It was renamed to Taman Negara after Independence, which literally means "national park" in Malay. The total area of Taman Negara is 4,343 km².

Taman Negara encompasses three states, Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu, each with its own legislation. The Taman Negara Enactment (Pahang) No. 2 of 1939 is enforced in the state of Pahang, the Taman Negara Enactment (Kelantan) No. 14 of 1938 in the state of Kelantan and the Taman Negara Enactment (Terengganu) No. 6 of 1939 in the state of Terengganu. The enactments have similar contents.

Taman Negara Pahang is the largest at 2,477 km², followed by Taman Negara Kelantan at 1,043 km² and Taman Negara Terengganu at 853 km².

The park has been developed into a famous ecotourism destination in Malaysia. There are several geological and biological attractions in the park. Gunung Tahan is the highest point of the Malay Peninsula; climbers can use Kuala Tahan or Merapoh as their departure destination. Taman Negara is the home of some rare mammals, such as the Indochinese Tiger, Sumatran Rhinoceros, Malayan Gaur (seladang) and Asian Elephant. Tahan River has been preserved to protected the Malaysian mahseer (ikan kelah in Malay), a type of game fish.

Others attractions found near Kuala Tahan (Park headquarters for Pahang) include a canopy walkway, Gua Telinga (cave system), Lata Berkoh (rapid). Visitors can enjoy the tropical rain forest, birdwatching or jungle trekking (e.g. Tenor Rentis) and the river views along the Tahan River.

All visitors to the park must get permits from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks. There are many hostels and hotels nearby.

Rafflesia

2007-06-07T09:03:00.000+08:00

Rafflesia is a genus of parasitic flowering plants. It was discovered in the Indonesian rain forest by an Indonesian guide working for Dr. Joseph Arnold in 1818, and named after Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, the leader of the expedition. It contains 15-19 species (including four incompletely characterized species as recognized by Meijer 1997), all found in southeastern Asia, on the Malay Peninsula, Borneo, Sumatra and Kalimantan, West Malaysia, and the Philippines. The plant has no stems, leaves or true roots. It is an endoparasite of vines in the genus Tetrastigma (Vitaceae), spreading its root-like haustoria inside the tissue of the vine. The only part of the plant that can be seen outside the host vine is the five-petaled flower. In some species, such as Rafflesia arnoldii, the flower may be over 100 cm in diameter, and weigh up to 10 kg. Even the smallest species, R. manillana, has 20 cm diameter flowers. The flowers look and smell like rotting meat, hence its local names which translate to "corpse flower" or "meat flower" (but see below). The vile smell that the flower gives off attracts insects such as carrion flies, which transport pollen from male to female flowers. Little is known about seed dispersal, however, tree shrews and other forest mammals apparently eat the fruits and disperse the seeds. Rafflesia is an official state flower of Sabah in Malaysia, as well as for the Surat Thani Province, Thailand.

The name "corpse flower" applied to Rafflesia is confusing because this common name also refers to the Titan Arum (Amorphophallus titanum) of the family Araceae. Moreover, because Amorphophallus has the world's largest unbranched inflorescence, it is sometimes mistakenly credited as having the world's largest flower. Both Rafflesia and Amorphophallus are flowering plants, but they are still distantly related. Rafflesia arnoldii has the largest single flower of any flowering plant, at least when one judges this by weight. Amorphophallus titanum has the largest unbranched inflorescence, while the Talipot palm (Corypha umbraculifera) forms the largest branched inflorescence, containing thousands of flowers; this plant is monocarpic, meaning that individuals die after flowering.

Jejak: KL dibina dengan titis darah (Sempena 50 Tahun Kemerdekaan Malaysia)

2007-06-07T08:27:00.000+08:00

Yap Ah Loy gubal peraturan ketat, susun struktur penempatan awal hingga kawasan lombong timah membangun jadi bandar raya.

MENYUSURI jalan yang dipenuhi deretan rumah kedai di pekan besar itu, Yap Tet Loy, 47, mampu tersenyum dan menghela nafas puas melihat keriuhan dan kesibukan orang ramai bergerak ke sana sini menjalankan pelbagai urusan.

Suatu ketika dulu, dia sendiri tidak menyangka bahawa kedatangannya ke negara asing itu bakal membawa perubahan besar terhadap kehidupan dirinya sendiri khususnya keadaan di pekan besar itu.Mengimbau kenangan lalu, masih diingat kelibat seorang remaja naif berusia 17 tahun yang menumpang jong membelah samudera luas menuju horizon yang tidak pernah dijejaki. Ketika itu dia cuma mengharapkan kehidupannya akan menjadi lebih baik di tanah orang. Sejak kecil, dia melihat sendiri betapa sukarnya meneruskan kehidupan di tanah kelahirannya, sebuah kampung digelar Tam Shui di daerah Kwai Yap , Guangdong , China .

Ketika dilahirkan pada 14 Mac 1837, Dinasti Qing sudah mengalami zaman kejatuhannya.Ketika dia berusia tiga tahun pula, Perang Candu antara China dan Britain tercetus di Dongyuan Wumen, tidak jauh dari kampungnya menyebabkan dia serta penduduk kampung membesar ditemani kesusahan. Justeru, mungkin menyedari bahawa kehidupan di kampungnya tidak menjanjikan sebarang harapan indah, Yap mengambil keputusan untuk turut menyertai penduduk negara itu berhijrah mencari sinar kehidupan di tanah asing.Berbekalkan 80 syiling gangsa, dia menaiki jong dari Macau menuju Melaka, suatu tempat yang amat asing baginya.

Nasibnya dipertaruhkan bak pepatah untung sabut timbul di permukaan air atau mungkin untung batu, tenggelam.Kini, watak remaja naif itu sudah jauh ditinggalkan waktu. Tiga puluh dua tahun mengubah kehidupannya. Daripada harapan menggunung, ditemani pelbagai pengalaman, senyuman dan titisan darah, dia berjaya membawa sumbangan besar kepada tanah asing itu.YAP Ah LoyDaripada pekan kecil yang dikelilingi hutan dan lombong, Yap Tet Loy atau lebih dikenali sebagai Yap Ah Loy oleh ramai pihak memimpin penduduk Pengkalan Lumpur ( Kuala Lumpur ) yang kebanyakannya pelombong Cina membangunkan kawasan itu.Seterusnya daripada pekan kecil, dia menggubal pelbagai peraturan dan menyusun struktur penempatan sehingga pekan ‘koboi’ itu menjadi pekan besar.

Melewati masa, usahanya membangunkan Kuala Lumpur semakin bermakna apabila kota itu dipilih menjadi ibu negeri Selangor seterusnya Wilayah Persekutuan dan ibu negara Malaysia .Bagaimanapun Yap menyedari, jauh perjalanan kisah hidupnya membangun kota Kuala Lumpur diharungi dengan seribu erti kepayahan. Dia pernah ditembak, diburu, berperang dan mengalami saat-saat sukar yang meruntun emosi dan jati diri.Apabila jong yang dinaikinya mendarat di Melaka sekitar 1854, dia disambut saudara jauhnya, Yap Ket Si yang terlebih dulu menetap di Tanah Melayu.

Adalah menjadi perkara biasa di kalangan masyarakat Cina untuk membantu saudara mereka yang baru berhijrah ke tanah asing memulakan kehidupan sehingga memperoleh pekerjaan.Kehidupan awalnya di Melaka banyak dibantu Yap Ket Si dan saudaranya itu menolongnya mendapatkan pekerjaan awal sebagai pelombong timah di Durian Tunggal, Melaka. Bagaimanapun, aktiviti perdagangan dan ekonomi di Durian Tunggal tidak begitu baik menyebabkan Yap berhenti selepas empat bulan.

Seterusnya dia merantau ke Kesang dan bekerja di kedai milik seorang lagi saudara jauhnya, Yap Ng. Yap Ah Loy tinggal di Kesang selama setahun. Atas konflik tertentu, Yap Ng memberi wang kira-kira RM100 dan mengarahkan pemuda itu kembali ke China . Dia yang tidak berani membangkang arahan itu menuju ke Singapura untuk mendapatkan kapal untuk pulang ke China . Dalam perjalanannya ke Singapura, Yap Ah Loy hilang semua wangnya akibat berjudi seterusnya menimbulkan dilema terhadap dirinya. Dia tidak lagi dapat pulang ke China, malah malu pula untuk terus meminta pertolongan saudaranya.Dalam kebuntuan, Yap Ah Loy mengatur langkah untuk ke Lukut bagi mencari hidup baru. Lukut ketika itu memang dikenali sebagai pekan yang sibuk di Selangor selepas kawasan bijih timah dijumpai di kawasan itu sekitar 1840-an. Ramai penduduk dari China dibawa masuk untuk melombong timah.

Yap Ah Loy tiba di Lukut pada 1856 dan nasibnya baik apabila diterima bekerja sebagai tukang masak. Menjadi tukang masak memberikan beberapa kelebihan kepadanya - selain makan percuma dan menerima upah, pelombong akan memberikan tips beberapa sen kepadanya apabila mereka mendapat upah bekerja.Selepas tiga tahun, Yap berjaya mengumpul sedikit wang dan dengan tambahan pinjaman daripada rakannya, dia memulakan perniagaan kecil-kecilan. Yap membeli babi untuk ditukarkan dengan bijih timah daripada pelombong dan bijih yang diperoleh kemudian dijual kepada peraih untuk mendapat sedikit keuntungan. Perniagaannya semakin maju sehingga dia mampu meluaskan perniagaannya ke Sungai Ujong dan Rasah, Negeri Sembilan. Keinginannya untuk menceburkan diri dalam perniagaan menjadi kunci kepada episod kejayaan besarnya.Dia mula mengenali ramai kenalan antaranya Liu Ngim Kong, panglima kepada Kapitan Cina (ketua masyarakat Cina) Sungai Ujong, Shin Kap. Apabila dia ke Rasah untuk menjalankan perniagaannya, dia akan tinggal di rumah Liu. Ketika itulah juga dia bertemu dengan seorang lagi rakan iaitu Yap Ah Shak dan atas cadangan pemuda itu, Yap diterima menjadi pembantu kepada Liu Ngim Kong seterusnya menyertai kumpulan Shin Kap.Kehidupannya agak baik sejak menyertai pakatan itu sehinggalah awal 1860 apabila konflik tercetus antara dua ketua suku di kawasan itu berhubung lombong timah.

Persengketaan yang semakin buruk itu akhirnya mencetuskan peperangan. Pelombong di kawasan itu turut berpecah kepada dua kumpulan berasingan mengikut sokongan dua ketua suku berkenaan dan satu daripada kumpulan itu diketuai Shin Kap.Suasana tegang tercetus dengan pembunuhan dan pertempuran berlaku terus menerus sehingga menyebabkan ramai pelombong terkorban. Dalam peperangan itu, kumpulan Shin Kap paling teruk ditentang lantaran mereka kekurangan senjata.Ramai ahli kumpulan itu terkorban, manakala mereka yang bernasib baik berjaya melarikan diri ke Lukut dan mendapatkan perlindungan daripada Raja Jumaat (kerabat diraja Riau dan menantu Sultan Selangor, Sultan Muhammad).

Seperti nasib kebanyakan ahli kumpulannya, Yap dan rakannya turut cedera dan melarikan diri untuk menyelamatkan nyawa masing-masing. Liu Ngim Kong yang cedera di kaki akibat terkena tembakan meriam berlindung di rumah rakannya, Yap Fook selama beberapa minggu untuk memulihkan kecederaan.Shin Kap dan beberapa pengikutnya yang melarikan diri ke dalam hutan pula mula hilang arah dan sesat. Dalam kelaparan akibat kekurangan makanan, mereka merancang untuk ke Sungai Ujong bagi mendapatkan pertolongan daripada sekutu mereka. Bagaimanapun, nasib tidak menyebelahi mereka apabila dalam perjalanan ke Sungai Ujong, kumpulan itu ditahan musuh dan kepala Shin Kap dipancung.Apabila yakin ketuanya sudah dikalahkan, Yap Ah Loy melarikan diri ke dalam hutan dan menumpang perlindungan di sebuah rumah penduduk.

Pihak musuh kemudian menjumpainya dan menyerang hendap rumah berkenaan pada waktu malam. Tembakan pihak musuh menyebabkan Yap Ah Loy cedera di paha, tetapi berjaya meloloskan diri ke dalam hutan. Dalam keadaan lemah akibat kekurangan darah dan hanya mampu menunggu ketibaan ajal, Yap dijumpai dan diselamatkan rakannya pada keesokan hari. Mereka kemudian melarikan diri ke Lukut.Peperangan dahsyat itu akhirnya tamat enam bulan kemudian selepas mengorbankan kira-kira 4,000 nyawa. Pihak bertelagah mula berdamai dan penduduk mula bercampur gaul bagi memulakan kehidupan baru. Satu pilihan raya diadakan untuk memilih Kapitan Cina Sungai Ujong yang baru selepas Shin Kap terbunuh. Yap Ah Shak dipilih dengan sebulat suara, tetapi dia menolak dengan alasan mahu menumpukan kepada perniagaannya. Penolakan Yap Ah Shak menyebabkan penduduk menawarkan pula jawatan itu kepada Yap Ah Loy dan tugas itu diterima pemuda berkenaan. Hukuman 'kejam' bendung jenayah SEBAGAI Kapitan Cina, Yap Ah Loy memiliki kuasa seperti ketua di kalangan komuniti Melayu termasuk menjatuhkan hukuman terhadap masyarakat Cina. Beliau memiliki kuasa untuk membuat undang-undang, tetapi tidak boleh mengutip cukai. Beliau memimpin penduduknya hidup dalam keadaan aman dan memiliki hubungan baik dengan masyarakat Melayu sekitar Kuala Lumpur, termasuk ketua Melayu antaranya Datuk Dagang.

Untuk menghukum penjenayah dan mereka yang bersalah, Yap Ah Loy membina penjara besar yang mampu memuatkan 60 tahanan pada suatu masa selain menggubal peraturan mengikut kesalahan. Contohnya, bagi kesalahan mencuri yang dilakukan pertama kali, pencuri akan diarak di jalanan dengan barang dicuri diikat di belakang dan bahunya manakala kesalahan kedua akan dipotong telinga dan kesalahan kali ketiga dihukum mati.

Hukuman mati yang dilaksanakan Yap bukanlah digantung atau dipotong kepala, tetapi pesalah akan melutut dengan tangannya diikat ke belakang dan pedang akan ditikam ke lehernya.Bagi kesalahan kecil, pesalah akan dipenjara terlebih dulu sebelum dibicara. Hukuman yang dirangka Yap mungkin kelihatan seperti kejam, tetapi ia nyata berkesan untuk membendung jenayah ketika itu. Malah, sebulan selepas beliau dilantik menjadi kapitan dan mengemukakan undang-undang itu, kecurian tidak pernah berlaku sehingga digambarkan jika ada barang yang terjatuh di tengah jalan, tiada siapa yang berani mengambilnya.Lanun juga tidak lagi berani merompak kapal di sungai dan bijih dapat dihantar dengan selamat. Yap berjaya menjaga keamanan 10,000 penduduk Cina dengan hanya mengambil enam polis.Yap Ah Loy dan orang kanannya, Yap Ah Shak akan menjadi majistret dalam kes kecil. Sehingga 1878, kes serius akan dibicarakan di ibu negeri Selangor ketika itu iaitu Klang.

Antara 1878 dan 1880, Residen British dan majistret akan ke Kuala Lumpur setiap bulan untuk menjalankan perbicaraan Mahkamah Tinggi dan Mahkamah Majistret.Sumbangan terbesar Yap Ah Loy adalah menjadikan Kuala Lumpur sebagai pusat perdagangan di Selangor pada 1880. Kejayaan ini akhirnya menyebabkan Kerajaan Selangor memindahkan ibu negerinya dari Klang ke Kuala Lumpur. Yap Ah Loy bagaimanapun tidak membina bandar Kuala Lumpur secara berstruktur dengan baik. Jalan sekitar pekan besar itu pada 1882, misalnya, hanyalah seluas empat meter dan sukar untuk dilalui. Kawasan pasar dan kedai adalah kotor dengan sampah bertaburan di tanah sehingga menyebabkan jangkitan cacar, malaria dan pelbagai penyakit merebak dengan kerap. Langkah berjaga-jaga terhadap kebakaran yang diamalkan Yap adalah setiap rumah perlu menyimpan satu tong yang dipenuhi air setiap masa.Kesannya, pada 4 Januari 1881, seluruh kawasan bandar itu terbakar dan kerugian dianggarkan RM100,000. Selepas peristiwa kebakaran itu, Yap Ah Loy mengarahkan semua bangunan dibina semula menggunakan batu-bata dan atap daripada jubin. Jalan raya mula dibina secara berstruktur, kawasan lombong dihubungkan dengan kawasan bandar dan lorong dibina dalam bandar dengan teratur. Kos sebanyak RM20,000 dilaburkan untuk tujuan itu.

Laluan untuk ke kawasan lombong dikatakan masih dikekalkan sehingga kini antaranya di Jalan Ampang, Jalan Pudu dan Jalan Petaling. Yap Ah Loy juga membina kilang membuat tepung ubi di Jalan Petaling dengan mengimport enjin lapan kuasa kuda. Kilang itu bagaimanapun terpaksa ditutup akibat kejatuhan harga ubi kayu pada 1880. Beliau turut membina tempat perlindungan bagi mereka yang sakit mendapatkan makanan dan perlindungan dan kos pengurusan diperoleh daripada levi penyembelihan babi dengan kos RM1 seekor.Yap turut memainkan peranan besar dalam penubuhan sekolah Cina pertama di Kuala Lumpur dan menyediakan seorang guru besar. Sepanjang kira-kira tujuh tahun berhijrah ke Tanah Melayu, nasib Yap Ah Loy berubah daripada seorang remaja mentah dan pendatang China kepada kapitan yang mengetuai ribuan penduduk Cina di Sungai Ujong ketika itu. Profil: Yap Tet Loy

Nama lain: Yap Ah Loy, Yap Mao Lan. Tempat lahir: Perkampungan Tam Shui di daerah Kwai Yap, Guangdong, China. Tarikh lahir: 14 Mac 1837 Tarikh kematian: Mac 1885 Sumbangan: membangunkan Kuala Lumpur daripada pekan kecil dikelilingi hutan dan lombong menjadi pekan besar; Ketua Penduduk Cina di Kuala Lumpur.

Priority on conservation - Belum Valley

2007-06-06T08:33:00.000+08:00

Lembah Belum or Belum Valley, although remote, is actually a very beautiful place that is rich in wildlife and plant species. This natural heritage site found in the northern region of Perak is virgin land that will please nature lovers.

Some of the activities you can participate in include a river safari along the Sara River, on which you can view many hills that have been submerged over the years until now, their hilltops form mere islands in the stream.

Jungle trekking is also a favourite activity here and if you are lucky, you might be able to catch sight of some animals in their natural surroundings. They are rather more difficult to spot here because of the density of the forest.

There are also aboriginal tribes in the Valley; shy and simple people who are self-sufficient in the wild. There is much adventure, excitement and discovery to be had in the 130,000-plus hectares of the Belum Valley.

Tucked away in the northernmost corner of Perak, the launch of the Royal Belum state park marks a major milestone in the country’s conservation history. As this last tract of virgin wilderness in the peninsula will soon be open for tourism, the need for a detailed park management plan has become a pressing issue.

Plans for a nature park at Belum forest reserve, the expanse of virgin wilderness at the northernmost edge of Perak, have for years left nature lovers waiting with bated breath. Many are anxious to know how big the protected area will be, what shape it will take and more importantly, who will manage it. These are valid concerns, for what if the park is developed for mass tourism complete with huge resorts? Or becomes a profit-driven luxury tourist destination beyond the reach of most Malaysians, such as Danum Valley in Sabah? Or worse, a water theme park? Hordes of tourists can only ruin a pristine site which harbours untold biological riches.

Understandably, there were sighs of relief when plans were finally unveiled during the launch of the Royal Belum state park early last month by the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah. The state government appears to have heeded calls for only low-key ecotourism in Belum. The untouched Belum forest abounds with huge trees like this one which is entwined by a straggling fig.“Conservation comes first and tourism, second,” asserts Datuk Ahmad Konchong, director of the Perak State Economic Planning Unit. “The focus will be on conservation and research. It will not be a commercial thing.”

Royal Belum stretches over 117,500ha of an area referred to as Upper Belum which sits north of the East-West Highway. The park, however, excludes the sliver of Belum forest that remains south of the highway, known as Lower Belum. The park comprises four zones: Sungai Kenarong Research Centre, Sungai Kejar Adventure Eco-tourism, Sungai Tiang Ethno-botanical and Adventure Eco-tourism, and Jenut Papan Educational and Adventure Eco-tourism. Ahmad says control of tourism activities will help prevent adverse impact to the site’s pristine and fragile environment. There will be a daily limit on visitor numbers and they can only enter the reserve with park guides.

To further minimise disturbance to the site, infrastructure such as a visitor centre, chalets, dormitories, shops and restaurants will be sited outside the park, on Pulau Banding. Inside the park, facilities will be limited to longhouses, hides and observation towers. Camping grounds will not be set up because of the presence of wildlife.

“Most visitors will stay at Banding and make daily excursions to the park. The adventurous ones can spend the night at observation towers inside the park but their numbers will be small since the towers can only accommodate eight to 12 people,” explains Ahmad.

The state government is certainly making moves in the right direction but these are only the first few steps towards preserving Belum. Nature groups, so far kept out of the planning of this protected area, have pointed out several uncertainties. They say the most crucial element of a park – a detailed park management plan – is missing. There is also the question of how zoning of the park was done.

Zoned management

The state has only a broad conceptual map on four usage zones within the park. This is not enough, according to World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) national programme director Dr Dionysius Sharma.

“Every protected area must have a management plan. This is a fundamental aspect of conservation sites. The plan will guide development of the park to ensure that rules on sustainability are followed and due consideration is given to conservation, research and eco-tourism,” he says.

Sharma says a management plan should cover these aspects: identify products which can be developed for eco-tourism; carrying capacity (the number of visitors the area can take without being adversely impacted); the impact of humans, boats, garbage, sewage and noise pollution on wildlife and habitat; suitable infrastructure; and zoning based on the area’s biological features and species requirements. WWF, which helped set up the Perlis State Park, is eager to provide its expertise to the state and has drafted a management plan for the state Economic Planning Unit.

Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) executive director Dr Loh Chi Leong says a management plan will work out how much land to open up for human use and how much to set aside for conservation. He fears that, without an overall guiding plan, new development may be added indiscriminately. “With an agreed plan, any changes or additional development will require the agreement of all stakeholders. This will give them an opportunity to raise their concerns.”

Scientists also questioned how the four zones were selected and the criteria used. The common management strategy in any protected area is to open some areas to visitors and keep others off-limits to serve as core conservation sites for biodiversity preservation. Those zones where activity is allowed are further divided into high-density use and low-density use. A pair of lantern bugs adds to the rich store of wildlife in the forest.“This approach is absent in Royal Belum. In fact, it appears as if the whole forest is accessible to tourists,” says Loh. “I don’t see any real core conservation area in the plan and there is concern over opening a large area all at once.”

Placement of the different zones matters, too. Placing a conservation zone next to a high-density zone raises the risk of encroachment into the former. In the case of Royal Belum, Loh observes that tourism activity is earmarked for the upper reaches of the park whereas the conservation area at Sungai Kenarong is further downstream. This, he says, makes it difficult to control human access to the protected zone. Zoning should preferably follow a radial approach which places the high-density zone at the lowest reaches of the park and the conservation area at the uppermost – hence inaccessible – spot.

Such a zoning system is seen in the Endau-Rompin Park which the MNS helped establish. The group is familiar with Belum, having led two scientific expeditions there in 1993/1994 and 1998. It submitted a management plan for Belum after the first expedition.

Despite doubts raised by scientists, Perak National Parks and Wildlife Protection Department (commonly known as Perhilitan) director Jasmi Abdul stands by the zoning system. He says it was based on long discussions between various agencies and recommendations from his department which was familiar with the area. As for fears of human intrusion within the park, he maintains that most of Belum will remain as wilderness as only trails and small development will be established at each of the three tourist zones.

Fragmentation fear

Spread over 1,175sqkm of lush forest, Royal Belum is the second biggest park in the peninsula, after Taman Negara (4,343 sqkm). Still, scientists would have liked to see it include Lower Belum and Temenggor Forest Reserve as well. The MNS had all along proposed the setting up of a 3,000sqkm park which straddles the Belum and Temenggor forest reserves.

There are strong reasons for this. A bigger, contiguous area means a more stable sanctuary for animal survival. The Belum-Temenggor site is the last large tract of forest in Perak and collectively forms its final stronghold for wildlife. These lowland dipterocarp forests of below 300m form the prime habitat for large mammals. Perhilitan surveys since 1990 in Upper and Lower Belum as well as Temenggor show abundant big mammals – there are some 150 to 200 elephants, 60 tigers, over 100 seladang, 10 to 15 rhinos and over 100 tapirs. The forest also showcases the flora of the northern region, which has distinct Myanmar-Thai influences.

To conservationists, it made sense to set aside the whole region as a refuge for wildlife. Elephants, tigers, gaurs and seladang regularly cross the East-West Highway which separates Upper Belum from Lower Belum and Temenggor. Huge flocks of hornbills ply both sites; it is believed that they feed in Upper Belum but roost in either Lower Belum or Temenggor. (See story on P9)

Unfortunately, Temenggor is being logged and it is only a matter of time before chainsaws and bulldozers reach Lower Belum. Both are production forests earmarked for timber harvesting. Perhilitan’s Jasmi dismisses this concern. He says logging in a sustainable manner with no clear-felling of trees would still leave ample forests to shelter wildlife. He says both areas can still act as a buffer zone for the core conservation area that is the Royal Belum. A gurgling stream flowing through the pristine Belum forest.Another troubling point is Perak’s plans for development along the East-West Highway. WWF’s Sharma fears this might obstruct animal crossings. He says forests fragmented by highways, farms and other development hinder wildlife conservation.

“Species which need large spaces to survive, for example large mammals like elephants, tigers, tapirs and rhinos, will suffer. In the long run, it is not good for the gene pool,” he warns. He says “wildlife corridors” must be maintained to enable animals to move between fragmented forests. He calls for studies to determine sites along the highway which can be used for animal passage. Ahmad, however, argues that as only parts of the highway will be developed, animals will not be deprived of a passage. He adds that development will be controlled and restricted to small-scale eco-tourism facilities and rest areas. There will be no massive land clearing for agricultural purposes.

"The state government has to strike a balance between conservation and development needs,” says Ahmad. He agrees that the concept plan for the park is general. “We must now fill in the details, like a master plan for development and research.”

Ahmad’s view raises hope for the park. The uncertainties raised by scientists may have cast a cloud over Royal Belum but the creation of this protected area is a major milestone in the country’s conservation history. These are early days yet for the park and its managing body. But for Belum to remain intact in its natural state, the state government has to endorse and adhere to long-term plan for managing the protected area.

Environmental Impact Assessment

2007-06-06T08:22:00.000+08:00

What is Environmental Impact Assessment?

The aim of the environmental impact assessment is to assess the overall impact on the environment of development projects proposed by the public and private sectors. The objectives of environmental impact assessment are:

To examine and select the best from the project options available;
To identify and incorporate into the project plan appropriate abatement and mitigating measures;
To predict significant residual environmental impacts;
To determine the significant residual environmental impacts predicted; and
To identify the environmental costs and benefits of the project to the community.

Why do we need EIA?

EIA is essentially a planning tool for preventing environmental problems due to an action. It seeks to avoid costly mistakes in project implementation, either because of the environmental damages that are likely to arise during project implementation, or because of modifications that may be required subsequently in order to make the action environmentally acceptable. In Malaysia, EIA is required under section 34A, Environmental Quality Act, 1974.

How to conduct EIA?

To assist you in the preparation of environmental impact assessment reports, you may refer to "A Handbook of Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines" and EIA guidelines for specific activities published by the Department of Environment.

What are the EIA procedures?

The EIA procedure adopted in Malaysia consists of three major steps. The steps in the EIA procedure are as follows:

Preliminary assessment of all prescribed activities;
Detailed assessment of those prescribed activities for which significant residual environmental impacts have been predicted in the preliminary assessment;
Review of assessment reports;

What are the steps of the EIA?

Preliminary Assessment

The objectives of Preliminary Assessment for prescribed activities are:

to examine and select the best from the project options available.
to identify and incorporate into the project plan appropriate abatement and mitigating measures.
to identify significant residual environmental impacts.

A Preliminary Assessment should normally be initiated during the early stages of project planning. Standard Procedural Steps are provided and the assessment might be conducted "in house", or by a consultant. Some form of public participation is mandatory. Environmental data collection may be necessary and close liaison between the assessor and relevant environment related agencies is encouraged. The results of Preliminary Assessment are reported formally for examination and approval by the project approving authority and the Director General of Environmental Quality. Preliminary Assessment requires resources that are a small proportion of the man-hours, money, skills and equipment committed to a pre-feasibility study and the assessment should be completed within the time frame of that study.

Detailed Assessment

The objectives of Detailed Assessment for prescribed activities with potentially significant residual environmental impact include :

to describe the significant residual environmental impacts predicted from the final project plan;
to specify mitigating and abatement measures in the final project plan; and
to identify the environmental costs and benefits of the project to the community.

Detailed Assessment should continue during project planning until the project plan is finalised. Standard procedural steps are provided and specific terms of reference based on the results of Preliminary Assessment are issued for each project. The Assessment might be conducted "in house" or by a consultant. The assessment method is selected according to the nature of the project; some form of public participation is required. Environmental data collection is almost certainly necessary. The results of Detailed Assessment is reported formally.

The EIA Review Process

The objectives of Review for Prescribed Activities subjected to Detailed Assessment include:

1. to critically review the Detailed Assessment reports; 2. to evaluate development and environmental costs and benefits of the final project plan; and 3. to formulate recommendations and guidelines to the project approving authority relevant to the implementation of the project.

Review of EIA Reports is carried out internally by the DOE with the assistance from the relevant technical agencies for preliminary assessment reports and by an ad hoc Review Panel for detailed assessment reports. Recommendations arising out of the review are transmitted to the relevant project approving authorities for consideration in making a decision on the project. According to the DOE's Client Charter, the period allocated for a review of a term of reference (TOR) and EIA report are as follows:

Term of Reference - 2 months Preliminary EIA Report - 3 months Detailed EIA REport - 5 months

The DOE maintains a list of experts who may be called upon to sit as members of any Review Panel established. The selection of the experts depends on the areas of environmental impacts to be reviewed.

ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION

2007-06-06T08:15:00.000+08:00

Complaints pertaining to the environmental pollution can be made via mail, phone-call or submitted directly to the relevant Department of Environment State Office's. DOE's HQ Control Room in Putrajaya operates from 7.00 a.m. to 11.30 p.m. daily inclusive of weekends and public holidays.

Complaints Line: 03-8889 1972

JAS LINE :1-800-88-2727

Complaints can also be forwarded to:

Department of Environment

Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment

Level 1 - 4, Podium 2 & 3, Wisma Sumber Asli,

No.25, Persiaran Perdana,Precint 4,

Federal Government Administrative Centre

62574 Putrajaya

Hunting Line : 03-8871 2000 / 8871 2200

Fax: 03-8889 1973/75

1. Director General Office Fax : 03-8889 1036 2. Deputy Director General (Operational) Office Fax : 03-8889 4020 3. Deputy Director General (Development) Office Fax : 03-8889 1039

World Environment Day 2007 - "Melting Ice - A Hot Topic?"

2007-06-05T12:38:00.000+08:00

Norway is honoured to host the international World Environment Day 2007 celebrations in recognition of the hot topic of melting ice. More than a hundred nations are celebrating this day, and the theme is highly relevant.

Ice plays a critical role in shaping our planet's environment. Ice—in the form of sea ice, glaciers, ice caps and snow—reflects some of the sun's heat, cooling the planet. In contrast, the dark surfaces of the open sea and snow-free ground absorb heat., As ice disappears, the earth retains more of the sun’s heat. And as the earth warms up, more ice melts. Through this feedback process, declining ice strengthens global warming.

The earth's climate is changing. At the moment this is most noticeable in the Arctic, where the average temperature has risen at twice the rate as in the rest of the world during the past few decades. The reduction of sea ice is likely to have devastating consequences for the flora and fauna that are specially adapted to the extremes of the harsh Arctic environment, such as polar bears and ice-dependent seals, as well as the people for whom these animals are a primary food source. In addition, the Arctic is the final dumping ground for contaminants, brought by winds and sea currents from the industrial centres of the world into the far north. The situation of indigenous people of the Arctic has become precarious.

Climate change in the Arctic affects people's lives all over the world. Melting ice is not limited to the polar areas, but is also occuring in mountainous areas in many parts of the world. The global impacts are important:

1-Ice holds large freshwater supplies and is a vital part of the ecosystem. A rise in temperature leads to a reduction of ice and snow in mountain chains like the Himalayas and the Andes. This changes the supply of freshwater via rivers, and affects agriculture, human health, plant and animal life in the areas which depend on this flow of freshwater from the mountains.

2-Melting polar ice sheets contribute to a rise in sea level, which affects the people living on low islands and in low lying coastal areas. Numbers of climate refugees might reach enormous dimensions if millions of people in densely populated, low-lying countries are forced to move by rising sea levels. In the South Pacific, this has already begun to occur in some low-lying islands. The events of World Environment Day will be organized in cooperation with UNEP. Norway will also use this occasion to mark that 2007 is the start of the International Polar Year, which will have significant impact on the spread of knowledge about the polar regions.

The events of World Environment Day will be organized in cooperation with UNEP. Norway will also use this occasion to mark that 2007 is the start of the International Polar Year, which will have significant impact on the spread of knowledge about the polar regions.

The main celebrations will be held in Tromsø, a city with a living polar history and a centre for polar research. The city has the world's northernmost university and the Norwegian Polar Institute, both of which are key players in the research arena.

The impacts of melting ice will reach far beyond the Arctic, affecting global climate, sea level, biodiversity and many aspects of human social and economic systems. Melting ice and climate change thus demand urgent attention by decision makers and the public worldwide. With this in mind, the World Environment Day will be celebrated the first week of June 2007 through the following events:

Street celebrations
Sofie Prize award
International conference
Courses, education
Ecumenical ceremony
Publications
Youth film festival

Orang Utan

2007-06-04T14:06:00.000+08:00

The islands of Borneo, Sumatra and Java, together with the Malay Peninsula stand on a shallow submarine continental extension called 'The Sunda Shelf'. These islands are inhabited by faunas which have much in common, but that of Borneo is distinctive, with about 40 mammals that are endemic; i.e. they exist nowhere else in the world. The island of Borneo is in the Malay Archipelago, southeast of the Malay Peninsula and southwest of the Philippine Islands. The population is 10,184,443 (1984 est.).It is divided into four political regions: Kalimantan, the largest, is Indonesian; SABAH (North Borneo) and SARAWAK are part of Malaysia; and tiny BRUNEI, formerly a British protectorate, gained independence in 1984.Borneo, with a length of 1,336 km (830 mi) and a maximum width of about 965 km (600 mi), is the third largest island in the world and lies across the equator in Southeast Asia. Its area is more than 743,107sq km (286,914 sq mi).

Borneo is mountainous and thick with rain forest. In the northeast, the mountains reach their greatest height; among these, Mount Kinabalu rises 4,101 m (13,455 ft). A long ridge of mountains also covers the central part of Borneo. The natural habitats of almost all the wild land mammals are found here. It is a shame to see most of these forests disappear to give way to man-made concrete jungles and plantations.

A poem I wrote in 1978 :-

A modern world of urbanizationcreated jungles of concrete contortion.

Impersonal people infest these places,a sea of nothing but indifferent faces.

People never have time to say,"Hello, good morning, how are you today?"

Factories, mills, industrializationcreated skylines of smoke pollution.

Cancerous air that seem no harmslowly killing mother nature's charm.

Vanishing species that cry out in sorrow"Save us for children of tomorrow."

Automobiles and transportationcreated junkyards of iron defecation.

Empty shells that once had utilityrusty reflections of man's futility.

Struggling now to earn his bread,but who remembers when he's dead?

The conservation of wild life is of utmost importance.There are two types of conservation:

(a)the preservation of of the natural environment

(b)the legal protection of animals

In Malaysia, the Protection of Wildlife Act 1973 gives protection to many species of mammals and licences issued by the Game Department are necessary even for common species. 78% of Malaysia's mammals are confined to primary and tall secondary forests and 81% are restricted to areas below 600 metres. This means that the lowland forests are crucial for the continued survival of most Malaysian mammals. Their continued existence depends on the preservation of these areas.

The last of the great apes found outside Africa is the tree-dwelling ORANG-UTAN, one of the world's most extraordinary animal. It is a fascinating but unfortunately an endangered creature of the rainforests of Sumatra and Borneo, it has roughly the bulk of a man. Man and ape have been in conflict for years and the future conservation of orang-utans is definitely of international concern. Rehabilitation centres have been set up at Ketambe in Sumatara and at Sepilok in Sandakan, Sabah, where illegally domesticated orang-utans are confiscated from their owners and only after successful rehabilitation are released into the wild. Their ability to lead an independent life in the wild is largely a matter of education imparted by the mother, so a tame one without rehabilitation, released and abandoned in the jungle will soon die.

Tropical Moist Climate

2007-06-04T11:07:00.000+08:00

In an average year in a tropical rain forest, the climate is very humid because of all the rainfall, which amounts to about 250 cm per year. The rain forest has lots of rain because it is very hot and wet. This climate is found near the equator. That means that there is more direct sunlight hitting the land and sea there than anywhere else. The sun warms the land and sea and the water evaporates into the air. The warm air can hold a lot of water vapor. As the air rises, it cools. That means it can hold less water vapor. Then as warm meets cold, condensation takes place and the vapor forms droplets, and clouds form. The clouds then produce rain. It rains more than ninety days a year and the strong sun usually shines between the storms. The water cycle repeats often along the equator. The main plants in this biome are trees. A lot of the rain that falls on the rain forest never reaches the ground. It stays on the trees because the leaves act as a shield, and some rain never gets past the trees to the smaller plants and grounds below. Trees in this climate reach a height of more than 164 feet. They form a canopy. The forest floor is called understory. The canopy also keeps sunlight from reaching the plants in the understory. Between the canopy and understory is a lower canopy made up of smaller trees. These plants do receive some filtered sunlight.

The tropical rain forest is classified as Af meaning tropical forest The A is given to tropical climates that are moist for all months which have average temperatures above 18 degrees Celsius. The f stands for sufficient precipitation for all months. The latitude range for rainforest climate is 15° to 25° North and South of the equator

The annual precipitation of a rain forest is greater than 150 cm. In only a month the rain forest receives 4 inches of rain. The rain forest is different from a lot of other climates. In other climates, the evaporation is carried away to fall as rain in far off areas, but in the rain forests, 50 % of the precipitation comes from its own evaporation.

The average temperature of a rain forest is about 77° Fahrenheit. The rain forest is about the same temperature year round. The temperature never drops below 64° Fahrenheit. Rain forests are so hot because they are found near the equator. The closer to the equator you are, the more solar radiation there is. The more solar radiation there is, the hotter it is. Rain forest are never found in climates which have temperatures 32° Fahrenheit and below because the plant life will not be able to live because they aren't adapted to frost. All the plants will die out if the rain forest is cooler.

The plants that make up the understory of a rainforest have adapted to the small amount of sunlight that they receive. Ferns and mosses do well, along with epiphytes. These are plants that grow on other plants. They can be found growing on branches of tall trees where they can get sunlight. There are many different plant species found in the rain forest.

Islands & Beaches Of Malaysia

2007-06-04T10:43:00.000+08:00

On 17 December 2002, The International Court of Justice (ICJ) concluded that sovereignty over Pulau Ligitan and Pulau Sipadan belongs to Malaysia. Both islands are highly attractive destinations waiting to be discovered.

Ligitan Island

Ligitan island is surrounded by very large reefs which forms the Ligitan group islands on the edge of the continental shelf. While Sipadan has achieved worldwide fame, Ligitan island is the great 'secret' of the international diving community. It is the thrill of diving in unexplored waters that brings the world's best divers here to sample Nature in her most pristine form.

The underwater scene here is completely different from Sipadan's. It is a macroworld of great interest featuring rare fauna including dragonets, fire gobies, wasp or leaf fish, gurnards, the odd 'little dragonfish' or seamoth, the tame crocodile fish, giant frogfish, blue-ringed octopus, ribbon eels, mantis shrimp and crab-eye gobies, to name just a few. Indeed, the Ligitan group is regarded as one of the world's top destinations for underwater nature photography. There is certainly no shortage of subject matter!

The many other unexplored reefs here offer great potential, and with the growth of a tourism infrastructure, this island will soon offer their delights to more and more travelers from around the world.

Sipadan Island

'I have seen other places like Sipadan-45 years ago-but no more. Now, we have found again an untouched piece of art.' That is how Jacques Costeau, the legendary French undersea explorer, described his first visit to Sipadan.

Little wonder the island is considered one of the tip five diving destinations in the world. It offers swirling tornados of barracudas, jacks and hammerhead sharks, schools of brilliantly-hued reef fish and dozens of sea turtles swimming placidly in the crystal-clear waters. More than 3000 species of fish and hundreds of coral species have been classified in this richest of ecosystems.

Sipadan lies five degrees north of the equator in the Sulawesi Sea (Celebes Sea). Like many tropical islands it is heavily forested and surrounded by sandy beaches. Sipadan was formed by living corals growing on top of an extinct undersea volcano, which rises 600 meters from the seabed.

A unique feature of Sipadan is the so-called 'turtle tomb', an underwater limestone cave with a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers that contain the skeletons of turtles than became disoriented and then drowned. Divers can and do explore this cavern, but caution is advised!

April through October is the best time to visit. The rainy season is November to March. The water temperature ranges from 79 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit (26^oC to 30^oC) year round.

Birds of Malaysia

2007-06-04T10:31:00.000+08:00

Bayan Nuri, Long-tailed Parakeet (Psittacula longicauda)

Sized between 40 cm to 42 cm. The males have reddish sides of head with black mandible. They have green crown, dull blue wings and pale blue-green back, with long, blue-purple and narrow tail-feathers. Females are with green nape; darker green crown and upperparts. They have dull ginger bill and dark green narrow band. Tail-feathers are much shorter. Juveniles have pink face with duller green narrow band. The bird usually frequent open green wide leaves forest such as peat swamp forests, secondary growth, mangrove swamps, and lowland areas. They breed between December and July. Lays 2-3 white eggs, sized 30.6 mm X 24.7 mm and they nest in holes in tall trees, 4 meters - 45 meters above the ground. They frequent Andaman and Nicobar Island, Sumatera, Borneo, Southeast Asia, south Myanmar, Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore.

Kelicap Bukit, Olive-backed Sunbird (Nectarinia jugularis)

They are very small, sized at 11.5 cm in length. The upperparts of a male are dull olive brown, metallic blue-black forehead, throat and upper breast (with red stripe edge), contrasting with bright yellow underparts, and white undertail. The females have a de-curved bill, with all yellow underparts and all white tail. The bird is common in deciduous woodland, secondary forests, marshes, mangrove swamps, coastal scrubs, gardens, and vegetations, up to 915 meters. They build a flimsy hanging pear-shaped nest with an overhanging porch at the entrance; at 1 meters - 9 meters above ground. Lay two grey (greenish or pure grey) eggs speckled with light purple-brown or deep purple-brown spots; sized at 16.6 mm X 11.5 mm on average. Found in the Andamans and Nicobars Island, West and South China, Greater Sunda Islands, West Lesser Sunda Islands, the Philippines, Celebes, Moluccas, New Guinea, North Melanesia, Northeast Australia and also found in Southeast Asia, except for North Myanmar.

Merbah Beringin, Ochraceous Bulbul (Alophoixus ochraceus)

Sized between 19 cm to 22 cm. The adults are puff-throated, with small and short upright crest. Have warm brown upperparts, with yellow absent from the lowerparts. They frequent evergreen forest, up to 1,525 meters. Normally found in the mid canopy strata of the forest. Usually in pairs or small flocks. Their breeding period is between February and April. A typical clutch of two slightly glossy pinkish-white and almond red eggs, measures 25 mm X 17.5 mm. They are laid in deep cup-shaped nests, 2.4 meters from ground. They are found to reside throughout Sumatra and Borneo. Widespread in Southeast Asia; West, Southwest and South Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia and Northwest Kingdom of Cambodia.

Murai Batu, White-rumped Shama (Copsychus malabaricus)

Sized between 21.5 cm and 28 cm. The head, breast and upperparts of the males are iridescent blue-black. The underparts are dark orange-rufous. The females are similar to the males, but they have a more greyish coloration and not blue-black, duller, with a reddish-brown underparts. The juveniles have pale yellow blotchy upperpart, with pale yellow spots on the wing plumage, wide pale yellow blotches are also present at the tips of their wings, as well as their neck and they have a dark diluted yellow breast. They can be located in broadleaved evergreen and mixed deciduous forest, secondary forest, bamboo forest, at the height of 1,525 meters. They are great bathers and their plumage is usually kept in immaculate condition. They breed between the months of March and September. Their nests are near cup-shaped nests, inside hollowed tree trunk or on bamboo culms, 2 meters from ground and they lay 4 to 5 green and blue-green eggs. Resident in India, Southwest and South China, Greater Sunda and Southeast Asia.

Pacat Bukit, Banded Pitta (Pitta guajana)

Sized between 21 cm - 24 cm. The male is easily recognizable for its black crown and black eye-stripes. There are bright yellow lateral crown-stripes and malar-stripes, which turns into reddish-orange on the upper back. Their breast to their lower belly is bluish-black with orange streaks, which are especially visible on its chest and the sides. While the female chests are white, they have grey lower belly. They have fine black stripes on the white feathers. Their upperback is reddish-orange but duller than the male. The young birds have dark brown chest with grey mottling or fine grey streaks. Banded Pittas are endemic in virgin and logged lowland forests, up to 610 meters. Birds are in reproductive condition from February until November. Lay between two to five glossy white eggs. Their nests are round with an opening at the side, built on palm trees or in between young trees, 3 meters from ground. They are a resident species of Greater Sunda, South Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia between the months of March and September. Their nests are near cup-shaped nests, inside hollowed tree trunk or on bamboo culms, 2 meters from ground and they lay 4 to 5 green and blue-green eggs. Resident in India, Southwest and South China, Greater Sunda Islands and Southeast Asia.

Pergam Besar, Imperial Pigeon (Ducula aenea)

Sized between 42 cm to 47 cm, they are large plump pigeons. Their back wings and tail are iridescent red-almond. They have dull grey-grape crown, neck and underparts, dark almond undertail coverts. Mostly found near riverine, forages in small groups, feeding on plant material in the tree canopy and is recognized by its deep resonant call. They breed between the months of January and May, as well as September. Their nest are poorly constructed flat platform of twigs in a tree and sometimes on bamboo clumps, at a height of 10 meters from ground. Lays 1-2 white eggs, measuring 45.5 mm X 33.5 mm on average.

Punai Tanah, Green-winged Pigeon (Chalcophaps indica)

Medium sized bird, 25 cm in length. The males have blue-grey crown and nape with white forehead and eyebrow. Their bill is red. They have bright iridescent metallic green mantle with white scapulars. Head and underparts are vinous-pinkish. Have two prominent white transverse bars on the rump. The females have duller grey crown, with white shoulder patch absent. Young birds are darker colored with small yellowish brown stripes and unlike the adults which have greenish wings. Can be found in lowland dipterocarp forests and coniferous forests, up to 1,500 meters. Would usually perch under tree cover. They will scuttle quickly at the slightest hint of danger and they often venture out to forage. The bird can be found in Indian Subcontinent (except for Pakistan), China, Taiwan, Sunda Islands, Philippines, Peninsular Malaysia, Celebes, Moluccas, New Guinea, Australia, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Norfolk Island and Lord Howe Island.

Tekukur, Spotted Dove (Streptopelia chinensis)

Sized between 30 cm and 31 cm. The crown and the sides of adult's head are grey, have a grey-auburn tinge on the upperpart and are long black broadly streaked, which are iridescent bordered. The nape of its neck is black spotted with white. Have pinkish-brown underparts. In flight, they reveal the white tips of their outer tail feathers. The juveniles are of darker auburn. Have duller grey crown and plumage on their wings. They lack color on collar/neck with small brownish dull yellow stripes. Common and widespread in open grassland, secondary forests. Also found in scrub, vegetations and gardens, up to 2,040 meters. They breed all year round, multi-brooded. Their nest is a flimsy stick platform in a tree, tall bush, or on bamboo cluster. They lay 2 to 3 white eggs, sized 26.9 mm X 20.8 mm on average.

Protected Mammals

2007-06-04T10:27:00.000+08:00

Malaysia's civets, otters, weasels, martens and porcupines may not be as well-known as other Malaysian mammals such as the elephant, tiger or tapir with which they share our forests. They are, nonetheless, interesting and often unusual animals, ranging from treetop to aquatic acrobats, from stealthy nocturnal hunters to peaceful vegetarians.

The Yellow-Throated Marten (Martes flavigula) ranks among Malaysia's most elegant and graceful mammals. The Malaysian variant has a brown belly and flanks, while the chest and throat are a striking creamy-white to canary yellow. Its diet includes insects, birds (and their eggs), lizards and amphibians.

The Large Spotted Civet (Viverra megaspila, Blyth) is believed to forage entirely on the ground as it has never been observed on trees. It eats small mammals, eggs and some vegetation. It is a solitary animal and tends to be aggressive towards members of its own species. Large Spotted Civets are found in lowland forests throughout Malaysia and are best spotted at night as they spend the day sleeping in thick vegetation.

The Malay Weasel (Mustela nudipes) is known locally as 'pulasan tanah'. This species can be found in both Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo, although it is never present in large numbers. Although small physically, it is, like most weasels, a fearless predator which tackles birds, mice and frogs. It gives birth to 1-4 young ones.

Malaysia's freshwater and coastal areas, especially mangroves and peat swamp forests, are home to the Hairy-Nosed Otter (Lutra sumatrana, Gray). It feeds on crustaceans and fish, being an excellent swimmer with fully webbed feet. It is rarely encountered, but has been recorded in Penang's waters; there may also be a population in Kuala Gula, Perak. It has been observed that the male likes to take part in the rearing of the young.

The Long-Tailed Porcupine (Trichys lipura) is the smallest of the four Malaysian porcupine species and can be mistaken at a glance for an oversized rat - until one notices the large tuft of stiff hairs at the end of its long tail. The Large Porcupine (Hystrix brachyura) on the other hand is a large species, growing up to 7 kg in weight. Porcupines are largely nocturnal animals and are peaceful unless provoked by a predator into using their sharp quills in self-defense. Both of these porcupines can be found throughout Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak.

While some of these animals, such as the large Spotted Civet, may still be relatively common, few are privileged enough to see others, like the Hairy-Nosed Otter or Yellow-Throated Marten, in the wild. These mammal species are all protected by law, in order to conserve a truly worthwhile part of Malaysia's natural heritage. Long may they endure.

Rare Reptiles of Malaysia

2007-06-04T10:26:00.001+08:00

Today, there are hundreds of species of reptiles in Malaysia. The major groups being crocodiles, turtles, snakes, lizards and frogs. All reptiles are cold-blooded, which is why they warm themselves in the sun, and have bodies covered in dry, horny scales. Some reptiles lay eggs; others give birth to live young.

All reptiles are vertebrates, animal with backbones. They are low to the ground, and all except snakes and a few lizards have four legs.

The size of reptiles can range from the very tiniest of frogs that are smaller than a person's thumbnail to crocodiles that are several meters long. An astonishing fact of these species is their ability to glide from tree to tree or from a tree to the forest floor.

The Harlequin Monitor (Varanus dumerilii) is a fairly large monitor that can demonstrate an incredible shyness when observed. The juvenile Harlequin Monitor tends to be more colorful than the adult. This is due to its bold orange-colored head, which however disappears with growth. Its diet includes insects such as termites, ants, cockroaches and so on. This lizard inhibits Southern West Malaysia, Sumatra and Borneo.

The rare Rough-necked Monitor (Varanus rudicollis) is characterized by its greatly enlarged, strongly kneeled neck scales that are arranged in 10-12 longitunal series. It is dark with crossbands and reddish areas on the side of the neck. Reaching 120 cm in total, this arboreal monitor inhibits Southern West Malaysia and Borneo.

The Great Anghehead Lizard (Gonocephalus grandis) is amazing to observe in the wild because of its incredible camouflage when blending into the environment. A crest runs down the length of the male lizard's body, and some have spikes over the large dewlaps. This lizard is usually blue in color, but can vary in different situations. This species occurs in the far south of Thailand, Malaysia, Sumatra and in Borneo.

Estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), the largest of all the crocodile species, can be found in such extensive places that range from Eastern India, Southern China through Malaysia and the Philippines to Northern Australia and the Pacific Islands. This crocodile usually inhibits river estuaries and coastal regions including mangroves and remote beaches. It feeds on various vertebrates including fish, water birds and various mammals.

The Five-banded Gliding Lizard (Draco quinquefasciatus) is a medium-sized lizard that inhibits lowland primary rainforest, often close to swamps or other water bodies. This species is easily identified by the five dark bands across the live green dorsum and patagium. It often stays at the base of tree trunks to feed on ants, termites and other small insects. This species ranges from Southern Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia, to Sumatra and Borneo.

11th ASEAN Summit

2007-06-04T10:10:00.001+08:00

Malaysia is host to the 11th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits from 12 to 14 December 2005. As the Chair of the 39th ASEAN Standing Committee, it is Malaysia's turn to host the annual Summit. The Kuala Lumpur Convention Center has been selected to be the venue of the Summits. The event comprises eight summits altogether held back-to-back, which are, the 11th ASEAN Summit, the 9th ASEAN Plus Three Summit, the 9th ASEAN-China Summit, the 9th ASEAN-Japan Summit, the 9th ASEAN-Republic of Korea Summit, the 4th ASEAN-India Summit, the Inaugural ASEAN-Russia Summit and the First East Asia Summit.

The theme of this year's Summit is "One Vision, One Identity, One Community". It reflects ASEAN's vision of maintaining the principles outlined in the 1967 Bangkok Declaration and achieving the goals set out in the 2003 Bali Concord II of establishing as ASEAN Community comprising the three pillars, ASEAN Security Community, ASEAN Economic Community and ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community. We also aspire an ASEAN Community of one identity based on common principles and shared values. The theme is also in line with Malaysia's aim, as Chairman of the 39th ASEAN Standing Committee, to create a people-oriented environment for ASEAN by increasing public awareness of ASEAN.

The Petronas Twin Towers were chosen as the Logo as it is believed that the twin structure symbolizes the spirit of ASEAN where its ten number countries move together in tandem towards greater development while working to bridge the development gaps within ASEAN and between ASEAN and its Dialogue Partners. The ASEAN logo in the middle of the apex of the towers symbolizes ASEAN as a regional body, ASEAN integration and ASEAN being in the driver's seat in relations with the Dialogue Partners.

The Summits allow Leaders of 17 ASEAN Member Countries and Dialogue Partners the opportunity to come together to exchange views on ways to enhance and advance the existing cooperation. The First East Asia Summit is an avenue for ASEAN to engage with countries from the world at large. The Summits also allow Malaysia to introduce some new initiatives during our Chairmanship, with the main one being creating greater public awareness of ASEAN among the peoples of ASEAN through people-oriented activities.

Wildlife in the Malaysian Forest

2007-06-04T09:52:00.000+08:00

The Malaysian rainforest is home to a great variety of wildlife. More than 200 known species of mammals roam the forest, from the mighty elephants to the littlest mousedeers, and the ferocious tigers to the shy tapirs. Apart from these, there are also various other animals that are equally interesting. Of birds themselves, more than 600 species have been identified, including the large Hornbill to the tiny Hummingbird. In addition to that, there are reptiles and fish, and thousands of insects. Indeed, the wildlife in Malaysia represents a rich heritage for us to cherish and to protect.

Buceros Rhinoceros (Enggang Badak)

The majestic Buceros Rhinoceros (Enggang Badak) inhabit the tops of the tallest trees, and usually live in pairs. Its beak and casque are distinctly colored orange and red. The birds primarily eat fruit and their favorite is figs. When the hornbills spread its wings and fly overhead, it produces loud flapping sounds. The population of the Rhinoceros hornbill is in decline, except in a few reserves.

Tapirus Indicus (Cipan)

The Tapirus Indicus are very shy animals, and usually lives near permanent water sources in the forest. It is easily recognized by its black head and forelegs, white middle, and black hind legs. It has a very short tail and its nose is elongated into a short trunk. The nocturnal Cipans usually lead solitary lives, except when it is the mating season. The young remains with its mother for six to eight months. They mostly eat leaves and other undergrowth plants.

Muntiacus Muntjak (Kijang)

The Muntiacus Muntjak (Kijang) has short, soft hairs ranging from deep brown to gray-brown with creamy markings. The males have short antlers - that are shed annually - and tusk-like upper canine teeth. They eat sprouts, fruits, seeds, birds' eggs, small animals and carrion. The Kijang are also called barking deer for their warning call that sounds like a dog's bark. The solitary males are extremely territorial, and will fight for females or territory using antlers or even the more dangerous canines.

Tragulus Napu (Napuh)

Napuh (Tragulus Napu) is orangey-brown in colour, with lightly grizzled black hindquarters. The head is triangular with a series of white markings on the neck. Instead of horns or antlers, the males have elongated upper canines or tusks which look like fangs. The legs are extremely thin and delicate, and they move through thick bush using tiny, tunnel-like trails. The Napuh are nocturnal, and hence rarely seen. Their diet consists of buds, leaves and fruit.

Bos Javanicus (Banteng)

The Bos Javanicus (Banteng) have white "stocking" on their lower legs, a white rump, a white muzzle, and white spots above the eyes. The males can be distinguished from the females by their horns. Females have short and tightly curved horns, while the males have long horns that are curved upwards. The banteng is usually active during day or night, but in areas with human encroachment, they have become nocturnal. These wild cattle are very shy and are hard to approach. They move in herds of 2-40 animals with a single mature male, and eat mostly grass, leaves and shoots.

Bos Gaurus (Seladang)

The Bos Gaurus (Seladang) is muscular and has striking light eyes. Adult males are shiny black with cream-colored leggings and rump patch, while young males and females are medium to dark brown with the same markings. The Seladang has a large hump at the shoulders and sturdy legs. Males can weigh up to 2,100 pounds. They move in herds with 6-20 animals, comprising few old bulls, juveniles, and adult cows with calves. The Seladang usually feeds in the afternoon on dry grasses, young shoots, and the fruits of bushes and trees.

Panthera Tigris (Harimau)

The Panthera Tigris (Harimau) is the largest among cat species. It is perhaps the most majestic animal and also very endangered, with not more than a few hundred left in the Peninsular. Tiger coats range from rusty orange to yellow orange in color, with its underbody and face being creamy to white, flanked by large vertical stripes. Tigers are solitary hunters and very excellent swimmers. They often chase their prey down into the water. Tigers eat almost anything that they can catch like rabbits, wild boar, deer, buffalo, young elephants, rhinos, waterfowl, and elk, that makes up the majority of their diet. Tigers hide and wait for their prey, and pounce when they are close, killing with a lethal bite to the back of the throat.

Elephas Maximus (Gajah)

The Elephas Maximus (Gajah) or Asian elephants are smaller than their African cousins, and have only a single "finger" at the tip of the trunk (instead of two). The skin color varies from grey to brown and the large males can have tusks up to one metre long. Asian female elephants do not bear tusks. The elephants roam the monsoon forest and eat a wide variety of plants including bananas, palms, barks and leaves from a wide variety of trees and shrubs. Asian elephants are quite sociable, moving in herds of about 20 or more. The elephants are matriarchal, led by the oldest female in search of food and water. Elephants are also tamed to carry out logging work.

Long time no see....

2007-04-17T15:55:00.000+08:00

Arghhhhh something happen to my Blog!!! I can't fix it!!!! Help!@!!!

You Should Not Quit

2007-02-13T09:22:00.000+08:00

When things go wrong as they usually will, When the track you're climbing feels all uphill, When you're salaries are low and your debts are too high; You would want to smile but you'd have to sigh. When care is making you down a bit, Rest if you need to but do not quit. Life is hard with its own twists and turns, As sometimes everyone of us learns. When many a failure turns inside out, When you could have won if you had turned about. Do not give up even when steps are slow, You just may succeed with another blow. Success comes from failure on the inside to out, With that silver tint in the clouds of doubt, You may never tell how close you are, It could be near even if it feels so far, So stick to with your greatest, strongest and hardest hit, It's when things seem worse that you should not quit!

~Visit Malaysia! (again?)~

2007-02-08T09:19:00.000+08:00

Today’s hot spots that I choose are Orchid’s Garden, Hibiscus’s Garden and Bird’s Park which is located in the middle of the unique city, Kuala Lumpur. I went to these places last week, with my fren Danny. At first we went there just to fulfill the emptiness of our weekend rather than sitting at home and do nothing, but then when I personally arrived there, I realize that these places are so great! The fee to enter this paradise is only RM1! And it was so worth it. For flower lover, they can experience showcases more thousands of international varieties of the most beautiful flower in the world especially orchid. The garden contains over 800 species from Malaysia alone! Orchids are for sale on weekends from 10am to 6pm. Look at the pictures attached and you can feel the amazingness of these places. A small terraced garden which provides a strikingly colorful panorama of countless varieties of hibiscus will wait for you! Something makes me shock when I read the information board in front of the Bird’s park entrance which is mentioning that the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park is the largest bird park in South-East Asia, and holds thousands of birds representing nearly every major species of this part of the world. Isn’t it great? Oh ya, I forgot to tell here that we also went to the Malaysian National Monument which is also known as one of the world's largest freestanding bronze sculptures. The monument commemorates those who died in Malaysia's struggle against Communist insurgency in the 1950s. Beside the National Monument are the ASEAN Gardens and the Memorial Tun Razak, which houses memorabilia of Malaysia's second Prime Minister, the late Tun Abdul Razak Hussein. Hmm…Even it sounds very patriotic, I think these experiences should be gained on every Malaysian citizens. Until the next experience… PEACE!

Tugasan Luar!

2007-01-17T08:11:00.000+08:00

This week is the busiest week ever! Kene pergi buat lawatan tapak, attend meeting, draf surat berbangkit, buat ulasan TOR! Banyaknya kerja.. Yesterday I went to Jeram, Selang to visit a new sanitary landfill there… quite interesting experience because I never went there before and the best thing is, I went there with my DG!. I learn about the process and snap a few pictures. Not only Jeram, I also went to a dump site that will be closed soon at Batang Berjuntai, Selangor. And next week I will go to Kedah and Pulau Pinang to visit new projects which is under my sector. PEACE!

Visit Malaysia 2007!

2007-01-08T08:25:00.000+08:00

Something happened on last Saturday? What huh? But, when I saw our beloved Prime Minister, push of a button, a 60-metre high Ferris wheel, unveiled, dubbed "Eye on Malaysia", to mark the opening of the much anticipated Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2007 campaign. It was so luxurious moment to open the year of 2007 with such a great presentation of cultural and heritage of Malaysia! What a wet welcome it was for Visit Malaysia Year 2007! Floods ravaged six States and many towns and villages were submerged in muddy water. I hope this year become a great start to Malaysia in order to introduce and show our specialties to the outsider and make our country well known in the eye of the world! Welcome To Malaysia!

Suatu Hari Nanti - OST Puteri Gunung Ledang The Musical

2007-01-05T09:43:00.000+08:00

Tiada kan terduga Rencana si Perencana Lagenda dibahas Dalam makna berkias-kias Tersembunyi Rahsia Takdir berhadapan manusia Hamba hanya hamba Tiada kudrat berupaya Wujud dan binasa Di bibir dan di jari jemari Sang Hyang Pencinpta Karma yang membawa ke mati ADIPATI Oh Pencipta..ku berminta Kekal Majapahit seluruhnya Kehancuran dan binasa Tak terpikul aku seadanya Selamatkanlah Majapahitku Kisah dua jiwa Di kemuncak yang teragung Cinta dan setia Pengorbanankah yang menggunung? PUTERI Duhai Maha siramilah Jiwaku yang dalam kekosongan Penantian bahagia Di tanganmu aku telah berdoa Tiap hela nafas hayat ku Suatu hari nanti Suramkan menjadi cerah Langit kan terbentang Menyambut hari gilang gemilang Suatu hari nanti Majapahit akan kembali Suatu hari nanti Doa pasti dimakbulkan Impian jadi nyata Bukan mimpi dan angan-angan Tanda Sang Pencipta

Seagung-agung Maha Mendengar (2X)

Rahsia umur- 18 sx

2006-12-11T11:47:00.000+08:00

Seorang perempuan baru saja menjalani rawatan wajah sempena hari jadinyer. Wanita tu dah pun membelanjakan lebih kurang RM5,000.00 dan berasa sangat puas hati. Dalam perjalanan balik rumah selepas menjalani rawatan tu, dier singgah sekejap kat sebuah kedai mamak untuk beli suratkhabar. Semasa membayar duit surat khabar tu, dier pun bertanya kat mamak tuan punyer kedai tu. "Mamak, buleh tanya tak?? awak agak-agak berapa umur saya sekarang nieh??" tanya wanita tu. "Lebih kurang 30 tahun", mamak tu menjawab. "Takde lah, sebenarnya saya dah 50 tahun." jawab wanita itu riang kerana orang menyangkanyer lebih muda dengan wajah barunyer itu. Tak lama kemudian, dier singgah plak kat McDonalds. Semasa mengorder burger tu, wanita tu pun mencelah dan bertanya pada awek yang jaga kaunter tu soalan yang sama macam dier tanya kat mamak tadi. Awek tu pun menjawab, "Entah la, rasanyer dalam 29 tahun". Wanita tu pun menjawab, "Takde la dik, Akak dah 50 tahun dah nieh." Wanita tu bertambah-tambah la happy, dan sambung perjalanan balik ke rumah. Semasa menunggu bas, wanit tu duduk bersebelahan dengan seorang pakcik Tua kat satu Bus Stop kat KL tu. Sebab boring tunggu bas lambat sangat, wanita tu pun bertanya kepada pakcik tu Soalan yang sama. Pakcik tu pun menjawab, "Pakcik dah tua dah. Umur pun dah 75 tahun. Mata pakcik dah kabur dah, tapi pakcik boleh tau berapa umur seseorang wanita tu dengan satu cara. Dulu masa muda-muda dulu pakcik ader belajar." "Macam mana caranyer??", tanya wanita itu pula ingin tau. "Pakcik kena rasa dan kaji bahagian sulit wanita tu, baru pakcik buleh bagi tau dengan tepat". Mereka berdua diam seketika. Wanita itu pula rasa ingin tau sangat-sangat apa cara yang digunakan oleh orang tua tu. Akhirnya wanita itu berkata. "Ahh... tak kisah la pakcik, pakcik buleh rasa bahagian sulit saya,saya nak tau macam mana pakcik buleh tau umur saya". "Baik ler"' kata pakcik tua tu. Mereka berdua pun pergi kat bahagian belakang bangunan di mana takde orang. Kemudian pakcik tua tu pun menarik ke bawah seluar dalam wanita tersebut dan start le meraba alat sulit wanita tersebut. Selepas beberapa minit, wanita tu pun berkata. "Okay! Okay! cukup tu pakcik, sekarang saya nak pakcik bagi tau berapa umur saya." Pakcik tu pun berhenti meraba dan menjawab, "Umur awak dah 50 tahun." Mendengar jawapan pakcik tu, maka terkejut beruk le wanita tu. "Fuiyooo...macam magic jer, macam mana pakcik buleh tau??", tanya wanita tersebut. Pakcik tua tu pun dengan tersenyum lebar menjawab, "Pakcik beratur belakang awak tadi kat McDonalds, heheheheh".

~Hurt~

2006-11-30T16:00:00.000+08:00

I just heard this new song, sang by Christina Aguilera.... it was so nice and I start to love it. Seems like it was yesterday when I saw your face. You told me how proud you were but I walked away. If I only I knew what I know today, ohhhh. I would hold you in my arms. I would take the pain away. Thank you for all you've done. Forgive all your mistakes. There's nothing I wouldn't do. To hear your voice again. Sometimes I wanna call you but I know you won't be there. Oh, I'm sorry for blaming you. For everything I just couldn't do. And I've hurt myself by hurting you. Some days I feel broke inside, but I won't admit. Sometimes I just wanna hide cuz it's you I miss. You know it's so hard to say good-bye when it comes to this, ohhhh yeah. Would you tell me I was wrong? Would you help me understand? Are you looking down upon me? Are you proud of who I am? There's nothing I wouldn't do. To have just one more chance. To look into your eyes and see you looking back. Oh, I'm sorry for blaming you. For everything I just couldn't do. And I've hurt myself, oh... If I had just one more day. I would tell you how much that I've missed you since you've been away. Oh, It's dangerous. It's so out of line to try and turn back time. I'm sorry for blaming you. For everything I just couldn't do. And I've hurt myself....by hurting you.

Jangan Menipu

2006-11-29T09:14:00.000+08:00

Seorang pemuda hensem yang sedang mabuk, berjemur dipantai tanpa pakaian menutup tubuhnya. Ketika dia melihat seorang anak gadis kecil lebih kurang berumur 7 tahun berjalan melintasinya, Dengan pantas dia menutup bahagian tubuhnya yang tertentu dengan buku yang sedang di bacanya. Kerana hairan, anak gadis kecil itu berkata, "Abang, apa abang tutup dengan buku tu?" tanya gadis kecil sambil menunjuk ke arah buku. Kerana malu, pemuda itu menjawab, "Ah tidak ada apa-apa. ini hanya seekor burung pipit?" Seekor burung pipit?" tanya gadis itu kebingungan. Betul, hanya seekor burung pipit," jawab pemuda lebih tegas. Setelah gadis kecil itu pergi berlalu, si pemuda kembali membaca buku sambil meneguk minuman kerasnya. Tak lama kemudian, si pemuda tertidur. Ketika terbangun, dia berada di hospital dan merasa sakit yang amat sangat. Seorang polis menanyainya, "Apa yang terjadi?" "Saya tidak tahu. Saya sedang berjemur di pantai, lalu ada gadis kecil bertanya sebentar dan tidak lama setelah dia pergi saya tertidur dan kini tiba- tiba berada di sini. Polis itu pergi ke pantai mencari gadis kecil dan bertanya, "Apa yang kamu lakukan terhadap lelaki yang sedang berjemur itu tadi?" Gadis kecil itu menjawab, "Saya tidak melakukan apa-apa terhadap abang tu pon. Cuma waktu dia tidur, saya main dengan burung pipitnya. Tapi tidak lama kemudian, burung itu meludahi muka saya. Karena itu saya patahkan leher dan paruhnya, saya pecahkan telur-telurnya & saya bakar sarangnya!" nota : Jgn cuba temberang budak kecik.. susah nanti... ekekekekek

Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri

2006-11-14T16:06:00.000+08:00

Well, today my Dept. having a great Jamuan Hari Raya instead of meeting the HoD after almost a year! Really exciting. ++ there will be a singing contest for each floor in this building. so i can't wait to see it. huhu~