cover dpn - Forest Research Institute Malaysia

This issue’s focus

Nature

Awareness Also in this issue Up - Coming Seminar and Symposium Effectiveness of Environmental Education Nature Awareness Through the Five Senses Environmental Interpretation in Recreational Areas Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka! Promoting Peat Swamp Conservation, the EE Approach Kem Penyelidikan Sains National School Nature Club (KPA) Workshop 2006 Sepetang Bersama-sama Penaung Puspanita Sukan Persatuan Badan Berkanun Malaysia 2006 FRIM Juara MARS

FRIM IN FOCUS

8th Pacific Rim Bio-based Composites Symposium This symposium, organized jointly by the Forest Research Institute Malaysia, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Mara, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysian Timber Industry Board, Malaysian Panel-products Manufacturers Association, Malaysian Timber Council, Malaysian Palm Oil Board, SIRIM Bhd. and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, is a biennial event that provides a forum for discussion and exchange of information on the latest development and findings in biocomposites. It also acts as a platform to promote and strengthen cooperation and networking among participants comprising, among others, researchers, experts, manufacturers, and machine suppliers. A one-day workshop will be organized a day before the symposium for local and foreign participants.

Registration for Symposium (21-23 November 2006) Local Professionals Local Students Walk-in

RM RM RM

800.00 300.00 300.00/day

Foreign Professionals Foreign Students Walk-in

USD USD USD

500.00 300.00 180.00/day

Registration for Pre-Symposium Workshop (20 November 2006) Local Participants Foreign Participants

RM USD

150.00 100.00

On-line registration, please visit http://www.frim.gov.my/newsevent_reg2.cfm Enquiries: “8th Pacific Rim Bio-based Composites Symposium” Secretariat Forest Research Institute Malaysia 52109 Kepong, Selangor, Malaysia (Attn: Dr. Rahim Sudin/Ms. Rafeadah Rusli) Phone : +62797286/+62797287/+62797000 Fax : +62804620 E-mail : [email protected] or [email protected]

National Seminar and Workshop on Forest Biotechnology Registration for Workshop (6-7 December 2006)

This seminar, organized by the Forest Research Institute Malaysia will address recent information on policy, R&D and funding mechanisms related to forest biotechnology, issues on resource conservation, and generation of new wealth from tropical forests. The seminar is expected to provide future direction and cooperation as well as establishing networks among relevant agencies and companies on biotechnology. The participants of the workshop will have hands-on experience in recent biotechnology techniques in forest resource conservation and commercialization.

Registration for Seminar (4-5 December 2006)

EDITORIAL BOARD

Early registration (before 1 October 2006) RM After 1 October 2006 RM Foreign participants USD

Advisors Dato’ Dr. Abdul Razak Mohd. Ali Dr. Abdul Rahim Nik Technical Editor Dr. Chan Hung Tuck

350.00 400.00 400.00

Molecular Marker Technique Tissue Culture Technique 2-DE MALDI/LCMS SEPBOX Seed Cryo-preservation Technique

RM RM RM RM RM RM

500.00 300.00 1500.00 600.00 600.00 200.00

On-line registration, please visit http://www.frim.gov.my Enquiries: “National Seminar and Workshop on Forestry Biotechnology” Secretariat Forest Research Institute Malaysia 52109 Kepong, Selangor, Malaysia (Attn: Lili Sahira/Getha/Noraliza) Phone : +62797651/+62797628/+62797334 Fax : +62731427 E-mail : [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

FRIM In Focus (FIF) is distributed free of charge upon request. We welcome feedback on any of the FIF articles. Address comments and queries to :

Editor & Production Coordinator Norhara Hussein

Production Coordinator FRIM In Focus Forest Research Institute Malaysia 52109 Kepong, Selangor, Malaysia

Editor Nik Zanariah Nik Mahmood (B. Malaysia)

Telephone 603 – 62797482

Facsimile 603 – 62731076 E – mail [email protected] Website www.frim.gov.my Design Uneedis Sdn. Bhd.

FRIM IN FOCUS

Effectiveness of Environmental Education Research and Development

“

Chong Mew Im

Environmental education (EE) The process of recognizing values and classifying concepts in order to develop the skills and attitudes necessary to understand and appreciate the inter-relatedness among man, his culture and his biophysical surroundings.

“

Hands on wetland activity for teachers

Environmental education (EE) conveys a literal meaning - it’s an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach in creating awareness on the different functions and services provided by the environment to humankind. The EE definition by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) in 1970 is: ‘The process of recognizing values and classifying concepts in order to develop the skills and attitudes necessary to understand and appreciate the inter-relatedness among man, his culture and his biophysical surroundings. ‘ This term was coined at a time when environmental problems and issues started to emerge in developed countries and affected the quality of life. Nevertheless, it is applicable anywhere on a global scale. It was hoped through EE, man would appreciate and respect the earth and try to preserve the natural heritage and so reduce environmental catastrophes. Over the years, EE programs had been developed for different ecosystems to suit different age groups and were conducted by government, non-governmental organizations and even private agencies. However, the effectiveness of most of these programs has yet to be evaluated and measured. Presently, EE programs are evaluated based on activities, facilities and the resource persons’ performance but not the effects on knowledge and attitude change. Evaluation is essential in assessing the effectiveness of the programs. The effectiveness of the program is important in order to achieve the objectives of EE. The question remains whether these programs have been truly successful and effective in enhancing the knowledge and changing the attitude of the participants. An evaluation of the effectiveness of the EE programs for pupils aged 11 was carried out at FRIM in 2005. The findings indicate that continuous EE programs are needed to retain environmental knowledge and attitude change among the pupils. Thus, FRIM is assessing the teachers’ needs in undertaking the programs and the possibility of integrating EE elements into school curricula. Today’s children are tomorrow’s leaders, and so, many programs developed by FRIM’s Environmental Physiology and Education Unit (formerly known as Forest Recreation and Environmental Education Section) are for school children and teachers. Hands-on workshops on the different ecosystems and themes are conducted in FRIM’s grounds for both school children and teachers. more on page 8 FRIM IN FOCUS 02

FRIM IN FOCUS

Nature Awareness Through the Five Senses Nik Azyyati Abdul Kadir and Dr. Noor Azlin Yahya

Nature awareness can be instilled through two approaches. The first being theoretical learning focusing on nature and environmental issues. The other more effective approach is by the emotive experience of taking part in exciting field trips and camping activities that require stimulating all five senses of the body, such as visiting the Keruing Trail at FRIM. Similar outings encourage ecological sensitivity and build empathic relationships with the natural environment. When guided through the forest, participants are asked questions to arouse their senses. Did you smell something? What did you hear? What did you feel? When you tasted the fruits, could you smell it? Did you see a butterfly? How did you know it was a butterfly? Did you see the trees? How big are they? What color is the sky? Did you see any birds? What were they doing? What parts of our bodies did we use to experience and enjoy the nature?

Students being briefed before they scout the forest

God gave us the gift of sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste. Both humans and beasts derive knowledge from the senses as they collect data that escalate to the brain where the signals are interpreted. The information we gain is not just limited to certain stimuli but can also influence the way we think. Using our senses during outdoor activities creates a warm and positive feeling towards nature. Enjoying the smell of crushed leaves, scented flower buds and sweet aroma of ripe fruits. Listening to birds chirping, frogs croaking, cicadas calling and the soft whispers of the wind. Touching tree barks and the velvety surface of leaves. Even by just looking at the green and shady tree canopies would make us more appreciative of nature and the environment we are living in.

03 FRIM IN FOCUS

Feel the texture of the tree bark

next page

FRIM IN FOCUS Nature awareness is developed mentally, emotionally and physically. All of these components affect each other and they integrate to influence our mindset. The more we are aware of our thoughts, the more we are in touch with our emotions thus triggering our behavior and actions. Calming the mind, enhancing the senses, expressing our curiosity and feelings towards the natural world cause people to be aware of their place with nature. This awareness is what we pass down to our children and reflect on our symbiotic relationship with the environment.

The kulim fruit smells of garlic

Listen to cicada's call in the forest

Differentiate the leaf shapes (picture left and right)

LET'’S FEEL THE NATURE Walk carefully in the forest today. The worms and spiders have come out to play. Butterflies and ladybugs are on the wing, Listen, You'll hear the White-rumped Shama sing.

Learn the symbiotic interaction between termites and dead wood through visualization

Cloaks of green are falling away, As blossoms peek out to greet the day. Stop and think of all the life you see, Its future lies with you and me. The termite and ant and honeybee Are all here for a reason, you see. They work together to make the world bright. Out part is to protect them with all our might. -adopted from Ellen F. Trickler-

Some plants respond to touch FRIM IN FOCUS 04

FRIM IN FOCUS

ENVIRONMENTAL INTERPRETATION IN

RECREATIONAL

AREAS

R o s l i n a N o r d i n & D r. N o o r A z l i n Ya h y a Photos: Public Relations Unit, FRIM & Parks and Recreation Management Unit, FRIM

Natural outdoor recreation resources in Malaysia: From the mountain to the sea and anything in between

Visitors to recreational areas now have the chance to learn about their natural and cultural resources through `environmental interpretation’, a service for parks, refuges and similar leisure spots. This informative feature elaborates on geological processes, animals, plants, ecological communities, history and pre-history of man. The term `interpretation’ comes into play when technical jargons of natural science or related fields are translated into layman terms to help park enthusiasm of visitors from different and diverse backgrounds; hence encouraging them to appreciate and understand the environmental phenomenon.

develop awareness among visitors about the area. Secondly, it aims to achieve management goals by inculcating values of respect and considerate use of parks and recreational resources. Interpretation can also be used to reduce human impact on resources by diverting people from fragile or overused areas and bringing them into areas that can endure intensive use. Finally, interpretation promotes public understanding of an organization and its programs. Each organization has its own message to convey, therefore a successful interpretation program would reflect an organization’s quality service.

Freemen Tilden, ‘the Father of Interpretation’ was the first author who shared his view on environmental interpretation. He defined interpretation as ‘an educational activity, which aims to reveal meanings and relationships through the use of original objects, first-hand experiences and by illustrative media, rather than simply to communicate factual information’. The interpretative communication approach stresses on dissemination of ideas and building relationships rather than simply providing isolated facts and banal figures. The goal of an interpreter is to offer a firsthand look at a site and to evoke visitor participation that ultimately creates a memorable experience. This initiative is known as an `interpretive program’ that involves personnel, facilities and related interpretive activities of an organization or individual area. The program helps relate the natural or cultural phenomena of a park or comparable area to visitors and deploys creative methods to deliver the subject matter. The primary objective of the interpretive program is to 05 FRIM IN FOCUS

next page

Map and guide: Basic interpretation materials in recreational areas

Endau Rompin Nature Education Center: An example of a good nature interpretation center in Malaysia

FRIM IN FOCUS

Littering is not good for the environment: A park is a unique place that necessitates special behavior

Kayaking: Water-based activity

Mountaineering: Hard-core outdoor recreation activity

OPPORTUNITIES FOR HANDS-ON INTERPRETATION IN FRIM Opportunities for on-site interpretation exist when people come together to pursue leisure activities. In Malaysia, interpretation is practised in parks, forests, museums, nature centers, visitor centers and other locations that are not necessarily related to land resources. About 80 years ago, Forest Research Institute Malaysia’s (FRIM) grounds were made up of abandoned mining pools, vegetable gardens and shrubby forests. Since 1926, foresters and scientists became caretakers of the wooded area for research purposes. The result is the mature forest that surrounds the FRIM campus today. Located in the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, the fresh surroundings of FRIM make it one of the best destinations for recreation and eco-tourism activities among outdoor enthusiasts as well as domestic and foreign tourists. Popular attractions that draw them to FRIM and create opportunities for hands-on environmental interpretation include the Sungai Kroh waterfall, traditional houses from Malaysian historical states (Terengganu and Melaka), four nature trails (Keruing Trail, Salleh Trail, Engkabang Trail and Rover Track), arboreta, a canopy walkway and the Perah camp site. As an initiative to educate visitors on forest ecosystems and its functions, FRIM provides various products and services concerning nature interpretation. For instance, self-guided pamphlets were developed to facilitate visitors during their visit to FRIM. The pamphlets entail interpretation of fascinating flora, fauna and ecosystems contained in FRIM campus grounds along the Rover Track and Salleh, Engkabang, Canopy and Keruing Trails. Recently, the information gathered were digitized and transformed into interactive display entitled `FRIM’s Educational CD ROM, Volume 1: Nature Trails’ that allows visitors to experience interactive viewing pleasure.

Bird-watching: Educational and recreational activity

boundary, to gain positive perceptions towards the complexities of co-existence within the environment. Environmental interpretation benefits visitors, managers or service providers as well natural resources in parks and recreation areas. It enriches a visitor’s experience and gives a clearer picture of natural processes. Environmental interpretation is an effective tool that can be employed by recreation managers and service providers to reach out to the public. An educated audience may make wiser decisions on matters related to management of natural resources. It may reduce unnecessary destruction of park properties, resulting in lower maintenance and replacement costs. Nature interpretation is instrumental to the economy of an area and our country. It is also beneficial in preserving a significant historic site or natural area by arousing citizen concerns while motivating the public to support and take action to sensibly and logically protect their environment. next page

Furthermore, nature guides provided by FRIM Public Relations Unit for schools, goverment agencies and foreign researchers are usually FRIM scientists. Basically, interpretive products and services offered by FRIM have broadened beyond the park or forest

Jungle trekking: Basic outdoor recreational activity in the forest FRIM IN FOCUS 06

Nature interpretation is designed and operated in FRIM to serve people in 5 main approaches:

FRIM IN FOCUS

2

1

Welcoming students to FRIM makes them feel wanted and not merely tolerated

Guided visit : Sensitizing students on FRIM’s research activities

3

Available self-guided interpretive materials: Orienting visitors to FRIM

4

5

FRIM's nature guide managed to get an Arab boy to taste durian, a local fruit

Responding to visitors’ needs: A nature guide should always be prepared to answer questions

Wetlands will not be regarded as wasteland as nature interpretation can make a difference

MERDEKA !

MERDEKA !

MERDEKA ! Wahayu Abdul Wahab and Shahrin Azlan Selamat

In 1956, the then Prime Minister of Malaysia Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj led a delegation to London to hold talks with the British Government concerning independence for Malaya. The Malayan delegation, comprising four representatives of the Malay Rulers and four Alliance representatives, convinced the British Government to set a date for independence - 31 August 1957. 31 August 2006 marks the 49th year of this country's independence from British colonialism. On that day, the joyful triumphant shouts of “Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!” resonated throughout the nation as Malaya's first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman stood on a podium at Merdeka Square and did the same. 07 FRIM IN FOCUS

next page FRIM`S DDG (Operation) Dato` Dr. Latif receives Jalur Gemilang from the DG, Dato` Dr. Abdul Razak

FRIM IN FOCUS from page 2 Educational brochures, CDs on FRIM’s nature trails, guidelines on developing websites for school nature gardens, plants and animals observation in school areas have been published for easy reference. In addition, FRIM is developing interpretative materials for freshwater wetlands to help teachers in integrating EE into school curricula. Two conferences on EE were organized in 2003 and 2005. These conferences attracted many local and international experts to share their experiences in EE. Through the conference in 2005, ‘Best of Both Worlds’, a network of five countries has been established, whereby biennial conferences would be organized as a platform to share and exchange information on current EE practices. With collaborations from the Japanese and local agencies, a community project was conducted in 2003 at Sungai Petekah FELDA Pasoh Dua, Negeri Sembilan to develop a model plan for the establishment of a green corridor linking fragments of forest to recover ecological sustainability, genetic degradation and wildlife biodiversity. Students from Pasoh Dua National Secondary School had been participating actively in monitoring activities and have even made a request to continue the project or conduct similar projects in the future with FRIM. Thus, monitoring activities were further conducted in 2004 and 2006 with some modifications based on the students’ response in 2003. Effective implementation of EE programs would involve participation of stakeholders, target groups and other relevant agencies. FRIM, as a research institute, encourages more joint efforts in the development of EE programs in order to ensure their effectiveness.

Webbing game

Tree planting activity at Sg. Petekah

Best of Both Worlds Conference bat education workshop

Photos: Teresa Ong

Malaysia as we know it today is a thriving developing country, often considered as a “role model” by its South-East Asian neighbors for its economic and political stability, multicultural harmony and steady progress. A few campaigns were launched in conjunction with the recent Independence Day celebration among Malaysians from all over the nation. They proudly waved the ‘Jalur Gemilang’ as a symbol of appreciation towards the country. Corporate Communication Unit of Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) was also putting up such an effort to develop patriotism among workmates and to enhance the love for the country towards a better productivity. The dative of the

patriotism should be carried out at all time. The dauntless of our previous leader who strived hard for the independence shouldn’t be forgotten. We are now the ones responsible for charting the path for future undertakings of the country. The Directorate leads the waving of ‘Jalur Gemilang’

FRIM staff members waving ‘Jalur Gemilang’ as a symbol of appreciation to the country

Three days before 31 August 2006, FRIM organized a Flag Giving Day to all its employees in conjunction with the 49th Malaysia Independence Day. A thousand pieces of flag (Jalur Gemilang) were given out during the Institute`s monthly assembly on the 28 August. The flags were sponsored by giant companies, namely Petronas Malaysia (500 flags), Bina Puri Sdn. Bhd. (500 flags) and Selayang City Council MPS (300 flags). FRIM IN FOCUS 08

FRIM IN FOCUS

PROMOTING

PEAT SWAMP

CONSERVATION THE EE APPROACH Toh An Nee & Venite P. Castillo

Launched in June 2002, the Peat Swamp Forest (PSF) Project supports the conservation and sustainable use of PSFs and associated wetlands by initiating processes for the development and implementation of integrated management plans in three selected sites - Loagan Bunut National Park, Sarawak; Klias Peninsula, Sabah; and South-East Pahang Peat Swamp Forest, Pahang. Over the past few years, the PSF Project team partnered with various parties including non-governmental organizations and consulting stakeholders ranging from local communities to government agencies. The team also conducted numerous activities towards the formulation of an integrated management plan for the respective sites, using a participatory approach backed up with scientific information and data. Awareness raising and environmental education (EE) are crucial aspects for bolstering partnership as well as strengthening support for the Project’s mission. The following are some examples of major EE activities undertaken by the PSF Project: Klias EE program engaged locals to participate in conservation efforts A study tour for representatives of the Bukau/Pulaimanang nature interpretation trail program to various nature interpretive centres in Peninsular Malaysia was organised. Members of the communities were trained to serve as tour guides along the 1.3 km trail located in the south-eastern part of the Klias Forest Reserve. They facilitated EE activities and provided visitors with information to dispel misconceptions regarding PSFs and highlight the important functions of the unique ecosystems.

MNS Nature Club (KPA) EE activities for teachers and students The PSF Project, Malaysian Nature Society and Pahang Forestry Department jointly organized a series of oneday guided field visits to the Pekan Forest Reserve in June/July 2004 for over 100 students from several nearby secondary schools. A three-day workshop, themed ‘Towards Peat Swamp Forest Conservation’ for KPA teachers was held in Pekan in July 2005, involving about 120 participants from all over the country. A four-day KPA youth workshop was organized in July 2006, with the Department of Environment and Education Department, involving 220 students and teachers in Kuala Selangor Nature Park. The workshop comprised indoor and outdoor EE activities to appreciate the different ecosystems and lifestyle of forest dependant communities.

Group photograph of organizers and participants of the recent KPA Youth Workshop at Kuala Selangor Nature Park

A KPA member at the PSF Project exhibition booth on the final day of the KPA Youth Workshop

National Training on the Conservation of PSF and Wetlands

MNS Education Office briefing students during a one-day study trip to Pekan peat swamp forest

In collaboration with the Forestry Department Peninsular Malaysia and Wetlands International-Malaysia Program, the first training session on the conservation and management of PSFs and wetlands was recently conducted at the Forestry Training Unit, Kepong, for 26 participants comprising mainly District and Assistant District Forestry Officers. next page

09 FRIM IN FOCUS

FRIM IN FOCUS

The objective was to enable participants to use the available tools to manage state PSFs in a sustainable way by incorporating not only timber but also biodiversity values and ecosystem functions in a participatory manner involving local communities. There will be two more training sessions conducted later this year, targeting personnel from state agencies directly or indirectly involved in the management of PSFs and wetlands.

Forestry officers in a group discussion during the national training course

Biodiversity Conservation Workshop for Journalists Together with the Environmental Management and Research Association of Malaysia (ENSEARCH), the PSF Project conducted a Workshop on Biodiversity Conservation for Journalists in Kuala Lumpur in May 2006. The workshop was attended by 16 journalists to foster better understanding of biodiversity conservation, highlight local and international issues as well as revive interest in environmental journalism.

Scientific expeditions to promote greater understanding of the PSF and wetland ecosystems, and to cultivate scientific, social and basic research skills In 2004, the Loagan Bunut Scientific Expedition was conducted by the PSF Project with Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Sarawak Forest Department and Sarawak Forestry Corporation between March and April, involving over 100 researchers. The findings were presented at a seminar officiated by Sarawak Environment and Public Health Minister Datuk Michael Manyin in Kuching in August 2004. The expedition’s findings were compiled into a book entitled, Scientific Journey Through Borneo: Loagan Bunut and distributed to all state agencies. In 2005, the Biodiversity Expedition to Sungai Bebar, Pekan, was conducted with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, FRIM and Pahang Forest Department, between February and March, involving over 120 participants. Some EE activities were also conducted for school children and local Asli Jakun communities at the Bebar expedition base camp. A media visit was also organized for environmental journalists. The results of the various studies were presented at a seminar, launched by the Pahang Chief Minister, Dato’ Sri Adnan Yaakob in August, and published in a book entitled, Biodiversity Expedition, Sungai Bebar, Pekan, Pahang - Summary Findings.

The one-day workshop was designed and facilitated by Prof. Dr. Mohd. Nordin Hasan, Commissioner of the Commission on Ecosystem Management, IUCN, The World Conservation Union and the then ENSEARCH President.

Journalists participating in the media visit program during the Bebar Expedition

Journalists in a group discussion Photo: ENSEARCH

Researchers interacting with students participating in the EE activities at the Bebar Expedition base camp

Publications and other information materials to highlight concerns and encourage more urgent action The PSF Project produced various publications and EE materials for distribution including five editions of its biannual newsletter, Leaf and 10 books such as Black Water Jewel South-East Pahang Peat Swamp Forest (2004); Permata Air Hitam - Hutan Paya Gambut Pahang Tenggara (2005); An Annotated Bibliography on Tropical Peat Swamp in Southeast Asia (2005); Policy Analysis of Peatland Management and Conservation in the Klias Peninsula, Sabah (2005); A Handbook on the Peat Swamp Flora of Peninsular Malaysia (2005); and Scientific Journey Through Borneo: Loagan Bunut - A Scientific Expedition on the Physical, Chemical, Biological and Sociological Aspects (2006). Among others, the Project also produced leaflets, brochures, calendars, educational CDs, posters, buntings and photographs.

Some of the PSF Project publications

As a result of the Project’s efforts to raise awareness on the significance of the PSF and wetland ecosystems and the importance of biodiversity conservation among the different target groups, there has been an increasing interest and awareness on PSF conservation. This is reflected in the extensive media coverage on PSF issues since the implementation of the PSF Project, the continued support given by the stakeholders including local communities, as well as the positive response from state authorities to the various project initiatives and recommendations towards the conservation and sustainable use of PSF.

FRIM IN FOCUS 10

FRIM IN FOCUS

KEM PENYELIDIKAN SAINS Melentur buluh… Wahayu Abdul Wahab

Hari pertama mendaftar

Melentur buluh biarlah dari rebungnya... Pendedahan awal terhadap sesuatu pasti akan menimbulkan minat dan rasa ingin tahu yang mendalam bagi diri seseorang. Menyedari akan keperluan untuk menerapkan nilai-nilai dan semangat menghargai alam semula jadi, FRIM dan Kementerian Pelajaran Malaysia (KPM) telah mula menjalinkan usahasama untuk mengadakan Kem Penyelidikan Sains sejak tahun 2000 lagi. Pada tahun ini, buat kali yang kelima, KPM telah memilih pelajar tingkatan empat aliran sains yang mewakili setiap negeri dari seluruh Malaysia untuk mengikuti Kem Penyelidikan Sains. Sepanjang program yang berkonsepkan back to nature tersebut, para peserta ditempatkan di Kem Perah, FRIM. Mereka dikehendaki bermalam di dalam khemah yang telah disediakan bagi mendapatkan suasana kehidupan hutan yang sebenarnya. Pada tahun-tahun yang lepas, pelajar yang terpilih adalah daripada kalangan pelajar terbaik dari setiap negeri tetapi pada tahun ini, KPM memutuskan untuk memilih pelajar yang berpotensi dalam bidang sains bagi memperkembang lagi minat, pengetahuan serta kebolehan mereka yang tidak hanya bertumpu pada pembelajaran di dalam bilik darjah sahaja. Sehubungan dengan itu, kem lima hari empat malam pada 3 – 8 Julai 2006 ini merupakan satu landasan bagi para pelajar untuk menimba ilmu. Satu pembaharuan yang ketara pada tahun ini ialah penggunaan bahasa Inggeris sebagai bahasa untuk berkomunikasi antara pembimbing dengan peserta kem.

Sesi taklimat oleh pegawai dan saintis FRIM

Peserta menikmati makan tengahari

11 FRIM IN FOCUS

Kem Penyelidikan Sains ini diadakan selaras dengan objektifnya untuk menjadi medium ke arah mendedahkan para pelajar kepada kerja-kerja penyelidikan sains khususnya bidang sains perhutanan. Di samping itu para pelajar berpeluang mendekati kerja–kerja penyelidikan para saintis. Di sepanjang program ini, peserta telah dibahagikan kepada beberapa kumpulan kecil di bawah pengawasan saintis yang berkenaan. Dengan itu, mereka berpeluang untuk mengetahui lebih lanjut tentang kerja-kerja penyelidikan yang dijalankan di FRIM. Secara tidak langsung, ini menarik minat para pelajar untuk mendalami ilmu sains perhutanan dan menjadikan ia matlamat kerjaya pada masa hadapan.

lihat muka sebelah

FRIM IN FOCUS

Menerusi program ini, para pelajar turut diuji ketahanan mental dan fizikal masing-masing menerusi aktiviti lasak di samping menerapkan unsur-unsur kecintaan terhadap alam sekitar. Mereka juga turut didedahkan kepada beberapa spesies hutan yang jarang-jarang dapat dilihat, antaranya black lily, melembu, jelutung, keladan, mersawa gajah, kapur, daun selaginella, bemban dan lain-lain lagi.

Lawatan ke makmal

Program lima hari ini juga dirangka menerusi modul-modul tertentu bagi memastikan objektif program tidak tersasar daripada matlamatnya. Peserta turut diberikan kebebasan untuk memilih tajuk yang sesuai di bawah pengawasan saintis yang berkenaan bagi melengkapkan pembentangan kertas kerja mereka pada hari akhir program berkenaan. Para peserta telah membentangkan kertas kerja dalam bahasa Inggeris dan diadili oleh Pegawai Penyelidik FRIM. Majlis penutup Kem Penyelidikan Sains 2006 ini telah disempurnakan oleh Dato’ Abdul Fatah Iskandar yang merupakan Exco Infrastruktur Negeri Selangor.

Sesi pembentangan laporan secara berkumpulan

Lawatan ke makmal tisu kultur

Mengemas khemah sebelum pulang

Peserta bersama semua fasilitator

FRIM IN FOCUS 12

FRIM IN FOCUS

National School Nature Club (KPA) Workshop 2006 and KPA 15th Anniversary Celebration Jayaradha Veerasamy: Public Relations Executive, Malaysian Nature Society

Educating young minds on the beauty and fragility of our natural heritage has long been a priority for the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS). Projects that reach out to children on the awareness of their natural surroundings and to understand better their roles in the protection of our precious environment began as early as 1958. MNS realized that to reach out to children systematically would be to work together with schools as well as the Ministry of Education. To reach this goal Kelab Pencinta Alam (KPA) MNS or MNS School Nature Club was set up in 1991. With the support of the Ministry of Education and a small grant from a private company, MNS embarked on recruiting schools to be part of the MNS umbrella. The project attracted 12 schools within the Klang Valley. Today, after 15 years of KPA, close to 300 schools are part of this project, reaching out to approximately 12,000 school children nationwide. Mud-face

area of activity and conducted it successfully. Pratap of Sultan Sulaiman Shah National Secondary School said that it provided him an opportunity to share his love for the environment with other students and also gave him a boost on his self-esteem. Pratap and his fellow schoolmates, who are also volunteers under the Rakan Taman Alam Kuala Selangor (Friends of Kuala Selangor Nature Park) program, highlighted the beauty and the uniqueness of the firefly colony found at the Park. While they were in Kuala Selangor Nature Park, they went through bird watching, water quality monitoring and mangrove ecology programs. The students also visited the Dark Caves where they were exposed to cave ecology and learned about tropical rainforest ecology in the FRIM-MNS-SHELL Nature Education Centre.

d students after the vis it to mangrove forest

KPA celebrated its 15th anniversary by holding a National Workshop in Kuala Selangor Nature Park from 27 - 30 July 2006. The project hosted 220 secondary school students from more than 70 different schools and teachers from every state in Malaysia. This mega event was sponsored by UNDP/GEF, Department of Environment, Malaysia and the Ministry of Education.

For four days, the participating students were entertained with an array of fun learning activities. What’s interesting about this particular workshop was that it was entirely hosted by student facilitators who had undergone training for three months. Furthermore, each group of facilitators selected an

RIM hoto in F

Group p

13 FRIM IN FOCUS

Mang Kuala S rove ecolog y elango r Natu in re Park

MNS Environmental Education Senior Program Officer, Evelyn Lim said that the idea of getting the student facilitators to run programs was a great success as the students learned better from their peers. “Student facilitators are able to reach to the children at their level, which makes learning about the environment more fun,” she said. At the end of the four-day program the students displayed work they had done in an exhibition. Other sponsors of the program include HSBC Bank (M) Sdn. Bhd., Coca-Cola Company Malaysia, Majlis Daerah Kuala Selangor and Kuala Selangor Nature Park.

Forest ecology in FRIM

FRIM IN FOCUS

SEPETANG BERSAMA-SAMA PENAUNG PUSPANITA NRE Sharmiza Adnan

Suasana di Dewan Serbaguna Baiduri, NRE, Putrajaya pada petang itu begitu ceria. Masing-masing menguntum senyuman di bibir. Sebahagian besar ahli menyarungkan sepasang baju kurung berbunga-bunga warna ungu, warna rasmi PUSPANITA. Oh! Rupa-rupanya seramai 100 orang ahli PUSPANITA NRE begitu teruja untuk meraikan majlis sepetang bersama-sama penaung PUSPANITA Kementerian Sumber Asli dan Alam Sekitar (NRE), Y. Bhg. Datin Seri Normala Samsudin pada 7 Julai 2006. Maklumlah, program ini memberi peluang kepada isteri Menteri Sumber Asli dan Alam Sekitar, Y. B. Dato’ Seri Azmi Khalid, untuk beramah mesra dengan ahli-ahli PUSPANITA NRE. Beliau turut melancarkan Buletin Alam Suri serta laman web PUSPANITA NRE dan menyampaikan sijil dan sumbangan kepada Ibu Cemerlang dan Hadiah Sukan. Dalam ucapan perasmian beliau, Y. Bhg. Datin Seri Normala menyatakan bahawa objektif penubuhan PUSPANITA bukan sahaja dapat mengeratkan lagi silaturahim malah dapat membantu usaha kerajaan meningkatkan martabat wanita dalam masyarakat. Beliau menyarankan agar ahli-ahli dapat menggunakan PUSPANITA sebagai satu platform untuk meningkatkan jati diri dan menambah pengetahuan dalam menghadapi cabaran alaf baru. Yang paling menggembirakan, beliau turut memberi sokongan penuh dan bersedia menyertai aktiviti yang dijalankan oleh PUSPANITA NRE. Datin Seri Normala juga berharap ahli-ahli PUSPANITA dapat bergerak aktif dalam mempromosi program yang dijalankan bagi memastikan faedah dapat dikongsi bersama. Sepanjang program setengah hari tersebut, beliau dibawa melawat gerai-gerai pameran jabatan di bawah NRE yang diadakan di ruang legar NRE sempena Hari Bersama Pelanggan. Program diakhiri dengan jamuan hi-tea bersama-sama ahli PUSPANITA NRE.

AN AFTERNOON WITH THE PUSPANITA NRE PATRON On 7 July 2006, more than 100 members attended an afternoon meeting with PUSPANITA, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) patron Datin Seri Normala Samsudin at the Baiduri Multipurpose Hall, NRE, Putrajaya. It was a meet & greet session for society members with Datin Seri Normala who is also the wife of Dato’ Seri Azmi Khalid, Minister of NRE. Datin Seri Normala launched the Alam Suri Bulletin, the PUSPANITA website and gave away certificates and prizes to Outstanding Mothers and Sport Awards recipients. During her opening speech, Datin Seri Normala mentioned that the establishment objectives of PUSPANITA in government agencies was to strengthen ties, build relationships as well as assist government efforts to improve the status of women in the community. She suggested that PUSPANITA members use the society as a platform for self-improvement and to obtain knowledge necessary to face challenges of the new millennium. Datin Seri Normala also pledged her full support and willingness to join activities organized by PUSPANITA. She hoped that PUSPANITA members would promote programs planned to ensure mutual benefit sharing. During the half-day event, she visited exhibition booths of departments under the NRE Ministry at the building’s foyer. The event ended with a hi-tea with PUSPANITA members.

FRIM IN FOCUS 14

Sukan Persatuan Badan Berkanun Malaysia 2006

pembakar semangat… Dr. Rahim Sudin

Wajah-wajah ceria kontingen FRIM pada Majlis Perasmian Sukan Badan Berkanun di Stadium UiTM, Arau

Kalah bukan bererti undur, malah itulah yang dijadikan sebagai pembakar semangat pasukan FRIM untuk terus meningkatkan mutu dan kemahiran dalam pelbagai acara sukan. Kontingen FRIM seramai 127 orang yang menyertai Sukan Persatuan Badan Berkanun Malaysia 2006 di Arau, Perlis pada 23 - 29 Jun lalu telah mempamerkan semangat kesukanan dan setiakawan yang tinggi. Kontingen FRIM telah mengambil bahagian dalam sembilan daripada 19 acara yang dipertandingkan iaitu badminton, bola jaring, bola sepak (senior dan veteran), bola tampar (lelaki dan wanita), ping pong, boling dan golf. Pada keseluruhannya, pasukan FRIM telah mempamerkan banyak peningkatan dengan berjaya mara ke pusingan kedua hingga suku akhir. Dengan melayakkan diri ke peringkat suku akhir, ini bermakna pasukan FRIM telah menempatkan diri sebagai lapan pasukan terbaik bagi acara-acara tersebut.

Sokongan yang memberangsangkan untuk pasukan FRIM

Kejayaan Ketua Pengarah FRIM, Y. Bhg. Dato’ Dr. Abdul Razak Mohd. Ali merangkul gelaran johan Pertandingan Golf Jemputan VVIP yang disertai oleh Ketua-Ketua Eksekutif Agensi yang mengambil bahagian cukup membanggakan kita. Isteri Ketua Pengarah FRIM, Y. Bhg. Datin Hajah Sabariah Mat Aris turut hadir memberikan sokongan moral kepada pasukan FRIM. Selain FRIM, pertandingan kali ini disertai oleh 50 agensi yang bergabung di bawah Persatuan Badan Berkanun Malaysia yang dianggotai oleh institusi penyelidikan, universiti, majlis berkuasa tempatan, lembaga-lembaga badan berkanun, bank-bank tempatan seperti Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) dan Bank Rakyat.

Piala pusingan yang menjadi rebutan sukan MARS

MAJULAH SUKAN UNTUK FRIM!

FRIM juara MARS! Dr. Rahim Sudin

Saintis FRIM bukan sahaja menonjol dalam bidang penyelidikan, malah mereka juga telah membuktikan bahawa otak yang cerdas datangnya daripada badan yang sihat. FRIM buat kali pertama telah dinobatkan sebagai johan keseluruhan temasya sukan Malaysian Association of Research Scientists (MARS) yang diadakan di MARDI pada 13 Mei 2006. Selain kontingen FRIM, seramai 120 orang dari agensi lain yang turut mengambil bahagian termasuklah SIRIM, MPOB, TNBR, LGM, MINT, MARDI, IMR, MIMOS dan STRIDE. Acara yang dipertandingkan ialah bola sepak, bola jaring, bola tampar, golf, tarik traktor (lelaki), tarik traktor (wanita), tenis, badminton, ping pong, boling, karom, catur, dart, scrabble dan endurance challenge. FRIM berjaya mengungguli lima acara iaitu tarik traktor (lelaki), tarik traktor (wanita), bola sepak, bola tampar dan tenis. Mereka juga berjaya menjadi naib johan dalam acara ping pong dan boling. Pasukan bola jaring, dart dan scrabble pula tidak kurang hebatnya. Mereka berjaya hingga ke peringkat separuh akhir. Syabas dan tahniah!