Sayangi Alam

Cahaya mata ke-3

2011-09-06T08:16:00.005+08:00

Nur Ainil Safiyyatul Hawa Binti Hashimi, dilahirkan pada 22 Ogos 2011 jam 5.12 pagi bertempat di Dewan Bersalin, Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah Kuala Terengganu.

KPA Teachers' Training Workshop 2010 - KSNP

2011-05-15T19:28:00.001+08:00

Please go to this blog http://covertoperations78.blogspot.com/2010/04/tram-rides-and-training-of-teachers-at.html for details.

Hutan Simpan Ayer Hitam, Puchong

2010-07-10T16:51:00.003+08:00

Latar belakang:

Hutan Simpan Ayer Hitam (HSAH), Puchong, Selangor seluas 1,167.1 hektar adalah merupakan sebahagian hutan simpan yang paling awal diwartakan di Negeri Selangor iaitu pada tahun 1906. Kawasan ini yang merangkumi Kompatmen 1, 12, 13, 14, dan 15 merupakan satu-satunya hutan pamah dipterokarp yang masih wujud dalam keadaan sempurna di kawasan Lembah Kelang dan Putrajaya. Hutan Simpan Ayer Hitam terletak di bawah bidang kuasa Jabatan Perhutanan Negeri Selangor dalam pentadbiran Pejabat Hutan Daerah Selangor Tengah dan dianugerahkan secara perjanjian jangka panjang selama 80 tahun mulai 1996 oleh Kerajaan Negeri Selangor kepada Universiti Putra Malaysia untuk tujuan penyelidikan, pendidikan, dan pengembangan perhutanan.

Lokasi:

Hutan Simpan Ayer Hitam, Puchong terletak lebih kurang 20 kilometer dari Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor dan 45 kilometer dari Kuala Lumpur. Hutan simpan ini dikelilingi oleh kawasan pembangunan yang pesat. Di sebelah utara ianya disempadani oleh Bandar Kinrara, di sebelah barat dan timur disempadani oleh projek perumahan, manakala bahagian selatan berhampiran dengan Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan Putrajaya dan Cyberjaya.

Flora:

Hutan Simpan Ayer Hitam merupakan hutan yang pernah dibalak dan dalam proses pemulihan. Ia merupakan satu ekosistem terserpih yang kaya dengan pelbagai tumbuhan. Berdasarkan kajian, HSAH mempunyai 127 spesies daripada 36 famili iaitu 30% daripada jumlah spesies pokok yang terdapat di Malaysia. Kajian juga mendapati terdapat sebanyak 33 spesies dari 13 famili rumpai, 43 spesies dari 9 famili lumut, 7 spesies palma, 8 spesies rotan, 98 spesies dari 53 famili tumbuhan ubatan, 4 spesies buluh dan 29 spesies pokok buah hutan.

Fauna:

Hutan Simpan Ayer Hitam amat kaya dengan kepelbagaian faunanya. Maklumat yang diperolehi menunjukkan terdapat lebih 160 spesies burung daripada 38 famili. Tiga famili yang paling besar yang mewakili hampir 24 peratus daripada keseluruhan spesies ialah Timalidae, Cucurlidae dan Pycnonotidae. Bagi kumpulan mamalia pula, hutan ini mempunyai lima spesies primat besar dari genus lotong, ungka, beruk dan kera. Kajian juga merekodkan sebanyak 14 spesies mamalia kecil termasuk 10 genera dari lima famili dan 3 order. Spesies tersebut terdiri daripada enam tikus, empat tupai, tiga insektivor dan satu spesies primat. Bagi spesies kelawar sejumlah 13 spesies telah dijumpai. Selain itu, terdapat juga 10 spesies reptilia, 18 spesies amfibia, dan 10 spesies ikan.

(sumber: Brosur Hutan Simpan Ayer Hitam Puchong, Selangor oleh UPM)

Talk on Malay Tapir (Tapirus indicus)

2010-05-20T10:37:00.000+08:00

Malaysian Nature Society had conducted a talk session on Malay Tapir (Tapirus indicus) held at Rimba Ilmu, Universiti Malaya on 24 April 2010. Four speakers had presented their papers during the talk. They were Dr. Carl Traeholt, Mr. Boyd Simpson and En. Mohd Sanusi Bin Mohamed of Malay Tapir Conservation Project. The other speaker was En. David Magintan of PERHILITAN.

Dr. Carl's gave a presentation on 'Introduction to Tapirs and and their conservation, with special focus on the Malay Tapir'; Mr. Boyd Simpson on 'Radio-telemetry, salt-licks and their use by tapirs; En. Sanusi on 'Camera trapping, radio-telemetry and trapping of Tapirs: practical, implications and challenges' while En. David Magintan on 'Tapir conservation in Malaysia'.

The talk been conducted in conjuction with World Tapir Day (27 April) and 2010 World Biodiversity Year'.

Based on the presentations, it is learned that there are four types of Tapir that still exist around the world, namely as Malay Tapir (Tapirus indicus), Mountain Tapir (Tapirus pinchaque), Lowland Tapir (Tapirus terrestris) and Baird's Tapir (Tapirus bairdii).

Malay Tapir Conservation Project is a project runs by PERHILITAN and Nature Conservation Zoo Copenhagen, in order to conserve the Malay Tapir, locally known as Tapir, Tenuk, Cipan or Badak Tampung. The project is located at Krau Wildlife Reserve in Pahang and Sungai Dusun Wildlife Conservation Centre in Selangor.

Seashore Walk 2010

2010-03-15T22:17:00.005+08:00

Last weekend, concurrent with the Raptor Watch Week 2010 at Tanjung Tuan, near Port Dickson and Melaka, several nature walk activities had been organized by the Malaysia Nature Society. The nature walk activities were forest walk, marine walk and seashore walk.

I did join the seashore walk as one of the volunteer. This is the first time I became as a volunteer for this activity although I had join the Raptor Watch Week since 2008. Together with 4 other volunteers and one coordinator, we managed to conduct about four seashore walk, two trips on 13 March and two trips on 14 March.

Seashore walk actually a guided trip to the littoral zone of Tanjung Tuan, located in front of the PNB Ilham Resort, the venue for Raptor Watch Week since 11 years ago. The littoral zone is actually a combination of sandy, muddy and rocky beaches, and a patch of mangroves.

World Wetlands Day

2010-02-02T21:18:00.002+08:00

2 February 2010......today is the World Wetlands Day for 2010......a day that give tributes to wetlands around the world......It marks the date of the signing of the Convention on Wetlands on 2 February 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar on the shores of the Caspian Sea. WWD was celebrated for the first time in 1997 and made an encouraging beginning. Each year, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and groups of citizens at all levels of the community have taken advantage of the opportunity to undertake actions aimed at raising public awareness of wetland values and benefits in general and the Ramsar Convention in particular.

We, here in Malaysia, have several wetlands that being chosed as Ramsar Sites such as Tasik Bera in Pahang, Pulau Kukup in Johor and Tanjung Piai, also in Johor. The rest of the sites are as follows:

The Annotated Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance

MALAYSIA

The Convention on Wetlands came into force for Malaysia on 10 March 1995. Malaysia presently has 6 sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance, with a surface area of 134,158 hectares.

Kuching Wetlands National Park. 08/11/05; Sarawak; 6,610 ha; 01°41'N 110°14'E. National Park. A saline mangrove system with flora comprising predominantly the genera Rhizophora, Avicennia and Sonneratia. The site harbours such noteworthy species as Estuarine Crocodile Crocodylus porosus, Proboscis Monkey Nasalis larvatus (endemic to Borneo and listed as 'Endangered', IUCN Red List), Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus ('Vulnerable'), and Griffith's Silver Leaf Monkey Trachypithecus villosus. The site has value as a breeding and nursery ground for fish and prawn species - 43 families of fishes and 11 species of prawns have been recorded, many of which are commercially important. Its proximity to the city of Kuching, the Damai resort complex, and two other national parks renders it of high potential value for tourism, education and recreation. The area is historically important: there was a Chinese settlement there probably as early as the 1st century AD, and early Malay, Hindu and Buddhist relics from the 9th century AD have been excavated at Santubong Village. The discovery of gold made the area an important trading and iron mining centre from the 7th to 13th centuries; some enigmatic rock carvings of human figures remain from this period. In the 15th century, Santubong was the site of the original Brunei Malay capital of Sarawak. Ramsar site no. 1568. Most recent RIS information: 2005.

Lower Kinabatangan-Segama Wetlands. 28/10/08; Sabah; 78,803 ha; 05°38’N 118°35’E. Forest Reserves. A natural coastal mangrove, brackish and peat swamp forest systems on the east coast of Sabah, fed by two large rivers, the Kinabatangan and Segama rivers, as well as other small rivers ones. The wide mangrove belts are the largest contiguous mangrove area in the Southern Sulu sea. The site harbours rich biodiversity with critically endangered, vulnerable, rare and endangered species, including the world’s smallest elephant, as well as species endemic to Borneo such as Sumatran Rhinoceros Dicerorhinus sumatrensis harrisoni, Proboscis Monkey Nasalislarvatus, Tembadau (Banteng) Bos javanicus, Orang utan Pongo abelli, Borneo Pygmy Elephant Elephas maximus borneensis, among many others. Tropical swamp forests in Kulamba Wildlife Reserve play an important role in carbon sequestration and in settling the sediment and organic loads of the rivers. The Sabah Shoreline Management Plan (2005) includes an effective management strategy for the site. A management plan is in development. Ramsar site no. 1849. Most recent RIS information: 2008.

Pulau Kukup.31/01/03; Johor; 647 ha; 01°19'N 103°25'E. State Park. Uninhabited mangrove island located 1 km from the southwestern tip of the Malaysian peninsula, one of the few intact sites of this type left in southeast Asia. The wetland supports such species as the Flying Fox Pteropus vampyrus, Smooth Otter Lutra perspicillata, Bearded Pig Sus barbatus, Long-tailed Macaque Macaca fascicularis, all listed as threatened, vulnerable or near-threatened under the IUCN Red Book. Pulau Kukup has been identified as one of the Important Bird Areas (IBA) for Malaysia. Globally vulnerable Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus chooses this as a stop-over and breeding ground. Pulau Kukup is important for flood control, physical protection (e.g. as a wind-breaker), and shoreline stabilization as it shelters the mainland town from severe storm events. The coastal straits between Pulau Kukup and the mainland are a thriving industry for marine cage culture. The mudflats are rich with shellfish and provide food and income to local people. Tourism is another use of the island and the government has further plans to promote ecotourism. Ramsar site no. 1287. Most recent RIS information: 2003.

Sungai Pulai.31/01/03; Johor; 9,126 ha; 01°23'N 103°32'E. Forest Reserve. The largest riverine mangrove system in Johor State, located at the estuary of the Sungai Pulai river. With its associated seagrass beds, intertidal mudflats and inland freshwater riverine forest the site represents one of the best examples of a lowland tropical river basin, supporting a rich biodiversity dependent on mangrove. It is home for the rare and endemic small tree Avicennia lanata, animals such as near-threatened and vulnerable Long-tailed Macaque, Smooth Otter and rare Flat-headed Cat and threatened birds species as Mangrove Pitta and Mangrove Blue Flycatcher, all included in the IUCN Red List. Relatively undisturbed parts including the Nipah swamps may be nesting sites of the Estuarine Crocodile. The site fringes play a significant role in shoreline stabilization and severe flood prevention in the adjacent 38 villages. The local population depends on the estuary as its mudflats, an ideal feeding, spawning and fattening ground, support a significant proportion of fish species. Other mangrove uses include wood cutting, charcoal production, aquaculture activities and eco-tourism. The current construction of a new port at the river estuary may represent a direct impact on the mangrove ecosystem, causing coastal erosion and water pollution from associated dredging and reclamation works and traffic. The site is managed in line with Integrated Management Plan for the sustainable use of mangroves in Johor state. Ramsar site no. 1288. Most recent RIS information: 2003.

Tanjung Piai. 31/01/03; Johor; 526 ha; 01°16'N 103°31'E. State Park. The site consists of coastal mangroves and intertidal mudflats located at the southernmost tip of continental Asia, especially important for protection from sea-water intrusion and coastal erosion. Tanjung Piai supports many threatened and vulnerable wetland-dependent species such as Pig-tailed Macaque and Long-tailed Macaque, birds like Mangrove Pitta, Mangrove Blue Flycatcher, Mangrove Whistler. Globally vulnerable Lesser Adjutant may be observed in the vicinity of the site. The Scaly Anteater, Common Porcupine, Smooth Otter and Bearded Pig are classified as vulnerable or near threatened listed in the IUCN Red Book 2000. Waters of the four main rivers traversing Tanjung Piai are abundant with commercially valuable species. The site enjoys the status of a State Park for eco-tourism -- a visitor centre with boardwalks near the southern tip of the park provides interpretive materials, guided walks, and overnight facilities, with a World Wetlands Day programme beginning in 2003. Due to increased sea traffic, the western side of Tanjung Piai has been affected by oil spills which caused natural erosion processes in nearly 70 ha of the mangrove forest. In addition, the new port being established in the estuary of Sungai Pulai will likely lead to increased wave energy reaching the east shore of Tanjung Piai, thus accelerating coastal erosion. Ramsar site no. 1289. Most recent RIS information: 2003.

Tasek Bera.10/11/94; Pahang; 38,446 ha; 02º58’N 102º36’E. Forest Reserve; State Reserve for Conservation. An excellent example of a "blackwater" ecosystem which includes open water, a reed swamp area, and swamp forest with grasslands on the periphery. The site supports high species diversity, including 328 species of algae, 19 aquatic plants, 64 zooplankton, an abundance of aquatic insects, shrimp, crab and 95 species of fish (most indigenous, and including the endangered Asian Bonytongue or Arowana). All amphibians and reptiles of Malaysian tropical swamps are represented as well as 119 bird species, of which two, Masked Finfoot and Crested Fireback, are threatened. Indigenous people inhabit the area and depend on its natural resources, the fishery in particular, for their livelihood. Ecotourism is promoted. Other site uses include conservation education and scientific research. Ramsar site no. 712. Most recent RIS information: 1998.

KeKAS 2009 Ulu Bernam part 1

2009-11-04T18:40:00.009+08:00

Kursus Peningkatan Profesionalisme Pegawai/Staf Bahagian Pembangunan Kurikulum - Penghayatan Taman Laut Malaysia 2009

2009-09-13T17:07:00.005+08:00

On 30 June till 3 July 2009, I brought a group of officers and support staffs from Curriculum Development Division, Ministry of Education Malaysia on a trip to Pulau Redang Marine Park.

The trip was actually a development course conducted to enhance greater profesionalism amongst the participants, especially those whom have responsibilities to infuse environmental issues in their curriculum they have to develop.

We stayed at Pulau Redang Co-curricular Centre, run by the Department of Education Terengganu State. Several activities had been done such as water confident skill, coral species identification, coral fish identification, marine flora and fauna species identifications, jungle trekking, terrestrial flora and fauna species identifications, island hoping, and sea turtle conservation work.

I''ll upload the file of this trip report via www.scribd.com.

Nature Awareness Camp for Facilitators (Coastal Zone Ecosystem)

2009-06-22T21:26:00.006+08:00

I had conducted a nature awareness camp for teachers in Terengganu last weekend. Together with my friend En. Ahmad Salihin, we conducted the training of trainers programme as asked by the Terengganu Department of Environment and Terengganu Department of Education . The 3 days two night event took place on 19 June to 21 June 2009 at Dara Inn, Teluk Ketapang, Kuala Terengganu. The participants for the camp were teacher advisors of School Nature Clubs and Environmental Clubs of Terengganu (Kelab Pencinta Alam and Kelab Alam Sekitar)

We ran several environmental games and talks regarding the coastal ecosystem. We also managed to do the paper recycling activities.

For all participants and organizer staff and volunteers, thanks for the relationship and cooperation.

One year ..............

2009-06-16T15:59:00.002+08:00

Today is 16 June 2009. This is a valuable date for me as a year ago, I started my duty as Assistant Director at Curriculum Development Division, Ministry of Education Malaysia. Its already one year since I left Sekolah Kebangsaan Kuala Jengal in Terengganu.

A lot of new knowledge I gained.... a lot of task I got..... a lot of new experiences I received..... but, SK Kuala Jengal still in my memory. A school that gave me a lot of experiences, knowledges and friendship. A school between two rivers........SK Kuala Jengal, you are always in my mind.

Environmental educator's 'Training of trainers programme'

2009-06-14T09:20:00.011+08:00

Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) in collaboration with Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), with support by State Department of Education of Terengganu, Pahang and Penang, organized a three days two nights 'training of trainers' programme. The event took place at FRIM-MNS-Shell Nature Education Centre located at FRIM.

My article on Carbon Dioxide

2009-05-31T12:42:00.003+08:00

Below is the link to a magazine published by the Department of Environment, Putrajaya published last year. There is an article on carbon dioxide and its implication to human and environment written by me inside the magazine.

http://www.doe.gov.my/files/multimedia141/EraHijau-Vol-2-08-Final.pdf

SEAMEO Education Agenda | Issue 04 | March 2009

2009-05-27T13:38:00.003+08:00

SEAMEO Education Agenda magazine is a publication of the SEAMEO Secretariat located at Mom Luang Pin Malakul Centenary Building 920 Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok 10110, Thailand. I sent an article to the secretariat on August 2008 regarding Malaysia's experience on environmental education in term of school co-curricular club.

The article is now being published in the magazine, in its issue no 4 on March 2009. The article can be downloaded from http://www.seameo.org/images/stories/Publications/00-SEAMEO_Education_Agenda/2009_SEA_Issue_04_March_20.pdf .

The fourth issue gives tribute to the SEAMEO High Officials of the 11 SEAMEO Member Countries. The new Education Ministers and new Centre Directors were also featured in the profile pages. This copy includes stories of new avenues that SEAMEO treads to contribute to the attainment of the Education for All goals in Southeast Asia, such as the "Reaching the Unreached" initiative, use of mother tongue as bridge language of instruction, and providing lifelong learning skills through school and community involvement.

This article can be refered as:

Hashimi, I. (2009). Environmental Education and School Nature Club : Malaysia's Experience. pg. 28. SEAMEO Education Agenda. Issue 4, March 2009. SEAMEO Secretariat, Thailand. 46 pp

Oceans, our treasures

2009-05-24T10:35:00.003+08:00

What is an ocean?

An ocean (from Greek Ωκεανός, Okeanos (Oceanus)) is a major body of saline water, and a principal component of the hydrosphere. Approximately 72% of the Earth's surface (an area of some 361 million square kilometers) is covered by ocean, a continuous body of water that is customarily divided into several principal oceans and smaller seas. More than half of this area is over 3,000 meters (9,800 ft) deep. Average oceanic salinity is around 35 parts per thousand (ppt) (3.5%), and nearly all seawater has a salinity in the range of 30 to 38 ppt. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocean)

Oceans provide us with fish and shellfish, the world’s greatest sources of dietary protein.
Ocean flora and fauna provide life-saving pharmaceuticals such as anti-cancer drugs.
The oceans’ algae absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen on a massive scale . These tiny species contribute directly to the air we need to breathe.
Oceans and their creatures connect us to our rich cultural heritage though history, music, and stories.
Ocean shores provide opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and spiritual renewal.

Oceans Day

Oceans Day, June 8, was declared in 1992 at the United Nations Earth Summit. The purpose of Oceans Day is to raise awareness about the life-sustaining role of oceans and to inspire people to take better care of them.

Our responsibility

Oceans are essential to life.
Watersheds—streams, lakes, rivers, and wetlands—empty into oceans, forming vital transportation links.
Oceans influence our social, economic, historical, international, and political development.
Oceans are threatened by pollution, particularly from the land.
Protecting and promoting oceans is our global and civic responsibility.

Old newspapers selling experiences

2009-05-24T09:53:00.004+08:00

I just sold a bundle of old newspapers to a Chinese couple few minutes ago. I'm feel very lucky to sell the old newpapers as my daughters helped me to carry the newspapers to the lorry. As reward, they received RM3 from the old newpapers man.

By selling the old newspapers, I hope my daughters will learn that recycle is one of the green activities they can do to help mother nature. As they are only 6 and 4 years old, I'm trying to teach them to recycle things such as old newspapers, eggs carton, plastic bottles etc. They also practise to reuse the used papers for scatching, calculating, writing and so on. At least, by doing that, they can upgrade their psychomotor skills.

Biodiversity Day 2009

2009-05-22T22:03:00.004+08:00

Today, 22 Mei 2009, is declared as Biodiversity Day. What is meant by biodiversity? Biodiversity is defined as the variety of life on Earth at all its levels, from genes to ecosystems, and the ecological and evolutionary processes that sustain it.

Due to her diverse species of living things, Malaysia has been considered as one of the twelve megadiversity countries. One of the ecosystems that contribute to the high number of species in Malaysia is the coral reef ecosystem.

To enhance awareness on coral reefs among the officers and staf of Curriculum Development Division, Ministry of Education Malaysia, I had been asked to conduct a trip to Pulau Redang Marine Park in Terengganu. This trip will take place on 30 June to 3 July 2009.

An experience in Sarawak

2009-04-22T15:24:00.003+08:00

I'm am now at Kuching International Airport on the way to Bintulu. Arrived in Sarawak last Monday and will leave Sarawak tomorrow evening.

Together with my colleague from Curriculum Development Division, Ministry of Education Malaysia, we are now on a trip to observe the pilot school which conduct pilot test on the new curriculum under the Curriculum Transformation scheme. We had visited 4 schools starting with SK Serian (in Serian), followed by SK Betong (in Betong), SJKC Min Syn in Saratok and this morning we went to SJKC Chung Hwa Engkilili. Tomorrow morning we will visit SK Sebauh in Bintulu before we depart back to Putrajaya.

I'll like to express my sincere thankfulness to Mr. Sapuan Piee of Sarawak Department of Education for his kindness and hardwork during our journey for this three-day-trip. Thanks also to him for teaching us several Ibanese words.

International Consultative Workshop

2009-04-19T07:56:00.004+08:00

I found a website regarding an international workshop that I attent in 2001. I attent the workshop as representative for WWF Malaysia (as Scientific Officer).

The information about the workshop is as follows:

International Consultative Workshop for Economic Valuation and Policy Priorities for Sustainable Management of Coral Reefs.

Worldfish Centre Headquarters, Penang, Malaysia.

8 - 10 December 2001

For details, please surf this website : http://www.worldfishcenter.org/resource_centre/CoralReef_14March2006_low%20res.pdf and/or http://worldfish.catalog.cgiar.org/dbtw-wpd/exec/dbtwpub.dll and http://www.worldfishcenter.org/pubs/coral_reef/pdf/appendix1.pdf for the list of the participants.

Kekuatan Akidah Menjana Ummah Gemilang

2009-04-17T15:24:00.002+08:00

Satu ceramah agama telah diadakan oleh Bahagian Pendidikan Islam, Kementerian Pelajaran Malaysia pada jam 9 hingga 11.30 pagi 17 April 2009 bertempat di Dewan Serbaguna Aras 9, Blok E12, Kementerian Pelajaran Malaysia. Ceramah ini bertajuk "Kekuatan Akidah Menjana Ummah Gemilang' dan disampaikan oleh Al-Fadhil Ustaz Nidzamuddin Zakaria, Timbalan Dekan Fakulti Pengajian Al-Quran dan Sunnah, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM).

Woodball Game

2009-04-14T22:30:00.011+08:00

This evening, at 5.30 p.m., Tn. Hj. Kahadin, the Science Officer of Pahang State Education Department introduced the woodball game. To play the game, a player needs the game equipments consist of a mallet and a ball. The game is played in the woodball course and players have to hit the ball with the mallet. A player is considered finish when he managed to hit the ball to go through the gate.

We were very lucky as not far from our hotel (the WaWa Inn, next to Mara Junior Science College / MRSM Muadzam Shah), there is a woodball course with 24 gates. We took the chances to play the game. A staff of Muadzam Shah municipal council, En. Murad joined us in this game. We managed to play till 17 gates out of 24 gates.

*****BRIEF WOODBALL HISTORY

Woodball as a recreational game first started in the early 1990s by a person named Mr. Weng Meng Hui, a Taiwanese. Together with a colleague, he invented this game of woodball and introduced some basic rules for its conduct during playing.

The first woodball course in the world is the Grand Garden Woodball Course in Taiwan. And since then woodball has expanded and is now played in more than 25 countries worldwide. Woodball has also been recognized as a sporting event by the Asian Olympic Council in 1999.

In Malaysia, woodball was first introduced in 1995 and the first woodball course is the OUG Woodball Garden Course in Kuala Lumpur. It was built in 1996 and later upgraded in year 2002. It is a championship course and many local, regional and international tournaments are regularly held here. The Malaysian Woodball Association is located in Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysia, having been acknowledged as having the most international standard woodball courses, and perhaps the best in the world, has been appointed to organize and host the 2nd World Cup Woodball Championship in year 2006. The 1st World Cup Woodball Championship was held in Chinese Taipei in 2004.

*******WOODBALL IN BRIEF

The International Woodball Federation ("IWbF") is the governing world body for the game of woodball, with members from the woodball associations and bodies from different countries.

The IWbF establishes the rules and regulations governing the conduct of the game and also holds regular regional and World Cup Woodball Championships.

Woodball is similar to golf with all the excitement and thrill, although this game is far less complicated to learn. It is said that the woodball game is actually a cross between golf and the game of croquette. It is a lawn game but can still be played indoors or on any open spaces.

Like golf, competitive woodball is played on a course, with a tee area, fairway and putting area. For championship courses, there is normally a stipulation that the course should have at least four curving courses (two left and two right), to add extra challenges and excitement to the game.

Woodball is played with a swinging tee-shot and putting strokes. And just like golf, the player who completes the course (known as "gate" in woodball) with the fewest strokes wins the game. The length of a gate, from the starting area to the gate, ranges from 30 yards (par 3) to over 100 yards (par 5) or from 20 meters to 100 meters.

But unlike golf, which uses a number of driving clubs and a putter, a player uses only one club called a "mallet" which is made of wood (what else) for teeing off, fairway playing and putting.

And the ball for the woodball game is larger (3 ¾ inch in diameter) and heavier than a golf ball. Of course it is made of wood (hence the name of the game) and spherical in shape. As a result, the ball doesn’t fly when driving, as in golf, but instead it only bounces and rolls on the grass or ground.

Instead of a hole to complete the strokes as in golf, woodball uses a gate, which is like a tiny soccer goalpost. The gate is formed with two wooden bottle-shaped stumps, which are fixed apart on the ground and it is crossed with a swinging gatekeeper, when the ball rolls in between the two stumps.

In a woodball game, each team consists of 2 to 4 players. In some international tournaments, 6 players are allowed in a team, but the results of only the 4 best players in the team are used when tallying the strokes.

When playing on the woodball course, the objective is to complete 12 gates, or some other designated number of gates. In international competitions 24 gates or more are normally played.

Depending upon the number of players, it normally takes about 90 minutes to complete 12 gates.

A short trip to Ramsar Site - Tasik Bera

2009-04-14T17:00:00.005+08:00

This afternoon, on the way to Muadzam Shah town in Rompin from Triang, I stopped for a while at Tasik Bera, a Ramsar site which is the biggest natural freshwater lake in Peninsular Malaysia. Together with me were my office-mate, Pn. Aizatul Adzwa and an officer from Pahang State Education Department, Tn. Hj. Kahadin.

We have to visit four schools in four days regarding the curriculum transformation. These schools are part of 500 schools that being selected by the Curriculum Development Division, Ministry of Education Malaysia (my office) to run the 3-months pilot test for our new curriculum that will be implemented next year.

Seminar on Marine Mammals Conservation in Malaysia

2009-04-11T12:44:00.003+08:00

Bryde's Whale at Nenasi Pekan Pahang October 2008

Source: http://www.bharian.com.my/Current_News/BH/Sunday/Bmdua/20081102112230/Article/

Last Thursday, 9 April 2009, Maritime Institute of Malaysia (MIMA) organized a seminar on 'Marine Mammals Conservation in Malaysia: Adopting Sustainable Management Strategies'.

Thanks to MIMA for inviting me to join the seminar as participant. By attending this seminar, I gained a lot of new information that I can use to fulfill my primary science curriculum development task at Curriculum Development Division, Ministry of Education Malaysia. Although I am working as education officer, but as a marine science graduate and environmental educator of Malaysian Nature Society, it is important for me to gain new information on marine issues especially the issue on marine mammals. I had the experience to work on marine mammals before when I became as one of the volunteer for WWF Malaysia (World Wide Fund for Nature Malaysia) to gain informations from Pulau Redang residents on marine mammals sighting in the year 1999/2000 through interviews. I also had experiences to sail my boat with almost hundred of dolphins (bottle nose and Irrawaddy) around my boat when I conducted research at Pulau Langkawi in 2001. I was a WWF Malaysia Scientific Officer during that time, conducting research on traditional fisheries and mangrove forest of Langkawi Archipelago. Later, months after the sighting in Langkawi, I managed to see a school of dolphins swimming in the South China Sea when I was conducting research on marine turtles at Kuala Setiu Bharu in Terengganu.

Below is the notes regarding the seminar as stated by MIMA:

"Seminar on Marine Mammals Conservation in Malaysis: Adopting Sustainable Management Strategies

9 April 2009 (Thursday)

MIMA Seminar Room, Kuala Lumpur

Introduction

Cases of mammal stranding or death indicate its presence and points to possible threats. For example, several incidents have been recorded and the more recent ones include the stranding of injured Bryde's whale in shallow waters off Kota Kinabalu in December 2006; a strayed dugong calf first time sighted in the waters off Terengganu (Pulau Kapas) in August 2006; a newborn dugong (named Si Tenang) caught accidently in a fisherman's net in Pasir Gudang, Johor in 1999. One other recent unfortunate incident is of a ten meter long Bryde's whale found beached at Sungai Nenasi estuary, Pahang in October 2008. The marine mammals were unable to be saved in most of the incidents.

Marine mammals belong to the endangered animal species and are currently protected under the Fisheries Act 1985 and the Wildlife Act 1972 in Malaysia. The list of 20 species of marine mammals licted in the act are however obsolete because they were based on sightings and reporting of stranding and carcases found.While laws exist to protect some species, the list is by no means complete. Although great concern and public outcry has been shown over the fate of these marine mammals, the scarcity of research, information on species composition and distribution of marine mammals are little known; thus hindering the effort to draw an appropriate management plan for marine mammals in Malaysia. Furthermore, plans for their rescue are also non-existence. Presently, the information about marine mammals in Malaysia is merely based on limited research and autopsy of carcasses.

Although marine mammals are still being sited around our waters, the overall population numbers of marine mammals continue to dwindle over time at an alarming rate. There are various threats involved on marine mammals' survival. Traditional hunting for meat, starvation, vessel collisions, dynamite fishing, entanglement in fishing gears, disease, and degradation of seagrass areas caused by sedimentation and pollution from coastal development and palm oil plantations, and other anthropogenic threats are amongst the main reasons for the decline. One of the most critical deficiencies in marine mammal conservation today involves the lack of a proactive, forward-looking approach to conservation and management of resources, besides hindrance by the lack of data, including information on health and demography of marine mammals stocks. Besides that, a prevailing theme of marine mammal conservation involves declining quality of ecosystems and over-utilization of resources needed to maintain healthy marine mammal stocks.

Indeed, it is an opportune time to have sustainable and effective management of marine mammals, besides giving priority to dedicated efforts to educate the public and implementing realistic conservation and management strategies to avoid their extinction. Looking at this important issue, the Maritime Institute of Malaysia (MIMA) is organising a Seminar on "Marine Mammals Conservation in Malaysia : Adopting Sustainable Management Stretegies" on the 9 April 2009 as an efffort to educate and discuss realistic conservation and management strategies for marine mammals.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this Seminar include:

to heighten awareness on the need for marine mammals conservation in Malaysia;
to identify the issues threatening marine mammals survival and respond of countries on the matter;
to review the current status of rehabilitation of stranding marine mammals in the country's waters; and
to learn about international responses and initiatives taken for marine mammals' conservation and options for improvement of management in Malaysia."

Canopy walk

2009-04-11T12:02:00.009+08:00

On 5 April 2009, as part of the training of trainers workshop conducted at Nature Education Centre FRIM-MNS-SHELL, the participants of the workshop had given the opportunity to try explore the forest on the canopy walkway.

The canopy walkway was built in 1992 on the hillside and spans for about 200 meters. The entire walkway consists of 4 bridges suspended from tree to tree by an elaborate array of ropes. The walkways are just planks hardly a foot wide placed on aluminium ladders supported by the ropes. These 4 bridges are connected by 3 platforms as high as 30 meters from the ground. A word of caution, be prepared! Mentally and physically. The hike up the canopy walk may be streneous to many; it is an uphill hike most of the way.

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION TRAINING OF TRAINERS

2009-04-11T10:19:00.004+08:00

Training is the process of acquiring the knowledge, skills, and attitude that are needed to fill
the gap between what people want to do, and what they are able to do now. It is considered as one of the way on how people gain new knowlegde or upgrade their knowledge.

In order to dissimenate knowledge on wetlands and tropical rain forests to the teachers, Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) and Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) organized a 3 day- 2 night teachers workshop on Environmental Education Outdoor Activities. The workshop was held at FRIM-MNS-Shell's Nature Education Centre, here in Kepong. The participants were School Nature Club teachers from Terengganu, Pahang and Penang. My daughters, my wife and I also joined the workshop that had been held on 3 to 5 of April 2009. (We also joined the same workshop a week before that conducted to the teachers from Johor, Melaka and Negri Sembilan).

During the workshop, we did a lot of activities such as environmental game, nature trail trekking along Denai Sebasah, wetlands flora and fauna identification activities, night walk, blind trail and presentation on Science Garden and 5 R's activities. We also being brought to experience the canopy walk. At Denai Sebasah, the participants also managed to plant several trees and for my team, we managed to plant a Gapis tree (Saraca spp.).

I also took the opportunity to conduct a short meeting with the teachers from Terengganu state regarding this year activities planned for Terengganu School Nature Clubs members.

To all facilitators and teachers, thanks for the opportunities given to my family and I to join this valuable workshop.

Solar System Exhibition at FRIM-SHELL-MNS officially launched

2009-04-03T06:29:00.004+08:00

On 27 March 2009, around 7.15 p.m., the solar system exhibition at FRIM-SHELL-MNS Nature Education Centre had been launched by the three agencies representative. FRIM was represented by Dr. Abd Rahim Nik, MNS by Dato' Seri Salleh Mohd Noor, the President and Shell was represented by Puan Aishah. Concurrent with the launching of the exhibition, there was a presentation on 'Environmental Education - South Africa perspective', given by two professors from South Africa.

2009 - 60 Earth Hour Campaign

2009-03-28T20:55:00.005+08:00

Hi, everybody,

Right here, right now, since 8.30 pm (28 March 2009) my family and I are joining the WWF 60 Earth Hour campaign.

Our Earth, the one and only......

KEM KESEDARAN ALAM SEKITAR (KeKAS) SELANGOR 2009

2009-03-14T10:37:00.005+08:00

This activity, known as Kem Kesedaran Alam Sekitar (KeKAS) Negeri Selangor 2009 was the first activity on environmental awareness that conducted by Selangor Department of Environment for this year. Together with my officemate, En. Ahmad Salihin, we became as the facilitators. It had been held at Ulu Bernam Riverview Resort, on 6 to 8 Mac 2009. The location of the resort is just about 6 km from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), the university that produces teachers.

Among the activities conducted during the camp were tubing, blind trail, night walk, jungle trekking, orienteering, cryptogramme game, physical exercises etc.

The participants of this activity were 38 pupils from various primary schools in Sabak Bernam district.

2009 Partial Solar Eclipse

2009-01-27T13:00:00.004+08:00

(pic. source: http://malaysia.yahoo.com 27012009)

A 'partial solar eclipse' phenomenon had occured yesterday (26 January 2009). The natural phenomenan lasted for two an a half hours and became as the first solar eclipse for 2009 that can be viewed from Malaysia.

The solar eclipse happened when the moon passes between the sun and the earth and this causes the sunlight to be partially or wholly shut out. The solar eclipse was seen beginning at 4.34pm when the moon passed the fringe of the sun and this was the 'first contact' to begin the partial solar eclipse.

I was able to view the eclipse with my family from my adopted family house here in Gombak. The eclipse was the second that I managed to experience as the first one was back to 1989 (if I not mistaken) when I was cycling to a tuition class at Balik Pulau, my home town.

Workshop on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Teaching Aids and Module

2008-12-16T16:10:00.011+08:00

Malaysia International Year of the Reef (IYOR) 2008 officially closed

2008-12-13T20:06:00.009+08:00

Hi, we meet again. Just arrived from Malaysia Tourism Centre (MTC) [formerly known as MATIC], at Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur. I went there to attend the closing ceremony of Malaysia International Year of Coral Reef (IYOR) 2008 by the Deputy Minister, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, YB Senator Dato' Maznah Binti Mazlan. This Malaysia IYOR 2008 closing event was organized by Coral Malaysia, Department of Marine Park Malaysia and Malaysia Tourism Centre. YB Dato' Maznah also launched the upcoming campaign for 2009, with the theme is 'Say No to Plastics', in order to save the sea turtles from chocking with plastic bags.

After the closing ceremony, all the guests, together with YB Dato' Maznah than being brought to the 1st floor of MTC building to see the underwater photographs took during the CoRal Malaysia’s underwater photography competition, Terengganu Go Green – Seashutterbug 2008.

After that, there was a media/press conference and tea break. Then came the important agenda, a dialogue session between the guests and YB Dato' Maznah regarding the issues related to environment especially the coral reefs. Among the guests were the representative from MNS, Perbadanan Taman Negara Johor, WWF Malaysia, Virtual Malaysia, Zoo Negara, MIMA, Dorken Reef Resources and a well-known Malaysia artist, the rock group of WINGS. During the dialogue, I took the chance to highlight about the training programme, especially for the MNS state education coordinators ( as I am) whom have responsibility to educate young generations at school level through School Nature Clubs regarding the marine park/coral reef information. As I am also an officer at Curriculum Development Division, Ministry of Education Malaysia, I took the opportunity to inform the dialogue members that the environment issues is one of the important topics that CDD, MOE takes into consideration to be put in the curriculum.

Thanks to En. Nizam of Department of Marine Park Malaysia for inviting me to join this valuable event. To all my new friends from various agencies that attend the closing ceremony, nice to meet you all and please keep in touch.

To all readers, please remember this slogan: OUR Reef, OUR Heritage, OUR Responsibility

************************************************************************************

Notes:

Malaysia International Year of the Reef (IYOR) 2008 was organized in concurrent with IYOR 2008, a worldwide campaign by the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI). The ICRI International Year of the Reef 2008 is a campaign to raise awareness about the value and importance of coral reefs and threats to their sustainability, and to motivate people to take action to protect them.

Officially launched by Ministry Natural Resources and Environment Secretary General, Datuk Suboh Mohd Yassin on 23 February 2008, the IYOR 2008 Malaysia Chapter’s aims include strengthening awareness about the ecological, economic, social and cultural value of coral reef and its associated ecosystem. It also hopes to improve understanding of the critical threats faced by reefs and generating solutions to reduce them.

CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT DIVISION TEAM BUILDING - GOOOOOOOOOOO CATCHY!

2008-12-05T15:23:00.004+08:00

Team building is a process that develops cooperation and teamwork within a work unit. To constitute an effective team, its members must share a common goal, have respect for each other, and be motivated to use the strengths of each member to achieve their objectives. Nowadays, any agency (either government or corporate) philosophy stresses that each member of a team plays an integral part in the success of the agency. Realising the important of team building and good relationship among the officers, a team building session has been organized by the Curriculum Development Division, Ministry of Education to its professional officers held at Selesa Beach Resort, Port Dickson for 3 days two night, starting on 1 December to 3 December 2008. This event had been conducted by a team from Intelligence Synergy Sdn Bhd, based at Putrajaya.

The officers being divided to 18 small groups and for myself, I was selected to be with group 14 and the name for this group was CATCHY, acronym for Cemerlang, Agresif, Tegap, Cekal, Hebat, Yakin in Malay. Thanks for all my team members for giving me the opportunity to be as CATCHY group leader and I really appreciated your supports and commitments to make our group managed to do all the tasks given. Gooooooooooooooooooooo CATCHY. Remember CATCHY, Remember Sea Turtles, ok. I'll remember your support during the 'Penyu Menangis' performance. Thanks .......to all CATCHY members, En. Abd Rasid, En. Zamzatul Akmal Hisham, En. Kunaseelan, Pn. Amal Farid, Pn. Hanafiah, Cik Sandra, and Pn. Rohani, for your warm cooperation and relationship.

Perkhemahan Kelab Pencinta Alam Sekolah Rendah Peringkat Kebangsaan 2008

2008-11-20T20:16:00.009+08:00

An annual camp specially scheduled for the primary school Nature Clubs members from all over Malaysia had been conducted at Kem Rehlah, Pantai Bisikan Bayu, Semerak, Pasir Puteh, Kelantan by the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS).

Sponsored by CommunityLink, CIMB Group, this programme started on 31 October and ended on 2 November 2008. My wife joined the programme as Nature Club teacher advisor of the SBT Tuition Centre located at Paka, Dungun. During this programme, I gave a talk on 'Marine Ecosystem'. Beside that, I also acted as one of the facilitator. My x-students from Sekolah Kebangsaan Kuala Jengal, with guidance from En. Mohd Nor Azizi Kamaruddin, made a presentation on 'Sea turtles'. This was the first experience for them to present in front of other people outside their school. Thanks to Education Department, Malaysian Nature Society for giving them the opportunities to do so.

Among the activities conducted during the programme were ice breaking, jungle trekking on Bukit Peraksi (a place where the 'new moon' is observed in order to know the starting date of fasting month and Aid Fitr), mangrove exploring, nature games, nature craft, beach clean-up, astronomy and a visit to fish cracker factory.

Kem Kesedaran Alam Sekitar (KeKAS) Terengganu 2008

2008-11-20T18:56:00.014+08:00

This 3 days 2 nights nature camp had been organized by the Department of Environment Terengganu and the Terengganu Centre of Science and Creativity with the support of Terengganu State Government. I had been asked to run the programme and to do so, I received a full commitment from my colleague, En. Ahmad Salihin Bin Mat Saat and En. Muhammad Bin Ibrahim of the Curriculum Development Division, Ministry of Education Malaysia. My wife, Pn. Suzani Binti Hj. Husin also gave her hands to make the programme success. I also like to thanks Dr. Mohd Zaki Bin Mohd Said of the Terengganu Centre of Science and Creativity, together with his four officers, lead by En. Raduan Bin Sulong for their full support. Last but not least, thanks to the officers from Department of Environment Terengganu for the funding and certificates.

The programme took place at Kem Seri Bari, near Penarek, Setiu, Terengganu from 25 to 27 October 2008. The participants were from Setiu, Kuala Terengganu and one from Kuantan, making them 40 pax altogether. Almost 98% of them are 12 years old as this programme was conducted as a pasca UPSR examination programme.

The theme for this programme was related to marine environment, concurrent with the 2008 Year of Coral Reef and the Environment Week. Therefore, most of the topic discussed in this programme were about coral reefs, mangroves, sea grass bed and beach ecosystem. In addition to these topics, painted terrapin, river terrapin and sea turtles conservation, and the tropical rainforest ecosystem also being discussed.

The participants had been brought to visit mangrove forests at Kampung Mangkok, Gong Batu and Kampung Fikri. A mangrove seeds planting session also being done at Kampung Fikri mangrove area. Several other activities conducted during the programme were nature craft, nature hunt, physical exercises, presentations by the participants and BBQ. Another activity conducted during this programme was a presentation by a lecturer from University Darul Iman Malaysia on astronomy. However, due to bad weather, star observation activity by using a telescope had been cancelled and replaced by observing a fan!

The programme was officially closed by the officer from the Department of Environment Terengganu.

Langkawi geopark education trip

2008-10-30T15:01:00.002+08:00

Curriculum Development Division of Ministry of Education Malaysia through its Department of Science and Mathematics organised a field trip to Langkawi Geopark on 20 October till 24 October 2008. The main objective of this trip is to gather the information on Langkawi Geopark as part of the curriculum development work especially for science and mathematics subjects.

Ragam manusia di jalan raya

2008-10-06T15:56:00.003+08:00

Musim perayaan kembali lagi....kali ini Sambutan Hari Raya Aidil Fitri 1429H....walaupun telah memasuki hari ke-6 bulan Syawal, suasananya masih lagi terasa. Coretan ini walaubagaimanapun tidak akan membincangkan bagaimana perayaan ini disambut, tetapi tabiat, ragam dan tingkahlaku sebahagian warga Malaysia yang ditunjukkan di atas jalan raya semasa musim perayaan ini, berdasarkan apa yang dilihat semasa saya memandu untuk pulang ke kampung.

Raya tahun ini saya pulang ke kampung isteri di Felda Bukit Bading, Terengganu dan juga ke kampung saya di Teluk Kumbar, Pulau Pinang. Nampaknya kempen yang dijalankan oleh kerajaan berkaitan keselamatan di jalan raya tidak diambil peduli oleh sebahagian dari warga Malaysia. Masih terdapat pemandu-pemandu yang memotong barisan dan memotong kenderaan dari sebelah kiri (memasuki bahu jalan) semasa kesesakan jalan raya (10 km perjalanan, masa diambil hampir 1 jam setengah) di kawasan Tanah Merah, Kelantan hari raya ke-2; menunggang motosikal dengan tidak memakai topi keledar (perkara biasa di banyak tempat); memandu perlahan di lorong memotong (lorong paling kanan) di lebuh raya PLUS; membuang sampah dari kereta di atas jalan (nasib baik kulit buah-buahan, tapi ini bukanlah tabiat yang patut dicontohi); buang botol kaca minuman pemberi tenaga di atas lebuh raya PLUS (atas laluan paling kanan) di sekitar Bukit Berapit; membuat pusingan U (bukan di tempatnya) semasa kereta dari arah bertentangan (kereta sayalah tu) tidak jauh dari kenderaan tersebut (lepas buat pusingan U, pandu perlahan pulak, lepas tu belok kanan balik dengan jarak dari tempat buat pusingan U tersebut tak sampai pun 50 meter; nasib baik sempat brek, tension betullah, kes ini di Baling) dan pelbagai kesalahan lagi.

Beberapa kemalangan jalan raya juga dapat disaksikan di sepanjang perjalanan, antaranya kereta MPV import terbabas dan melanggar paip air di Sg Tong, Terengganu dan terus tersadai di tepi parit; beberapa kes kemalangan motosikal (mangsa masih di tepi jalan; nasib baik ada yang prihatin membantu, di jalan Baling-Kulim) .

Sebenarnya tabiat-tabiat ini boleh dihentikan sekiranya semua daripada kita mempunyai kesedaran, baik kesedaran tentang pentingnya menjaga keselamatan di jalan raya (untuk diri sendiri ataupun orang lain) mahupun tentang peri pentingnya menjaga alam sekitar. Sesungguhnya ianya bermula dari kesediaan untuk berubah, kerana ANDA MAMPU MENGUBAHNYA!!!

Honey Bee......Mini Asean..........MNS AGM Meeting

2008-08-29T16:29:00.003+08:00

Last weekend (24 August 2008) , I brought my family to 'visit' Malacca, not for a holiday but for a meeting at Seri Malaysia Hotel, Ayer Keroh. I had to attend the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) Annual General Meeting that I was one of the candidate for the MNS Council Member for 2008/2010. However, after the ballot process, I was not the selected one as there are only 6 seats and the candidates were 12. I took this opportunity to thanks to Prof. Madya Dr. Sulong of University Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) for proposed me as candidate, and for those who had voted me for that post, thanks a lot. I'll proceed with my volunteering work as MNS Education Coordinator as usual.

For my family members, thanks for your supports and patience while you were at the hotel. Hope our 'visit' to Malacca that day is not the first and last for you. I promise to bring you all again to visit the historical city of Malacca next time, yes, in a real visit.

Workshop for Teachers on Plant Tissue Culture Techniques

2008-08-27T12:02:00.009+08:00

A sweet memory at FRIM ..................

Curriculum Development Division officers with Dr. Kodi of FRIM & Ms Mahaletchumy of MABIC

Acacia hybrid planting session

Briefing on culture media by Dr. Kodi

The preparing of tissue culture media bottles

The Flame Beauty plant

At the GreenHouse

En. Aziz Saad, our Department Head is giving his speech

I am planting the Acacia hybrid plants

Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM), Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE) and Malaysian Biotechnology Information Centre (MABIC) organized a fruitful workshop for Biology and Science teachers within Klang Valley regarding the Plant Tissue Culture Techniques on 26 August 2008 at FRIM Auditorium, FRIM Tissue Culture Laboratory and FRIM Tissue Culture GreenHouse.

The workshop was officially opened by the Y.Bhg Dato' Timbalan Ketua Pengarah Penyelidikan FRIM. Together with the teachers were the officers from Science and Mathematics Department, Curriculum Development Division, Ministry of Education Malaysia, lead by En. Aziz Saad, the Department Head.

In this workshop, the participants were given a fruitful information on the topic of plant tissue culture by FRIM tissue culture expert, Dr. Kodi Isparan Kandasamy through his presentation entitled "Plant Tissue Culture and Its Application in Forest Biotechnology".

We then continue the workshop with practical sessions on tissue culture techniques that being held at tissue culture laboratory. We managed to learn and experience the tissue culture work with the help of several researchers and research assistants. We were given the opportunities to do the plant tissue culture work by using Flaming Beauty (Carphalea kirondron) and Acacia hybrid tissues. I got a special request from Dr. Nor Hasnida Hassan, a Senior Research Officer to do the tissue culture on Tongkat Ali / Long Jack (Eurycoma longifolia) and I do not know either my cultures are succesful or not. (I can't upload the photos while we were at the laboratory as taking photograph is prohibited here).

The final event for this hands-on activities was the replanting session of the provided tissue cultured Acacia hybrid plants at the tissue culture greenhouse. We managed to plant five young plants per person and we planted for about 150 young plants. Yes, we had support the 'planting tree campaign'. Dr. Kodi also gave a tissue cultured Wild Ginger plant (Zingiber malaysianum) for all participants as souvenir.

At the end of the workshop, the participants then received their attendance certificate after the official closing ceremony.

I take this opportunity to thanks Mr. Anandan of Curriculum Development Division, Dr. Kodi, Dr. Nor Hasnida and all tissue culture unit staf, Ms. Maha of MABIC, teachers and CDD officers for the fruitful event. Thank you....... and please remember this, "teacher is the forefront to dissiminate information".

ALAMI ALAMKU

2008-08-22T09:34:00.005+08:00

Alami Alamku .....begitulah tajuk sebuah buku modul program Kem Kesedaran Alam Sekitra (KeKAS) yang akan diterbitkan oleh Jabatan Alam Sekitar, Kementerian Sumber Asli dan Alam Sekitar Malaysia. Buku modul ini adalah di peringkat pengujian untuk segala aktiviti yang dicadangkan di dalam buku modul tersebut.

Untuk menjayakan pengujian itu, Jabatan Alam Sekitar Putrajaya telah menjalankan satu program Kem Kesedaran Alam Sekitar (KeKAS) 2008 bertempat di Unit Latihan Perhutanan, Institut Penyelidikan Perhutanan Malaysia (FRIM) di Kepong. Program ini bermula pada 19 Ogos 2008 dan berakhir pada 21 Ogos 2008 dengan melibatkan pelajar-pelajar dari SMK Presint 9 (1) Putrajaya dan pegawai-pegawai Jabatan Alam Sekitar dari beberapa negeri serta wakil FRIM.

Perjalanan program ini dikendalikan oleh fasilitator yang dilantik khas oleh pihak penganjur iaitu En. Harun Abu Bakar, En. Ahmad Salihin Mat Saat dan En. Hashimi Ismail (sayalah tu....). Kami telah menguji rintis beberapa aktiviti yang dicadangkan di dalam buku modul tersebut antaranya adalah berkaitan udara, air, tanah, 3R, kompos, permainan alam sekitar dan biodiversiti.

Terima kasih kepada semua peserta yang memberikan komitmen sepenuhnya semasa program ini dijalankan. Jutaan terima kasih ditintakan buat penganjur (Pn. Putri Shazlia dan rakan-rakan setugas dari Jabatan Alam Sekitar Putrajaya) serta untuk Yang Mulia Pn. Raja Aminah, KPP Jabatan Alam Sekitar di atas peluang yang diberikan untuk saya bersama-sama dalam program ini. Untuk En.Harun dan En. Ahmad Salihin, terima kasih di atas perkongsian ilmu yang kita usahakan.

Kem Briged Alam Sekitar

2008-08-04T15:25:00.011+08:00

A moment at the ecological site of Pulau Kukup

2008-07-31T16:42:00.007+08:00

On the 5 of July, I managed to visit one of Malaysia Ramsar Site, a 'Wetland of International Importance', the Kukup Island or Pulau Kukup located at Johore near Kukup. The visit was being organized by the Malaysian Nature Society as part of its 2008 School Nature Club's National Camp (3 - 6 July 2008) held at Tanjung Piai Resort, which located at the southern most tip of mainland Asia.

Pulau Kukup is one of the largest uninhabited mangrove islands in the world. It is measured for about 647 ha in size, and is surrounded by some 800 ha of mudflats. The island shelters an extraordinary array of wetland-associated plant and animal life. Pulau Kukup was previously acted as a remote hinterland but in 1990's, scientists began to focus on the island's rich biodiversity and its unique ecological characteristics. The result is Pulau Kukup then being declared as a national park in March 1997. It the granted with status as Ramsar Site by the Geneva-based Ramsar Convention Bureau. The Johor National Parks Corporation is the 'guard' of this extraordinary legacy.

There are varieties of mangrove flora on the island. Among them are the mangrove type of plants such as Bakau Kurap (Rhizophora mucronata) dan Bakau Minyak (Rhizophora apiculata), Berus (Bruguiera cylindrica), Perepat (Sonneratia sp.) and Tumu Merah (Bruguiera gymnorhyza).

To be continued ....

Kem Briged Alam Sekitar MBPJ

2008-07-30T12:18:00.011+08:00

Petaling Jaya City Council through its Environment Health Unit organized a camp namely 'Kem Briged Alam Sekitar (MBPJ Environment Brigade Camp') on 25 to 27 July 2008 at Kuala Woh Recreational Park, near Tapah. Kuala Woh Recreational Park presents a natural backdrop for fun-seekers to swim, picnic and fish. It is about 13km from Tapah town, along Jalan Tapah-Cameron Highlands. The main attraction in the park is the shallow water of the Batang Padang River. Visitors are particularly drawn to the hot water that flows between the cracks of the rock, various numbers of Rajah Brook Bird Wings Butterflies and a suspension bridge.

Conducted by a member of mine and myself, together with our three assistants, this programme being participated by 38 students ( 15 male and 23 female) and 4 teachers (1 male and 3 female) from SMK Damansara Damai and SMK Seksyen 10, Kota Damansara of Petaling Jaya. The participants being divided to 5 groups and they have to prepare their meals by themselves.

In this programme, my friend, En. Ahmad Salihin gave a talk on environment, forest ecosystem and environmental issues while I gave a talk on sea turtle conservation and marine ecosystem of Malaysia. Beside that, we also conducted several environmental games, night walk, jungle trekking, nature fashion show, blind trail and nature craft, just to name a few.

For jungle trekking session, we did it on 26 July and the path is at Bukit Tapah Permanent Forest Reserve (62984.84 ha). This forest reserve is a Hill Dipterocarp Forest that rich with varieties of plants species such as Meranti (Shorea sp.), Nyatoh (Ganua sp.), Keruing (Dipterocarpus sp.), Merbau (Intsia sp.) and palm type of plants like Bayas (Oncosperma horridum) , Langkap (Arenga westerhoutii), Kabong (Arenga pinnata), Pinang (Areca catechu; Pinanga malaiana) and Bertam (Eugeissona tristis).

Various herbal plants and fruit plants also being seen during the trekking such as Durian (Durio sp.), Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum), Pineapple (Ananas comosus), Manggis (Garcinia mangostana), Petai (Parkia speciosa), Cempedak (Artocarpus champeden) and Kundang (Bouea macrophylla). We also walked through rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis) area. There were also various kinds of mushrooms that can be seen here such as the Ganoderma sp.

As this area is being used by Orang Asli (Indigenious people), we managed to see a simple shelter made of palm leaves made by them. I then took the chance to rest for a while under the shelter.

Personal Profile

2008-07-29T15:57:00.014+08:00

Hashimi Bin Ismail
http://sayangialam.blogspot.com
ihashimi2257@yahoo.com NAUI Open Water SCUBA Diver

Assistant Director,
Science and Mathematics Section,
Curriculum Development Division,
Ministry of Education Malaysia.

FIELD OF EXPERTISE
Primary Science Education, Environmental Education, Marine Science

FORMAL EDUCATION

Qualification Year Institution

Diploma Education (Primary Science) 2004 MPKTBR, Malaysia

Bachelor of Science (Marine Science) 1993 -1997 UPM, Malaysia

Diploma of Fisheries 1992 UPM, Malaysia
- promoted to first degree for 1993 academic session

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

~ Pingat Am Pertahanan Awam (PAP) - 2007
~ UPMT Civil Defence Best Trainee - 1997
~ MPKTBR Overall Best 2004 KPLI Trainee - 2005
~ MPKTBR Best Practicum 2004 KPLI Trainee - 2005
~ MPKTBR Best Academic 2004 KPLI Trainee - 2005

WORKING EXPERIENCES

University Putra Malaysia Terengganu ~ 1997 - 2000

Research assistant / demonstrator

World Wife Fund for Nature Malaysia ~ 2000 – 2002

Scientific officer

Free Lance Researcher / Tutor ~ 2002 - 2003

Sekolah Kebangsaan Kuala Jengal, Dungun ~ 2005 – Mei 2008

Teacher

Curriculum Development Division ~ since June 2008

Assistant Director

TEACHING EXPERIENCES:

a. Subject taught:

(Tertiary level) – at UPM Terengganu

i. Marine Policy (Marine Park of Malaysia) ~ 1997-2000

(Primary level) – at SK Kuala Jengal, Terengganu & Tuition Centres
ii. Primary School Science ~ 2002-2008
iii. Primary School English Language ~ 2002 – 2008
iv. Primary School Mathematics ~ 2002 – 2007
v. Local Studies ~ 2006-2008
vi. Physical and Heath Education ~ 2005

(General) – University, State and National level
vii. Environmental Education ~ 1995 till now

(General) – Civil Defence Training Centre (PULAPA)

viii. International Law of Sea Navigation and Safety at Sea ~ 2000

SOCIAL AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

a) Presentation and talks on various topics (marine park, forest ecosystem, EE , sea turtles etc)

Kolej Agama Sultan Zainal Abidin ~ 1995

Equatorial Hotel, Malacca ~ 1998

Pulau Redang Marine Park ~ 1998

Kuala Selangor Nature Park ~ 2000

Fisheries Institute of Malaysia, Penang ~ 2000

Civil Defence Training Centre, Butterworth ~ 2000

Grand Continental Hotel, Terengganu ~ 2001

Bakau Tinggi Recreational Area, Terengganu ~ 2003, 2004

Pusat Kokurikulum JPN Terengganu ~ 2006, 2007, 2008

Sekolah Kebangsaan Seri Budiman 2, Terengganu ~ 2007

Sekolah Kebangsaan Seri Gelugor, Terengganu ~ 2007

Ma’Daerah Turtle Sanctuary, Terengganu ~ 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008

EcoCare Mangrove Site, Terengganu ~ 2007

Taman Negara Gunung Ledang ~ 2007

Rantau Abang Recreational Forest ~ 2007

Tanjung Piai Resort, Johor ~ 2008

Kuala Woh Recreation Forest, Perak ~ 2008

b) Community Services:

 Civil Defence Force (JPA 3)
~ 1996 – now ( Sub-Leautenant)
 Malaysian Nature Society Education Coordinator
~ 2005 – now
 Ma’Daerah Community Heritage Education Unit Head
(Green Turtle Conservation project)
~ 2005 – 2008
 Environmental Education Master Trainer, Kadet Remaja Sekolah, Dungun
~ 2005-2008

LATEST PUBLICATIONS:

Hashimi, I. 2006. Sea turtle awareness. Era Hijau, Jabatan Alam Sekitar. Bil 3 / 2006. Putrajaya

Hashimi, I. 2008. Dataran rumput laut dan hidupannya. Buletin Tapir, Persatuan Pencinta Alam Malaysia, Jun 2008. Kuala Lumpur

Hashimi, I. 2008. Karbon dioksida. Era Hijau, Jabatan Alam Sekitar. Bil 2 / 2008. Putrajaya

Teaching Environmental Education across the Science Curriculum

2008-07-15T11:02:00.007+08:00

Integrated Curriculum for Primary School

The Integrated Curriculum for Primary School, which well-known as KBSR (Kurikulum Bersepadu Sekolah Rendah) was introduced in 1993. The main thrust of KBSR is the concept of integration. Among the elements integrated across the curriculum are basic skills, knowledge and values; language; environmental education; science and technology; patriotism; thinking skills; and study skills.

I shall discuss about an aspect of integration namely Teaching Environmental Education across the Science Curriculum. I’ll start with discussing about the Teaching Environmental Education across the Curriculum follows by the Primary School Science Curriculum for Level Two. The environmental education parts in the science curriculum also will be discussed.

Teaching Environmental Education across the Curriculum

Environment is defined as denoting the surroundings or external conditions with which an individual (person or other living organism) or community interacts while natural environments include the earth's physical features, flora and fauna.

To disseminate the knowledge on environmental issue, one method is through environmental education. This kind of education is started back in 1972, as the result of the Human Ecology Conference held in Stockholm. The conference had discussed and produced an action plan to upgraded the environment quality. The 1975 International Conference on Environmental Education held in Belgrade and the Government Heads Conference in 1997 at Tbilisi, USSR also support this kind of education. It was also being discussed during the 1991 UNESCO Environmental Education Training Seminar held in Malta and during the 1992 World Earth Summit at Rio de Janeiro under the Agenda 21, Chapter 36.

As for Malaysia, environmental education has been made an element to be integrated across the curriculum because it is apparent in all subjects taught in schools. The teaching-learning strategy for education across the curriculum emphasizes the following learning stages:

• Awareness = arouse students’ awareness of environmental status, issues and problems.

• Knowledge = expose students to basic knowledge and concepts as well as help them understand the relationship between various environmental components.

• Attitudes = inculcate social attitudes and values so as to live in harmony with the environment.

• Skills = enhance students’ problem-solving and decision making skills on environmental issues.

• Involvement = encourage a responsible attitude towards the environment through activities involving students.

The Primary School Science Curriculum for Level Two

Science education aims to produce human beings who are experienced, skilful and morally sound in order to form a society with a culture of science and technology, and which is compassionate, dynamic and progressive so that people are more responsible towards the environment and are amazed at the creation of the nature.

The objectives of science as a subject are achieved by giving pupils a chance to:

 develop thinking skills so as to enhance the intellectual ability

 develop scientific skills and attitude through inquiry

 enhance natural interest in their surroundings

 gain knowledge and understanding of scientific facts and concepts to assist them in understanding themselves and the environment

 solve problems and make decisions responsibly

 handle the latest contribution and innovation in science and technology

 practice noble values and scientific attitudes in daily life

 appreciate the contribution of science and technology towards the comfort of life

 appreciate arrangement and order in nature

Concurrent with this aim and objectives, the Primary School Science Curriculum for Level Two was developed and introduced in 1994 based on the integrated approach. The curriculum emphasises the following aspects:

• learning by experience and relevant to the everyday life of the pupil

• inquiry approach

• research and problem solving

• development of scientific skills and thinking skills

• application of scientific principles

• inculcation of intrinsic values of science and noble values

to be continued......

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For more details on environmental education and science, please surf these websites:

1) http://assets.wwf.org.my/downloads/eeasa_paper.pdf

2) http://www.ciroap.org/ce/doc/CE_Chelliah.doc

My article in MNS Tapir Bulletin (June 2008)

2008-07-09T16:41:00.001+08:00

(Seagrass of Merambong Shoals - (38 ha of seagrass bed) that lies between Johor and Singapore near the Second Link at Johor Straits)

Hi, see you again. Below is my article that being published in 2008 second issue of Tapir Bulletin (June 08), a Malaysian Nature Society bulletin for its School Nature Club members. The article is about seagrass bed and its living things. In this article, I had discussed about seagrass, seahorses and dugong.

The article is as follows:-

ref: Hashimi. I. (2008). Dataran rumput laut dan hidupannya.Buletin Tapir 2 : Jun 08 Malaysian Nature Society, Kuala Lumpur.

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Ditulis oleh: Hashimi Bin Ismail
Bac. Sc. (Sains Samudera), Dip. Ed.
(Koordinator Pendidikan MNS Negeri Terengganu)

DATARAN RUMPUT LAUT DAN HIDUPANNYA

Malaysia dikurniakan dengan kekayaan persekitaran marin yang sangat pelbagai. Perairan marin tropika Malaysia yang terdiri daripada Laut China Selatan, Selat Melaka, Laut Sulu dan Laut Sulawesi adalah merupakan habitat kepada pelbagai ekosistem. Terumbu karang, hutan paya bakau, dataran rumput laut, muara, dataran lumpur, pulau-pulau luar pantai dan laut luas adalah contoh-contoh ekosistem tersebut. Perairan laut ini menjadi habitat untuk pelbagai organisma marin yang terancam seperti penyu agar, penyu karah, dugong, ikan yu paus dan kuda laut. Penulisan ini akan membincangkan tentang dataran rumput laut serta dua spesies haiwan marin terancam iaitu dugong dan kuda laut.

EKOSISTEM RUMPUT LAUT

Malaysia yang terletak di kawasan tropika telah dianugerahkan dengan pelbagai ekosistem. Oleh itu, tidak hairanlah Malaysia merupakan antara 12 buah negara megadiversiti di dunia. Salah satu ekosistem tersebut ialah ekosistem rumput laut. Rumput laut merupakan satu-satunya tumbuhan angiosperma (tumbuhan berbunga) yang tumbuh di dalam air masin. Rumput laut beradaptasi untuk hidup di kawasan yang dipengaruhi oleh persekitaran fizikal, kimia dan biologi perairan persisir pantai. Tumbuhan ini mempunyai bunga, buah dan bijinya yang tersendiri dan biasanya tumbuh di kawasan dataran berlumpur dikenali sebagai dataran rumput laut. Dataran rumput laut merujuk kepada kawasan marin air masin atau kawasan berair payau yang ditumbuhi oleh hanya sejenis rumput laut atau campuran pelbagai spesies rumput laut.

Pengkelasan
Dianggarkan terdapat lebih kurang 67 spesies rumput laut di seluruh dunia dan tidak kurang 16 spesies daripadanya boleh didapati di Malaysia. Ia tergolong dalam famili Hydrocharitaceae, Cymodoceaceae dan Potamogetonaceae. Di antara spesies rumput laut yang terdapat di Malaysia ialah Enhalus acoroides, Halophila spinulosa, Halophila ovalis, Thalassia hemprochii, Cymodocea serrulata dan Halophila beccarii.

(A seagrass fruit at Merambong Shoals)

Ekologi
Tumbuhan marin yang unik ini dikenali dengan daunnya yang panjang, bulat bujur atau halus dan selalunya berwarna hijau. Disebabkan oleh rumput laut mesti menjalankan proses fotosintesis, mereka hanya terhad di kawasan zon fotik iaitu kawasan laut yang cetek yang dapat menerima cahaya matahari. Pendebungaan dan kitaran hidup rumput laut berlaku sepenuhnya di dalam air. Kebiasaannya, substrat di mana rumput laut tumbuh adalah sama ada kawasan berpasir atau berselut lumpur. Rumput laut ini berperanan mengubah aliran air dan membantu mengurangkan kesan pencemaran nutrien dan sedimentasi manakala akar dan rizomnya menstabilkan sedimen dasar laut. Pemerangkapan dan penstabilan sedimen dasar seterusnya menyebabkan air laut di kawasan dataran rumput laut menjadi jernih. Ini akan meningkatkan kadar kemasukan cahaya matahari, menyebabkan proses fotosintesis meningkat lalu meninggikan kadar produktiviti di kawasan tersebut.

(Sea Lettuce, Sea Cucumber and Sea Fan of Merambong Shoals)

Dataran rumput laut merupakan satu ekosistem berkepelbagaian biologi yang tinggi. Ia berfungsi sebagai kawasan perlindungan dan menjadi habitat kepada pelbagai haiwan marin di samping menjadi punca kepada rantai makanan terutamanya untuk dugong, ikan, ketam dan landak laut.(A Ball Sea Cucumber of Merambong Shoals)

Secara ringkasnya, rumput laut membekalkan zon persisir pantai dengan peranannya sebagai kawasan perikanan, melindungi daripada kuasa ombak, penghasil oksigen dan menghalang berlakunya hakisan pantai.

(A Noble valute of Merambong Shoals)

Ancaman

Rumput laut adalah terdedah kepada banyak ancaman, sama ada yang bersifat semulajadi atau antropogenik. Aliran nutrien dan sedimen daripada aktiviti manusia di daratan memberi impak kepada rumput laut di seluruh dunia. Pemendakan nutrien dan sedimen secara berlebihan akan menyebabkan berlakunya kekurangan cahaya matahari yang sampai ke dasar kawasan persisir pantai.

Ancaman secara terus kepada rumput laut adalah daripada aktiviti bot, tebus guna tanah, pembinaan di kawasan persisir, pengorekan tanah dasar dan perlaksanaan aktiviti menangkap ikan yang merosakkan. Pemanasan global juga memberi impak kepada rumput laut hasil daripada kenaikan aras laut dan ribut yang kerap berlaku.

Pemuliharaan

Ekosistem rumput laut adalah penting untuk pelbagai sebab sama ada ekologi atau ekonomi. Sehubungan dengan itu, adalah wajar kawasan ini dipulihara. Dataran rumput laut adalah sensitif kepada sebarang perubahan pada corak pengangkutan sedimen. Oleh itu, perancangan untuk membangunkan kawasan pesisir pantai yang boleh memberi impak kepada ekosistem rumput laut patut diperhalusi sebaik-baiknya. Ini kerana dataran rumput laut dan fauna yang ada di persekitarannya adalah sensitif kepada bahan pencemaran tertentu, terutamanya racun rumpai, sisa buangan industri, dan sisa kumbahan.

Akhirnya, kawasan dataran rumput laut yang luas sepatutnya dijadikan taman negeri atau taman negara bagi memastikan pemuliharaan jangka panjang bagi rumput laut dapat dijalankan.

KUDA LAUT
Kuda laut adalah sejenis ikan dari genus Hippocampus. Terdapat lebih kurang 34 spesies kuda laut yang ditemui di perairan pesisir dan kawasan terumbu karang di lautan tropika dan subtropika di seluruh dunia terutamanya kawasan berkedalaman di antara 0.5 hingga 30 meter.

Kuda laut adalah spesies yang unik kerana kuda laut jantan mengandungkan anak. Apabila matang, kuda laut jantan akan menghasilkan kantung di bahagian bawah perutnya. Pembiakan berlaku apabila kuda laut betina memasukkan ovipositor (organ pembiakan betina) dan melepaskan telurnya ke dalam kantung kuda laut jantan. Kuda laut jantan kemudiannya mensenyawakan telur-telur tersebut dan terlekat pada dinding kantung. Cecair plasenta pada kantung mengeluarkan sisa buangan dan membekalkan oksigen dan nutrien kepada telur. Semasa proses ‘mengandung’ ini, cecair plasenta adalah hampir sama dengan air masin di persekitaran. Ini menghalang anak-anak kuda laut daripada mengalami kejutan semasa ‘dilahirkan’. Selepas 20 hingga 28 hari kuda jantan mengandung, anak kuda laut akan dilahirkan pada waktu malam terutamanya semasa bulan penuh dan dikeluarkan daripada kantung kuda laut jantan. Anak-anak kuda laut ini bebas sepenuhnya dan tidak bergantung kepada induk mereka sewaktu membesar. Pada awal pembesaran, anak-anak kuda laut ini adalah bersifat pelagik atau melekatkan diri pada sebarang objek terapung dengan ekor mereka. Kuda-kuda laut ini akan membesar dengan saiz badan bergantung kepada jenis spesiesnya dengan panjang dari mulut ke ekornya di antara 13.3mm sehingga 35cm. Kuda laut boleh mencapai umur sehingga 4 tahun.

(A Pipefish of Merambong Shoals)

Kuda laut mempunyai sirip dorsal yang yang terletak di bahagian bawah badan dan sirip pektoral yang terletak di belakang kepala berdekatan dengan insang. Mereka mempunyai sepasang mata yang boleh digerakkan sekeliling untuk memerhatikan musuh dan makanan mereka tanpa perlu menggerakkan badan. Kuda laut mempunyai bahagian mulut yang digunakan untuk menyedut mangsanya yang terdiri daripada krustasea kecil. Makanan yang disedut ini terus dimasukkan ke dalam saluran makanan kerana kuda laut tidak mempunyai gigi. Sirip kuda laut adalah kecil untuk memudahkan mereka bergerak di celah-celah tumbuhan marin yang tebal, contohnya rumput laut. Kuda laut mempunyai ekor yang panjang, dengan hujungnya boleh dibengkokkan melingkungi sebarang sokongan seperti rumput laut untuk mencegahnya daripada dihanyutkan arus.

(A pregnant male sea horse of Merambong Shoals)

(Female sea horse of Merambong Shoals)

Ancaman

Kuda laut tidak mempunyai banyak musuh semulajadi kerana mereka berjaya ‘menyamar’ dengan suasana persekitaran. Walaubagaimanapun, aktiviti manusia memberi kesan kepada kuda laut. Populasi kuda laut telah mengalami pelbagai ancaman terutamanya kehilangan habitat dan penangkapan yang tidak mapan. Rumput laut yang menjadi habitat semulajadi kuda laut kini turut terancam akibat sedimentasi berlebihan, pencemaran terma (haba) dan kimia.
Kuda laut banyak digunakan dalam perubatan tradisional China. Dianggarkan sehingga 20 juta ekor kuda laut telah ditangkap setiap tahun untuk tujuan ini. Selain itu, mereka juga didagangkan sebagai haiwan akuarium. Kuda laut juga kadangkala secara tidak sengaja tertangkap di dalam pukat tunda nelayan.

Pemuliharaan

Keperluan utama bagi sebarang usaha pemuliharaan kuda laut adalah keperluan kepada penyelidikan berterusan. Bagi memastikan pemuliharaan spesies kuda laut ini, sifat biologinya, ekologinya, habitatnya dan populasinya serta ancaman wajar diberi perhatian.
Pada bulan November 2002, semua kuda laut telah disenaraikan di dalam ‘Apendiks II Konvensyen bagi Perdagangan Antarabangsa Species Terancam (CITES)’ Ini bermakna sebarang perdagangan kuda laut mestilah diaturkan secara mapan untuk memastikan kemandirian spesies kuda laut ini. Selain itu, organisasi pemuliharaan kuda laut melalui ‘Project Seahorse” telah ditubuhkan pada tahun 1994 sebagai tindakbalas kepada tekanan yang dihadapi oleh semua kuda laut di dunia. Bagi Malaysia, usaha pemuliharaan kuda laut pada masa ini telah diusahakan oleh saintis Universiti Malaysia Terengganu melalui projek ‘Save our Seahorses’.

Contoh Pengkelasan Taksonomi Kuda Laut
Kingdom: Animalia
Filum: Chordata
Subfilum: Vertebrata
Kelas: Actinopterygii
Order: Syngnathiformes
Famili: Syngnathidae
Genus: Hippocampus
Spesies: Hippocampus kuda

DUGONG

(Dugong mencari makanan di dasar laut - http://www.greenpeace.org)

Dugong (Dugong dugon) adalah mamalia marin yang menghabiskan seluruh hidupnya di laut. Ia tersebar luas di Lautan Hindi dan Lautan Pasifik. Kadangkala dugong ditemui di kawasan perairan yang terlindung dari ombak dan arus yang kuat. Walaupun kajian mengenai Dugong banyak dijalankan di Australia, Dugong juga dijumpai di kawasan tenggara pantai Afrika, Madagaskar, Semenanjung Arab, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Papua-New Guinea, Filipina dan Jepun.

(Dugong - http://www.animals.nationalgeographic.com)

Dugong hidup sebagai haiwan yang memakan rumput laut. Panjang dugong dianggarkan sehingga 3 meter dan beratnya boleh mencapai sehingga 900 kg. Dugong berenang di kawasan berdekatan permukaan perairan dan sesekali menyelam pada dasar perairan. Pola renang dugong adalah unik dengan pergerakan yang lambat dengan menggerakkan ekornya ke atas dan ke bawah dan sesekali muncul pada permukaan perairan untuk mengambil udara. Dugong mempunyai rerambut yang tumbuh di sekitar mulut yang membantunya dalam usaha mencari makanan.

Dugong umumnya berhijrah pada tempat-tempat tertentu untuk mencari makan dan tersebar di kawasan-kawasan tropika dunia. Penyebaran dugong ini umumnya sangat bergantung kepada kawasan perairan yang mempunyai sumber makanannya yang berupa pelbagai jenis rumput laut seperti Halodule sp., Halophila sp. dan Syringodium sp. daripada famili Potomogetonaceae and Hydrocharitaceae. Terdapat juga laporan yang menyatakan bahawa Dugong kadang-kala memakan alga dan ketam sebagaimana yang telah dijumpai di dalam beberapa perut Dugong.

Proses pembiakan dugong berlaku sepenuhnya di laut. Dugong mempunyai tempoh mengandung selama 13 bulan manakala jarak di antara satu kelahiran dengan satu kelahiran yang lain adalah di antara 3 hingga 7 tahun. Dugong akan sentiasa berenang dengan anaknya bagi memastikan keselamatan daripada ancaman bahaya. Dugong menjaga dan menyusukan anaknya sehingga umur 2 tahun. Dugong mencapai ukuran dewasa setelah berumur 9 tahun dan mampu hidup sehingga umur 20 tahun. Walaubagaimanapun, terdapat laporan yang menyatakan Dugong dapat hidup sehingga 70 tahun.

Ancaman

Dugong adalah diancam dengan kehilangan habitat dan lain-lain kesan persekitaran. Mereka diburu untuk daging, minyak, kulit, tulang dan gigi yang digunakan untuk membuat bahan ukiran menjadi gading palsu dan arang untuk industri gula. Terdapat juga masyarakat Asia yang menjadikan hasilan Dugong untuk tujuan perubatan.

Pemuliharaan

Dugong disenaraikan sebagai haiwan sangat terancam di dalam IUCN, sebuah badan dunia yang memulihara alam sekitar manakala di bawah CITES, ianya diletakkan pada Apendik I kecuali di Australia yang diletakkan pada Apendik II. Bagi Malaysia, Dugong dilindungi di bawah Akta Perikanan.

Contoh Pengkelasan Taksonomi Dugong
Kingdom: Animalia
Filum: Chordata
Subfilum: Vertebrata
Kelas: Mammalia
Order: Sirenia
Famili: Dugongidae
Subfamili: Dugonginae
Genus: Dugong
Spesies: Dugong dugon MÜller, 1776

Rujukan:

1. Ong, J.E. and W.K. Gong. (eds.), 2001. The encyclopedia of Malaysia: The Seas. Archipelago Press.
2. Benjamin, L. 2006. Not a whisper as they go the seahorses of Johor. Malaysian Naturalist 60-2, pg 42-45
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seahorse
4. http://www.dkp-banten.go.id/news/?p=37
5. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dugong
6. http://www.sirenian.org/dugong.html
7. http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Dugong_dugon.html.
8. http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/enlarge/dugong_image.html
9.http://oceans.greenpeace.org/en/photo-audio-video/photos/dugong-feeding-at-the-seabed

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Note: For more details on Malaysia seagrass distribution, please surf this website:

http://www.dmpm.nre.gov.my/form/seagrass_distribution_in_msia.pdf

Mushrooms of Malaysia

2008-06-24T14:55:00.000+08:00

Hi, we meet again. This time I'll like to write about mushrooms. There are various kind of mushrooms, and they are either edible or poisonous. People who study mushrooms are called mycologist and the field of studying mushrooms is called mycology. Those who love mushrooms are called mycophiles while those who eat mushrooms are known as mycophagists.

What is a mushroom?

Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of certain fungi—the equivalent of the apple, not of the tree. Fungi, including those which produce mushrooms, are not plants; they are related to molds, mildews, rusts, smuts, and yeasts, and are classified in the Fungi Kingdom.

MUSHROOM: a structure, produced by a fungus, that is large enough to be visible to the naked eye and has as its primary function the production of sexual reproductive spores.

Fungi Kingdom

The Kingdom Fungi includes some of the most important organisms, with ecological and economic roles. They continue the cycle of nutrients through ecosystems by breaking down dead organic material. This process is known as decomposition and they are known as decomposers. In addition, most vascular plants could not grow without the symbiotic fungi, or mycorrhizae, that inhabit their roots and supply essential nutrients. Other fungi provide numerous drugs (such as penicillin and other antibiotics), foods like mushrooms, truffles and morels, and the bubbles in bread and alcohol drinks.

Fungi also cause a number of plant and animal diseases: in humans, ringworm, athlete's foot, and several more serious diseases are caused by fungi. Because fungi are more chemically and genetically similar to animals than other organisms, this makes fungal diseases very difficult to treat. Plant diseases caused by fungi include rusts, smuts, and leaf, root, and stem rots, and may cause severe damage to crops. However, a number of fungi, in particular the yeasts, are important "model organisms" for studying problems in genetics and molecular biology.

Photos of mushrooms

I have several photos of mushrooms from several places in Malaysia that being taken various during my outdoor activities.

Mushrooms of Tanjung Tuan Forest Reserve (16 March 2008)

to be continued....

Updates on the Odonata .....

2008-06-05T09:55:00.000+08:00

Several days ago, I received an email from an expert of dragonfly, Rory Dow who response to my question that being asked to Linda Averill of World Dragonfly Association (WDA).The email is about the identification of the dragonfly that I discussed before (please refer to the previous topic on Odonata)

Below is the message by Rory;

" Dear Hashimi Ismail,

Linda Averill of the WDA forwarded me your email and photograph for identification. Your photos show a female of a species of Tetracanthagyna (Riverhawker). It is almost certainly Tetracanthagyna plagiata, one of the largest dragonflies in the world. It is a member of the family Aeshnidae and breeds in forest streams. Many members of the Aeshnidae found in tropical Asia fly at dusk and even into the night and it is not uncommon to find them in buildings, but Tetracanthagyna are found in this way less often than some genera.

Do you have any other photographs of the dragonfly, in particular do you have a side view?

Best wishes,

Rory "

Thanks to Rory and Linda for the info. After referring to several websites by using the keywords Tetracanthagyna plagiata, I found that the dragonfly that I observed before has taxonomy as below:

Order:ODONATA
Sub-Order: ANISOPTERA
Super-Family: AESHNOIDEA
Family: AESHNIDAE
Genus :Tetracanthagyna
Species : Tetracanthagyna plagiata (Waterhouse, 1877)

Found in Asia: Brunei Darussalam, Borneo, China, Indonesia, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand

For all readers information, the fact is that my school is located between two rivers, the Sungai Dungun (sungai = river; Dungun = a species of mangrove plant, Heritiera littoralis)that flows in front of the school, and the Sungai Jengai that flows behind the sungai. Another fact is the village where my school is located in quite far from the sea (almost 65 km) and rich with tropical rain-forest (unlucky there are a lot of logging activities here). May be that is why the Tetracanthagyna dragonflies could be found here.

A moment that took me back to 1980's

2008-05-31T23:14:00.000+08:00

Several fishing boats at Teluk Kumbar, a fishing village that well known with its 'prawn noodles'

I'm at my hometown, Penang, right now. Just arrived from Terengganu yesterday afternoon. Felt happy to see my children shook hands and kissed their grandparents. The tradition of respect the olders is still goes on, thanks God.

Yesterday evening, my father, a fisherman, told me that there were a lot of people at the beach trying their luck to search for the seashells. I then went to the beach with my brother and took several photos. When I was at the beach, I recalled back what I had done there years ago, around 1980's and early 1990'a (before I continue my study at University Putra Malaysia 1n 1992. Yes, I did the same with what the people did at the beach, searching for 'kepah', 'gayam', 'remis', 'barai', 'lala', 'kerang' and several others seashells. I still remember the tools that being used in order to find the seashells in the sand - broken woks, rakes, sievers, hoes or coconut shells.

Some of the seashells that being caught by a lady (the palm is mine,).

The other memory then comes again. When I was in the University, as a Diploma of Fisheries student, I had to take the 'Fundamental Biology' paper, and part of the syllibus of this paper was about living fossils. I'm shocked to see that two of the living fossils could be found here, at the beach where I am standing. What are they? They are 'belangkas' or horseshore crabs, the arthropoda and the 'barai' which we here taught it is a kind of seashells but actually not. It is actually fall under class Lingulata (Phylum Brachiopoda). I asked the lady about the 'barai' either they still could be found now, she said that she can't found it since years ago. Are the 'barai' extinct already? Hope this living fossil is still there.

I'll discuss a little bit about the animals mentioned above below.

'Barai' = Lingula sp.
Lingula is a genus of brachiopods within the class Lingulata. Lingula is among the few brachiopods surviving today but also known from fossils over 50 million years old.

Lingula sp. (Barai) - source:einstein.freeblog.hu/ page/2/)

Scientific classification
Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Brachiopoda
Class : Lingulata
Order : Lingulida
Family : Lingulidae
Genus : Lingula

Species : L. adamsi
L. anatina
L. dregeri
L. eocenica
L. parva
L. reevii
L. rostrum
L. tenuis
L. translucida
L. tumidula
L. waikatoensis

Belangkas = Horseshoe crab

Despite its name, it is more closely related to spiders, ticks, and scorpions than to crabs.

Scientific classification
Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Arthropoda
Subphylum : Chelicerata
Class : Merostomata
Order : Xiphosura
Family : Limulidae
Genus : Limulus
Species : L. polyphemus

Binomial name
Limulus polyphemus
Linnaeus, 1758

2008 MNS State Education Coordinators Meeting and Workshop

2008-05-21T19:10:00.000+08:00

The author with a Rafflesia flower.

Last January, I went to My Gopeng Resort, near Gopeng, in the state of Perak, to attend the annual meeting of the State Education Coordinators organized by Malaysian Nature Society. This meeting was being conducted with the co-operation by the Ministry of Education Malaysia. The participants for this 3 days 2 night meeting were MNS officers, MNS State Education Coordinators (all are full time school teachers) and State Co-Curricular Center officers from various states. The meeting had been held at My Gopeng Resort and Kampung Ulu Geroh from 25 to 27 January, 2008.

The agendas for this meeting were presentation of reports regarding 2007 School Nature Clubs programmes by the MNS HQ and the coordinators; the discussion about the programmes need to be done this year; activities with Semai community (indegenious people), and environmental education workshop.

Report presentation by the author.

We were being brought by several guides to visit the Raflesia flowers at Bukit Pacat (Leech's Hill) area. We were very lucky to see several Rafflesia's buds and two bloomed Raflesia flowers. On the way to the Raflesia's site, which took about one hour jungle trekking and hill hiking, we were given some information by the guides (one of them was Ngah, a friendly guide for my group) regarding the flora and fauna of the area. On the way back to the Semai's village at Ulu Geroh, we stopped for a while at the Rajah Brooke Birdwing Butterflies area.

At the village,we were given the chances to try the 'blow pipe'(the hunting weapon) and the target were several balloons. The community then served us with several traditional food such as fern shoots, smoked fish, tapioca crackers etc. The Semai community members also taught us about their traditional games and their spiritual dance.

The author is trying to use the blow pipe.

The author with an MNS officer (with head scaft) and Semai kids.

On the third day of the meeting, all the coordinators then gave a short briefing about the programmes that being planned for this year.

After a short closing ceremony, we left the meeting and workshop with lot of memories.

Loepa megacore of SK Kuala Jengal

2008-05-20T00:10:00.000+08:00

Yesterday afternoon, a student of mine told me that he saw a big butterfly attaching itself to a palm tree beside the school's hall. I then went to the site and told the boy that the creature is actually a moth.

The moth that being found yesterday.

I think this is a Loepa megacore moth, which the taxonomy of the moth is as follow:

Kingdom: Animalia - Linnaeus, 1758 - animals
Phylum: Arthropoda - Latreille, 1829 - arthropods
Class: Insecta - Insects
Order: Lepidoptera - Butterflies, Moths
Family: Bombycoidea
Genus: Loepa
Specific name: megacore Jordan 1911
Scientific name: Loepa megacore Jordan 1911

another taxonomy that I found in the internet for this moth is as follow:

Family: Saturniidae
Sub-family: Saturniinae
Name: Loepa megacore Jordan, 1911

and may be this is the complete one:

Kingdom: Animalia - Linnaeus, 1758 - animals
Phylum: Arthropoda - Latreille, 1829 - arthropods
Class: Insecta - Insects
Order: Lepidoptera - Butterflies, Moths
Superfamily: Bombycoidea Latreille, 1802
Family: Saturniidae Boisduval, [1837] 1834
Subfamily: Saturniinae Boisduval, [1837] 1834
Tribe: Saturniini Boisduval, [1837] 1834
Genus: Loepa Moore, 1859
Scientific name: Loepa megacore Jordan, 1911

Members of the genus Loepa:

There are approximately 25 species and subspecies in this genus: L. anthera · L. damartis · L. diversiocellata · L. dogninia · L. formosensis · L. formosibia · L. javanica · L. katinka · L. kuangtungensis · L. megacore · L. mindanaensis · L. minhassae · L. miranda · L. oberthuri · L. obscuromarginata · L. sakaei · L. septentrionalis · L. sikkimensis · L. sikkma · L. sivalensis · L. sivalica · L. taipeishanis · L. vandenberghi · L. wlingana · L. yunnana

19 May 2008, 9.09 am

Sweet memory at Tanjung Tuan....a place for migratory raptors

2008-05-19T16:15:00.000+08:00

Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) with the co-operation of Ministry Of Education Malaysia, organized the 2008 Eastern Zone School Nature Clubs Camp on 14 to 16 March. This camp was for the Kelab Pencinta Alam members from Terengganu, Kelantan and Pahang. It was being held at Ilham Resort, Tanjung Tuan, Port Dickson in concurrent with 2008 Raptor Watch Week. The Eagle Ranch Resort, Port Dickson was chose to be the lodging for the participants.

The author at Eagle Ranch Resort

With Maya Karin the actress, Y.Bhg Dato Hashim, MNS Vice President and two KPA teacher advisors from Terengganu.

With a young python

With 'Ms. Siti', the Green Turtle Ambassador of a private college.

A student of mine is holding a flower crab, (Portunus pelagicus)that being caught during the marine fauna sampling activities.

While setting up the telescope for the astronomy session.

Odonata .....the mosquito eater?

2008-05-13T23:35:00.001+08:00

This morning, around 8.50 a.m (13 May 2008), when I was in the library, a friend of mine told me that there was a big dragonfly fluttering and then attached itself to the wall of the school's office. Without wasting time, I took my camera and run towards the insect. Yapp, it's really a big dragonfly, an insect under the Order Odonata.

My pupils then helped me to catch the creature and they managed to do so after several minutes. I measured the length of the abdomen, wings, legs and its compound eyes. The weight of the dragonfly also being taken. The descriptions of this insect are as follows:

number of wings : 2 pairs
length of abdomen : 6.5 mm
length of right fore wing : 8.5 cm (same to left fore wing)
length of right hind wing : 8.0 cm (same to left hind wing)
length of leg : 2.0 cm
weight : 5 g
special feature : wings with brown spot

I can't identify the scientific name or local name of the dragonfly. Does it fall under the family of Libellulidae? Is this a skimmer dragonfly?

Note:
Dragonflies are insects that fall under the order Odonata. These conspicuous and brightly coloured insects have long, slender abdomen and known as aerial
predators, hunting by sight.

* For those who wants to know more about dragonfly, please surf
http://ecoevo.uvigo.es/WDA/Beginners_Guide.htm

13 May 2008

Student Facilitators Training at Ma'Daerah Turtle Sanctuary

2008-05-11T13:35:00.000+08:00

The last two days (8 and 9 May) were spent at the Pusat Santuari Penyu Ma'Daerah, Kerteh. Acted as the coordinator for the students training session regarding the sea turtle conservation at the sanctuary, I got about 4 secondary school students from SMK Paka and 8 primary school pupils from SK Kuala Jengal to be trained as Student Facilitators. This programme had been scheduled for them because they had been selected as Turtle Ambassadors for two National Level School Nature Club (Kelab Pencinta Alam) Annual Camp. The first will be held at Tanjung Piai Resort and Taman Negara Tanjung Piai, Johore (located at the most southern tip of mainland Asia) in July while the second will be held at Taman Negara Kuala Koh, Kelantan in October/November. The Tanjung Piai programme is for secondary school Kelab Pencinta Alam members while the Kuala Koh programme is for primary school Kelab Pencinta Alam members.

Back to the training programme, it had been organised by the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), and being co-organised by the Department of Fisheries and Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Paka. Together with the student facilitators were another 30 SMK Paka students that acted as the 'participants for the facilitators'. On behalf MNS, I'll like to thanks the sanctuary staffs, my volunteers and teachers that contributed their time and energy for this programme. To Pn Zahani of SMK Paka, En. Mohd Nor Azizi and En. Amer Salihin of SK Kuala Jengal, Pn Suzani of SBT Tuition Centre (Paka) and En. Azri of Ecocare, thanks for your support. To Education Department of MNS especially Ms. Evelyn, thanks for all efforts that being done to make the training a reality one.

Several activities had been done during the programme such as ice-breaking, group identification activities, simple physical exercise activities, talks on sea turtle conservation and marine ecosystems, sea turtle monitoring activities, nature crafts and BBQ. The participants also being introduced to simple sand and air temperature monitoring activities. Beside that, the facilitators also being brought to the beach for night patrolling session (12 a.m to 3 a.m) and we walked along the 1.7 km beach. Unlucky, there were no turtles came to lay their eggs that night. However, the facilitators being given the chanches to measure the distance of a green turtle nest (that laid its eggs on the 7 of May) from the high tide water level and from the low tide water level.

The training programme than being continued with beach clean-up and nature crafts activities. The participants had shown their creativities through the 'shells collage' and 'rubbish fashion show' activities. The programme than being closed at 11.30 am with full of memories to be remembered by the participants (I hope so) and one of the memories is the 'chicken dance'.

I also managed to collect several signatures for the UMT's Turtle Research and Rehabilitation Group (formerly known as SEATRU of KUSTEM) campaign on 'I pledge not to eat sea turtles and terrapins eggs for the rest of my life'. Thanks to Prof Chan Eng Heng, the sea turtle expert of UMT for giving me the chances to collect the signatures on behalf of her and her group.

I am hoping that through this programme, the participants will dissiminate the knowledge they gained regarding the sea turtles to other people. Hope the sea turtles will have better future.

To all mothers around the world, Happy Mother's Day.

Program Penghayatan Taman Laut Malaysia Zon Timur Siri 1 2008

2008-04-27T23:00:00.000+08:00

Program Penghayatan Taman Laut Malaysia 2008

‘Program Penghayatan Taman Laut’ is a programme established in the year 2006 to promote conservation of the marine park ecosystem through joint responsibility for sustaining mutual benefits derived from such efforts. The activities prepared in this programme seeks to attract the participants’ cooperation and their willingness-to-learn more about the valuable but vulnerable marine ecosystem. The programme had been divided into 3 zones, the Northern Zone (Pulau Payar Marine Park), the Southern Zone (Pulau Tioman Marine Park) and the Eastern Zone (Pulau Redang Marine Park).

As a continuation to the previous years outreach and awareness raising activities, the ‘Program Penghayatan Taman Laut Zon Timur Siri 1 2008’ was being held at Pusat Kokurikulum Negeri Terengganu Cawangan Pulau Redang from 20 to 23 April 2008. The programme was participated by 100 students from various secondary schools around Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Kelantan and Terengganu. Together with them were 10 teachers and more than 22 trainers and co-curricular centre officers from those states.

This programme was co-organized by the Ministry of Education (MoE) through the Terengganu and Selangor State Departments of Education and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment through its Department of Marine Park (Pulau Redang Marine Park Unit). There were also several organizations that involved in this programme such as the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), Sea Turtle and Terrapin Rehabilitation Group of University Malaysia Terengganu and Sekolah Kebangsaan Pulau Redang.

The programme aimed to enhance awareness of the importance of marine ecosystem and its flora and fauna conservation amongst the form 4 students as well as the teachers themselves. This year programme also created a history by the launching of the programme theme song entitled ‘Laut Kita’, composed by Mr. Legacy and lyrics by En. Asmadi Abdullah and Puan Hayati Othman.

With guidance from Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) Terengganu State Education Coordinator and four trainers cum speakers, and with the help of well-trained trainers and teachers, the programme combined talks on the history and purpose of the marine park; the unique Pulau Redang ecosystems which consist of mangrove forest, coral reef, land and hill ecosystem, flora and fauna as well as outdoor games and other hands-on activities that aimed to deepen the participants’ understanding of the characteristics and functions of the park ecosystems, issues of development and challenges to the marine ecosystem conservation.

The outdoor activities included water confident activity, jungle trekking, mangrove forest exploring, mangrove replanting, snorkeling, and sea turtle sanctuary site visit. For some activities, the students were divided into 10 groups to work together to do the task given to them from the first day till the end of the programme. Such activities were group identity flag and song creation, rubbish and dead leaves and twigs fashion show (these item had been collected during the jungle trekking), mangrove species identification, mangrove replanting, coral identification and coral fish identification.

This 4 days three nights programme had been officially closed by the Selangor Director of the Department of Education, YBhg Datin Hamidah Binti Nordin.

The biggest moth is here..........

2008-04-02T14:27:00.000+08:00

An Atlas moth (the biggest moth of the world), or Attacus atlas, had been sighted at my school compound on 30 March 2008 around 1.40 pm.

I was very amazed to see such creature, that has wings like snake-head shape (no wonder it is sometime called as snake-head moth). Without any delay, I took my digital camera and the result was several photos of this insect.

I then surfed the internet to gain the information about the moth. Below are short briefing about it:-

    - The Atlas moth (Attacus atlas) is a large saturniid moth found in the tropical and subtropical        forests of Southeast Asia, southern China, common across the Malay archipelago, Thailand to        Indonesia.
    - Atlas moths are considered to be the largest moths in the world in terms of total wing surface        area (upwards of c. 400 square cm or 65 square inches).
    - Their wingspans are also amongst the largest, from 25-30 cm (10-12 inches).
    - Atlas moths are said to be named after either the Titan of Greek mythology, or their map-        like wing patterns.

Hashimi, I. (2008). Attacus atlas of Sekolah Kebangsaan Kuala Jengal. 30 March 1.40 p.m.

Conserve the sea turtles.....my commitment

2008-03-27T14:16:00.000+08:00

Hashimi, I. (2006). Sea turtle awareness. Era Hijau - ke arah generasi lestari Vol. 3. 2006, pg 14-15.

Terbitan Jabatan Alam Sekitar Malaysia.

SEA TURTLE AWARENESS

Concurrent with "2006: the International Year of Sea Turtles" and to enhance KPA teachers and members awareness of an endangered marine species of the world, the Education Coordinator of MNS Terengganu (ECoT) held a series of sea turtle awareness programmes between July to September 2006 at Ma'Daerah Turtle Sanctuary Centre, Kerteh, Kemaman, Terengganu.

The Ma' Daerah Turtle Sanctuary Centre in Rantau Abang near Dungun*, is managed by the Turtle and Marine Ecosystem Centre (Tumec)**, Department of Fisheries Malaysia. It is located at Ma' Daerah, a 1.7 km sandy beach which serves as a nesting site for the green turtles (Chelonia mydas / Penyu Agar). This species is one of the four species of sea turtles that roam in Malaysian waters. The other species are:

> Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea / Penyu Belimbing)
> Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata / Penyu Karah@Sisik)
> Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea / Penyu Lipas)

ECot has taken the initiative to educate school children especially MNS School Nature Club members or more popularly known as Kelab Pencinta Alam (KPA), through a series of programmes known as "Sea Turtle and Marine Ecosystem Camp". Each programme consists of several sessions; ice-breaking, environmental and sea turtle related games, talks and discussion, hands-on or practical session and a colouring session. The programmes are conducted over two days and a night (Wednesday to Thursday or From Thursday to Friday). The main talk and discussion session is conducted by TUMEC officers or by the ECot himself, who is also the Head of Education and Public Awareness Bureau under the Persatuan Khazanah Rakyat Ma' Daerah (MEKAR), a community-based sea turtles conservation society within the Paka-Kerteh-Kemasek area.

These educational outreach programmes focus on the impact of human activities on the green turtles's nesting behaviour as well as the turtles' struggle for survival in the wild. The impacts of a declining population of green turtles, as well as relevant historical background about Ma' Daerah Turtle Sanctuary Centre were highlighted.

Most importantly, the focus is on how the participants, as environmentalists and concerned citizens of Malaysia,

can assist the green and other sea turtles to survive in this area.

The THREATS to the green turtles of Ma'Daerah water:

~ by catch from illegal use of prohibited 'pukat pari', a special drift net used to catch the stingrays at Paka- Kerteh- Kemasek water.

~ Human interference and illegal egg collecting at the Paka-Kerteh_kemasek nesting grounds.

~ Coastal development and beach lighting, especially from the nearby petrochemical industrial zone, are disturbing the green turtles. (However, as Bukit Labohan is located between Ma' Daerah and the industrial zone, the Ma' Daerah nesting beach is being protected from bright light).

This year, 50 KPA teachers and 120 KPA members from secondary and upper primary schools from Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu joined the programmes.

It is hoped that as the school children become more aware of their role in green turtle conservation,

we will be able to more effectively protect and conserve them within Malaysian waters. We do not want to frighten these magnificent animals from returning to our shores. As for the teachers, we hope that they impart the knowledge to further educate the future generations about the importance of conserving the green sea turtles.

Source : Hashimi Ismail Email: sbt_paka@yahoo.com

Note: * Rantau Abang near Dungun ~ should be written as Kampung Labohan near Kerteh.

** The sanctuary now is under the management of State Fisheries Department.