Hi Everybody,
It is that time of year again where one has to take stock and ponder
over certain issues and changes in the MNS scene and to realise the opportunities
and threats that present us with the turn of events. In the last few weeks
a number of important events that took place has placed the MNS on a new
footing and we will certainly see it making new inroads to carve a stronger
role in the nature conservation and appreciation game. A new strategic
plan for the new millennium has been deliberated and put up for endorsement
by Council. Together with the Secretariat we will need a strong commitment
and leadership to achieve our stated mission.
The just concluded general elections
has shown that changes are inevitable and what was previously thought impossible
is now within a hair breadth of achievement. Strong demands may be made
to further open up our forests and change forever the natural landscape
which we hope to conserve for our children and generations to come. Perak
has a new Mentri Besar who is well-known as an approachable person. I hope
he can be approached to have a dialogue on the state of nature conservation
(and development) in Perak soon. The last MB promised to gazzette Belum
forest into a state park and that the new MB shares his view. It has also
been reported that the state government has offered to DANCED for funding
projects in the Belum area, the Matang forests and Malim Nawar. However
DANCED’s policy is to fund only two projects maximum in any one state.
Regardless of whatever the outcome, it is my fervent hope that the contracts
would be offered to the MNS as in the case of Endau-Rompin.
A piece of good news. IUCN has allocated
US$10,000 to the MNS to fund research on the conservation of Rafflesia
in Gopeng, Perak. The Secretariat has written to IUCN to widen the scope
of the funding. This is certainly a good sign for MNS Perak as such research
will not only benefit the branch with the experience and knowledge gained
but will also allow financial benefits to trickle into the branch if we
play our game right.
On December 4, I went with a few members to
recce a part of the Bernam River near Hutan Melintang to see the fireflies
reported by a fish farmer to be as great as the Kg. Kuantan fireflies colony.
What we saw was not as spectacular as in Kg. Kuantan because most of the
berembang trees had been cut and the strong lights disturbed the fireflies
congregating. Nevertheless I feel it has great eco-tourism potential and
based on reports by Teluk Intan members the Perak Government will be requested
to help fund research. In view of the serious damage the proposed dam on
the Selangor River might cause to the fireflies colony in Kg. Kuantan,
the Perak fireflies certainly merit serious conservation efforts although
their flashing may not be synchronous.
In the last two weeks 2 pieces of news
saddened me. The first was that the new MB might consider widening the
road up Bukit Larut to allow cars to go up. I feel he has not been properly
advised as the fragile and unique bio-system certainly cannot allow for
such a project. The second concerns the passing away of a great friend
and former MNS committee member, Ang Chin Heng.
Last night we entered the year 2000
without the expected disastrous glitches. This shows that good planning
and thorough trouble-shooting is important to avoid disastrous results.
The 24 members who climbed up Kledang Hill were rewarded with a beautiful
view of Ipoh after a slight drizzle gave us a scare that the worst may
come. The MNS officially believes the new Millennium begins on 1 January
2001 so we can expect another round of celebration next year.
Cheaw Hon Ming
1 January 2000