The MNS's AGM was hosted by the Penang Branch over the Merdeka weekend and was a showcase of all the activities where the branches and HQ are involved. The President, Dato Salleh Mohd Nor, highlighted the many achievements of HQ and bran-ches in his report. The growth of Nature Clubs in schools (KPAs) to 152 despite a staff-ing of only three and a very tight budget is a major achievement, and new partner-ships in Sabah and Sarawak will mean that schools in East Malaysia will now be included.
      Two representatives from the clubs made a excellent presentation after the AGM, highlighting their experience in the UK at the Millennium International Children's Conference. The Branches were urged to make better use of MNS facilities, be they at Kuala Selangor, the Boh Estate in Cameron or the new Endau Rompin NERC in our branch planning, so you can expect more trips to all these destinations in forthcoming newsletters.
      Reports from the Committees for Management Fund-raising, Publications, Conservation, Education Kuala Selangor Nature Park, the Bird Conservation Council, NERC Endau Rompin, Tree Planting any Branch Liaison, were followed by each individual branch report and the accounts. It was a long agenda; with few opportunities to raise other issues, although the many trips and meals provided by the Penna. organizers provided opportunities to disco-s informally other issues.
      The Tree Planting Group is a major co-ordinator of the big event on 15th October, at which the Prime Minister will launch an attempt at a record tree a planting marathon: 100,000 trees in a minute. I would much prefer to see a sustained policy driven h exercise rather than a one day wonder, but I suppose one should hope that the generated publicity will f create awareness of a problem to be solved as well e as making the record books.
      One issue that was noted at the national AGM is h the government's intention to build a huge waste a incinerator for the Klang Valley. There are indications that high levels of dioxin will be an discharged and is cause for concern. HQ will be looking further into the issue. Once again, I feel the “quick fix” mentality is not the best solution here, far better to force consumers and generators of waste to take more responsibility. Obligatory sorting and recycling needs to supplement any high-tech solution, and better public awareness of the consequences of our manic consumerism.
Reprinted from Angela Hijjas’ Notes in Selangor Branch’s newslewtter.