Hi Everybody,
The Branch Building Fund is steadily moving up with the support of members who share the same vision of a base for the branch which will lead it to greater achievements in the future. I would like to specially thank Mr. Phon Kah Keng who sent us US$200 (RM760.00) all the way from New York, USA. His generous donation gave a big boost to our fund. Other fund-raising activities will be announced later and I hope all members will actively participate in helping the branch to raise the much-needed funds. The constitution does not provide for a special committee or trustee to oversee the fund so the branch committee has a collective duty of care to ensure that the funds are put to their intended use.
While efforts will be directed towards fund-raising all members and the public in general should be involved actively in monitoring the well-being of our natural heritage in Perak. Lumut and the coastal areas nearby are facing the unrelentless onslaught of development. Recently the nightmare of water shortages in Kuala Lumpur came to haunt residents of some parts of Ipoh as the taps ran dry for a few days when heavy rains in the Pos Slim-Kinta Heights-Cameron Highlands road area washed down loose earth into the catchment area and silted up the water intake in Tanjong Rambutan, turning the once clear water into teh tarik-colour streams. Please inform the branch committee and write to the press to highlight these issues and help control the pace and effects of unbridled (and sometimes illegal) development. Photographic images of such destruction should be taken and sent to the relevant authorities for action. Video and digital imaging are becoming more and more affordable these days and most of us own at least a simple camera that can take reasonably good photographs for such purposes. If all of us are more concerned for Mother Nature we would not have to suffer inconveniences when we are deprived of such basic necessities which in turn affect our daily lives. Remember the powers that be do listen if a sufficient number of people write in to protest or complain about the effects of such activities. The Tanjung Tuan episode is one such case where public opinion do count.
The branch will continue to organise educational and wholesome activities for members and the public which will be in tandem with the society's mission and objectives. However there is a lack of trip leaders and co-ordinators to help organise and lead members to new destinations. This has somewhat restricted the number and variety of activities of the branch. Hence I appeal to all members to come forward at least once to lead or organise activities for the branch.
We need contributions from members for our newsletter too as we would like to constantly improve on the quality of its content. Share with the editor and members your ideas, views and news on Nature. With the Internet and present-day computer hardware, writing and sending any information is a breeze. The only limiting factor is ourselves.
The branch has been requested to hold a Branch Get-together for early next year. Members will then be called upon to volunteer to help out and meet with other branch members. Originally scheduled for the end of this year it has been postponed till next year. The branch also hopes to get some funds to purchase multimedia computer hardware and software which will further help to enhance the capability and image of the branch.
Cheaw Hon Ming
1 November 1998