The last year of the second millenium has just begun. While we can consider that we have won some sort of victory in that the Perak State Government had stated that no logging will be permitted in the Belum Forest Reserve and MNS's request to set up a Nature Park in Malim Nawar has not been rejected in principle, our work burden will increase in the future. Indeed while the pressure on our beloved natural heritage has abated on some fronts the demand for more land to be degazetted and alienated for development to help jumpstart the economy will certainly be given a higher priority than a few nature lovers. Hence we must increase membership to increase our voice. Yes numbers do count in this country or else ours is just a voice in the wilderness. I appeal to all members to help get at least a member each and publicise our Society and its activities by writing about our experiences to the press or the Branch editorial committee.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Chan Ah Lak and his wife Sharon, who have been prolific writers in our newsletter and to the press which had led to greater publicity for our branch. His article on the 6-mile Tunnel has attracted many enquiries and support for our branch. If this is reinforced with more of such contributions the Branch and MNS as a whole will enjoy greater support through such publicity. Then there will be greater hope that our "natural play-grounds" will continue to remain untouched for posterity.
Disturbing news has reached us that a dam across the Sungai Selangor has been proposed � it will have far-reaching effects on the natural environment, the lives of the Orang Asli near Kuala Kubu Baru, the lives of the Kuala Kubu Baru town folk, the livelihood of those who depend on the Sungai Selangor and the ecosystem of Kuala Selangor (including Kg. Kuantan which is now world famous for the nightly firefly display). The report on forest clearing and illegal collection of rare orchids in Cameron Highlands further add to our anxiety that the depletion of our natural heritage is a real threat. We have to sensitise the authorities that the country has not degraded to such a level as to merit such large-scale destruction and sacrifices of our natural resources and that there is money to be made from conserving our natural heritage although returns may be small and slow.
Dr. Low Hin Yang, our new CEO, has rightly said that the MNS home in Jalan Kelantan should not be called the MNS Headquarters but instead to refer to it as the MNS Secretariat. A lot of work is being done to make MNS a quality force both to the general public and the Government. Much can be done by the Secretariat if we the members are sensitive to the needs of Nature around us and bring it to the attention of the Secretariat so that appropriate action can be taken.
It has come to my attention that many members have not renewed their membership. I have telephoned them personally to remind them and has generally found that the members are still keen to support the MNS except that it had slipped their minds due to their busy schedules. An easy way to pay is to send your payments by cheques or pay directly into the MNS Maybank and Hongkong Bank accounts (see Announcements) and send a photostat copy of the receipt to the Secretariat.. Those with e-mail can just simply send a message to inform the Secretariat regarding the day of payment and keep the receipt for reference later. Please help us to give you continuous service and support the effort to appreciate and conserve our fast diminishing natural resources.
Striving for National Development In Harmony with Nature.
Cheaw Hon Ming
10 February 1999
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Created on 12th March 1999.