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Activities Report 1999 July Newsletter
MNS HQ Secretariat news 
Dear Sirs/Madam,
  1. MNS Financial Position
    The cashflow position of the Society is worrisome. This is due to the current economic downturn which remains uncertain and expected income which did not materialise on time. Whilst it is not at
    crisis level, it is important that immediate actions are taken.
    The Management Committee in an additional meeting on 30th March 1999 has decided to defer all major expenses which have not yet been expended until the cashflow situation improves. Only essential maintenance and critical operational items are being expended. The austerity measures will be reviewed continuously and hopefully can be relaxed as soon as the situation improves.
    On a more positive note, a number of encouraging developments are emerging which will
    hopefully help improve the Society’s financial standing. 
  2. Earth Day 22/4/99
    The Secretariat issued a press release on Earth Day on the unsustainable rate of growth in almost all aspects, not the least of which is population growth. Urban centres in particular are growing at an unsustainable level. In the Klang Valley, for example, the population growth is an astonishing 5% due to rural-urban migration. Redistribution of growth away from major urban centres, moderating population growth and better resource matching in locating industries are some of the measures which need to be implemented urgently.
    MNS also collaborated with the Body Shop in a “seeds programme” beginning on Earth Day to promote recycling through refilling or returning packaging. The proceeds from the sale of the seeds will go towards MNS for nature education and conservation. Other events include an Earth Day Camp for children at Kampung Endah organised by the Education Department.
  3. CD-ROM on Endau-Rompin
    MNS is collaborating with MTDC Technology Media to produce CD-ROM’s on Malaysia’s nature sanctuaries, the first of which is the CD-ROM on Endau-Rompin. MNS will provide subject matter expertise for the CD-ROM which will hopefully reach out to more people on the need for public participation to conserve the natural wonders we have been blessed with. MTDC Technology Media may donate part of the proceeds of the sale of the CD-ROM to MNS for conservation.
  4. Rhythm of the Rainforest
    The millennium event “Rhythm of the Rainforest” was launched by the Minister of Culture, Arts and Tourism YB Dato’ Sri Sabbaruddin Chik on 16 April 1999. The event is jointly organised by One Earth, TropBio and MNS, with the former as principal organiser. There is an ambitious target for fundraising and if the optimism becomes reality, the nett proceeds will go towards MNS for rainforest conservation.
  5. World Environment Day 5 June 1999
    The Secretariat, together with the Selangor Branch, will be organising a celebration of World Environment Day on 5 June 1999 at the Secretariat premises in Jalan Kelantan. The tentative programme is: 
    1. Nature Walks 
    2. Celebrity Appearances 
    3. Carnival Stalls
    4. Banner Message Painting
    5. Talks on selected topics
    6. Video Presentation 
    Plans are still being finalised for collaboration with a number of corporate sponsors.
  6. The Secretariat serves to implement the wishes of the membership through the Committees it services. It is sad that there is still very much a HQ and Branches divide. There is only one Malaysian Nature Society and for better or for worse we are in the Society together. The Society can only be as active as the members want it to be and we must all play our part, recognising though that there will always be a diversity of views. 
  7. Revised Secretariat Opening Hours
    Based on feedback/response from the trial weekend opening, after two months, the revised weekend opening hours effective 8 May 1999 are: 
    Saturday           10.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. 
    Sunday              Closed
    The Secretariat will open on Sundays for special events such as the recent Selangor Branch Open Day which was very successful. This will be notified separately. The opening hours from Monday - Friday remain at 9.00 a.m. - 5.30 p.m. 
May Postings
  1. Haze
    There has been renewed attention and focus on the haze, with the expected onset of dry weather. The Science and Conservation Unit at the Secretariat is monitoring developments and playing its part in highlighting actions which need to be taken in a timely manner. To obtain information on the haze you can visit the following sites of the Department of Environment and the Meteorological Service of Singapore – http://www.jas.sains.my/doe/api.html for updated API readings and http://www.gov.sg/metsin/hazed.html #Sumatra for a map of hotspots and haze cover. 
  2. MNS 60th Anniversary
    MNS will be celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2000. The Secretariat is already embarking on preparations for this commemorative year. A number of ideas have already been put forward and a couple adopted. We welcome any ideas and suggestions from members on what you would like to see for MNS in this 60th year. Please send generous doses of your ideas freely to the Secretariat. We are also trying to determine the month that MNS was born. So if you can shed any light on this, please contact the Secretariat.
  3. Tapir Range of Souvenirs
    The Secretariat will be soft launching a range of TAPIR souvenirs/merchandize as part of our efforts to profile and publicize the Society more effectively. A naming contest for the baby Tapir born recently in Zoo Negara is being held through the KPA’s. The initial range of Tapir merchandize will include leech socks, mugs, pens, hats, pouch bags, T-shirts (both round and collared), umbrellas and car screen shades. This range will be expanded with demand. 
  4. BCST and Haribon Cross Visit
    Two representatives from the Bird Conservation Society of Thailand and the Haribon Foundation of the Philippines visited MNS from 22 – 27 May 1999. This is part of a cross-visits programme organised by BirdLife International. These visits serve to facilitate exchange of experience and information as well as strengthen the Conservation agenda on a regional/transnational basis. 
  5. 52nd AGM
    The 52nd AGM will be held on Sunday 29th August 1999 in Kuala Lipis, Pahang. An exciting programme is being worked out which will include an optional post meeting trip to Rimba Kenong/Merapoh Caves on 30th August 1999, so please keep these dates free.
    After a trial 2 months period and based on the feedback from the visitors, we have revised the Secretariat weekend opening hours in order to be more effective. The revised opening hours are Monday – Friday (except public holidays) 9.00 a.m. – 5.30 p.m., Saturday 10.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. and Sunday close.
    As we approach the end of the millennium, it is erstwhile to reflect on the way ahead for Nature Conservation in general and for the Society in particular. In this regard we will be launching our MNS 2000 strategic plan in our 60th year. It is a challenge for all of us to spread the conservation message to secure a broader base of support for Nature. In this regard it is gratifying to note that council members have committed to recruit at least 10 new members each. Let us also play our part TOGETHER FOR NATURE. 
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Created on 30th June 1999