My Experience at Sepang EIC
Transcription
My Experience at Sepang EIC
Www.mns.my May 2015 My Experience at Sepang EIC by Melanie Bon I recently joined MNS and my first outing as MNS member with the Flora group was organized by Koon Hup on the 21st and 22nd of March. It was a great pleasure as I spent 2 days at the Environmental Interpretive Centre (EIC) in Sepang helping establish a garden. On Saturday morning, after looking around at the facilities in the education centre, we took a short walk where we were introduced to the mangroves and the amazing adaptability of these trees. Then, we picked up some tools and started weeding the garden area. One team built a trail from donated tiles and completed it reusing pieces of concrete and tarmac; while another one planted some medicinal and ornamental plants. After our lunch break at Sg. Pelek, we stopped on the way back to enjoy some freshly squeezed dragon fruit juice and purchase some fruits from a local farm. In the afternoon, we continued with the trail construction, the planting and preparing labels for the plants. Our Garden walkways, finished at last. At night, the hard work was rewarded by a delicious BBQ prepared by Chef Derek and his helpers. The night walk event following dinner was a bit limited due to the condition of the mangroves trail but we learned some more about the mangrove trees and even spotted a frog in one of them. Next morning, we had a good breakfast and did some more planting while other members helped with the cleaning and packing. We were blessed by a heavy rain that watered all the plants and had our lunch on the EIC balcony looking out at the mangroves. It was great to see how fast work can be done by a team of motivated people of every age. I hope that the donators will continue their contribution to the garden so that other projects of the next stage can be implemented which include a spring and a small wall around the garden. This way, school students and other visitors can enjoy learning about medicinal and ornamental plants and also rest by being seated in the garden while enjoying the area. Lovely yellow and green Dragon Fruit flower buds Our garden walkway completed at last. Lovely yellow and green Dragon Fruit flower buds Volunteers hard at work Beautiful Syzygium grandis (Jambu Laut) in full bloom. . Volunteers hard at work The lovely volunteers that helped out at the Garden VOLUNTEERING WITHOUT LEAVING YOUR HOME By Wong Ee Lynn ([email protected]) The Green Living and Eco Kids team often receives queries from big-hearted people who wish to volunteer for worthy causes but are unable to commit to a regular volunteering schedule. Some of these people are elderly folk, some are busy parents, some live very far from town and some just do not have the time, resources or means of travelling in order to volunteer at a particular place on a regular basis. A great many of these queries come from children who want to be able to do something to help people, animals or the environment. If you are a young person with no income, no driving license and a busy school schedule, here are some suggestions as to how you can still volunteer without leaving your home. 1. SET UP A COLLECTION CENTRE FOR E-WASTE AND RECYCLABLES: As you know, there are collection bins for light bulbs, used batteries, old phones and broken electrical appliances outside the front door of the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) headquarters in Jalan Kelantan. There are also recycling bins to collect paper, glass, plastic and metal waste at the MNS office as well as in other locations. 2. CLOTHES AND TOILETRIES FOR THE POOR: People often inquire about where they can send old clothes for donation or recycling. Many recycling centres collect old clothes to sell in developing countries, especially in Africa. The money goes to the charities that collect the clothes here in Malaysia. A better option would be to donate the clothes directly to the groups and people that need them the most. Your job is to set up a Used Clothes Collection Centre in the same fashion as the recycling and e-waste collection centre described above. Launder and dry any clothes that do not seem particularly clean, or that smell musty. Sort the clothes into Men's, Womén's and Children's clothes. Set aside anything torn, worn out or badly stained. Groups such as Need To Feed The Need (NFN) (https://www.facebook.com/ftnbenefit) will accept all clothes for the homeless and urban poor. Groups such as Reach Out Malaysia (https://www.facebook.com/ReachOutMalaysia) and Kechara Soup Kitchen (www.kechara.com/soup-kitchen/) need mostly men's clothes for the homeless in Kuala Lumpur, which comprises mostly men. Refugee organisations and refugee schools will usually also accept clothes for women and children, so please give them a call to see if they will take your donation. You can also request your friends and family to bring you unused travel -sized bottles of shampoo and soap from their hotel stays, and once you have enough, you can hand them over to these organisations to distribute to the homeless, who will find these small toiletry items easier to take with them than regular-sized toiletries. This is a good way of putting these toiletries to use, rather than let them clutter up your cabinets. Some of these recycling collection centres also collect reusable items such as books, clothes and toys, for charity. If there are no recycling bins near your home or in your school, ask your parents' permission to set up a small area to collect and store recyclables in your home. It can be a series of boxes, bins or sturdy bags hung on a hook. Once your parents have consented to collecting and transporting these items for you, you can inform your friends, neighbours, classmates and relatives about your recycling centre, and encourage them to pass their recyclables to you. You can make flyers and posters to inform others of what they can or cannot hand over for recycling, or you can announce it via social media and phone. 3. TOYS FOR SHELTER ANIMALS: What can you do with the torn, worn out and stained clothing described above? You can make toys for shelter animals using the said items. Toys help animals feel more relaxed and less stressed out. Playing games keeps animals alert, active and happy. Cut the old clothes into thick strips and braid them into tug toys. If you don't know how to braid, ask your mother, sister or friend to show you how. Tie the rag braids at both ends tightly so that it would not come undone easily. You can also make a cloth ball by knotting strips of cloth repeatedly until it forms a tight ball. Or you can make a rug for baby animals and nursing mama cats and dogs by laying several braided tug toys together and then stitching them all into a rug. Make as many tug toys, cloth balls and pet rugs as you can. When you do get the opportunity to visit the nearest animal shelter, hand them your contributions. This project will keep old clothes out of landfills and also create inexpensive, waste-free toys for shelter animals. Your job is to keep the recyclables organised and clean. Wash or rinse out all cans and bottles. Keep used batteries in a dry, clean jar in a dark, cool place to reduce the risk of leakage and corrosion. Sort items into their correct categories. Once your bags or boxes are full or whenever you or your parents are passing through areas where the recycling and collection bins are located, drop these items off and bring home your empty bags and boxes to be filled up all over again. This way, you prevent a lot of waste from ending up in landfills, and you reduce the need for others to drive. It's a win-win situation for all. 4. START A SEEDLING FARM FOR A COMMUNITY GARDEN: Some of the community gardens and edible gardens in the Klang Valley include the Free Tree Society of Kuala Lumpur (http://www.freetreesociety.org/), the TTDI Edible Garden (http://kgi.org/ttdi-edibleproject) and Eats Shoots and Roots (http://eatsshootsandroots.org/). Some gardens may not have their own websites and Facebook pages but are managed by residents' associations next to community centres and playgrounds and can be found in neighbourhoods all over the country. Contact the volunteers managing the gardens and offer to grow plants for them to replant or give away. This is rather like being a foster parent to plants. Young plants often get eaten by insects, snails or other pests, so you can help these gardens by growing and caring for plants until they are big or strong enough to be transplanted into the ground. Collect used paper cups, juice cartons and other containers that you can use as planting pots. Poke little holes in the bottom of the cups and cartons for drainage so that your plant's roots will not be waterlogged. Fill around 1/3 of the cartons and cups with gravel or pebbles for drainage. Fill the rest of it with potting soil. Collect the seeds from the fruits and vegetables that you eat. Leave a ripe tomato or chilli on the kitchen counter to dry out for the seeds. You can also collect carrot tops, sweet potato stalks and mint stems for planting. Plant these into your planters and water your plants in moderation. Your successful plants can be donated to these community gardens. 5. BE A POSTCARD PAL : Request nicely for unused postcards from relatives and friends who travel or collect free postcards. Sign up for YellowHouseKL's e-volunteering programme at http:// yellowhousekl.com/e-volunteer/. Fill in the postcards and mail them to YellowHouseKL for their onward transmission to children in hospitals and juvenile detention centres. This is a good way of using up postcards that you would not otherwise know what to do with. 6. BOOK COLLECTION CENTRE AND BOOK HOSPITAL : As with collecting clothes and recyclables, you can set up a Book Collection Centre and Book Hospital to collect and repair books for charity. Collect books from your friends and family and sort through them. Catalogues, used and outdated reference books and schoolbooks and manuals should go into the paper recycling bin. Sort books into books for children and adults. Wipe the covers with a damp cloth to clean them and air-dry them for a day before you wrap them. Repair torn pages and wrap book covers in plastic wrap (You can reuse the clear smooth plastic bags that new clothes come in to wrap books with). Books for adults can go to community libraries (often in community centres) or the Green Living Little Free Library at the MNS HQ. Books for children can go to various refugee schools and community learning centres, and organisations such as The Revolving Library (https:// www.facebook.com/therevolvinglibrary) and the Lorong Kurau Bangsar Community Library. As with collecting clothes and recyclables, you can set up a Book Collection Centre and Book Hospital to collect and repair books for charity. Collect books from your friends and family and sort through them. Catalogues, used and outdated reference books and schoolbooks and manuals should go into the paper recycling bin. Sort books into books for children and adults. Wipe the covers with a damp cloth to clean them and air-dry them for a day before you wrap them. Repair torn pages and wrap book covers in plastic wrap (You can reuse the clear smooth plastic bags that new clothes come in to wrap books with). Books for adults can go to community libraries (often in community centres) or the Green Living Little Free Library at the MNS HQ. Books for children can go to various refugee schools and community learning centres, and organisations such as The Revolving Library (https://www.facebook.com/therevolvinglibrary) and the Lorong Kurau Bangsar Community Library. "How beautiful a day can be when kindness touches it." - George Ellison GREEN LIVING COLUMN ENFORCEMENT, NOT AWARENESS, NEEDED TO DETER LITTERING Your recent reports, “Warning for outdoor holiday-seekers” and “Doc: Malaysians need to be more civic-conscious” (The Star, 16/3/2015) highlight the challenges faced in keeping national parks and other outdoor recreational areas clean and free of litter. Littering is not just a matter of aesthetics, but one with serious environmental, economic and health implications, especially in light of the increase in leptospirosis and dengue cases. As a volunteer with various environmental organisations, I have coordinated and participated in public clean-up programmes for over 20 years. From my experience, Malaysians are fully aware of the health and environmental problems associated with littering, yet are not motivated to keep recreational and public areas clean, as the prevailing attitude seems to be that“someone else is paid to clean up after me” and “I don’t live here so it’s not my problem”. Once, at an ecotourism event, I observed a group of university students throw junk food wrappers into a wooded slope. When I asked them why they would deliberately mar the beauty of an ecologically sensitive area when there are rubbish bins a mere 100 metres away, they shrugged and responded that they didn’t think it was important, because they would be leaving the same evening and will not be around to witness any harm their litter may have caused. Education and awareness campaigns, therefore, will have little, if any, positive impact on an informed but apathetic population. Different strategies are required to deter littering. The solution to the problem of litter and waste management is not to have an ever-increasing budget for awareness programmes and clean-up campaigns. The solution lies in finding ways to deter littering and to create incentives for waste reduction. My recommendations include: 1. Litter begets litter. As long as there is uncollected litter present in recreational areas, people are less hesitant about leaving their litter behind as well. Since most recreational areas collect an entrance fee, effort should be made to collect and remove litter on a regular basis, and to assign staff to monitor the area and fine visitors on the spot for littering. In the long run, this will be less expensive than organising massive clean-up efforts every few months, which will require more manpower and transportation services. At present, the “Penalty for littering” signboards at recreational sites are mere objects of ridicule, with litter deliberately left under the said signs since there isno enforcement of the rules. The lamentable thing about most clean-up campaigns in Malaysia is that most of the volunteers are not local to the area, and thus the locals who visit the recreational areas most frequently can afford to remain apathetic. The local authorities, Education Ministry and relevant government agencies should collaborate with environmental organisations to compel the participation of the local communities, particularly those in the neighbouring schools, factories, fishing and farming cooperatives and residential areas, in order that they understand the time and effort involved and the health implications of littering. During one particularly tiring clean-up campaign, a few teenagers from a local school were overheard to moan that they would henceforth kick any of their friends who are spotted littering, since they have put in so many backbreaking hours into cleaning it all up. If we could inculcate a sense of pride and stewardship in the local communities, half the battle would be won. 2. Imposing conditions on the sale of refreshments and other items inside or directly outside recreational areas, since stalls and shops are responsible for a large percentage of litter in picnic sites and parks. Apart from our national parks, most recreational areas fall within the purview of the local councils. The councils should implement regulations to ban or restrict the use of plastic bags and foam packaging, as these form the bulk of the rubbish left behind. Stalls and shops should also be made responsible for the cleanliness of their surroundings, and business owners should be fined for any rubbish within a radius of 50 metres from their stalls/shops that are not disposed of properly. If they fail to comply with these regulations, they could face a fine or be deprived of their right to ply their trade in that area. 3. Local councils and the management bodies of recreational areas must set up a system to charge a deposit on all food and beverage containers and disposable packaging brought into park premises. In order for this measure to be effective, all concession and snack stalls must be outside park premises. Park attendants can check the belongings of all visitors and charge a deposit of, say RM1, for each cigarette packet, plastic bag and food and beverage container or packaging brought into the park at the entrance counter and inform the visitors that they will get their deposit back if they were to bring the items back for disposal upon exit. This system has been implemented with a high degree of success in Mysore Zoo and Bannerghatta National Park in India. Currently, many recreational areas charge visitors an entrance fee, which is ostensibly used for maintenance and cleaning services. This does not deter littering and many recreational areas are in a disgraceful state. It would not cost the local councils or management bodies more to just assign the fee collector the duty of checking bags and picnic baskets for disposable packaging and imposing a deposit sum on them. Visitors who are unable to pay the deposit will be barred from entering the recreational area and be required to consume their food and dispose of their waste and food packaging properly before entering the site. Awareness and education campaigns can then focus on informing the public on the new nowaste policy and advising visitors not to bring disposable packaging into outdoor and picnic sites. To ensure its effectiveness, all unofficial entrances to parks will have to be closed off and the park gates must be closed at night, not only to maintain the cleanliness of the area, but also to prevent the parks from being utilised for vice, illegal activities and drinking sessions after which broken bottles are left lying around. 4.There should be a national policy to impose a higher fee on plastic bags and Styrofoam packaging to reflect their cradle-to-grave cost and the true environmental cost of cleaning up clogged drains and rivers. This will, in turn, encourage manufacturers, retailers and consumers to look for alternatives to disposable and non-biodegradable packaging. The plastics industry often argues that the improper disposal of plastic waste is a result of aberrant behaviour, namely, littering, rather than an indication that plastic products cause harm to the environment and wildlife. If such is the case, then the banning and restriction of sale and use of plastic bags, polystyrene packaging, and excessive packaging of any kind will greatly reduce the opportunity for such "aberrant behaviour" to happen in the first place, especially since plastic bags and foam packaging frequently get blown away from picnic sites into waterways and seas. 5. Instituting a nationwide deposit system for recyclable items such as aluminium cans, PET bottles and beverage cartons. The cost of purchasing packaged food and beverages in Malaysia does not reflect the cost of disposing of them and managing the waste generated. If a 20-sen deposit were to be charged for each unit of recyclable packaging, which will be claimable at designated recycling centres, it would create an incentive for people to collect and redeem their recyclables for cash, and also create economic opportunities for scrap material collectors. This would also translate into less litter ending up in public and outdoor spaces. Ultimately, this will reduce waste collection and transportation costs, as it will be the consumers who bring the items in for recycling themselves, instead of waste collection agencies being engaged to carry out such services. One of the problems with recycling and waste management efforts in Malaysia is that manufacturers are not made responsible for the environmental consequences of their products. If manufacturers were made to pay for the cradle-to-grave environmental cost of their products, then ease-of-recycling would become a design criterion, and there would be greater incentives to explore closed-loop production cycles and to create products with a high percentage of recyclable or post-consumer recycled content. Unless there is a solid and predictable market for recycled and biodegradable products, private companies will not invest in the facilities to recycle, and market prices for recycled and biodegradable WONG EE LYNN COORDINATOR, GREEN LIVING SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP, MALAYSIAN NATURE SOCIETY Disclaimer: All events’ times and venues are correct at the time of publishing this newsletter. For latest updates, kindly contact the Special Interest Group or check the MNS website. Booking priority might be given to the organizing branch’s members unless stated otherwise. MAY 2015 PERSATUAN PENCINTA ALAM (MALAYSIAN NATURE SOCIETY) JKR 641, Jalan Kelantan, Bukit Persekutuan, 50480 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. Tel: 603-22879422 Fax: 603-22878773 E-Mail: [email protected] Join us in Taiping for the MNS 68th Annual General Meeting! Date Venue : : 12th September 2015 (SAT) Taiping Perdana Hotel, Taiping, Perak ------------------- Detach Here (PLEASE FILL IN BLOCK LETTERS) ------------------ There are various packages arranged for members that would include activities such as Charcoal Making Factory Visit, Mangrove Education Boardwalk at Kuala Sepetang, Fireflies Education Tour by boat at Kuala Sepetang, Kuala Sepetang Eco River Cruise at Kuala Sangga, Bukit Larut – Bird watching & nature walk, Taiping Heritage Guide Walk, Fellowship Dinner in conjunction with the celebration of 75th MNS Anniversary & many more. Please select the package that you wish to participate in: Min. No. of Participants Member Activity (A) & (B) 10 RM310 Activity (A) & (C) 10 Package Activities Package 1 11-3/9/2015 (FRI – SUN, 3D2N) Package 2 11-3/9/2015 (FRI – SUN, 3D2N) Package 3 11-3/9/2015 (FRI – SUN, 3D2N) Package 4 12-3/9/2015 (SAT – SUN, 2D2N) Package 5 12-3/9/2015 (SAT - SUN, 2D1N) Package 6 12-3/9/2015 (SAT - SUN, 2D1N) AGM Meeting Package Fellowship Dinner Buffet Activity (A) & (D) YOUR ATTENTION: Activity (A): Charcoal Making Factory Visit, Mangrove Walk, & Firefly Tour; Activity (B): Kuala Sepetang Eco River Cruise; ACtivity (C): Bukit Larut: Bird Watching & Nature Walk; Activity (D): Taiping Heritage Guided Walk Accommodation is priced on twin sharing basis. All rooms are air conditined. Rates mentioned above include cost of accommodation, meals + Fellowship Dinner and tour packages 1 – 6. ** For payment, please bank into MNS account (HSBC BANK 305194920108 or MALAYAN BANKING 012-138-304679), thereafter email the bank in slip together with this form to [email protected]. NonMember No. of Pax Order Member Non-Member Package 1 (3D2N) RM 310 x ( ) RM 410 x ( ) Package 2 (3D2N) RM 275 x ( ) RM 375 x ( ) Package 3 (3D2N) Package 4 (2D1N) RM 285 x ( RM 235 x ( ) ) RM 285 x ( RM 235 x ( ) ) Package 5 (2D1N) Package 6 (2D1N) RM 200 x ( RM 210 x ( ) ) RM 300 x ( RM 310 x ( ) ) AGM Meeting Package RM 35 x ( ) Fellowship Dinner RM 35 x ( ) Tentative Itinerary Date Time Description 11/9 (FRI) 03:00 pm Check in Hotel Taiping Perdana 05:00 pm From Hotel Taiping Perdana to Kuala Sepetang Jetty (about 35 minutes dr ive) for Charcoal Making Factory visit + Mangrove Education Boardwalk. 08:00 pm 12/9 (SUN) 10:00 am 01:00 pm 02:00 pm 04:00 pm 04:15 pm 06:00 pm 07:00 pm Amount 08:00 pm 16/9 (MON) 07:00 am 08:00 am Total Amount RM410 Participant Detail: 10 RM275 RM285 RM275 Name: ___________________________________________________ ________________ Membership No. ______________ RM285 Address: ___________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________ Activity (B) 10 Activity (C) 10 Activity (D) 10 Lunch & Tea RM235 RM200 RM210 RM35 - RM35 RM235 Title: RM300 RM310 Hse) _______________ Email: ______________________________ PLEASE READ: I, hereby, understand that this is non-refundable once a place has been booked for me. I confirm that I am participating in this trip/event at my own request, and hereby release and discharge the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) and their agents or other persons authorized by MNS from all claims that I, my personal representatives and/or dependents may have for any injury (including injury resulting in death) howsoever caused or sustained by me, for loss of and/or damage to me or my personal belongings suffered at any time during this trip/event. Signature: _______________________ Date: __________________ Breakfast EGM Lunch AGM Tea Break Continuation of AGM End Audio Visual Presentation by Cheang Kum Seng on Limestone Hills & Caves Fellowship Buffet Dinner Breakfast - check out after breakfast) Tours Package 1 - 6 : Package 1 & 4 - Kuala Sepetang Eco River Cruise, including Eagle feeding, old har bor & dolphin sighting (if lucky) at Kuala Sangga (90 minutes) Package 2 & 5 – Bukit Larut for bird watching and nature walk (ar r ange own tr anspor tation to Bukit Larut Foothill Station, about 10 -15 drive from Hotel Taiping Perdana. Jeep to Bukit Larut is included in the package) Package 3 & 6 – Taiping Heritage Guided Walk (3-4 hours walk) Things to bring: Tel No: ____________ (O) _________________ (H/P) ____________________ Dinner 08:00 am ** Dinner on your own (either at Kuala Sepetang Jetty or nearby Kuala Sepetang town) Fireflies Education Tour by boat 1. Swimming attire, goggles, shorts, slippers, sunblock (optional) 2. Water bladder/bottle 3. Day Pack / small back pack(Jeram & Gabai Trips), raincoat/poncho 4. A good pair of hiking shoes 5. Binoculars (optional) 6. Camera & batteries 7. Hat/cap 8. Insect repellent 9. 2 plastic bags (for wet & dry clothes) – package 3 & 6 Disclaimer: All events’ times and venues are correct at the time of publishing this newsletter. For latest updates, kindly contact the Special Interest Group or check the MNS website. Booking priority might be given to the organizing branch’s members unless stated otherwise. MAY 2015 2D1N SEKINCHAN HOMESTAY, 23rd - 24th May, 2015 Day 1 : 23/5 TIME PARTICULARS Begin End 09:00 09:30 Meet @ 09:30 11:30 Convoy to Sekinchan 11:30 14:00 1) Stop by Tanjong Karang to watch sea birds. 2) Lunch @ Kuala Selangor 1) Kuala Selangor Nature Park, etc etc etc 14:00 15:30 2) Proceed to Sekinchan 3) To PLS Marketing * / Paddy Field / Orchard 4) Check-In Homestay 15:30 17:00 1) Freshen-Up / Rest / Nap / Tea/Coffee Break 17:00 19:00 1) Proceed to Redang Beach for Sunset / Nesting Birds ** 2) Seafood Dinner 3) Return to Homestay for the night. Day 2 : 24/5 * PLS Marketing (M) SB is a local paddy grower in Sekinchan and process their harvest themselves. They are located not far from the town centre and if we are lucky enough, we could witness the harvesting in action. Otherwise, pay a minimal sum and watch a video presentation on how paddy is grown, harvested and processed. Keep the ticket to exchange for a small but beautifully vacumn packed rice. You may also like to purchase some rice from their showroom and mind you, there are a few choices for your picking! Pearl rice is strongly recommended. ** On the way to Redang Beach, you may be struck awe watching some big birds nesting on the trees beside the fishing village. It's really a sight to behold. So don't forget to get ready your binocular and camera ready. Good luck!! 06:00 07:00 Breakfast 1) To watch sunrise at Paddy Field MNS Selangor Flora SIG AGM 2015 07:00 10:00 2) Rent Bicycle to Ride Alongside Paddy Field @ Own Cost The Flora SIG will be having an AGM for the session 2015/2016. We're intending to form a new committee to better organise events and continue to feed our common interest. There would be a short guided walk too after the AGM. Refreshments will be served. We're seeking out your interest, so here are the details for you to mark your dates and come: 3) Free & Easy Time for Own Exploration 10:00 12:00 1) Lunch (Possibly at own cost if we do not have enough in the kitty) 2) Check-Out Date: 6 June 2015 3) Goodbye Sekinchan Time: 9am to 12noon, registration starts at 8.30am We are setting the pax fee at RM 150/ person for now and we will top it up as necessary. Since this is an activity where the cost is shared among members more members would mean a lower fee/person. We still have empty slots available. An advance booking fee payment must be done by May 5 th to the homestay. So kindly confirm participation by the 5 th May, 2015 Venue: Auditorium, MNS HQ, Jalan Kelantan, Bukit Persekutuan, Kuala Lumpur Let us know if you're coming by stating your name and MNS membership number and expiry date, and email to [email protected], [email protected] or [email protected]. See you there! Disclaimer: All events’ times and venues are correct at the time of publishing this newsletter. For latest updates, kindly contact the Special Interest Group or check the MNS website. Booking priority might be given to the organizing branch’s members unless stated otherwise. MAY 2015 “One of the best “Cuti-Cuti Malaysia” trips I’ve done! I have learned so much about turtles and terrapins in just a weekend. Wonderful and amazing excursion! Highly recommended to locals and tourists alike!” The Turtle Discovery Trip is a one-day turtle-watching programme designed to give members of the public an introduction to the different turtles in Malaysia; the river terrapin research and conservation projects carried out by Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia in Kemaman; as well as a rstin-a-lifetime opportunity to watch sea turtles nest. “One of a kind Turtle Discovery Trip that we joined last year. It is a very educational trip about not only sea turtles, but freshwater turtles too. A must for all!” “It was heartening to see efforts made by the Trip Includes Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia to promote awareness on the plight of turtles. Enlightening, educational and fun! A great way to spend the weekend with family or friends!” A visit to the Sea Turtle Sanctuary managed by the Department of Fisheries in Cherating, Pahang A visit to the River Terrapin Conservation Project by the Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia in Kemaman, Terengganu An opportunity to watch sea turtles lay eggs in Monica Bay, Kemaman, Terengganu Not included: Transport from KL or elsewhere to Cherating and KemamanHotel or Accommoda- A complimentary river terrapin adoption Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia (4454-11-TRG) Rates Adult RM 180 Youth (12-18 years old) RM 90 Family (2 Adults + 2 Children below 12 years old) RM 360 Each additional child to be charged RM 40 TCS member RM 144 (20% discount) 2.00pm Meet & greet @ the Turtle Sanctuary, Cherating. Briefing & looking around. Photo opportunity. 3.00pm Leave Cherating for Kg. Pasir Gajah 4.00pm Arrive@Kg. Pasir Gajah. Briefing on the river terrapin project. Photo opportunity. Light refreshments. 5.00pm Leave Kg. Pasir Gajah for hotel. 5.30pm Check-in hotel. Free and easy. 7.30pm Dinner(inclusive) at pork-free restaurant. 9.00pm Proceed to the sea turtle nesting beach 9.15pm Brieng. Watch sea turtles lay eggs. 11-12am Return to hotel. * Optional: You could extend your trip by driving northward to Kuala Terengganu to see Turtle Alley in Chinatown. The drive from Kemaman to Kuala Terengganu is approximately 2.5 hours. For more info www.turtleconservationsociety.org.my [email protected] www.facebook.com/TurtleConservationSocietyOfMalaysia Marine Volunteer Training Workshop 2015 Marine SIG (Selangor Branch) will be conducting a 1-night, 1 morning workshop in Port Dickson from 1213th June 2015 (Fri night-Sat noon) for MNS members who wish to volunteer at our annual World Oceans Day event. You will learn about marine life, fish ID, animal symbiosis, how to conduct a low-tide beach walk, how to carry out a clean coast index study and many more exciting activities! The itinerary looks something like this: Head to PD after work on Friday, low-tide beach walk (be prepared to stay up late!), overnight at accommodation, continue next morning till lunch time then head back home. Requirements: you must know how to swim proficiently, be comfortable in the sea, have a desire to share your knowledge of the marine environment with adults and children, and after "graduating" from the workshop, be able to volunteer at least once a year for a MNS marine event. For more information about details including costs, schedule, car-pooling, accommodation, what to bring etc or to register, please e-mail Wee Liem at wlwong983[at]gmail.com with 1) your full name 2) valid MNS membership number 3) mobile number 4) specify if you are a diver / non-diver 5) any other qualifications you have e.g. reef check diver, SSI snorkel diver Click on to >> http://mnsmarine.blogspot.com/ for the marine special interest group (selangor branch) run by volunteer members of the malaysian nature society. Disclaimer: All events’ times and venues are correct at the time of publishing this newsletter. For latest updates, kindly contact the Special Interest Group or check the MNS website. Booking priority might be given to the organizing branch’s members unless stated otherwise. MAY 2015 MNS Photo Group May 2015 Newsletter Photographing Kelantan International Kite Festival Thurs, 28th May to Sun, 31st May 2015 (4 days) RM250/pax May is the time where the wind blows strongly in Kelantan and colourful majestic kites soar proudly in the east coast. Photo Group has planned for almost a year this photography outing and to coincide with Kelantan’s annual International Kite Festival. This is purely a photography trip and we accept a limited number of participants only. The cost of the trip is RM250/pax include food and lodging EXCLUDING TRANSPORT. Photo group however, will facilitate carpooling. Exclusively for MNS members only. Visit this link http://mnsphotogroup.org/page28/page42/page43/ page43.html to view the scenes captured during our recce this year excluding the kite event. Please email Mrs Salmah Forbes at [email protected] with your contact details, membership number and its expiry date to secure a place before it disappear with the wind. MNS Photo Group Indoor Talk Wed, 20 May 2015 @ 8pm MNS Head Quarter’s Auditorium Session A: Two (2) photography training sessions would be conducted as follow: 1. Landscape by Alex Foong 2. Depth of Field by George Ng Those who wish to improve their photography skills in these areas are encouraged to attend. Furthermore, it is nice to meet and network with your fellow nature friends here too. Come along! Session B: Photo Sharing on Rantau Abang trip on 18 – 19 Apr 2015 Participants to the recently concluded photography trip is encouraged to submit their photographs for review with the objective to improve their skills. Email at least 5 photos to [email protected] or bring your thumb drive on event date. Share and learn together. *Pictures sourced from the Internet. Disclaimer: All events’ times and venues are correct at the time of publishing this newsletter. For latest updates, kindly contact the Special Interest Group or check the MNS website. Booking priority might be given to the organizing branch’s members unless stated otherwise. MAY 2015 Checklist of things to bring: 1. 2. Healthy Oceans Healthy Planet 5th June, 2015 - 7th June 2015 NEC FRIM, Kepong MNS-FRIM-SHELL NATURE EDUCATION CENTRE (NEC) 3. NEC School Holiday Camp is back!! This summer in June in conjunction with the World Oceans Day, our holiday camps for kids that are designed to instill an appreciation for their natural environment will focus on the study of marine life and ocean conservation. Your children are going to embark on an unforgettable adventure filled with fun while learning to become marine champions in the aim of protecting our awesome oceanic wonders. The camp will include hands-on activities, up-close marine diversity encounters at Aquaria KLCC, stream sampling, nature walk and other fun and educational experiences. We are now open for enrollment and welcome young adventurers aged between 7 to 15 years of age. We’re going to have loads of fun in the sun and a WHALE of a time learning about the ocean and loving it! Fee: RM 250/child for MNS /K PA members RM 280/ child for Non-MNS member Fee inclusive of meals, accommodation, insurance, entry fee into FRIM and certificate. Payment Details: Bank in to MNS account: Maybank : 012138304679 HSBC : 305-194920-108 NOTE: Please fax or email the bank in receipt and retain it as proof of payment. The same has to be presented to us on the actual day of the commencement of the camp. **(Get your family/group discount by registering in a group of 3 kids and above) To book contact : Siti Mastura Nasah/Wan Noor Zalikha Phone: 03-62771703 / 019-7768243 Fax: 03-62754376 Email: [email protected] REGISTRATION DETAILS: Nature Camp Theme: SHP: Healthy Oceans Healthy Planet Date: 5th - 7th June, 2015 Name: Gender: Age: Birth cert/ IC number: Parent’s name: MNS membership no: Contact number: E-mail: Address: Vegetarian: YES/NO On Medication: YES/NO (If yes, please specfy :__________) Car plate number (for entrance to FRIM): ** Please attach together with the copy of bank in receipt of your payment. PROPOSED ITERINARY DAY Day 1 05/06/15 Friday TIME 1500 1530 1600 1630 1830 1900 2000 2100 2230 2300 0630 0800 0830 Day 2 06/06/15 Saturday Day 3 07/06/15 Sunday 1030 1200 1730 1800 1900 2000 2100 2230 2300 0630 0730 0800 0830 1030 1100 1230 1300 ACTIVITIES Arrival & check in Camp briefing and Ice Breaking Tea Break / Solat Asar Let’s Get Wet! - Educational Games and activities for turtle conservation - Stream Sampling Rest & Relax Dinner / Solat Maghrib Night Walk Ocean Talk and Video Supper / Solat Isyak Lights Off Rise & Shine / Solat Subuh Breakfast Walk with Nature! - Meet the Trees - Forest Exploration Rest & Relax and morning tea Depart to Aquaria KLCC - Activities/ Lunch / Solat Zohor at KLCC Going Back to NEC Rest & Relax / Solat Asar Dinner and Solat Maghrib Art & Craft - Ocean Life Craft (**from recycle material) - World Ocean Day Pledge Movie Night Supper / Solat Isyak Lights Off Rise & Shine / Solat Subuh Morning Exercise Breakfast Ocean Games: Ocean Ladder Pack & clean Presentation: Ocean Life! followed by Closing ceremony Refreshment Adjourn ** This itinerary is subject to change 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Medications Suitable clothing and extra change: such as Tshirt, track bottom, Sport shoes for trekking, casual footwear for regular use, towel, light jacket or sweater, raincoat, cap / hat Toiletries such as toothbrush, toothpaste, soap & shampoo Insect repellent & sunscreen Plastic bags (to pack dirty and wet cloth) Water bottles (water will be provided for refill) Torch light Notebook / pen Sleeping bag (if any) For Muslim participants ~ telekong or sarung & prayer mat and tudung for muslimah NEC will provide the following 1. 2. 3. 4. Catered halal meals Accommodation (dormitory) Bed sheet, blanket, pillow and pillow case Insurance coverage 14th June, 2015 (Sunday) Trip to Genting Tea Estate, Pahang Selangor Branch is organizing the annual visit to the home of Dato’ Henry Barlow. This is open to MNS members only. The house is 1.5 miles down a field road accessible from above the tunnel at Genting Sempah. The gate will open only at10.00 a.m. A brief introductory talk at 11.00 a.m. will be followed by a walk around the orchard (sensible shoes recommended), arriving back at the house in time for lunch. Cold beverage will be provided. Bring your own picnic lunch and enjoy the lush, verdant serenity at the lawn with your family and friends. After lunch, Dato’ Henry will give a talk on his extensive collection of moths and butterflies. This trip is suitable for a family outing for children of 8 years and above. Carpooling is recommended as parking space is limited. For registration and enquiries, please contact Shirley Tan (Nature Guide SIG) at [email protected] or sms her at 019-3175047. REGISTRATION DETAILS: 1) Full name 2) MNS membership no. and expiry date 3) Email address and hp. no. Please note that Family membership covers the immediate family, and includes only children below 18 years old. If you are bringing your children, please provide their full name and dates of birth. The meeting point & time : Genting Sempah R & R carpark, outside McDonald-- 9.15 a.m. Book early as places are limited. Disclaimer: All events’ times and venues are correct at the time of publishing this newsletter. For latest updates, kindly contact the Special Interest Group or check the MNS website. Booking priority might be given to the organizing branch’s members unless stated otherwise. MAY 2015 The MNS Bird Conservation Council Meeting (BCC) 2015 will be held as follows: Date: May 16 2015 (Saturday) Time: 10.00am Venue: Malaysian Nature Society (Persatuan Pencinta Alam Maalaysia), JKR 641, Jalan Kelantan, Bukit Persekutuan, 50480 KL, GPS Coordinates: 3.1397°N, 101.6812°E Agenda i) Report of BCC for year 2014-2015 by Acting BCC Chairman ii) Election of BCC committee for new term 2015-2016 iii) Election of RSG committee for term 2015-2016 All MNS members are cordially invited to attend the meeting. Light refreshment may be served. Introduction to MY GARDEN BIRDWATCH Long Birding Trip to Taman Negara Kuala Tahan Date: 23rd May, 2015 to 26th May, 2015 Selangor Bird Group is organising a 3 nights 4 days birding trip to Taman Negara, Kuala Tahan. The trip is open to MNS members only. Cost of trip is RM400.00 per person. This covers the following expenses, basic accommodation, 9 meals (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners), transportation, insurance, boat trips and permits. Maximum number of participants is limited to 20 and is on first-come first-serve basis, based on receipt of full payment. For further details and to confirm your bookings, please contact Heikal Pinto at 019-3399914 or email at [email protected]. NOTE: No refund will be given for those who cancel their trip. Kuala Tahan is a village located at the confluence of the Tahan and Tembiling Rivers in the state of Pahang. The Park was established in 1939 and it is the known to be one of the oldest tropical rainforest in the world. It has evolved over a span of a hundred million years and its rich flora and fauna is truly a feast to every sense. Expect the birds to be more vocal and active as this is close to the breeding season. Boat trips will be organized, to take us to less crowded areas like, Blau/Yong hides and Kuala Trenggan for birding. 28.06.15 (Sun): Bird Watching trip to Sungai Perdik Forest Reserve, Hulu Langat, Selangor Open to all MNS members. An opportunity to see and identify common garden birds is scheduled at Taman Rimba Kiara, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur from 7am-11am. Enjoy a bit of birdwatching as we carry out a MOCK survey in the company of fellow citizen scientists. (This prepares you for the actual MY Garden Birdwatch survey that is to be carried out on the 20th & 21st of June.) It is suggested you wear suitable attire in dull colours, sunhat and bring along a notebook and pencil/pen. Also bring along some drinking water and a light snack. This event is suitable for the whole family and those interested in learning more about Garden birds. For details, please contact Lim Bing Yee +6012 250 9122 (whatsapp) or email [email protected] Come and join Selangor Branch Bird Group for a morning of bird watching at Sungai Perdik Forest Reserve. This is a popular retreat for locals and is located in Hulu Langat, nestled beside a tropical rainforest. This is the time of the year when breeding season of most resident species already peaked. There with likely be sightings of juveniles newly fledged. There may still be some vocalization, in breeding mood. Meeting point & time: In front of the mosque at Pekan Batu 14 ( 14th mile ) Hulu Langat (3.112980, 101.815377) at 7.30 am. From here we will convoy to the site. Direction: From Cheras-Kajang Expressway, after passing Batu 9 Toll Plaza, take the 1st left turning. Follow this road straight till you reach a traffic lights with a Police Station on the right, take a left turn into Jalan Hulu Langat. Go straight along this long kampong road and look out for the mosque on the left. Bring along binoculars, drinking water, light snacks, mosquito repellant & umbrella/poncho. Wear dull colored clothes & comfortable shoes. The event shall end at noon. MOUNTAIN GOAL ADVENTURE CONSULTANT (742912-V) Website: http://www.mymountaingoal.com E-mail: [email protected] Everest Base Camp via Gokyo lake trek from 24/09/2015 to 09/10/2015 (16D15N) (Confirm trip) Experience the culture of the Sherpas en route to Khumbu village. Enjoy a climb to the scintillating Kalapattar 5,545m. /18190ft, one of the most spectacular vantage points in the Everest region. Explore enchanting views of Everest, Pumori, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse, Makalu and many other towering peaks. Two free Training trips will provided for the Everest Base Camp trip. Tamang Heritage with Langtang Trek from 10/10/2015 to 22/10/2015 (13D12N) (Confirm trip) Tamang Heritage with Langtang Trek give an exciting trekking opportunity into the Himalayas with a mix of mountain adventure and Himalayan culture. The Langtang region is as wild as any Tibetan highlands with idyllic rural landscape and the rich cultural heritage of ethnic Nepalese Tamang people. Inspite of being just a few hours' drive from Kathmandu, the trek along the off the beaten track of the rural and rugged mountains and the high passes dotted with chortens, stupas and prayer flags flapping in the wind make every trekker marvel and see the country is called a "Walker's Paradise". A land of magic, meditation, and shamanism., Langtang is also the region of ancient Tibetan monasteries, rhododendron and bamboo forests, majestic waterfalls, snow-capped Himalayas, and many sacred lakes, or what the devout practitioners call the "Kunda". Two free Training trip will provided for the Tamang Heritage with Langtang trek. Contact : Thong at [email protected] H/P : 016-6375622 (WhatsApp, Wechat and Viber) Off : 03-40248896 Further info please sign in http://www.mymountaingoal.com/backpackn-lantang2.htm MNS HQ JKR 541, Jalan Kelantan Bukit Persekutuan, 50480 Kuala Lumpur (just before the Seri Perdana turn off to Jalan Mahameru) Open: Monday –Friday ; 9:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. T: 03-22879422 F: 03-22878773 [email protected] www.mns.my Membership: Leong Wee Chin Branch Committee Members JOHOR BRANCH c/o Vincent Chow, 32, Jln Molek 3/11, Tmn Molek, 81100 JB, Johor Website: http://mnsjohor.blogspot.com/ Chairman Vincent Chow [email protected] Vice Chair Wee Soon Chit [email protected] Secretary Belinda Wong Mei Lang [email protected] KEDAH BRANCH 3, Jalan Timur 1, Kawasan Perusahaan Mergong Barrage, 05150 alor Setar, Kedah [email protected] Chairman Left Kol Husamuddin bin Yaacob [email protected] Vice Chair Wan Muhaimin bin Wan J amil [email protected] Secretary Phang Fatt Khow [email protected] KELANTAN BRANCH 204, Jln Sultan Yahya Petra, 15150 Kota Bharu, Kelantan [email protected] Chairman Aweng a/l Eh Rak [email protected] Vice Chair Amir Hamzah Abdul Shukor [email protected] Secretary Nazahatul Anis Amaludin [email protected] LANGKAWI BRANCH [email protected] Chairman Eric R. Sinnaya [email protected] Vice Chair Kamal Ibr ahim [email protected] Secretary Pr eti Babu Sashikant [email protected] NEGERI SEMBILAN/ MELAKA BRANCH Chairman Dr Zor ina Khalid [email protected] Vice Chair Peter Loke [email protected] Secretary June Teng [email protected] PAHANG BRANCH 30 1st Floor Jalan Gambut, 25000 Kuantan, Pahang [email protected] Chairman Zela Azni binti Nahizan [email protected] Vice Chair Nur ul Azne Ibr ahim [email protected] Secretary Noor Hassikin Binti Hamsah [email protected] PENANG BRANCH Nature Information Centre (NIC), 673-B Jalan Kebun Bunga, 10350 Penang Open: Monday –Saturday; 7:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. (please call before visiting) Website: www.geocities.com/mnspenang [email protected] Chairman Tan Choo Eng [email protected] Vice Chair J ames Ooi Teik Kok [email protected] Secretary Tan Pek Tao, Peggy [email protected] PERAK BRANCH 70, Jln Chan Chee Keong, Ipoh Garden South, 31400 Ipoh, Perak [email protected] [email protected] Chairman Ooi Beng Yean [email protected] Vice Chair Leow Kon Fah [email protected] Secretary Tham Yim Fong, Georgia [email protected] SABAH BRANCH No. 5, Taman Bukit Saujana, Lorong Saujana 2, Jalan Fung Yie Teng, 88460 Kolombong, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah [email protected] Chairman Anna Wong [email protected] Vice Chair J immy Omar [email protected] Secretary Dewina Saidin [email protected] SABAH (SANDAKAN) BRANCH Lot 322, Lorong Pertama 17, Taman Pertama, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah Chairman Chong Ket Vui Dusun [email protected] Vice-Chair Gengadhar an G Pillai [email protected] Secretary Quah Joo Lee [email protected] SARAWAK (MIRI) BRANCH [email protected] Website: mnsmiri.blogspot.com Chairman Musa Musbah [email protected] Vice Chair Yeo Hong Yan, J ohn [email protected] Secretary Mair ead Boland [email protected] SELANGOR BRANCH c/o MNS HQ address Website: www.mns.org.my/selangor [email protected] E-group: malaysiannaturesociety@yahoo groups.com Chairman K. S. Goh, Henr y [email protected] Vice Chair Pasupathy J ayar aj [email protected] Secretary Wong Pui May [email protected] TERENGGANU BRANCH 1926 Bukit Kubang Jambu, 20050 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu [email protected] ChairmanWong Chee Ho [email protected] Vice Chair Wee Seng Whatt [email protected] Secretary Anuar Abdullah McAfee [email protected] SARAWAK (KUCHING) BRANCH [email protected] Chairman Anthony C. Sebastian [email protected] Vice Chair Rose Au Nyat J un [email protected] Secretary Asha Devi Kaushal [email protected] Computer Recycling Collection Centre The MNS Penang, Nature Information Centre (NIC) is a designated recycling collection centre for old computers and computer parts by the Penang City Council. Please send your unwanted computers and parts to the NIC to be send for recycling by DOE approved recycling establishment. Contact Kanda at 013-4537992 for more information or check out Penang Branch web pages Roots & Shoots, What you do makes a difference and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make. – Dr. Jane Goodall Malaysia In 1991, Dr Jane Goodall, the legendary primatologist and wildife conservationist, gave talks at some schools in Tanzania. Then 12 students went to her home to further discuss some environmental issues they were facing, and what they could do about it. It was then, in such humble beginnings, that Roots & Shoots, (aptly named to imply the young and the grass roots level where change begins) the non-profit organisation focusing on environmental, conservation and humanitarian issues, was founded. Today, Roots & Shoots has local chapters in over 132 countries, with more than 100,000 young people involved in more than 8,000 local groups around the world. One of the original 12 students who met with Goodall later became the environment minister of Tanzania. Another became the Roots & Shoots national director for the Tanzanian chapter. Following is an excerpt from an interview with Jane Goodall by Marianne Schnall “What it aims to do, first of all - its main message is that that everyone of us makes an impact on the world every day. And so it's helping individuals to understand that though they may feel their small actions don't make a difference - which if it was just them, they would be right probably. But it's not just them and cumulatively our small decisions, choices, actions, make a very big difference. The other is that it's youth driven, so it's young people sitting around either on their own or at their high school or university, or sitting with the teacher if they're children in Kindergarten or first grade, or with parents, or with older children - it's doesn't matter - thinking about the problems around them, talking about them, and then between them choosing three projects that they feel would make things better: one for people, one for animals, and one for the environment. So, in almost any group of kids, you get those passionate about animals, you get some who want to really, really do community service for people and you have some who want to recycle or clean streams or something like that. So every child can become involved in a project which they helped to choose and about which they feel passionate. ” Last year, the Malaysian chapter was established. It held its first activity, a fund-raiser, in December followed by it’s launch this January in Kuala Lumpur. In Malaysia, the Roots & Shoots programme is supported by Berjaya Youth, an empowerment initiative set up by the Berjaya Corporation. More than two thousand people came to hear her talk, “Reasons for Hope”, in the Berjaya Times Square Hotel in Kuala Lumpur. "It is easy to be overwhelmed by feelings of hopelessness as we look around the world. We are losing species at a terrible rate, the balance of nature is disturbed, and we are destroying our beautiful planet. We have fear about water supplies, where future energy will come from – and most recently the developed world has been mired in an economic crisis. But in spite of all this I do have hope. “…”So let’s move forward in this new millennium with hope, for without it all we can do is eat and drink the last of our resources as we watch our planet slowly die. Let’s have faith in ourselves, in our intellect, in our staunch spirit and in our young people. And let’s do the work that needs to be done, with love and compassion." PENCINTA ALAM is a monthly newsletter made possible by dedicated volunteers and contributors from the Malaysian Nature Society. Accuracy is the contributor’s responsibility. The Editor reserves the right to edit for length and content. Submissions: Articles including the author and photographers’ names (max. 800 words), advertisements, digital images (100 dpi & no larger than 640 x 480 pixels & separately from the article), etc. must reach the Editor by the 13th of each month (unless noted otherwise) via the following e-mail address: [email protected]. Advertising rates: Classifieds: RM5 per column inch Quarter page ad: RM30 Half page ad: RM60 •All payments must be made to ‘Malaysian Nature Society Selangor Branch’. •Please bank in cash or cheque to Maybank Account no 014150307352. •After banking in, please scan the slip and e-mail it with your advertisement to: [email protected] and [email protected]. Discount rate for ads paid in advance: 3 adverts paid in advance – 5% off published rate; 6 adverts paid in advance – 10% off published rate; 9 adverts paid in advance –15% off published rate; 12 adverts paid in advance – 20% off published rate. This issue’s editor : Alina Thomas Next issue’s editor : Hui Min Khor Renew Your Membership via Online Credit Card Payment Settling your MNS membership fee is now made easier with on-line credit card payment via the MNS website. To renew, please visit https://www.mns.my/subscription/. For inquiries, contact Wee Chin at [email protected] Don’t Leave Home Without It All members are required to show their membership cards to participate in any of the Branch‘s activities. New members who haven't received their cards will be required to show their membership payment receipts. Lost your card? Contact Wee Chin at HQ. Budding writers, naturalists and travel-bugs. Have you been to an MNS activity lately? Why not share your experience with other members by writing an account of your activity and submitting it (preferably with photographs) for publication in Percinta Alam. Email your article to: [email protected]