For many years, MNS has been engaged in an on and off campaign to conserve Tioman's rich biodiversity from being threatened by over-development. Projects such as the marina in Kg. Tekek was objected to by MNS and other enviromentalists but we lost and it was built. The
'house reef' at Tekek is still there today, but it is just a shadow of its former ecological glory.
On March 8th 2009, the Ministry of Transport announced that the Tioman Airport Extension project has been cancelled, bringing (hopefully) to an end, a project that would have brought negative environmental impacts to Tioman. It is good news to us all and we thank all members, fellow environmentalists and nature lovers who have given their unflagging support on this issue over the years.
MNS will continue to keep its eye on Tioman and still push for the island to be managed sustainably and this approach must be taken for all marine park islands in Malaysia.
We hope that all members will continue to assist the secretariat in being our eyes and ears and inform us of activities on these islands that are contrary to the spirit of conservation of our marine eco systems and heritage.
The fight is not over, we need to still do more but, for now, thank you for your continued support and congrats to us all. How you can help further the cause is by rallying more members into MNS so that our conservation voice gets louder and more effective - please sign up at www.mns.org.my.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Coral ID Workshop
By Loh Wan Yeng
Time for a change. I have been learning to identify birds but I seemed to have stagnated. Coral identification caught my eye. Why not? Since I was starting to indulge into my new hobby of scuba diving, it was about time I learnt something about sea organisms.
On that Saturday morning of 30 May 2009, about 20 of us gathered at the compound of MNS HQ, eagerly awaiting the doors to open. As we settled down in the auditorium, we were introduced to... Corals.
What is a coral? Well, the most asked question as put by marine biologist Affendi Yang Amri is whether a coral is a plant or animal. Well, I came away from the workshop with new knowledge that it is an animal but with plant characteristics due to the presence of algae living in the coral. This is one animal that can photosynthesize.
Affendi presented us with slides of beautiful slides corals. Corals not just in one shape, but all kinds - branching corals, massive corals, columnar corals and free-moving ones, amongst others. We were enlightened with knowledge of how fragile the coral ecosystem is and the main enemy is mankind.
Later, we were divided into groups and introduced to a Coral ID software. With the software database of more than 700 coral species, it would help in the identification of coral specimens by selecting the various characteristics of the coral. We had a hands-on session with the software as each group was given a coral skeleton to identify using the software. Well, it was not as easy as we thought it was.
We ended the workshop with a Q&A session. Affendi shared with us the value of the coral ecosystem, with calculations from Tioman as an example. The digits were too long to fit into my calculator. It was a frightening thought, to think of the huge value that would be lost, if the fragile coral ecosystems of the world were destroyed. All in all, the whole session was fun and definitely a good learning experience.
Time for a change. I have been learning to identify birds but I seemed to have stagnated. Coral identification caught my eye. Why not? Since I was starting to indulge into my new hobby of scuba diving, it was about time I learnt something about sea organisms.
On that Saturday morning of 30 May 2009, about 20 of us gathered at the compound of MNS HQ, eagerly awaiting the doors to open. As we settled down in the auditorium, we were introduced to... Corals.
What is a coral? Well, the most asked question as put by marine biologist Affendi Yang Amri is whether a coral is a plant or animal. Well, I came away from the workshop with new knowledge that it is an animal but with plant characteristics due to the presence of algae living in the coral. This is one animal that can photosynthesize.
Affendi presented us with slides of beautiful slides corals. Corals not just in one shape, but all kinds - branching corals, massive corals, columnar corals and free-moving ones, amongst others. We were enlightened with knowledge of how fragile the coral ecosystem is and the main enemy is mankind.
Later, we were divided into groups and introduced to a Coral ID software. With the software database of more than 700 coral species, it would help in the identification of coral specimens by selecting the various characteristics of the coral. We had a hands-on session with the software as each group was given a coral skeleton to identify using the software. Well, it was not as easy as we thought it was.
We ended the workshop with a Q&A session. Affendi shared with us the value of the coral ecosystem, with calculations from Tioman as an example. The digits were too long to fit into my calculator. It was a frightening thought, to think of the huge value that would be lost, if the fragile coral ecosystems of the world were destroyed. All in all, the whole session was fun and definitely a good learning experience.
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Tioman - A Trip to Remember
Story by Malini Madiyazhagan
Photos by Khor Hui Min and Gary Phong
I do not think 500 words will be enough to describe to you the adventures I experienced on this 4-day 3-nights trip (11-14 April 2009) to Pulau Tioman. What enticed me at first was the desperate need for a getaway in order to temporarily remove myself from the daily routine of work, work and more work. I chanced upon Hui Min’s invite for this trip – the phrase “promising an unforgettable experience for naturalists and city slickers alike” enticed me and I signed up straight away.
The trip began on a Friday night by bus en route to Mersing. The journey (all 10 hours or so in total) to Tioman was long but anticipated. We had to take a ferry ride from Mersing to Tioman Island, and then a 4-wheel drive ride from our stop at Tekek to Juara, on the other side of the island . It was the 4-wheel drive OR a 3-hour trek to Juara. Obviously, the decision was unanimous for the former. Thank goodness, as we had to conserve our energy for what was coming next!
Our activities for the next few days ranged from sea adventures to land adventures. The afternoon of our arrival, we received a complimentary crash course by our very own Wee Liem on snorkelling. I had never snorkelled before the trip, and Wee Liem’s do's and don’ts were much appreciated. All were on board for the test snorkelling in the water that afternoon, and I speak for everyone on the trip when I say we could not get enough of it! The underwater world is one that is truly magical. While we were busy learning snorkeling, Hui Min, Lee Sah, Wong, Yong and Haryati went to Tekek School for the annual Marine SIG Kelab Pencinta Alam programme there. The kids truly enjoyed the entertaining talk on birdwatching by Haryati, besides the poster-drawing competition, tea break and beach cleanup.
Some of us spent our first night on the island night-trekking in search of mousedeer. I believe this was the most talked about activity on the whole trip, and one to never forget about. The trek began at the resort, where we had to climb 4 (very steep) hills to an entrance in the forest. This trek lasted close to 2 hours. Then we began our 1.5 hour journey into the forest with 5 very able guides in search of mousedeer. We must have been a very lucky lot as we managed to see many other animals besides the mousedeer – from snakes and forest rats, to a chameleon and semut api (fire ants), which we painfully could not avoid. The only thing which we anticipated to find, but thankfully did not have to encounter were the leeches. But we were prepared in advance with our leech socks pulled up high and tucked into our dependable adidas kampung shoes. (Thank you Gary on your insight on this!) The trek left us thinner and exhausted, but very satisfied with ourselves. One accomplishment in this lifetime accounted for!
The second day was an all-day snorkelling agenda. We started the day with a beach cleanup and duty free shopping at Tekek, after which we hopped from the marine park to coral island, despite a gloomy rainy day, and braved the drizzle by swimming amongst the corals and fish in the sea. Our night activities were pleasantly memorable - 30 people dominating a beach front hall with lots of booze and board games at hand – I shall leave the rest to your imagination due to my word limit constraint.
The third day heralded a trek to a waterfall in Kampung Asah and the much awaited Rafflesia walk. This final trek in search of the Rafflesia was easy in comparison to the night trek on the first day. Our advantage was that we had daylight and a 4-wheel drive to take us to the entrance into the forest! We ended our final night at Juara with a BBQ and karaoke session. A perfect conclusion to a memorable adventure.
The final day of the holiday was spent mostly travelling back to the mainland. By this time, I had made 29 new friends, learnt more about the sea and land and couldn’t wait for the next MNS getaway! Tioman, to me, was truly a trip to remember.
Photos by Khor Hui Min and Gary Phong
I do not think 500 words will be enough to describe to you the adventures I experienced on this 4-day 3-nights trip (11-14 April 2009) to Pulau Tioman. What enticed me at first was the desperate need for a getaway in order to temporarily remove myself from the daily routine of work, work and more work. I chanced upon Hui Min’s invite for this trip – the phrase “promising an unforgettable experience for naturalists and city slickers alike” enticed me and I signed up straight away.The trip began on a Friday night by bus en route to Mersing. The journey (all 10 hours or so in total) to Tioman was long but anticipated. We had to take a ferry ride from Mersing to Tioman Island, and then a 4-wheel drive ride from our stop at Tekek to Juara, on the other side of the island . It was the 4-wheel drive OR a 3-hour trek to Juara. Obviously, the decision was unanimous for the former. Thank goodness, as we had to conserve our energy for what was coming next!
Our activities for the next few days ranged from sea adventures to land adventures. The afternoon of our arrival, we received a complimentary crash course by our very own Wee Liem on snorkelling. I had never snorkelled before the trip, and Wee Liem’s do's and don’ts were much appreciated. All were on board for the test snorkelling in the water that afternoon, and I speak for everyone on the trip when I say we could not get enough of it! The underwater world is one that is truly magical. While we were busy learning snorkeling, Hui Min, Lee Sah, Wong, Yong and Haryati went to Tekek School for the annual Marine SIG Kelab Pencinta Alam programme there. The kids truly enjoyed the entertaining talk on birdwatching by Haryati, besides the poster-drawing competition, tea break and beach cleanup.
Some of us spent our first night on the island night-trekking in search of mousedeer. I believe this was the most talked about activity on the whole trip, and one to never forget about. The trek began at the resort, where we had to climb 4 (very steep) hills to an entrance in the forest. This trek lasted close to 2 hours. Then we began our 1.5 hour journey into the forest with 5 very able guides in search of mousedeer. We must have been a very lucky lot as we managed to see many other animals besides the mousedeer – from snakes and forest rats, to a chameleon and semut api (fire ants), which we painfully could not avoid. The only thing which we anticipated to find, but thankfully did not have to encounter were the leeches. But we were prepared in advance with our leech socks pulled up high and tucked into our dependable adidas kampung shoes. (Thank you Gary on your insight on this!) The trek left us thinner and exhausted, but very satisfied with ourselves. One accomplishment in this lifetime accounted for!
The second day was an all-day snorkelling agenda. We started the day with a beach cleanup and duty free shopping at Tekek, after which we hopped from the marine park to coral island, despite a gloomy rainy day, and braved the drizzle by swimming amongst the corals and fish in the sea. Our night activities were pleasantly memorable - 30 people dominating a beach front hall with lots of booze and board games at hand – I shall leave the rest to your imagination due to my word limit constraint.
The third day heralded a trek to a waterfall in Kampung Asah and the much awaited Rafflesia walk. This final trek in search of the Rafflesia was easy in comparison to the night trek on the first day. Our advantage was that we had daylight and a 4-wheel drive to take us to the entrance into the forest! We ended our final night at Juara with a BBQ and karaoke session. A perfect conclusion to a memorable adventure.
The final day of the holiday was spent mostly travelling back to the mainland. By this time, I had made 29 new friends, learnt more about the sea and land and couldn’t wait for the next MNS getaway! Tioman, to me, was truly a trip to remember.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Sg Pulai Estuary & Kukup National Park
Dates: Oct 17-18 (Sat-Sun):
Cost: RM190 (members)/ RM260 (non-members, includes 1 year membership). Places are limited, first come & paid first served!
Join us in our next trip to the Sungai Pulai Estuary to volunteer with Save Our Seahorses (SOS). This time, we will participate in the Merambong rocky shores and reef survey, at the uninhabited island of Pulau Merambong. We’ll also visit the Kukup National Park. A seafood lunch in Kukup will be provided. Travel is by carpool, costs to be borne by each individual. This package covers:
(1) 1-night stay in a boutique hotel (Sat night)
(2) 2 meals (Sun breakfast & Sun seafood lunch)
(3) Merambong rocky shores and reef survey costs (boat transfer + guide fees)
(4) Kukup National Park costs (entrance ticket + guide + boat)
Booking: By Friday, 18 September = pay RM 100
Confirm: By Friday, 2 October = pay full sum (RM190 or RM260)
Contact: Khor Hui Min 017-881 7714, khor.hm@gmail.com
Cost: RM190 (members)/ RM260 (non-members, includes 1 year membership). Places are limited, first come & paid first served!
Join us in our next trip to the Sungai Pulai Estuary to volunteer with Save Our Seahorses (SOS). This time, we will participate in the Merambong rocky shores and reef survey, at the uninhabited island of Pulau Merambong. We’ll also visit the Kukup National Park. A seafood lunch in Kukup will be provided. Travel is by carpool, costs to be borne by each individual. This package covers:
(1) 1-night stay in a boutique hotel (Sat night)
(2) 2 meals (Sun breakfast & Sun seafood lunch)
(3) Merambong rocky shores and reef survey costs (boat transfer + guide fees)
(4) Kukup National Park costs (entrance ticket + guide + boat)
Booking: By Friday, 18 September = pay RM 100
Confirm: By Friday, 2 October = pay full sum (RM190 or RM260)
Contact: Khor Hui Min 017-881 7714, khor.hm@gmail.com
PADI Open Water Course (4D/3N)
Dates: Aug 15-18 (Sat-Tues)
Locations:Sri Hartamas (theory) Tioman Island (practical)
Course fees: Member price: RM 1,200 Non-member price: RM 1,270 (includes 1-year MNS membership)
In view of the popularity of the PADI Open Water Course we organised in April 2008, the Marine SIG is having a similar course in August 2009. As usual, the payment collections from the trip costs will fund our programmes with the Kelab Pencinta Alam (KPA) activities at Tekek School, which the children look forward to every year.
This trip package includes:
1. Theory classes at Sri Hartamas, from early July to early August, prior to trip
2. Course materials
3. Stay at Panuba Resort, Tioman Island
4. Speedboat from Mersing to Tioman, and from Tioman to Mersing
5. Dive equipment (encouraged to bring own mask, snorkel & fins)
6. Breakfast on 16, 17 & 18 Aug
7. 1 BBQ dinner
8. 1 beach cleanup
Travel to and from Mersing is by carpooling/bus, where the costs will be borne by each individual.
Please make booking payment of RM200 by Wednesday, 1 July 2009.
Please make full payment by Wednesday, 15 July 2009.
Interested individuals are to contact Khor Hui Min (mobile: 017-881 7714, e-mail: khor.hm@gmail.com) for booking as soon as possible, as places are limited.
Locations:Sri Hartamas (theory) Tioman Island (practical)
Course fees: Member price: RM 1,200 Non-member price: RM 1,270 (includes 1-year MNS membership)
In view of the popularity of the PADI Open Water Course we organised in April 2008, the Marine SIG is having a similar course in August 2009. As usual, the payment collections from the trip costs will fund our programmes with the Kelab Pencinta Alam (KPA) activities at Tekek School, which the children look forward to every year.
This trip package includes:
1. Theory classes at Sri Hartamas, from early July to early August, prior to trip
2. Course materials
3. Stay at Panuba Resort, Tioman Island
4. Speedboat from Mersing to Tioman, and from Tioman to Mersing
5. Dive equipment (encouraged to bring own mask, snorkel & fins)
6. Breakfast on 16, 17 & 18 Aug
7. 1 BBQ dinner
8. 1 beach cleanup
Travel to and from Mersing is by carpooling/bus, where the costs will be borne by each individual.
Please make booking payment of RM200 by Wednesday, 1 July 2009.
Please make full payment by Wednesday, 15 July 2009.
Interested individuals are to contact Khor Hui Min (mobile: 017-881 7714, e-mail: khor.hm@gmail.com) for booking as soon as possible, as places are limited.
Sg Pulai Estuary & Kukup National Park
Dates: Aug 22-23 (Sat-Sun)
Cost: RM190 (members)/ RM260 (non-members, includes 1 year membership). Places are limited, first come & paid first served!
Join us in our next trip to the Sungai Pulai Estuary to volunteer with Save Our Seahorses (SOS). This time, we will participate in the Merambong rocky shores and reef survey, at the uninhabited island of Pulau Merambong. We’ll also visit the Kukup National Park. A seafood dinner in Kukup will be provided. Travel is by carpool, costs to be borne by each individual. This package covers:
(1) 1-night stay in a boutique hotel (Sat night)
(2) 2 meals (Sat seafood dinner & Sun breakfast)
(3) Merambong rocky shores and reef survey costs (boat transfer + guide fees)
(4) Kukup National Park costs (entrance ticket + guide + boat)
Booking: By Friday, 24 July = pay RM 100
Confirm: By Friday, 31 July = pay full sum (RM190 or RM260)
Contact: Khor Hui Min 017-881 7714, khor.hm@gmail.com
Cost: RM190 (members)/ RM260 (non-members, includes 1 year membership). Places are limited, first come & paid first served!
Join us in our next trip to the Sungai Pulai Estuary to volunteer with Save Our Seahorses (SOS). This time, we will participate in the Merambong rocky shores and reef survey, at the uninhabited island of Pulau Merambong. We’ll also visit the Kukup National Park. A seafood dinner in Kukup will be provided. Travel is by carpool, costs to be borne by each individual. This package covers:
(1) 1-night stay in a boutique hotel (Sat night)
(2) 2 meals (Sat seafood dinner & Sun breakfast)
(3) Merambong rocky shores and reef survey costs (boat transfer + guide fees)
(4) Kukup National Park costs (entrance ticket + guide + boat)
Booking: By Friday, 24 July = pay RM 100
Confirm: By Friday, 31 July = pay full sum (RM190 or RM260)
Contact: Khor Hui Min 017-881 7714, khor.hm@gmail.com
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Coral Identification Workshop
Date: May 30 (Sat)
Time: 9am – 12noon
Venue:Auditorium, MNS HQ (map)
We had such an overwhelming response for the first Coral Identification Workshop we organised on 5 January 2008, that we have decided to conduct another workshop in 2009. This workshop is suitable for people who have either went snorkelling or diving before, but not sure of the marine organisms that they have seen on their trips. Rather than just being awed by the beauty of these organisms, it would be wise to know a little bit about what they are. The facilitator will be none other than our own renowned marine biologist Affendi Yang Amri from University Malaya. Affendi is known for his work involving corals, dugong and marine issues. As an avid diver and lecturer, he is ever ready to share his knowledge on the basics of how to identify corals.
For more information and to book your spot in this workshop, please contact Khor Hui Min (017-8817714, khor.hm@gmail.com). Places are limit, so please book soon!
Time: 9am – 12noon
Venue:Auditorium, MNS HQ (map)
We had such an overwhelming response for the first Coral Identification Workshop we organised on 5 January 2008, that we have decided to conduct another workshop in 2009. This workshop is suitable for people who have either went snorkelling or diving before, but not sure of the marine organisms that they have seen on their trips. Rather than just being awed by the beauty of these organisms, it would be wise to know a little bit about what they are. The facilitator will be none other than our own renowned marine biologist Affendi Yang Amri from University Malaya. Affendi is known for his work involving corals, dugong and marine issues. As an avid diver and lecturer, he is ever ready to share his knowledge on the basics of how to identify corals.
For more information and to book your spot in this workshop, please contact Khor Hui Min (017-8817714, khor.hm@gmail.com). Places are limit, so please book soon!
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