A Bear to Call Our Own - The Malayan Sun Bears

I am saddened that the State Wildlife Department may resort to setting traps to capture sun bears which have been entering an army camp in Jeli in search of food.

We must take a look at the situation in its entirety before we take such drastic actions. The sun bears have been roaming the forest way before humans encroached into their habitat. Therefore, we must remember that it is we that have invaded and deprived them of their habitat and food source which resulted in the bears' intrusions into human settlements.

The sun bears are totally protected and are listed on CITES: Appendix I. They are the smallest bear in the world and are only found in South East Asia. These bears suffer from severe habitat loss and poaching. When their natural food sources start to disappear, the sun bear is forced to scour neighboring farms and plantations for food, where they are usually shot or trapped by angry farmers.

As clearly stated by the Department Director Pazil Abdul Patah, the sun bears were harmless and would not likely attack the soldiers. Hence, the sun bears are merely just a nuisance to the army camp. Although the nuisance should be managed but there are other bear-friendlier options than the easy way out of trapping and release.

Trapping the bears are equivalent to curing the symptoms rather than addressing the cause. Therefore, the first step should be eliminating the purpose of the bear visits - to find food in the camp. This can be achieve by managing proper garbage disposal and securing their camp's food supply. These bears can be "taught" not to wonder off near human by scaring them with shooting rubber bullets or firecrackers.

We should take great pride in The Malayan Sun Bears (Helarctos Malayanus), not only because they were named after our country but the fact that they are magnificent creatures - our natural heritage that should be protected for our future generations to appreciate.

New Straits Times
Traps may be set for bears
17 April 07

KOTA BARU: State Wildlife Department rangers may set up traps to catch the sun bears which have been entering an army camp in Jeli in search of food.
Department director Pazil Abdul Patah said yesterday the measure was being considered although the animals were harmless and would not likely attack the soldiers."Our rangers are monitoring the place and will set up traps if necessary," he said.Last Saturday, soldiers at the Batu 18 Galeri camp complained the bears had been stealing rations such as rice, sugar and biscuits at night.

Appalling Negligence Causes Extensive Damage in Sipadan

This article has been published in The Star and MalaysiaKini dated 22nd May 2006.

I have been diving at the world's famous Pulau Sipadan and its neighbouring islands annually for the past couple of years. The last trip being early last month. I am proud of my beloved country's rich marine treasures. I had the pleasure of researching the coral reefs of Malaysia in my post graduate studies. Many Malaysians, myself included, are not aware of the richness of our marine bio-diversity. We are third on the list of countries with the highest number of coral species. Sipadan has been dubbed as one of the top ten best dive sites in the world. Her immense beauty has lured divers from all over the world. International travellers paying a hefty sum to appreciate what Malaysians sometimes take for granted.

Therefore, the blatant negligence of the people responsible for the strayed barged at Sipadan is truly appalling. I am also shocked to read Clement Lee of Borneo Divers comparing coral damages from natural causes such as El Nino to man made damages such as this. The photograph on the blog of FiNS Magazine Associate Editors, Andrea and Antonella Ferrari who witnessed the incident, clearly showed the extend of the damage - coral reefs scraped clean by the barge's flat steel hull. Restoring coral reefs where there is none left is impossible in our lifetime. Gravel and debris are suffocating what is left at the fringes of the damaged area.

I hope that the relevant authorities would be able to explain to the concerned and angered public regarding the presence of an enormous steel barge carrying thousands of tonnes of coarse gravel, sand, steel tubes, iron mesh and all in the waters of Sipadan. It is clearly obvious that the contents were either from or to a major construction site which should not be possible within the vicinity of Sipadan.I believe that Malaysia has been trying to step up in the world's view on her conservation efforts. Let us prove that we, as Malaysians, are proud of our natural inheritance and we pledge to protect it the best we can.

I urge the relevant authorities to bring justice to these perpetrators. Although the damage has been done but let it not be in vain. A lesson of diligent monitoring and caring can be learnt by the custodians of natural resources and a strong message of warning can be sent to rogue would-be perpetrators.

P/S: Allow me to share the beauty of Sipadan with you.

Rubbish, Garbage, Sampah and All - What Is Trash?

After reading the newspaper this morning, I felt extremely compelled to write about a foul topic - rubbish. Yes, RUBBISH! It is all about rubbish today - on the eve of Earth Day. One must not complain about rubbish if one does not take responsibility of what is discarded into our bins daily. Malaysians are recycling less than 3% as compared to more than 30% in other countries and it is evident today that we are facing solid waste management issues.

On the front page of The Star today, we see a bold Selangor State Government setting to implement stern and unpopular measures to stop river pollution and clean up the environment. Kudos for measures such as the immediate closure of dumpsites found leaking leachate, closing animal farms illegally discharging waste into rivers, and stiffer penalties on polluters. Unfortunately, there is also a proposal of two new landfills - the location unknown. Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo said, "They will not be disclosed now to minimise opposition".

The above action resulted in a "rubbish stand-off." The closure of Sungai Kembong and Kundang dumpsites resulted in 20 garbage-laden trucks redirected to Bukit Tagar landfill but was refused entry by the latter landfill. KUB-Berjaya Enviro, which manages the Bukit Tagar landfill, replied to the situation stating that it could not allow anyone to dump their waste without prior approval from the Housing and Local Government Ministry. The rubbish ended up in Ayer Itam landfill in Puchong. The 2 proposed landfills together with Ayer Itam and Bukit Tagar will form the backbone of the solid waste disposal system for the Federal Territory and Selangor as quote by Dr. Khir. This is truly disturbing that we are promoting landfills when we have done so little to reduce waste disposal. I believe Malaysia should consider zero waste approaches which have been put in place in a number of places in the Third World, including Cairo (Egypt), Curitiba (Brazil) and Mumbai (India), which have succeeded in composting and recycling the vast majority of their municipal discards. These approaches have proven capable of reducing the waste going to landfill by as much as 85%!

Nevertheless, there is still hope as we wait for the outcome of the solid waste management strategy after the Cabinet committee meets on environmental issues this April 28. I was glad to see that the controversial Broga Incinerator project in Semenyih was not forgotten. It is said that the 1,500-tonne incinerator, the largest of this type in Asia, will cost 1.5 billion ringgit (about US$395 million) to build and 200 million ringgit (about US$53 million) to operate per year. Not only is it costly and wasteful but a major threat to our health and environment too, as highlighted by many scientific studies linking incineration to ill health and environmental destruction.

We must change our attitudes towards waste disposal and recycling. The next time before you discard litter into the bin, look at what you hold in your hands. They are most likely to be made of paper, plastic, glass, metal or organic waste which are all recyclable one way or another. Yes, I agree with many that sometimes it is just too difficult to recycle when facilities such as recycling bins are scarce and few to come by. A lot more can be done by the Government to promote recycling as a direct and effective method of reducing waste going to landfills.

I urge our newly appointed Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Azmi Khalid to reconsider the current approach to solid waste disposal and management. Our beloved Prime Minister YAB Dato' Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi told the senior government officials to make sure that the projects under the Ninth Malaysia Plan are effective as Malaysia have less than 15 years to achieve the Developed Nation status. A safe, effective and sustainable solid waste disposal and management policy is what we should strive for as we look forward towards Wawasan 2020.

A Cold Shoulder to the Reptilian Encounter

My latest letter to the editors...

Last Sunday, I had the pleasure of visiting the Aquaria at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and experienced the Reptilian Encounter - a month long reptilian exhibition.

Being a herpetology enthusiast, I was impressed by the vast collection of reptilian species but the feeling was short-lived.

I was appalled to find protected and endangered wildlife on display where no commercial trading is allowed for those species. For example, the Indian Star Tortoises (Geochelone Elegans) found only in India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan and the Radiated Tortoises (Geochelone Radiata) found only in Madagascar and Mauritius, both listed in CITES as protected.

Malaysian wildlife is not spared either. The Malaysian Earth Tiger tarantula was declared by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment as protected wildlife back in April 2005. This species is believed to be endemic to Fraser's Hill - a wildlife reserve.

Who is providing these wildlife to Aquaria and where did they source for them? Upon enquiring the staff of Aquaria, I was told that they belong to a commercial reptile exhibitor.

How did internationally protected wildlife ended up in a commercial reptile exhibitor's collection?

How did the exhibitor sourced for a locally protected wildlife which is endemic to a wildlife reserve?

The Aquaria boasts its nature conservation effort through public awareness and education. I urge the owners and management of Aquaria to be diligent and stringent with their selection of vendors and exhibitors.

Wherefore art thou, o brother forest?

Originally posted on January 25, 2006.

This article has been published in MalaysiaKini under Opinions and Features on 6th Feb 2006.

A belated congratulations to the Selangor State Government upon receiving its developed state status on August 27, 2005. It is that encouraging the state government declared and opened the Selangor Heritage Park (Taman Warisan Selangor) on the same day – hopefully marking the birth of a new era in forestry conservation.

The Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo said that the 107,000 hectare park, which spreads across 3 districts – Hulu Selangor, Gombak and Hulu Langat, was guaranteed as a permanent forest reserve and no logging or development will be allowed unless the public agrees. The Selangor Heritage Park not only provides 98% of Selangor’s water supply, it also boasts the longest quartz ridge in the world at 14km long. Among other things, the park’s biodiversity is so rich and abundant that it cannot be ignored.

Unfortunately, the euphoria was short-lived. Below are the recaps on the reports in a chronological manner.

On September 13, Shukor Kadir - a concerned citizen of Hulu Langat reported logging activities in the forest reserve that was suppose to be part of the Selangor Heritage Park. Upon lodging a report, Kadir was told that the gazette did not exist. The logging concessionaire Fungsi Mewah was awarded the permit in April 2001 but the logging permit commenced on August 1, 2005 and expires on July 31, 2006 for an area of 334 hectares. This mark the beginning of a very messy and confusing banter between the locals and the relevant authorities.

On September 16, the Press Secretariat of Selangor Government responded to clarify that opening of the park in August 27, 2005 was just a declaration of status and not the gazetting of the area. It is rather intriguing since the statements published in the Press following the event stating that it is indeed a gazette as mentioned by the Deputy Prime Minister, the Menteri Besar and members of the Press.

On January 15, it was reported by the Press that the villagers of Kampung Lembah Gahal, where the logging site is situated above, raised a complaint again after the previous complaint as reported by Shukor Kadir turned to deaf ears. This time it got the attention of Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo, State Exco for Natural resources, Datuk Raja Ideris Ahmad, and State Forestry Director Nik Mohd Shah. Dr Mohamad Khir claimed that the land is privately owned, and not part of the Selangor Heritage Park. Nevertheless, he was dissatisfied with the explanation given by the logging firm and hence issued a temporary stop work order pending further investigation and deliberation by the state executive council. Despite the stop-work order, villagers claimed that the operation continues. Apparently, logging activities were heavy and carried on till late into the night.

On January 18, the state government revoked the licence of the logging company. Although the stop-work order has been issued, the felled logs were allowed to be removed within a few weeks. Dr Mohamad Khir said the area would be turned into a forest reserve.

That was the last we have heard and it seems that there are still questions pending answers.

1. What is the status of the Selangor Heritage Park – was it a declaration or gazette back in August?
2. If indeed that the area has not been gazetted, does that mean the protection granted for Selangor Heritage Park cannot be applied to our forest reserves?
3. How do we ascertain if a forest reserve or logging site is not in the Selangor Heritage Park if the area has yet to be gazetted?

Being an avid nature lover, these incidences intrigued and compelled me to pay this infamous site a visit. I had a heavy suspicion that logging may still go on under the disguise of log removal. What I witnessed and discovered on this trip was very disheartening.

My first stop was the log yard – a clearing at the entrance where the felled logs are kept temporarily. I found logs that are oozing with sap which means they have just been felled. I also found logs that were too young to be felled as the diameter of the logs were far too thin. Logging firms in the past have claimed that the young trees were felled during the clearing of the logging path but I doubt we can be certain of it.

An interesting note is the signboard that states the area as Hutan Simpanan Hulu Langat when the site supposedly privately owned.

I was informed that the logging site is 3km away from the log yard. I went along the path for as long as I could before dusk falls. I noticed a few disturbing findings – the proximity of the logging path to the stream and the gradient of the slopes. I believe there should be a buffer zone between any clearing or logging road to a water source in order not to risk contamination or siltation.

The gradient of the slopes along the logging path was extremely steep where at certain points it was almost a vertical wall. These slopes are between 5 – 10 metres high. I dread to think the worst if there was a landslide or erosion as the villager are within the destruction path.

As I went along further into the path, I came to a split where the path had branches to the left, centre and right. The condition of the left and right path were very muddy and the vehicle tracks were very fresh. I could not continue on the path as it was dusk soon.

On the very next day, the headlines of our newspaper announces that Malaysia is ranked ninth on the Environmental Performance Index and next to that we saw the illegal felling of a 100 year old Tualang tree.

In all honesty, I do hope that our federal and state government step up to the challenge of being ranked the top nine most environmentally conscious country. Our Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak once said that the forest was a gift from God and that it was everyone’s responsibility to protect it - “Don’t look at our trees and forests as just a source of timber. Look beyond our forests and appreciate what they offer.”

The Canticle of Brother Sun

by St. Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of Ecology

Most High, Omnipotent, Good Lord,
Thine be the praises, the glory, and the honor and every blessing (cf. Apoc. 4:9.11).
To Thee alone, Most High, do they belong and no man is worthy to mention Thee.

May Thou be praised, my Lord, with all Thy creatures (cf. Tob. 8:7),
especially mister brother sun, of whom is the day, and Thou enlightens us through him.
And he is beautiful and radiant with a great splendor, of Thee, Most High, does he convey the meaning.

May Thou be praised, my Lord, for sister moon and the stars (cf. Ps. 148:3),
in heaven Thou has made them clear and precious and beautiful.

May Thou be praised, my Lord, for brother wind, and for the air and the cloudy and the clear weather and every weather (cf. Dan 3:64-65),
through which to all Thy creatures Thou gives sustenance (cf. Ps. 103:13-14).

May Thou be praised, my Lord, for sister water,
who is very useful and humble and precious and chaste.

May Thou be praised, my Lord, for brother fire (cf. Dan 3:66),
through whom Thou illumines the night,and he is handsome and jocund and robust and strong.

May Thou be praised, my Lord, for our sister, mother earth, (cf. Dan 3:74)
who sustains us and governs,and produces various fruits with colored flowers and green plants (cf. Ps 103:13-14).

May Thou be praised, my Lord, for those who forgive for the sake of Thy love (cf. Mt 6:12),
and endure infirmity and tribulation.

Blessed those who endure them in peace (cf. Mt 5:10), because by Thee, Most High, will they be crowned.

May Thou be praised, my Lord, for our sister, bodily death, whom no man living can escape.

Woe to those, who die in mortal sin: blessed those whom she will find in Thy most holy desires, because the second death will do them no evil (cf. Apoc 2:11; 20:6).

Praise and bless my Lord (cf. Dan 3:85), and give Him thanks and serve Him with great humility!

Plight of the Pangolins

Originally posted on November 18, 2005

This letter was published in the News Straits Time on 15th November 2005.

It has been less than a month since the news of the illegal poaching and butchering of a tiger and of the smuggling of over 900 exotic monitor lizards graced our daily newspapers. Today we hear of another tragic story - a man was caught smuggling 10 Malayan pangolins (Manis Javanica) or also known as Tenggiling in Malay. Many are not aware that the pangolin is a totally protected animal and there is a ban on all international trade of pangolins. Hence all trades in Asian pangolins are illegal today and yet we find an abundance of its body parts in Chinese restaurants and medical halls.

There were news that pangolins are able to fetch a handsome sum of RM1,500 each from the Chinese traders. In the past few years, we have heard of bigger numbers being confiscated. Back in April 2002, it was reported in Vietnam that officials confiscated some 600 pangolins and 700 monitor lizards totalling 4.5 tonnes - smuggled from Malaysia. Apparently, confiscation of such a nature occurs almost on a daily basis at our borders. I cannot imagine the numbers that managed to escape detection and was successfully smuggled.

Under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, the perpetrator(s) can be fined up to RM15,000 and/or a maximum jail sentence of 5 years. We know that the Government has proposed an amendment to the current Wildlife Protection Act to stiffen the penalties.

Nevertheless, we also saw perpetrators getting away with merely a slap on the wrist - a meagre fine and no jail terms. Ang Chun Tan got away with only a fine of RM7,000 for a butchered tiger. Ching Boon Keat got away with only a fine of RM3,000 for 929 exotic monitor lizards.

I strongly urge the authorities and government officials involved to bring justice to the sentencing of this case. Animals and their habitat cannot defend their own rights but that does not limit us from letting true justice be served.

Tiger Butchered - Killer Goes Free

Originally posted on November 17, 2005

This letter was published in the News Straits Time and MalaysiaKini on 26th October 2005.

I would like praise our Government for reacting positively to the seriousness of wildlife poaching and trading in our country. The proposal of mandatory jail sentences, whipping, enhanced jail terms and heavier fines is definitely the first step in the right direction in a long journey to conserving and protecting our precious inheritance – the flora and fauna of our 130million year-old rainforest.

Nevertheless, the lack of heavier penalties in the current Wildlife Protection Act 1972 should not hamper justice from being served.

According to the current wildlife protection laws, Ang Chun Tan could have been slapped with a maximum punishment of 5 years in jail and fined RM15,000. Instead, he was merely fined a mere RM7,000 for the atrocious act. I urge the Public Prosecutor of Kelantan’s office to make an appeal to this case for a higher penalty.

Hok Bee Ter, the father of Ang Chun Tan, has publicly admitted the he indeed agreed and stored the butchered tiger for a sum of RM1,500 paid by the alleged Thai poachers. An illegal transaction has been admitted and made public. Again, I urge the Public Prosecutor’s office to open a fresh case against Hok.

The carcass was left with Hok by the very same poachers whom he claimed to be “hunter friends” from Jeli. Apparently, a Thai towkay was due to pick up the butchered tiger later. I urge the authorities to investigate on this matter and press charges against these perpetrators.

**Enclosed with this was a petition letter to our beloved Prime Minister, urging the government to increase enforcement of anti-poaching laws and stiffer punishment. There are 123 names supporting the petition letter – a very positive sign that the good people of Malaysia and abroad are concerned with the plight of our wildlife.

Panthera Tigris - Wherefore art Thou?

Originally Posted on November 16, 2005

This letter was published in The Star on 18th October 2005 and News Straits Times on 19th October 2005.

I was truly heart-broken and saddened at the sight of the Malayan Tiger (Panthera Tigris) - once stood majestic - now being reduced to butchered meat. It brought tears to my eyes but these were not only tears of sadness. I am disappointed, appalled and extremely outraged that poaching is going on rampantly beneath the noses of the authorites entrusted to guard one of our national treasures - the flora and fauna of one of the oldest rainforest in the world. I believe many concerned Malaysians felt the same way I did.

It is estimated by Department of Wildlife (Perhilitan) that there are less than 500 tigers left in our forest. Despite the small number left in our country, we support the largest known tiger population in Southeast Asia. The tigers are in dire straits. I urge the Government to step up on the anti-poaching legislation which is long overdue. We are losing more and more protected wildlife for everyday that passes by without increased enforcement and stringent punishment on poachers. A tiger is said to fetch up to RM30,000 in the black market while the maximum fine for poaching it is only RM15,000. A possibility of more than a 100% profit gained despite conviction coupled with a few years in prison is not a good enough deterent for poachers.

As concerned Malaysians, we have a part to play too. Contact the Department of Wildlife (Perhilitan) when you see protected wildlife on sale. Do voice your concerns and opinions - quoting Datuk Dr Mikaail Kavanagh Abdullah, executive director of WWF-Malaysia, "Throw the book at everyone involved".