Stop the desecration of Cameron Highlands
Thursday July 22, 2010
I was a resident of Cameron Highlands for almost 10 years and returned recently after a short break of three years. I am shocked at what I see today.
There appears to have been no control over land clearing, building development or river preservation. Hotels, housing schemes, farms and small industries have emerged indiscriminately all over the highlands, especially in the larger towns of Ringlet, Tanah Rata, Brinchang, Kea Farm and Bertam Valley.
There has been a complete desecration and disregard for this beautiful highland and its pristine rivers.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Friday, July 16, 2010
Committee to look into plight of farmers
Committee to look into plight of farmers
By Sylvia Looi
Friday July 16, 2010
A COMMITTEE will be set up to look into the land problem faced by Bertam Valley farmers, which recently sparked a tense standoff.
Tanah Rata assemblyman Ho Yip Kap said the Perak Government had instructed a committee to be formed by the district office to look into the problem faced by the farmers due to the construction of a 79km road linking Pos Beteau in Raub and Bertam Valley.
By Sylvia Looi
Friday July 16, 2010
A COMMITTEE will be set up to look into the land problem faced by Bertam Valley farmers, which recently sparked a tense standoff.
Tanah Rata assemblyman Ho Yip Kap said the Perak Government had instructed a committee to be formed by the district office to look into the problem faced by the farmers due to the construction of a 79km road linking Pos Beteau in Raub and Bertam Valley.
Friday, July 09, 2010
Spice up farm produce
Spice up farm produce
Friday July 9, 2010
MALAYSIAN farmers should be bold enough to cultivate new vegetable and fruit species to provide consumers with a wider choice, said Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) senior assistant director (regulatory) Suhaimi Ismail said.
He said the farmers were generally contented with their existing varieties as they were confident the wholesalers would buy their supplies.
He, however, said many farmers dared not plant new vegetable and fruit species for fear the wholesalers might not purchase them.
Friday July 9, 2010
MALAYSIAN farmers should be bold enough to cultivate new vegetable and fruit species to provide consumers with a wider choice, said Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) senior assistant director (regulatory) Suhaimi Ismail said.
He said the farmers were generally contented with their existing varieties as they were confident the wholesalers would buy their supplies.
He, however, said many farmers dared not plant new vegetable and fruit species for fear the wholesalers might not purchase them.
Thursday, July 01, 2010
History About Police Fighting Against Communist
My hats off to them for taking the difficult road to protect the freedom of Malaysia during the Emergency period. And wonders of wonders, Paul Kiong also contacted me about trying to connect to a fellow police veteran whom he fought alongside. That's what you get for making the best website about Cameron Highlands! I get some unusual request, and of course get to meet interesting people! Though I have not met them face to face, just communicating with them is already intriguing enough! Perhaps one day I may get to meet up with them, then again some may be difficult like Roy Follows who is now residing in UK!
This post is rather dated but I was recently contacted by Paul. He asked me to google him and I found this article about him. Just thought I republished here to share about his experiences. - Jan.
Cops of Yore
By Revathi Murugappan
Sunday March 25, 2007
To mark the 200th anniversary of the Royal Malaysia Police today, StarMag talks to three retired officers who served in earlier times, in different capacities but under the same oath to put nation before self.
Copping communists
FOR three years, he led a double life during which the slightest mistake could mean his death at the hands of the Malayan Communist Party (MCP).
Fortunately, Paul Kiong managed to keep up the pretence so well that he successfully completed his mission and emerged from the jungle unscathed.
For this immense act of bravery, he was awarded the Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa (SP) or Grand Knight of Valour, the country's highest medal for gallantry. Only 27 other people have been awarded the SP – often conferred posthumously – for acts of extraordinary courage or sacrifice for the nation.
At 63, Kiong still cuts a dashing figure. He has an unmistakable "policeman aura" about him – he still walks like a cop with his head held high and a ramrod straight back.
But as a young man fresh out of school, he wasn't sure what career path to take. So he applied to the Customs Department, the air force and the police. As luck would have it, the police were the first to respond and after a series of interviews, offered him a job in 1964.
This post is rather dated but I was recently contacted by Paul. He asked me to google him and I found this article about him. Just thought I republished here to share about his experiences. - Jan.
Cops of Yore
By Revathi Murugappan
Sunday March 25, 2007
To mark the 200th anniversary of the Royal Malaysia Police today, StarMag talks to three retired officers who served in earlier times, in different capacities but under the same oath to put nation before self.
Copping communists
FOR three years, he led a double life during which the slightest mistake could mean his death at the hands of the Malayan Communist Party (MCP).
Fortunately, Paul Kiong managed to keep up the pretence so well that he successfully completed his mission and emerged from the jungle unscathed.
For this immense act of bravery, he was awarded the Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa (SP) or Grand Knight of Valour, the country's highest medal for gallantry. Only 27 other people have been awarded the SP – often conferred posthumously – for acts of extraordinary courage or sacrifice for the nation.
At 63, Kiong still cuts a dashing figure. He has an unmistakable "policeman aura" about him – he still walks like a cop with his head held high and a ramrod straight back.
But as a young man fresh out of school, he wasn't sure what career path to take. So he applied to the Customs Department, the air force and the police. As luck would have it, the police were the first to respond and after a series of interviews, offered him a job in 1964.
Water Quality From Cameron Highlands Rivers
Stream investigators monitor water quality
Thursday July 1, 2010
CAMERON HIGHLANDS: Chew Lai Ling and Suhaimi Mamat are teachers in Cameron Highlands. Chew, 42, teaches music at her own Cameron Music School in Brinchang whilst Suhaimi, 28, teaches special education to students with learning disabilities at Sekolah Kebangsaan Tanah Rata.
One Saturday morning, Chew, Suhaimi and another 26 teachers voluntarily gave up their rest day to walk about outdoors. They were assigned to a "crime scene investigation" of a different kind.
They went to several locations and by the time they arrived at the final spot within this highland resort at about 4.30pm, the ambient temperature had rose to 30°C. At the final "crime scene," the team got the results. It was what they had expected and it was not a favourable one.
Thursday July 1, 2010
CAMERON HIGHLANDS: Chew Lai Ling and Suhaimi Mamat are teachers in Cameron Highlands. Chew, 42, teaches music at her own Cameron Music School in Brinchang whilst Suhaimi, 28, teaches special education to students with learning disabilities at Sekolah Kebangsaan Tanah Rata.
One Saturday morning, Chew, Suhaimi and another 26 teachers voluntarily gave up their rest day to walk about outdoors. They were assigned to a "crime scene investigation" of a different kind.
They went to several locations and by the time they arrived at the final spot within this highland resort at about 4.30pm, the ambient temperature had rose to 30°C. At the final "crime scene," the team got the results. It was what they had expected and it was not a favourable one.
New Bertam Valley Road Causes Farmers to Protest
Tense standoff by farmers over road project
By Sylvia Looi and Ivan Loh
Wednesday June 30, 2010
CAMERON HIGHLANDS: About 400 farmers in Bertam Valley here blocked the main road for three hours to stop enforcement officers from tearing down their farms to make way for a road project.
The farmers used their vehicles to block the road, causing a 2km traffic jam. The standoff lasted from 8.30am until about 11.30am.
Several enforcement officers managed to enter the farms and remove flower pots and destroy vegetables by the side of the road.
Bertam Valley Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) chairman Tung Cheok Nam said: "Fortunately, no fights broke out."
He said Health Minister and MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai who is also the Pahang MCA chief and Pahang state executive council member Datuk Hoh Khai Mun arrived at the scene and asked the enforcement officers to stop their operations.
By Sylvia Looi and Ivan Loh
Wednesday June 30, 2010
CAMERON HIGHLANDS: About 400 farmers in Bertam Valley here blocked the main road for three hours to stop enforcement officers from tearing down their farms to make way for a road project.
The farmers used their vehicles to block the road, causing a 2km traffic jam. The standoff lasted from 8.30am until about 11.30am.
Several enforcement officers managed to enter the farms and remove flower pots and destroy vegetables by the side of the road.
Bertam Valley Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) chairman Tung Cheok Nam said: "Fortunately, no fights broke out."
He said Health Minister and MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai who is also the Pahang MCA chief and Pahang state executive council member Datuk Hoh Khai Mun arrived at the scene and asked the enforcement officers to stop their operations.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Foreign Workers Labour Shortage
Camerons tourism faces backlash over lack of foreign workers
Sunday June 20, 2010
CAMERON HIGHLANDS: Tourism in cool Cameron Highlands, famous for its tea plantations, vegetable and strawberry gardens, is "under threat."
And it has got nothing to do with intruders, just the lack of foreign workers. Hoteliers and tour operators said the lack of helping hands might lead to more tea plantations and vegetable farms closing down.
Hotelier Datuk Yee Shan Kon said there would be a chain reaction if the agriculture sector suffered.
"The butterfly farms, cactus gardens, souvenir shops, restaurants and sundry shops will also be affected. The entire wellness of the highlands will be affected," said Yee, who is managing director of four popular hotels here.
Sunday June 20, 2010
CAMERON HIGHLANDS: Tourism in cool Cameron Highlands, famous for its tea plantations, vegetable and strawberry gardens, is "under threat."
And it has got nothing to do with intruders, just the lack of foreign workers. Hoteliers and tour operators said the lack of helping hands might lead to more tea plantations and vegetable farms closing down.
Hotelier Datuk Yee Shan Kon said there would be a chain reaction if the agriculture sector suffered.
"The butterfly farms, cactus gardens, souvenir shops, restaurants and sundry shops will also be affected. The entire wellness of the highlands will be affected," said Yee, who is managing director of four popular hotels here.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Cameron Highlands Tea Industry Labour Shortage
This is another case of the short-sightedness of Government. They always think the locals will willingly take up employment in all areas of work. They make some industry not able to approve certain work permits and hope the locals will take up the vacancy. So tell me, what happens when no locals take up those vacancy? Time to close shop and relocate elsewhere where at least can find people to work, perhaps China? Vietnam? India? That will be the end of the local industry.
Cameron Highlands is facing labour shortage because not many local people want to work in this kind of industry. I also come across many factories during my sales visit around Malaysia, and the owners tell me a similar story of their woes. I don't know why, but some of these people always think the government will take care of them, work when they like it, don't come to work when they don't feel like it. Then when the factory cannot tahan get into the red and close down, they make big complain that the factory owner run away and now no job to do. This tidak apa work attitude won't get them far. So much for Malaysia Boleh. Boleh-land is fast becoming tidak boleh-land.
Labour shortage in tea industry
By Foong Thim Leng
Monday June 14, 2010
IPOH: The century-old tea industry in Cameron Highlands is facing the possibility of an untimely demise due to manpower shortage.
Two tea plantations there have already ceased operations due to lack of suitable workers and two more are operating at about 20% below full capacity, said Malaysian Tea Producers Association chairman Datuk Kesav Kumar Agarwal.
He said the plantations on 2,400ha of land needed 1,800 workers at any one time, 20% of whom had to be replaced annually.
"If the figures are not attained, tea production may cease in a decade or even sooner. The industry supports thousands of people directly through downstream activities like re-packing, logistics, trading, marketing and retailing.
"A significant number will be adversely affected by the untimely demise of the industry," he said.
Without local tea, he said Malaysians would then have to pay more for imported tea, adding that the country’s gross domestic product would also be affected.
"The Government can keep the industry alive by approving permits for Bangladeshis, who are willing to work in the agriculture sector and have a track record of success in this field," he said.
Kesav Kumar said the Government now only approved workers from countries like Kazakhstan, Uzbekis-tan, Pakistan and India but they were reluctant to work in agriculture-based industries.
The Home Ministry imposed a freeze on Bangladeshi workers in October 2007.
Kesav Kumar said it was impossible to employ locals as there was currently no unemployment in the Cameron Highlands.
He also appealed to the Government to allow foreign workers to be in the country for 10 years instead of five.
"The replacement worker has to be retrained and takes more than a year to become competent," he added.
Cameron Highlands has 2,500ha of vegetable farms, 480ha of flower gardens and 40ha of strawberry gardens, churning out RM580mil in annual sales.
"A significant attraction of what Cameron Highlands has for local and foreign tourists is the cool climate and the beautiful tea estates, flowers, strawberry and vegetable gardens. If they are gone, what will make visitors come?" said Kesav. -- The Star
Cameron Highlands is facing labour shortage because not many local people want to work in this kind of industry. I also come across many factories during my sales visit around Malaysia, and the owners tell me a similar story of their woes. I don't know why, but some of these people always think the government will take care of them, work when they like it, don't come to work when they don't feel like it. Then when the factory cannot tahan get into the red and close down, they make big complain that the factory owner run away and now no job to do. This tidak apa work attitude won't get them far. So much for Malaysia Boleh. Boleh-land is fast becoming tidak boleh-land.
Labour shortage in tea industry
By Foong Thim Leng
Monday June 14, 2010
IPOH: The century-old tea industry in Cameron Highlands is facing the possibility of an untimely demise due to manpower shortage.
Two tea plantations there have already ceased operations due to lack of suitable workers and two more are operating at about 20% below full capacity, said Malaysian Tea Producers Association chairman Datuk Kesav Kumar Agarwal.
He said the plantations on 2,400ha of land needed 1,800 workers at any one time, 20% of whom had to be replaced annually.
Time for tea: Tourists enjoying the scenic view at the Bharat tea plantation at Cameron Valley. Tea plantations may cease operations if the labour shortage continues.
"If the figures are not attained, tea production may cease in a decade or even sooner. The industry supports thousands of people directly through downstream activities like re-packing, logistics, trading, marketing and retailing.
"A significant number will be adversely affected by the untimely demise of the industry," he said.
Without local tea, he said Malaysians would then have to pay more for imported tea, adding that the country’s gross domestic product would also be affected.
"The Government can keep the industry alive by approving permits for Bangladeshis, who are willing to work in the agriculture sector and have a track record of success in this field," he said.
Kesav Kumar said the Government now only approved workers from countries like Kazakhstan, Uzbekis-tan, Pakistan and India but they were reluctant to work in agriculture-based industries.
The Home Ministry imposed a freeze on Bangladeshi workers in October 2007.
Kesav Kumar said it was impossible to employ locals as there was currently no unemployment in the Cameron Highlands.
He also appealed to the Government to allow foreign workers to be in the country for 10 years instead of five.
"The replacement worker has to be retrained and takes more than a year to become competent," he added.
Cameron Highlands has 2,500ha of vegetable farms, 480ha of flower gardens and 40ha of strawberry gardens, churning out RM580mil in annual sales.
"A significant attraction of what Cameron Highlands has for local and foreign tourists is the cool climate and the beautiful tea estates, flowers, strawberry and vegetable gardens. If they are gone, what will make visitors come?" said Kesav. -- The Star
Monday, June 07, 2010
Vegetable Prices Increasing
The local Malaysia news daily reported that the price of vegetables would increase by at least 30% due to low supply caused by the erratic weather and lack of workers.
Cameron Highlands Vegetable Growers Association secretary Chay Ee Mong was quoted by the daily as saying that the supply of beans, tomatoes and chillies would be affected.
He claimed that farmers were reluctant to plant vegetables as they were facing difficulties getting workers.
Some 80% of the vegetables planted in Cameron Highlands is for local consumption while the rest are exported to Singapore.
Prices soaring due to shortage of workers, claim farmers
By Foong Thim Leng
Monday June 7, 2010
CAMERON HIGHLANDS: Prices of vegetables have almost doubled since April partly due to a dearth of manpower, farmers here claimed.
Cameron Highlands Vegetable Farmers Association secretary Chay Ee Mong said the shortage of foreign workers had reached a critical stage, causing a steep hike in the cost of greens.
Vegetable prices from the highlands had increased between 50% and 100% since April, he added.
Good help: Chong (right) and his foreign workers harvesting brocolli in Brinchang.
Citing examples, Chay said English cabbage had gone up by 40 sen to RM1.60 per kilo, leafy mustard (sawi) price doubled to RM4, French beans (from RM2.50 to RM4), dwarf white mustard or siew pak choy (from RM1.50 to RM4), and tomato (from RM1 to RM1.50).
Vegetable farmers here are appealing to the Government to review a regulation on reducing the number of foreign workers from 2.5 million to 1.8 million.
They also want the Government to lift the ban on workers from Bangladesh.
Chay said the price hike was also a result of a reduction of imported vegetables due to natural disasters in countries like China.
Cameron Highlands produces 550 tonnes of vegetables daily, of which 80% is for the local market and the rest exported to Singapore.
Chay said many farmers were forced to operate with a skeleton crew and also work additional hours to meet demand because they had difficulties in hiring foreign workers.
"We hope the Government will approve the entry of 5,000 foreign workers, especially Bangladeshis, for farms here," he said yesterday.
The freeze on hiring Bangladeshi workers was re-introduced by the Home Ministry in October 2007 in view of the "scandals" surrounding their intake.
Chay said farmers preferred Bangladeshi workers because they were reliable, hard working and were prepared to work for more than five years.
He said only 10% of workers in Cameron Highlands were locals, comprising mainly orang asli.
A Brinchang farmer, Chong Sek Chuang, 47, said it took farmers about a year or two to train a new foreign worker.
By not extending their permits, he said Malaysia would become a training ground for workers.
"They can easily seek higher pay as skilled workers elsewhere," he said.
"We will lose whatever competitive advantage we have." -- The Star
Cameron Highlands Vegetable Growers Association secretary Chay Ee Mong was quoted by the daily as saying that the supply of beans, tomatoes and chillies would be affected.
He claimed that farmers were reluctant to plant vegetables as they were facing difficulties getting workers.
Some 80% of the vegetables planted in Cameron Highlands is for local consumption while the rest are exported to Singapore.
Prices soaring due to shortage of workers, claim farmers
By Foong Thim Leng
Monday June 7, 2010
CAMERON HIGHLANDS: Prices of vegetables have almost doubled since April partly due to a dearth of manpower, farmers here claimed.
Cameron Highlands Vegetable Farmers Association secretary Chay Ee Mong said the shortage of foreign workers had reached a critical stage, causing a steep hike in the cost of greens.
Vegetable prices from the highlands had increased between 50% and 100% since April, he added.
Good help: Chong (right) and his foreign workers harvesting brocolli in Brinchang.
Citing examples, Chay said English cabbage had gone up by 40 sen to RM1.60 per kilo, leafy mustard (sawi) price doubled to RM4, French beans (from RM2.50 to RM4), dwarf white mustard or siew pak choy (from RM1.50 to RM4), and tomato (from RM1 to RM1.50).
Vegetable farmers here are appealing to the Government to review a regulation on reducing the number of foreign workers from 2.5 million to 1.8 million.
They also want the Government to lift the ban on workers from Bangladesh.
Chay said the price hike was also a result of a reduction of imported vegetables due to natural disasters in countries like China.
Cameron Highlands produces 550 tonnes of vegetables daily, of which 80% is for the local market and the rest exported to Singapore.
Chay said many farmers were forced to operate with a skeleton crew and also work additional hours to meet demand because they had difficulties in hiring foreign workers.
"We hope the Government will approve the entry of 5,000 foreign workers, especially Bangladeshis, for farms here," he said yesterday.
The freeze on hiring Bangladeshi workers was re-introduced by the Home Ministry in October 2007 in view of the "scandals" surrounding their intake.
Chay said farmers preferred Bangladeshi workers because they were reliable, hard working and were prepared to work for more than five years.
He said only 10% of workers in Cameron Highlands were locals, comprising mainly orang asli.
A Brinchang farmer, Chong Sek Chuang, 47, said it took farmers about a year or two to train a new foreign worker.
By not extending their permits, he said Malaysia would become a training ground for workers.
"They can easily seek higher pay as skilled workers elsewhere," he said.
"We will lose whatever competitive advantage we have." -- The Star
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Illegal land clearing for cultivation in Cameron Highlands
Sultan of Pahang upset with illegal land clearing for cultivation in Cameron Highlands
By Nik Naizi Husin
Saturday May 29, 2010
CAMERON HIGHLANDS: Illegal land clearing for cultivation has become a big problem in Cameron Highlands that it has prompted a call from the Sultan of Pahang himself.
Sultan Ahmad Shah Sultan Abu Bakar said he had received complaints and assured that the Government would take stern action against the culprits, especially those involved in the most recent case in Kampung Lemoi.
He gave assurance to the orang asli community living there that the issue would be looked into.
Twelve hectares of land on the orang asli settlement in Kampung Lemoi was found to have been illegally cleared and cultivated.
"I have told the district officer (Datuk Mohd Noor Abdul Rani) to do the necessary pertaining to this matter," the Sultan told the orang asli during his visit to Kampung Manson recently.
He said police would be called to assist, if the need arose, in taking actions against those responsible for the land clearing.
He said there were also some who were given approval by the Government to open up land for cultivation but due to greed, went beyond the total hectarage approved.
He warned that the temporary operating licences of these greedy individuals could be cancelled.
Sultan Ahmad Shah said there had to be proper control on land clearing and excessive development in Cameron Highlands.
"It is a tourist spot visited by people from all over the world, so we do not want the environment to be affected by the illegal land clearing.
"If the environment is not protected, this area will face problems in future, such as disrupted water supply," he said, while commending efforts taken by the relevant authorities to tackle the illegal activity.
"I would also like to thank television stations for highlighting this issue for the Government to take note," he added.
New Route to Cameron Highlands from Kuala Lipis to Bertam Valley
Earlier, the Sultan was briefed by Mohd Noor on the new road from Sungai Koyan (in Kuala Lipis) to Lembah Bertam (in Cameron Highlands).
The 79km route is scheduled for completion in August. Work is in progress on the final stretch of 11km.
Sultan Ahmad Shah said that once the road was completed, all buildings next to the road would be vacated.
"I am satisfied with the progress of this project. It is targetted to open by Aug 26," he added.
The new road will be the fourth access to Cameron Highlands, apart from the routes from Tapah, Simpang Pulai (both in Perak) and Gua Musang (Kelantan). -- The Star
By Nik Naizi Husin
Saturday May 29, 2010
CAMERON HIGHLANDS: Illegal land clearing for cultivation has become a big problem in Cameron Highlands that it has prompted a call from the Sultan of Pahang himself.
Sultan Ahmad Shah Sultan Abu Bakar said he had received complaints and assured that the Government would take stern action against the culprits, especially those involved in the most recent case in Kampung Lemoi.
He gave assurance to the orang asli community living there that the issue would be looked into.
We are here for you: The Sultan talking to the orang asli during his visit to Kampung Manson.
Twelve hectares of land on the orang asli settlement in Kampung Lemoi was found to have been illegally cleared and cultivated.
"I have told the district officer (Datuk Mohd Noor Abdul Rani) to do the necessary pertaining to this matter," the Sultan told the orang asli during his visit to Kampung Manson recently.
He said police would be called to assist, if the need arose, in taking actions against those responsible for the land clearing.
He said there were also some who were given approval by the Government to open up land for cultivation but due to greed, went beyond the total hectarage approved.
He warned that the temporary operating licences of these greedy individuals could be cancelled.
Sultan Ahmad Shah said there had to be proper control on land clearing and excessive development in Cameron Highlands.
"It is a tourist spot visited by people from all over the world, so we do not want the environment to be affected by the illegal land clearing.
"If the environment is not protected, this area will face problems in future, such as disrupted water supply," he said, while commending efforts taken by the relevant authorities to tackle the illegal activity.
"I would also like to thank television stations for highlighting this issue for the Government to take note," he added.
New Route to Cameron Highlands from Kuala Lipis to Bertam Valley
Earlier, the Sultan was briefed by Mohd Noor on the new road from Sungai Koyan (in Kuala Lipis) to Lembah Bertam (in Cameron Highlands).
The 79km route is scheduled for completion in August. Work is in progress on the final stretch of 11km.
Sultan Ahmad Shah said that once the road was completed, all buildings next to the road would be vacated.
"I am satisfied with the progress of this project. It is targetted to open by Aug 26," he added.
The new road will be the fourth access to Cameron Highlands, apart from the routes from Tapah, Simpang Pulai (both in Perak) and Gua Musang (Kelantan). -- The Star
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Rafflesia used as traditional medicine unwise
Warning against 'jamu' using Rafflesia
24/5/2010
KUALA LUMPUR: Clinical tests on mice have shown that traditional medicine using the Rafflesia flower can have adverse effects on the liver and spleen, claims a Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia senior lecturer.
Dr Nazlina Ibrahim, of the university's School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, said Masters student Khairunnadwa Jemon's research found that the internal organs of white mice, which had delivered offspring and were given compounds of buds of the Rafflesia for 14 days, had become smaller.
She said traditional medicine using the flower were usually consumed by women who had just delivered to shrink their uterus and by men, supposedly for sexual strength.
Dr Nazlina said in an article in the university's news portal that the research by Khairunnadwa, under her supervision, found that the liver managed to detoxify ingredients from the buds of the Rafflesia azlanii.
"But this process also shrank the liver from its original size. The experiment thus confirmed the ability of the flower buds. But the risks to other vital organs being affected also exists, that is, the liver," said Dr Nazlina in the article.
Warning against 'jamu' using Rafflesia
She said woman who have been drinking water boiled with the buds of the Rafflesia for after-birth treatment needed to seriously consider the adverse and dangerous effects.
Dr Nazlina said the level of toxicity seen in the study should be a warning to people taking "jamu" using parts of the Rafflesia azlanii as a source of traditional medicine.
"If one wants to reduce weight, one should have a balanced diet and exercise. These are more effective and safe," she said.
The Rafflesia has for generations been used as an ingredient of traditional medicine, and the buds of the flower can be bought for between RM9 and RM25, depending on the size. - Bernama
24/5/2010
KUALA LUMPUR: Clinical tests on mice have shown that traditional medicine using the Rafflesia flower can have adverse effects on the liver and spleen, claims a Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia senior lecturer.
Dr Nazlina Ibrahim, of the university's School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, said Masters student Khairunnadwa Jemon's research found that the internal organs of white mice, which had delivered offspring and were given compounds of buds of the Rafflesia for 14 days, had become smaller.
She said traditional medicine using the flower were usually consumed by women who had just delivered to shrink their uterus and by men, supposedly for sexual strength.
Dr Nazlina said in an article in the university's news portal that the research by Khairunnadwa, under her supervision, found that the liver managed to detoxify ingredients from the buds of the Rafflesia azlanii.
"But this process also shrank the liver from its original size. The experiment thus confirmed the ability of the flower buds. But the risks to other vital organs being affected also exists, that is, the liver," said Dr Nazlina in the article.
Warning against 'jamu' using Rafflesia
She said woman who have been drinking water boiled with the buds of the Rafflesia for after-birth treatment needed to seriously consider the adverse and dangerous effects.
Dr Nazlina said the level of toxicity seen in the study should be a warning to people taking "jamu" using parts of the Rafflesia azlanii as a source of traditional medicine.
"If one wants to reduce weight, one should have a balanced diet and exercise. These are more effective and safe," she said.
The Rafflesia has for generations been used as an ingredient of traditional medicine, and the buds of the flower can be bought for between RM9 and RM25, depending on the size. - Bernama
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Rafflesia Flower Kerrii Found
650ha of Rafflesia Kerrii clusters found in Kelantan
Wednesday May 19, 2010
KOTA BARU: A 650ha site with many clusters of Rafflesia Kerrii has been found in Lojing Highlands, about 260km south of Kelantan.
The area has a potential to be a world heritage site but is threatened by encroaching development from neighbouring Cameron Highlands.
The site was discovered by a Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) research team headed by its senior lecturer Zulhazman Hamzah in 2008.
UMK vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Zainai Mohamed announced the find at a two-day National Conference on Natural Resources here yesterday.
Dr Zainai said that with the discovery, the area could be developed for the agro-tourism industry, but it needed to be gazetted as a national and world treasure.
"Nowhere else in the world can we find clusters of such species and it should be gazetted as soon as possible to protect its natural habitat. Otherwise, development will destroy the area," he said.
He also said more research would be done on the area, including the economic spin-off, natural habitat and potential conservation.
Zulhazman said after a two-year study of the area, he concluded that it has a vast tourism potential.
"I discovered 26 spots using the Geographic Information System. I have plotted three different sites – Kampung Cedau, Kampung Kuala Rengi and Kampung Gedik.
"All the Rafflesias were located outside the Lojing Highlands forest reserve and therefore it is vulnerable to development unless they are protected," he said.
Rafflesia Kerrii is the second largest flower after Rafflesia Arnoldii.
He said serious efforts must be done to conserve the area that has no fewer than 260 pods scattered all over, adding that a working paper had been sent to the state government proposing that the area be gazetted but they have yet to receive any response. -- The Star
Wednesday May 19, 2010
KOTA BARU: A 650ha site with many clusters of Rafflesia Kerrii has been found in Lojing Highlands, about 260km south of Kelantan.
The area has a potential to be a world heritage site but is threatened by encroaching development from neighbouring Cameron Highlands.
The site was discovered by a Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) research team headed by its senior lecturer Zulhazman Hamzah in 2008.
UMK vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Zainai Mohamed announced the find at a two-day National Conference on Natural Resources here yesterday.
Dr Zainai said that with the discovery, the area could be developed for the agro-tourism industry, but it needed to be gazetted as a national and world treasure.
"Nowhere else in the world can we find clusters of such species and it should be gazetted as soon as possible to protect its natural habitat. Otherwise, development will destroy the area," he said.
He also said more research would be done on the area, including the economic spin-off, natural habitat and potential conservation.
Zulhazman said after a two-year study of the area, he concluded that it has a vast tourism potential.
"I discovered 26 spots using the Geographic Information System. I have plotted three different sites – Kampung Cedau, Kampung Kuala Rengi and Kampung Gedik.
"All the Rafflesias were located outside the Lojing Highlands forest reserve and therefore it is vulnerable to development unless they are protected," he said.
Rafflesia Kerrii is the second largest flower after Rafflesia Arnoldii.
He said serious efforts must be done to conserve the area that has no fewer than 260 pods scattered all over, adding that a working paper had been sent to the state government proposing that the area be gazetted but they have yet to receive any response. -- The Star
Monday, May 10, 2010
Cameron Highlands's farmers need foreign workers
MP: Cameron's farmers need foreign workers
Monday May 10, 2010
IPOH: The multi-million ringgit farming industry in Cameron Highlands is under threat due to the Government's ruling restricting the hiring of foreign workers, said Cameron Highlands MP Datuk S.K. Devamany.
Devamany, who is Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, said that unless an exemption was allowed for farmers there to hire foreign help, the highlands could very well lose its status as the country's main food provider and exporter.
He claimed that farmers in Cameron Highlands were now experiencing a shortage of nearly 2,000 workers with the Government's move to reduce the number of foreign workers from 2.5 million to 1.8 million.
"We welcome the policy as we cannot allow our country to be overrun with foreigners.
"But we cannot totally dismantle a policy as it can be disruptive to certain industries," he told reporters here yesterday, adding that the farming industry in Cameron Highlands catered to a niche market.
"It grows 40% of our vegetables, strawberries - which cannot be grown elsewhere in the country - tea and flowers for both the local and export markets.
"We do not want all these products to be brought into the country," he said, adding that this would then lead to more imports.
Devamany, who recently met 28 farmer associations in Cameron Highlands, said farmers there required some 6,000 workers at any one time.
He said the farms were also losing foreign workers to other countries like the Netherlands, Japan and Taiwan after having trained them in computer technology and agricultural expertise.
"To produce vegetables, flowers and tea in a temperate climate, we need people trained for a minimum of two years in fertigation, fertilisation and pesticide application," he added.
He also said local workers were not used to the living and working conditions in the highlands. -- The Star
Monday May 10, 2010
IPOH: The multi-million ringgit farming industry in Cameron Highlands is under threat due to the Government's ruling restricting the hiring of foreign workers, said Cameron Highlands MP Datuk S.K. Devamany.
Devamany, who is Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, said that unless an exemption was allowed for farmers there to hire foreign help, the highlands could very well lose its status as the country's main food provider and exporter.
He claimed that farmers in Cameron Highlands were now experiencing a shortage of nearly 2,000 workers with the Government's move to reduce the number of foreign workers from 2.5 million to 1.8 million.
"We welcome the policy as we cannot allow our country to be overrun with foreigners.
"But we cannot totally dismantle a policy as it can be disruptive to certain industries," he told reporters here yesterday, adding that the farming industry in Cameron Highlands catered to a niche market.
"It grows 40% of our vegetables, strawberries - which cannot be grown elsewhere in the country - tea and flowers for both the local and export markets.
"We do not want all these products to be brought into the country," he said, adding that this would then lead to more imports.
Devamany, who recently met 28 farmer associations in Cameron Highlands, said farmers there required some 6,000 workers at any one time.
He said the farms were also losing foreign workers to other countries like the Netherlands, Japan and Taiwan after having trained them in computer technology and agricultural expertise.
"To produce vegetables, flowers and tea in a temperate climate, we need people trained for a minimum of two years in fertigation, fertilisation and pesticide application," he added.
He also said local workers were not used to the living and working conditions in the highlands. -- The Star
Friday, May 07, 2010
Orang Asli free to practice any religion
Well, I certainly hope so. Because sources from the ground for the past many years says otherwise. Sometimes there were road blockades and stand-offs. This kind of things never get reported in mainstream news. We just keep it to ourselves, hush-hush and pray that something will be done.
Freedom to practise any faith
Friday May 7, 2010
CAMERON HIGHLANDS: The orang asli in Pahang are free to choose the religion they wish to profess without fear and pressure.
Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob said statistics showed there were 13,741 households among the orang asli communities in the state and 1,000 of them were Muslims.
He said 800 of them were Christians, 300 Bahais, 90 Buddhists, 10 Hindus and the rest professed other faiths.
"The Government has allocated RM5.374mil for the Orang Asli Civilisation Development (Petama) programme.
"The youths among the orang asli are the main focus as they are the catalyst in their community’s social and economic development," Adnan said in his speech to close the Petama 2010 four-day homestay programme held in several orang asli villages in Cameron Highlands district here recently.
His speech was read out by Cameron Highlands District officer Datuk Mohd Noor Abdul Rani.
Adnan said Petama aimed to help the orang asli give priority to their children’s education for a better future. -- The Star
Freedom to practise any faith
Friday May 7, 2010
CAMERON HIGHLANDS: The orang asli in Pahang are free to choose the religion they wish to profess without fear and pressure.
Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob said statistics showed there were 13,741 households among the orang asli communities in the state and 1,000 of them were Muslims.
He said 800 of them were Christians, 300 Bahais, 90 Buddhists, 10 Hindus and the rest professed other faiths.
"The Government has allocated RM5.374mil for the Orang Asli Civilisation Development (Petama) programme.
"The youths among the orang asli are the main focus as they are the catalyst in their community’s social and economic development," Adnan said in his speech to close the Petama 2010 four-day homestay programme held in several orang asli villages in Cameron Highlands district here recently.
His speech was read out by Cameron Highlands District officer Datuk Mohd Noor Abdul Rani.
Adnan said Petama aimed to help the orang asli give priority to their children’s education for a better future. -- The Star
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
Pahang Attracting More Tourist
Pahang to attract more tourists with better packages
By Roslina Mohamad
Wednesday May 5, 2010
KUANTAN: Pahang, which registered 10 million tourist arrivals last year, has targeted to attract 13.6 million tourists this year by offering better and suitable tour packages featuring the state's popular destinations and activities.
State Tourism, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Datuk Shafiq Fauzan Sharif said there were efforts to upgrade current packages and design new ones to meet the needs of individuals and families.
"It will be a complete package including food, lodging, activities and places to go and it will be a concerted effort by the state government and industry players," he told reporters after chairing a dialogue with members of the Malaysian Association of Hotels Pahang chapter here yesterday.
The packages, he said, would include the state's 10 best tourism icons - Cameron Highlands, Genting Highlands, Fraser's Hill, Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Centre, Kuala Lipis (historical and heritage town), Taman Negara, Tioman Island, Rompin (billfish sports fishing), Pekan (royal town) and Cherating (surfing paradise).
He also said Fraser's Hill was given a facelift recently costing RM24mil while RM500,000 had been set aside to develop Sungei Lembing, once dubbed the El Dorado of the East where the largest, longest and deepest subterranean mine in the world was once located. -- The Star
By Roslina Mohamad
Wednesday May 5, 2010
KUANTAN: Pahang, which registered 10 million tourist arrivals last year, has targeted to attract 13.6 million tourists this year by offering better and suitable tour packages featuring the state's popular destinations and activities.
State Tourism, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Datuk Shafiq Fauzan Sharif said there were efforts to upgrade current packages and design new ones to meet the needs of individuals and families.
"It will be a complete package including food, lodging, activities and places to go and it will be a concerted effort by the state government and industry players," he told reporters after chairing a dialogue with members of the Malaysian Association of Hotels Pahang chapter here yesterday.
The packages, he said, would include the state's 10 best tourism icons - Cameron Highlands, Genting Highlands, Fraser's Hill, Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Centre, Kuala Lipis (historical and heritage town), Taman Negara, Tioman Island, Rompin (billfish sports fishing), Pekan (royal town) and Cherating (surfing paradise).
He also said Fraser's Hill was given a facelift recently costing RM24mil while RM500,000 had been set aside to develop Sungei Lembing, once dubbed the El Dorado of the East where the largest, longest and deepest subterranean mine in the world was once located. -- The Star
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
