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![[Photos] How Genting Highlands' Nature Trails Are Becoming Malaysia's Hottest Eco-Destination](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.therakyatpost.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F06%2FUntitled49.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
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Rakyat Post
2 days ago
- Science
- Rakyat Post
[Photos] How Genting Highlands' Nature Trails Are Becoming Malaysia's Hottest Eco-Destination
Subscribe to our FREE When you think of Genting Highlands, casinos and theme parks probably spring to mind. But at the Genting Nature Adventures (GNA)'s Conference of Experts and Collaborators 2025, held at Resorts World Awana, a different kind of excitement emerged through the partnership with Nikon, focusing on wildlife documentation. The conference successfully brought together experts from various fields, combining scientific research with nature photography and exploration, to highlight the significance of Genting Highlands beyond its famous entertainment venues. A significant scientific highlight was the presentation of The remarkable discovery was made through a collaborative effort: Genting Nature Adventures Department Manager Eddie Chan first spotted this tiny, otherworldly plant along a quiet nature trail, and The species was named 'limkokthayi' in honour of Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, Chairman of the Genting Group, recognising his deep involvement in developing facilities essential to preserving the biodiversity assets of Genting Highlands. Due to the Critically Endangered status of the non-photosynthetic plant, as classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), a tissue culture laboratory is currently being set up to cultivate more T. limkokthayi, thereby ensuring its preservation for future generations. This discovery, documented in the scientific literature, not only highlights the region's previously unexplored biodiversity potential but also demonstrates how corporate responsibility, scientific expertise, and local knowledge can work together to advance our understanding of Malaysia's natural heritage. Pioneering Partnership in Nature Documentation The significance of preserving such natural heritage was further emphasised by an impressive lineup of speakers who shared their unique perspectives on nature exploration and documentation. Among the notable speakers was Despite facing severe challenges, including losing eight fingers to frostbite during his climbing career, his presence added a unique perspective on human endurance and the exploration of nature. , Dr. Ignatius Augustine, a medical doctor specialising in Internal Medicine, showcased his wildlife photography skills with stunning captures of the local avian fauna, including the Great Hornbill, through the Nikon Z9, demonstrating how modern photography equipment can aid in wildlife documentation and conservation efforts. Meanwhile, As President of the Singapore Acupuncture Association, he painted a compelling picture of how our rainforests serve as living medicine cabinets, packed with plants, fungi, and herbs that have been healing people for generations. His message hit home: every acre of forest lost isn't just a blow to biodiversity – it's potentially erasing chapters from humanity's medical textbook. Young Voices, Ancient Forest: How Junior Rangers are Changing Conservation But here's where it gets really interesting. Three young eco-warriors – GNA's Junior Rangers Ziann Kok, Won Dao Her, and Ho Hayley – stole the show with presentations that had seasoned professionals taking notes. These kids aren't just cute faces in ranger vests; they're the future of conservation, backed by parents who believe nature walks beat screen time any day. The Junior Rangers program is designed for young nature enthusiasts to learn about the environment and its preservation. Using a combination of nature journals, smartphone photography, and specially designed mobile apps, they demonstrated how they track and record their observations of local flora and fauna. Their work exemplifies how the next generation is embracing both traditional observation methods and modern technology to contribute to conservation efforts. Through the Lens of Conservation The partnership between GNA and Nikon, through They've transformed the Awana Trail into what they're calling the 'Mile Long Gallery,' complete with Nikon-branded plaques marking prime photo spots. On 25 May, about 70 members of the 'This collaboration stands as a commitment to preserving nature and promoting responsible travel,' said Nikon product specialist Alex Moh. And they're backing it up with action, supporting not just this workshop but two more coming up in July and October, coinciding with The Other Side of the Mountain Under the leadership of Department Manager Eddie Chan and his partner Pat Ang, GNA is proving that Genting Highlands is more than just Malaysia's entertainment capital – it's becoming an unlikely hero in the country's conservation story. With resident scientists mapping ecosystems and executives pioneering sustainable tourism models, they're writing a new chapter in Genting's history. So next time you're heading up to Genting, maybe pack a camera alongside your entertainment plans. Those bright lights might draw you in, but it's the wild trails, hidden flowers, and soaring hornbills that'll make you want to stay. Just ask any of the Junior Rangers – they'll tell you the real treasures aren't found at the peak, but in the forests that surround them. Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
India Today
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Relations are built on mutual sensitivity: India on Turkey supporting Pakistan
0:58 A rare video of a baby Great Hornbill flapping its wings for the first time in Kerala's Nelliyampathy forest has gone viral. Wildlife photographer Rageesh Pinarayi captured the moment from a 50-foot tree.
Borneo Post
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Affin Bank's hornbill blunder a serious misrepresentation of Sarawak's identity, says Pending rep
Yong pointed out that the Great Hornbill is not native to Sarawak and cited local zoologist Jason Teo, who confirmed the bird depicted is indeed the wrong species. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (May 21): Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong insisted she was not making a mountain out of a molehill over Affin Bank's depiction of the wrong hornbill on its Kenyalang Card, calling it a serious misrepresentation of Sarawak's identity. Speaking during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today, she criticised the bank for featuring the Great Hornbill instead of the Rhinoceros Hornbill – Sarawak's official state bird – on a card launched by the Premier and marketed exclusively for Sarawakians. 'This is not a trivial issue – it distorts Sarawak's heritage and is an insult to our people,' she said. Yong pointed out that the Great Hornbill is not native to Sarawak and cited local zoologist Jason Teo, who confirmed the bird depicted is indeed the wrong species. She further revealed that the image used was not custom-designed, but lifted from a stock photo website without any Sarawakian input or cultural consideration. 'Affin Bank claiming it as a 'creative tribute' is misleading and disrespectful,' she said. Adding on, Yong criticised the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) leaders for staying silent, saying their lack of response reflects a disconnect from Sarawakian values. She also took aim at Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng for making personal attacks rather than addressing the core issue. In view of this, she urged the Sarawak government to use its 31.25 per cent stake in Affin Bank to withdraw the current card and redesign it with the correct hornbill. 'They have made profits, so don't tell us there is no budget to fix this,' she said. Having said that, Yong expressed sympathy for the Sarawak Tourism Board, saying the misstep undermines years of work to promote Sarawak's identity. She also criticised Tourism Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim for dismissing the matter, calling his remarks 'damaging and tone-deaf'. 'I wouldn't have raised this issue if the card hadn't been marketed as a symbol of Sarawak pride – but it was,' she said, warning that leaving the error uncorrected could confuse future generations about the state's iconic bird. Yong concluded by calling for immediate correction and a formal apology, adding that the dignity of Sarawak's identity must be upheld without compromise. Afffin Bank DUN hornbill kenyalang violet yong
Malaysiakini
20-05-2025
- General
- Malaysiakini
For Sarawakians, the right hornbill matters
COMMENT | In Sarawak, the hornbill isn't just a bird - it's an emblem of the soul. It soars in their myths, crowns their state crest, and gives the land of the Dayaks their moniker: Bumi Kenyalang - Land of the Hornbills. So when Affin Bank Berhad rolled out its new Kenyalang Card, claiming it was a tribute to Sarawak's identity, one would assume they knew what bird they were featuring. They didn't. Instead of the Rhinoceros Hornbill (Buceros rhinoceros), which is the official state bird of Sarawak, the card showcases the Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis) - a non-native species. That's not just a design error. That's a failure of cultural due diligence.
Borneo Post
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Abd Karim: Criticism over Affin Bank hornbill gaffe blown out of proportion
Abdul Karim speaks to reporters when met at the DUN Complex. — Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (May 19) Criticism over the 'wrong' hornbill species used on the Affin Bank's Kenyalang Card is a non-issue blown out of proportion, said Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. He said the depiction of the hornbill on the card should not be turned into a controversy, adding that the focus should be on the positive intention behind the design. 'That should not have been made into an issue, because there are so many varieties of the hornbill. The intention was to have a hornbill as part of the card's design and I think what they have done is something good,' he told reporters at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex here today. He thus dismissed the distinction as insignificant, arguing that people should not be narrow-minded, and questioned whether it must specifically be 'this hornbill or that hornbill'. He also opined there was no need to change the logo or design, as the symbolic association with Sarawak remained intact. 'Does the mascot need to look exactly like a real hornbill? The moment someone sees it, it's recognisable as a '(burung) kenyalang', which is synonymous with Sarawak. 'Personally, I view this as an overreaction—making a mountain out of a molehill. Whether the hornbill horn (casque) is going up or going down, that's not an issue. When you see the bird, you know it's a hornbill. So, what's the issue there? 'I believe Affin has good intentions. Why create all these very petty issues and turn them into something big? There are many other issues that can be raised, such as issues that matter to the people—not issues related to a bank card and the hornbill,' he said. He further compared the situation to the many types of common birds, such as the 'burung pipit', which is a local term for small sparrow-like birds, pointing out that just as there were various species of these, the same applied to hornbills. Apart from that, it was his understanding the card was only issued in Sarawak and meant to reflect the state, saying the government saw no pressing need for any correction or apology from Affin Bank. Abdul Karim was responding to recent remarks made by Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong, who had criticised Affin Bank for using the image of the Great Hornbill on a card meant to represent Sarawak. Yong described it as a 'cultural misrepresentation', noting that the Great Hornbill was not native to the state and differed from the Rhinoceros Hornbill, or 'Burung Kenyalang', which is Sarawak's state bird. Abdul Karim Affin Bank Kenyalang Card lead
