Latest news with #Malayan
Rakyat Post
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Rakyat Post
'Is It A Skunk?' – Two Girls Come Across A Malayan Civet In KLCC Park
Subscribe to our FREE Malaysia sometimes surprises both locals and non-locals with its diverse wildlife, especially in the city where we don't usually see other animals other than the usual cats, dogs, squirrels, birds, and rats. A British-Filipina model and her friend recently encountered a Malayan civet in KLCC park, Kuala Lumpur. Known as Musang Pandan to locals, the racoon-looking animal is an elusive nocturnal creature, coming out mostly at night to feed. In a video that went viral on TikTok, the girls asked 'Is that a cat? It looks so weird. Is it a skunk?', as they tried to guess what the animal is. The animal looked undeterred as the girls filmed it, munching away on something while staying in place. People gave hilarious answers to answer their question True to form, some people left funny comments. While some gave truthful answers, others tried to pull their leg. One person commented saying the civet is a 'portable coffee maker', referrencing another type of civet that is used as part of a process to make a special type of coffee popular in Indonesia. Meanwhile, many Malaysians were surprised to see a Malayan civet just hanging out in the middle of KLCC park where there are lots of people. The animal is known to shy away from human contact, but this one was probably used to company (or just really hungry). They're not foxes and are not the same as Asian palm civets that make 'kopi luwak' The Malayan Civet, often referred to as 'Musang' – meaning 'fox' – by Malaysians, are not actually foxes. They belong to the The Malayan civet ( Viverra tangalunga ). Image: Ecology Asia It is a fully nocturnal animal, which is why we rarely see them during the day and hard to detect one in the dark of night. They are also highly adaptable animals, being able to live in places ranging from lowland forests to cities. The Malayan civet is often mistaken for the Asian palm civet ( Paradoxurus hermaphroditus ), the species associated with kopi luwak, but they are different both in appearance and behavior. The Asian palm civet is distinguished from the Malayan civet by it's solid-coloured black tail. Image: Instagram | We know the idea of drinking civet poop-coffee sounds gross, but the process it goes through makes the coffee safe and delicious to enjoy. Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
The Star
6 days ago
- General
- The Star
Shaping greener future for oil palm, wildlife to thrive
AN INNOVATIVE roadshow, 'Jelajah Sawit Hijau' kicked off its nationwide campaign in Alor Setar, Kedah, blending sustainability, science and storytelling to promote a green cause. Held at Aman Central Mall, the event to raise awareness about responsible oil palm cultivation and wildlife conservation drew thousands with its interactive exhibits, educational booths and entertainment. Organised by the Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation (MPOGCF) with support from Star Media Group, its radio arm Suria FM and digital portal Majoriti, the roadshow aimed to connect Malaysians with pressing environmental issues in fun, meaningful ways. MPOGCF general manager Hairulazim Mahmud said the event was part of the foundation's mission to create a vibrant and interactive platform for audiences to learn and connect with conservation initiatives. DJ Lin (second from left), along with several Suria FM DJs and a representative from MPOGCF presenting prizes to winners of a colouring contest at the roadshow. 'We aim to be the leading foundation in green conservation and sustainability, with a vision of green conservation for a sustainable future. 'Our objectives include supporting reforestation efforts in degraded areas across the country, promoting research on the effectiveness of endangered wildlife and biodiversity conservation initiatives as well as assisting non-governmental organisations in securing funding for related activities. 'We also aim to advance the best sustainability practices and conservation efforts, particularly within oil palm plantations, while enhancing biodiversity, environmental conservation and sustainability efforts to benefit both palm oil producers and consumers,' he said. Hairulazim said the foundation was working with the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) to protect Malayan tigers, which population has drastically declined due to habitat loss. 'Compared to an estimated 3,000 of them in the 1950s, there are between 150 and 200 of them left in the wild.' He said they had allocated RM3.18mil since 2021 for efforts to protect the Malayan tigers with Perhilitan. The Management and Ecology of Malaysian Elephants (MEME), a research group dedicated to the conservation of elephants in Malaysia founded in 2011, was among the exhibitors at the roadshow. Dr Wong (left) with visitors at a booth displaying elephant-themed merchandise at the roadshow held at Aman Central Mall in Kedah. MEME principal investigator Dr Wong Ee Phin said the group's goal was to apply scientific research to develop evidence- based strategies for conserving Asian elephants in peninsular Malaysia. 'Our specific objectives are to work with agricultural communities at varying scales, from large plantations to villages, to co-design human-elephant conflict management and coexistence strategies. 'Elephants once roamed throughout Malaysia but their habitat has significantly declined, confining them now to just a few states, namely Kedah, Perak, Johor, Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Sabah. 'Without scientific research, it would be challenging to track and evaluate conservation efforts,' said Dr Wong, an associate professor at the University of Nottingham Malaysia with almost 20 years of experience in wildlife conservation. She said research on elephants included tracking their movements in the wild to support future development planning and to reduce the risk of encroachment into agricultural areas. 'Elephants are herbivores, and because of their large size, they require a substantial amount of food,' she explained. 'We are working closely with the agriculture sector to develop best practices that allow for coexistence with elephants. 'To date, over 50 sets of GPS collars have been put on elephants to monitor their movements and study their migration patterns in the jungle. 'Our findings show that elephants follow specific ecological paths, some of which have been disrupted by development. 'Around 80% of the elephants were found to cross roads at night,' she added. Mavis Ooi, seven, (left) and Migina Ooi, five, holding camera devices used to obtain critical data about wildlife and their habitats. Following that, the Forestry Department is now developing plans to identify and preserve critical paths and corridors used by elephants, said Dr Wong. Another exhibitor at the roadshow was the Barn Owl and Rodent Research Group (BORG) from Universiti Sains Malaysia. Established in 2014, the group led by coordinator Dr Hasber Salim is dedicated to the conservation of barn owls in Malaysia. Their mission includes raising public awareness of the barn owl's role as a natural and effective biological control agent against rats, to support sustainable pest management in both agricultural and urban environments. BORG's research projects focus on the translocation and establishment of barn owl populations. Its studies have also found that barn owls have an exclusive appetite for rodents, with rats comprising 99% of their food intake. Since the 1980s, barn owls have played a significant role in integrated pest management strategies, particularly in the sustainable control of rat populations in Malaysia's oil palm plantations, before the practice was later extended to Borneo. Barn owls have a lifespan of under five years in the wild and over 20 years in captivity, and are protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010. At the roadshow, visitors also participated in a range of interactive activities such as quizzes and games that deepened their understanding of the campaign's causes. Many took home merchandise such as shirts, tumblers, tote bags and fridge magnets as tokens of appreciation for donations made to MPOGCF at the event. Artistes like Aisha Retno, Soo Wincci, Ara Johari and Lan Solo kept visitors entertained throughout the event. Also present were Suria FM general manager Roslinda Abdul Majid, better known as DJ Lin, as well as the radio station's presenters Afiq, Awien, Chiwan, Kai and Irsyad. The next roadshows will be held in Terengganu on Aug 16, and Johor on Nov 15, before closing in Kuala Lumpur on Nov 22.
The Sun
27-05-2025
- Science
- The Sun
APU highlights the need for conservation of the sun bear
ASIA PACIFIC University of Technology and Innovation (APU) together with Brainchild Pictures have produced a documentary titled Itam: A Sun Bear Story, which spotlights the plight of the endangered Malayan Bornean sun bear and its disappearing rainforest habitat. The endangered Malayan sun bear is in need of help, being one of the world's most elusive bear species and as its numbers dwindle in the wild, one rescued Bornean sun bear Itam represents hope for the future through this documentary. The documentary shot entirely in Sabah involved APU academic staff and students and as vice-chancellor of APU Professor Dr Ho Chin Kuan said, 'It is an honour to be part of this production journey. This rare opportunity allows our staff and students from diverse creative fields to collaborate on a large-scale project with the potential to make a meaningful impact on environmental conservation.' Working closely with Brainchild Pictures, students from APU School of Media, Arts and Design (SoMAD) contributed creative proposals, including graphic designs, motion graphics, visual effects and also awareness campaigns. The production house also contributed to the learning experience of students by providing exclusive masterclass sessions at APU, offering insights into visual effects (VFX). APU students also explored sustainable 3D souvenirs and developed tourism focused story books to raise awareness on sun bears. At the launch of the full length documentary, a first for Malaysia, there was a recorded session with Dr Wong Siew Te, founder of the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC). He shared the many threats to their habitat, including deforestation and poaching. Wong said despite being the smallest bear species on Earth, sun bears are recognised as keystone species in maintaining rainforest ecosystems. He said their survival is crucial not only for biodiversity but also for human wellbeing and climate resilience. The film's trailer was officially launched on May 8 at the APU campus in Technology Park Malaysia, Bukit Jalil by Tourism Arts and Culture Deputy Minister Khairul Firdaus Akhbar Khan. Khairul said, 'We celebrate the launch of Malaysia's first big screen wildlife documentary, showcasing our commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism. Featuring Itam, a rescued sun bear, the film highlights the vital role of sun bears in our ecosystem. 'This documentary is a timely call for awareness, education and action. Projects like Itam put Malaysia on the global map – not just as a tourist destination, but as a country deeply committed to preserving our natural heritage for generations to come,' he said. Filmmaker Raymond Tan, who directed the documentary said Itam not only chronicles the story of Malaysia's sun bear but also showcases Sabah as a leading destination for environmental and sustainability efforts in the region. 'Itam is more than just a story about a bear; it is a reflection of ourselves and our responsibility to protect the fragile ecosystems we are all part of. Conservation alone is no longer enough; education must be at the heart of everything we do if we are save not just the sun bear, but our future. 'We want to inspire audiences to care.'
The Sun
27-05-2025
- Science
- The Sun
A first for Malaysia – spotlight on the sun bear
ASIA PACIFIC University of Technology and Innovation (APU) together with Brainchild Pictures have produced a documentary titled Itam: A Sun Bear Story, which spotlights the plight of the endangered Malayan Bornean sun bear and its disappearing rainforest habitat. The endangered Malayan sun bear is in need of help, being one of the world's most elusive bear species and as its numbers dwindle in the wild, one rescued Bornean sun bear Itam represents hope for the future through this documentary. The documentary shot entirely in Sabah involved APU academic staff and students and as vice-chancellor of APU Professor Dr Ho Chin Kuan said, 'It is an honour to be part of this production journey. This rare opportunity allows our staff and students from diverse creative fields to collaborate on a large-scale project with the potential to make a meaningful impact on environmental conservation.' Working closely with Brainchild Pictures, students from APU School of Media, Arts and Design (SoMAD) contributed creative proposals, including graphic designs, motion graphics, visual effects and also awareness campaigns. The production house also contributed to the learning experience of students by providing exclusive masterclass sessions at APU, offering insights into visual effects (VFX). APU students also explored sustainable 3D souvenirs and developed tourism focused story books to raise awareness on sun bears. At the launch of the full length documentary, a first for Malaysia, there was a recorded session with Dr Wong Siew Te, founder of the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC). He shared the many threats to their habitat, including deforestation and poaching. Wong said despite being the smallest bear species on Earth, sun bears are recognised as keystone species in maintaining rainforest ecosystems. He said their survival is crucial not only for biodiversity but also for human wellbeing and climate resilience. The film's trailer was officially launched on May 8 at the APU campus in Technology Park Malaysia, Bukit Jalil by Tourism Arts and Culture Deputy Minister Khairul Firdaus Akhbar Khan. Khairul said, 'We celebrate the launch of Malaysia's first big screen wildlife documentary, showcasing our commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism. Featuring Itam, a rescued sun bear, the film highlights the vital role of sun bears in our ecosystem. 'This documentary is a timely call for awareness, education and action. Projects like Itam put Malaysia on the global map – not just as a tourist destination, but as a country deeply committed to preserving our natural heritage for generations to come,' he said. Filmmaker Raymond Tan, who directed the documentary said Itam not only chronicles the story of Malaysia's sun bear but also showcases Sabah as a leading destination for environmental and sustainability efforts in the region. 'Itam is more than just a story about a bear; it is a reflection of ourselves and our responsibility to protect the fragile ecosystems we are all part of. Conservation alone is no longer enough; education must be at the heart of everything we do if we are save not just the sun bear, but our future. 'We want to inspire audiences to care.'
The Sun
26-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
Nature and humanity, hand in hand
MALAYSIA is home to some of the world's richest biodiversity. From lush rainforests and winding rivers to vibrant coral reefs, our natural heritage provides clean air, fresh water, food security, climate stability and cultural identity. To achieve true sustainability, we must recognise that nature is not just a resource but is also the foundation of life. When ecosystems thrive, they help secure a sustainable future for all. Some of Malaysia's most treasured wildlife includes the Malayan tiger, the Bornean orangutan, Borneo pygmy elephant, Malayan tapir and endangered sea turtles, such as the Green turtle and Hawksbill turtle. These remarkable animals are not only symbols of our national and natural heritage but they are also indicators of the health of our environment. They remind us of the urgent need for conservation. Our biodiversity is under threat. Habitat loss, pollution, unsustainable practices and climate change are pushing species and ecosystems to the brink. World Biodiversity Day was celebrated on May 22 and this year's theme, 'Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development,' reminds us that the health of our planet is inseparable from human progress. It highlights the interconnectedness between the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The message is clear, whereby we cannot achieve sustainable development without protecting biodiversity. Nature supports every aspect of sustainable development, from poverty mitigation and health to economic growth and climate resilience. In recent days, the heart-breaking loss of a baby elephant has sparked widespread concern. The government has also responded and agreed to create more ecological corridors to enable wildlife to move across landscapes, which can thus reduce conflict. These corridors will also benefit many other wildlife species and allow the ecosystem to thrive. These commitments reflect the ambitions of the GBF, particularly Target 2, which aims to restore at least 30% of degraded ecosystems, and Target 9, which focuses on minimising human-wildlife conflict through sustainable solutions. This approach also supports the objectives of SDG 13, which calls for urgent climate action and highlights the importance of ecosystem connectivity and adaptive management to build climate resilience. In addition, it aligns with SDG 15, which promotes the protection, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems to safeguard life on land. Protecting biodiversity is not just about saving wildlife. It is about safeguarding our future. By restoring ecosystems and improving landscape connectivity, we can build a more resilient and sustainable Malaysia for generations to come. All parties, including the private sectors should work together with the government and conservation bodies towards this cause. At WWF-Malaysia, we are committed to solutions that benefit both people and nature. Our living landscape effort integrates tiger conservation, sustainable palm oil, responsible forestry and circular economy innovations, all in close collaboration with communities, businesses and policymakers. Together we are building landscapes where wildlife can thrive and people can prosper. Living in harmony with nature is not just a dream for the future; it is a choice we must make every day. Every action matters, from supporting conservation efforts to embracing sustainable lifestyles. Change begins with us. Let us embrace a future where nature and humanity move forward hand in hand, ensuring a healthier, more resilient planet for generations to come. Because at WWF-Malaysia, we believe it is only 'together possible'. Join us in making a difference. WWF-Malaysia's mission is to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature. Comments: letters@
