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The Guardian
16-05-2025
- The Guardian
Jungle trekking, rainforests and the world's largest orangutan sanctuary: why Malaysia is unmatched for outdoor adventure
Malaysia has one of the greatest levels of biodiversity of any country on Earth – and it's among just 17 to be listed as a megadiverse country. More than 50% of its land surface area is forested, and around 14% of the country is protected as a national park or nature reserve. All of which makes Malaysia a spectacular destination for wildlife watching. Around 750 species of bird have been recorded, including no fewer than 10 species of hornbill – among these the iconic rhinoceros hornbill – along with brightly coloured trogons and pittas, white-bellied sea eagles and the great slaty woodpecker, one of the largest woodpecker species in the world. Malaysia's lush tropical rainforests are home to orangutans, gibbons, proboscis monkeys, tapirs and Borneo pygmy elephants – along with more than 300 other species of mammal and a staggering number of amphibians, reptiles and invertebrates. They're also the last refuge of the majestic but critically endangered Malayan tiger, which appears on Malaysia's coat of arms. Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, just half an hour outside Sandakan, is the world's largest orangutan sanctuary, caring for injured orangutans and pairing orphaned young with older individuals. This is a wonderful place to see these highly intelligent, beautiful, but now critically endangered primates in a semi-wild environment, before they are reintroduced into their natural environment. However, nothing matches seeing these and other species in the wild, and signing up for a wildlife tour is really the way to go here. Join a trekking tour in the incredible Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary for one of the best chances of seeing orangutans in the wild. The enormous rainforests of Royal Belum state park are the best place in Malaysia to see hornbills – although not far behind is the manmade lake of Tasik Kenyir. Head to Fraser's Hill or the Cameron Highlands to see mountain peacock-pheasant. If you're up for a spot of hiking, the scope for jungle-trekking in Malaysia's spectacularly wild and unspoilt national parks is simply off the charts. Take Taman Negara national park, for example – a vast, sprawling area of rainforest, forming Malaysia's largest national park. The lush rainforest of Taman Negara is positively ancient – it's estimated to be at least 130 million years old – and in terms of hiking, the park offers everything from breathtaking canopy walkways to a four-day trek across the spine of Mount Tahan, the highest mountain in Peninsular Malaysia. Join a full day's guided walk or, for a more immersive experience, take a guided two-day hike on the Keniam Trail, which includes an overnight stay in a cave. Another fantastic area for hiking is Unesco-listed Kinabalu Park, where you can trek to Mount Kinabalu – standing at 4,000 metres above sea level, it's a sight to behold. It's a minimum two-day hike with one overnight stay at a mountain hut (you'll need to apply for a permit and go with an accredited guide) – and the view is at its most sublimely impressive at sunrise. In Gunung Mulu national park, trek to the pointy rock spires known as the Pinnacles – or for something a little more sedate, hike through tea plantations in the Cameron Highlands, or visit Penang Hill near George Town. So much for land-based adventures. With nearly 900 islands and more than 350,000 hectares of coral reefs surrounded by crystal-clear waters, Malaysia offers seemingly limitless possibilities for diving and snorkelling. For experienced divers, nothing tops Sipadan – Malaysia's only oceanic island, located off the east coast of Sabah, and one of the world's premier dive sites. A steep-sided, extinct volcanic cone rising 600 metres from the ocean floor, Sipadan's wall reefs are home to a stupendous amount of marine life including more than 3,000 species of fish. Dive among hawksbill and green turtles, see whale sharks, manta rays, hammerheads and giant parrotfish, and witness huge, vortex-like shoals of barracuda swimming in their thousands. The Perhentian Islands are another popular diving and snorkelling spot, great for beginners as well as more experienced divers. Like other islands off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, such as Redang, the Perhentian Islands offer shallow dive sites with good visibility, vibrant coral reefs and plenty of marine life. Or try Miri-Sibuti Coral Reefs national park off the coast of Sarawak – great for coral as its name implies, but there are also wreck dives here too. Despite the sheer scale of these landscapes – Taman Negara national park alone is nearly six times the size of nearby Singapore – access is straightforward. You can reach Taman Negara in three hours by car from Kuala Lumpur, and Unesco-listed George Town in less than a five-hour drive, while Kota Kinabalu, the gateway to climbing Mount Kinabalu, is two and a half hours away by plane. With British Airways operating direct flights daily from London Heathrow to Kuala Lumpur, there has never been a better time to experience the multitude of breathtaking landscapes, amazing wildlife and vibrant culture that Malaysia has to offer. For more information and to start planning your Malaysian adventure, visit
The Star
14-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Tech-savvy approach to collecting
COLLECTORS and enthusiasts were treated to an interesting showcase at the 8th Penang International Malayan Banknote and Stamps Fair, where a wide range of items – from vintage stamps to rare debenture certificates – were on display. The event in George Town was touted as the largest in Penang. Organised by Malayan Banknote Fair (MBF), the three-day fair featured 34 exhibitors from around the world including Australia, China, Hong Kong, Myanmar, Vietnam and the United Kingdom, as well as various states in Malaysia. Richard showing the white paper sheet once used by the British to print currency for the Reserve Bank of India during the early 1900s. MBF founder Richard Lim said one of the highlights was a piece from his personal collection – a copy of the front page of the Daily Mail continental edition dated Sept 28, 1944, featuring a striking image of an Allied soldier during World War II. 'I bought this newspaper several years ago from a shop at Chowrasta Market for RM10 each, and picked up several copies at the time. 'I later sold some to a collector for RM1,000 each, but I decided to keep one copy for myself and had it framed,' he said. A visitor admiring Richard's framed copy of the front page of the Daily Mail Continental edition dated Sept 28, 1944 and other vintage items on display at the fair. (April 25, 2025) — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star. Richard said another notable item on display was a white paper sheet once used by the British to print currency for the Reserve Bank of India during the early 1900s. What made it particularly unique, he explained, was that the sheet had already received its first layer of currency print and was en route to India when the ship carrying it was bombed by German forces during World War I. The 8th Penang International Malayan Banknote and Stamps Fair featured 34 local and international exhibitors. Some of the vintage stamps belonging to philatelist Beng Yeong. Among the prized pieces in his collection are the 1930 Malayan Tiger series. — Photos: ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star Some of the old coins on display and available for purchase at the fair held at the mall in Penang. A visitor taking a closer look at a framed copy of the front page of the Daily Mail continental edition dated Sept 28, 1944 and other vintage items. Richard said his personal collection also included a debenture certificate from Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce, a 5,000 won banknote from North Korea and a RM2 Malaysian currency note. Philatelist Lim Beng Yeong has amassed thousands of stamps over the past 40 years, dating from the British colonial era. Penang International BanknoteStamp Fair at 2nd floor event hall, 1st Avenue Mall in George Town, Penang. (April 25, 2025) — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star. Among the prized pieces in his collection are the 1930 Malayan Tiger series, 1948 British Malayan Administration issue, rare Johore Postage and Revenue stamps and Kelantan Postage and Revenue stamps dating back to the 1900s. 'I bought these stamps from other collectors; some were given to me as gifts,' said Beng Yeong, adding that the collection is kept at his house in Alor Setar, Kedah. To preserve his stamps, especially the older and vintage ones, Beng Yeong stores them in albums and protective plastic sleeves to maintain their condition and ensure their longevity. Some of the collectors' items on sale at the fair, including memorabilia of current US president Donald Trump and his wife Melania. Collecting stamps is not an expensive hobby and can be a good starting point for children, he said. 'Sometimes, a set of stamps only costs around RM5 to RM10. 'Of course, rare and vintage ones are priced higher, but they are not overly expensive,' said Beng Yeong. 'I believe that stamp collecting not only preserves history, but also offers insights into a nation's identity and heritage.' He encouraged the younger generation to take up the hobby, suggesting that schools and community centres host philately workshops or exhibitions to spark interest. Beng Yeong lamented that children nowadays were more inclined towards video games, rather than hobbies such as stamp collecting. 'Stamp collecting teaches patience, research skills and an appreciation for culture. Visitors and collectors browsing through items on display at the three-day event. 'It is more than a hobby; it is a journey through time,' he pointed out. In addition to old coins, banknotes and rare stamps, the event also featured the world's first polymer banknote from Australia. Australian exhibitor Rick Coleman said the banknote was released in 1988 to commemorate the bicentenary of the arrival of the First Fleet Down Under. 'The note is the AUD10 bill, which features an image of (18th century) explorer Captain James Cook,' he said, adding that the polymer banknote is now valued at around AUD50 (RM140). A passionate collector for over 40 years, Coleman is a familiar face at international banknote fairs in Malaysia and around the world. He also has a collector shop in his hometown of Bundaberg, Queensland. Some of the old coins that were on display and on sale at Penang International BanknoteStamp Fair at 2nd floor event hall, 1st Avenue Mall in George Town, Penang. (April 25, 2025) — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star. At the fair, collectors were introduced to the mobile technology behind a trusted coin and banknote authentication system – an app developed by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). PCGS business development assistant manager Vincent Lee said the app marked a step forward in helping Malaysian collectors verify and manage their prized collections with ease and confidence. 'It is important for collectors to have their coins and banknotes graded and verified,' he said. 'With this app, people no longer need to second-guess the authenticity or market value of their collectibles,' said Lee. Coleman holding the world's first polymer banknote from Australia. He was one of the international exhibitors at the three-day event. The PCGS Cert Verification app allows users to scan a barcode or QR code on a PCGS label, or manually enter the seven- or eight-digit certification number, to instantly access critical information. These include the item's denomination, date, mint mark, grade, mintage, holder type, PCGS population statistics and price guide value. For an extra layer of security, the app also features C Gold Shield technology that allows collectors to securely verify the coin's details and makes it almost impossible to forge. 'Collectors spend years, sometimes decades, building their collections. 'Tools like the PCGS app help preserve that investment while enhancing its transparency, especially for buyers, sellers and even historians,' said Lee. The event also featured a talk titled 'Scammers and Cyber Crime' by DSP Pang Meng Tuck, deputy head of the Penang police's Commercial Crime Investigation Department (Intelligence/ Operations).
Malay Mail
13-05-2025
- General
- Malay Mail
Saving lives on the Gerik-Jeli Highway by putting wildlife first — Jayaraj Vijaya Kumaran
MAY 13 — On the early morning of May 11, 2025, Malaysians awoke to heartbreaking footage of an elephant calf lying motionless on the Gerik-Jeli Highway while its grieving mother attempted to rouse it. The calf, fatally struck by a poultry lorry at KM80 of the highway, was the latest in a disturbing trend of wildlife-vehicle collisions plaguing the Belum-Temengor landscape. This must be the wake-up call that finally drives urgent and lasting change. The statistics over the past five years speak for themselves. Between 2016 and 2021, over 2,500 animals were killed by vehicles on Malaysian roads, including at least 102 Malayan tapirs and six Malayan tigers in the last two years alone. The East-West Highway, which cuts through the heart of Belum-Temengor, has become a hotspot for these tragedies. In recent months, tiger and elephant fatalities have risen sharply, with multiple incidents along the same highway where this elephant calf perished. This is not just a loss of life, but a failure in policy. The Belum-Temengor forest complex is one of Southeast Asia's most critical biodiversity strongholds. It harbours the last remaining populations of endangered megafauna such as the Malayan tiger, Asian elephant, sun bear, and Malayan tapir, and is home to more than 3,000 species of plants. This large, forested landscape also forms a vital transboundary corridor with Thailand, enabling genetic exchange for wide-ranging species. While authorities have responded by installing signage and solar-powered lighting at some known elephant crossings, such interventions are insufficient. Fog, poor road lighting, and the nocturnal nature of many animals make visibility low. Worse, artificial lighting risks disturbing wildlife behaviour. Suggestions like building overpasses or underpasses may work in theory but are financially and topographically impractical in this mountainous terrain. The truth is simple: engineering alone cannot solve this crisis. The Belum-Temengor forest complex harbours the last remaining populations of endangered megafauna such as the Malayan tiger, Asian elephant, sun bear, and Malayan tapir — Picture from Unsplash/Jeffrey Hamilton We must change our behaviour. We propose an immediate night-time ban on heavy vehicles using the Gerik-Jeli Highway. Most collisions, including the latest fatal elephant incident, occur between midnight and 5am, when wildlife activity is high. Restricting truck movements during these hours would eliminate the deadliest risks. India's Bandipur Tiger Reserve implemented such a ban and saw an 80 per cent drop in wildlife deaths. Malaysia can follow suit. Further, road usage must be optimised. Poultry and construction transport can be rerouted via alternate logistics, especially with the East Coast Rail Link nearing completion. It is also high time that east coast states expanded their own poultry industry to meet local demands and reduce reliance on west coast supply. In the meantime, traffic scheduling, designated lay-bys, and convoy driving protocols could be introduced to reduce risk. For buses and public transport, speed limiters and trip quotas should be enforced to ensure safety. Enforcement can be supported by gantry-based vehicle monitoring and automatic speed detection. Technology can help. Drones equipped with thermal cameras can detect wildlife near roadways, triggering warning signs. Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices and AI tools can enable real-time monitoring of animal movement and poaching threats. These tools are affordable, effective, and faster to deploy than physical infrastructure. Funding these efforts is feasible through Malaysia's Ecological Fiscal Transfer (EFT) mechanism, which rewards states for conservation action. With a RM250 million allocation in the 2025 federal budget, this is a powerful tool to channel support into regions like Belum-Temengor. Funds should be directed to law enforcement, night patrolling, smart monitoring systems, and public awareness campaigns. We are at a tipping point. The Gerik-Jeli Highway must be reimagined not just as a road for human commerce, but as a shared corridor with wildlife. If we act boldly now — with science, policy, and compassion — we can prevent more lives from being lost, both human and animal. Let us not allow another elephant calf to die in vain. * Dr Jayaraj Vijaya Kumaran is a senior lecturer at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan and is the project lead for 'Securing the resiliency and sustainability of Royal Belum Forest against theimpact of climate change' ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
Free Malaysia Today
13-05-2025
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
RimbaWatch urges halt to road projects threatening wildlife habitats
RimbaWatch highlighted several road projects that will allegedly cut through the Al-Sultan Abdullah Royal Tiger Reserve as well as the Titiwangsa Range through the Gapau and Lenggeng permanent forest reserves. (File pic) PETALING JAYA : An environmental watchdog has called for a halt to several projects that allegedly cut through sensitive wildlife habitats following the death of a baby elephant in a collision along the East-West Highway in Gerik, Perak, on Sunday. In a statement, RimbaWatch asked the government to immediately issue a permanent stop-work order for the road projects and other similar projects that would allegedly extend across sensitive ecosystems. It highlighted three environmental impact assessments: two approved by the department of environment in 2022, and another for road projects approved in 2023. It said that in 2022, approval was granted for the construction of Phase 3A of Jalan Kampung Pasir Raja in Hulu Dungun, as well as Zone A of Jalan Kampung Mat Daling in Jerantut, both leading to the Terengganu-Pahang border. It said these involved a 52km road which would cut through the Al-Sultan Abdullah Royal Tiger Reserve, intended to be a core habitat for numerous wild cat species including the Malayan tiger, as well as other endangered species such as the Asian elephant and Malayan Tapir. 'The area has been protected under 'hutan perlindungan' status for some time, and RimbaWatch believes this to be a virgin forest which has never been logged before,' it said. The 2023 approval meanwhile was for a new road from Kampung Gagu in Ulu Beranang, Negeri Sembilan, involving a 15km road that would cut through the Titiwangsa Range through the Gapau and Lenggeng permanent forest reserves, it said. 'Human-animal conflict has already materialised from the expansion of roads into these areas. In 2022, a tiger was spotted on a newly-built road near Kampung Mat Daling. 'In April, a black panther mauled a lorry driver who had briefly stopped his vehicle by the roadside in Bukit Tangga, on an existing road which also dissects the Gapau and Lenggeng forest reserves,' RimbaWatch said. It said there was no way to build highways through highly sensitive protected areas without causing deforestation, severely hindering wildlife connectivity, and exposing endangered species to danger through roadkill, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching. 'We also question the effectiveness of constructing new highways through mountain ranges as a solution to connectivity issues. For example, the Kampung Gagu-Ulu Beranang road is parallel to an already existing road,' it added. The watchdog urged Putrajaya to instead improve public transport connectivity outside main cities, including by reviving historical rail lines and establishing new networks on, or adjacent to, existing infrastructural right of ways. It said that in the past, smaller towns such as Kuala Sepetang, Port Dickson, and Kuala Pilah had been connected via rail, which could provide an effective template to promote greater connectivity through establishing a safe, fast, and affordable rail network outside cities.
New Straits Times
12-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Over 2,300 wild animals killed on Malaysian roads since 2020
CHUKAI: A total of 2,361 wild animals were reported to have been killed by vehicle collisions throughout the country between 2020 and today. Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said Pahang recorded the highest roadkills with 765 animals, followed by Perak, 478 animals; Kelantan, 224 animals; Terengganu, 201 animals; and Negri Sembilan, 187 animals. "If we look at species, elephants recorded eight deaths, one in 2020, two each in 2021 and 2024, and this year there have been three deaths (including the death of the baby elephant that went viral yesterday). "There has been a slight increase in Malayan Tiger deaths, with no deaths recorded in 2020 till 2022, one in 2023, three in 2024, and one so far this year," he told reporters after a vehicle enforcement operation here today. The government has and is currently conducting various initiatives to curb wildlife road kills, including an increased allocation of RM250 million this year to enable state governments to increase the area of their forest reserves, and also creating more elephant sanctuaries in Johor, Pahang, Perak and Terengganu. A video of an elephant calf killed by a lorry and an adult elephant believed to be its mother trying to move the lorry to save the baby went viral yesterday on social media. In a separate matter, Nik Nazmi said as of March this year, 90,024 vehicles were inspected under Op Gerak, and of the total, 248 compounds were issued for various offences. Op Gerak was conducted to step up enforcement on motor vehicles to ensure compliance with exhaust emissions and noise levels to curb air pollution due to vehicle emissions. "In today's operation, 21 vehicles were inspected, including diesel and petrol lorries, petrol vans and motorcycles, and from the total, one vehicle was issued a notice over excessive noise," he said. On the uncertain hot and dry weather conditions that are expected to last till middle or end of May, Nik Nazmi said they would hold talks with various ministries and departments to coordinate all actions. He also voiced his intentions to hold talks with his Asean counterparts on various matters, including hot weather and climate change. – Bernama
