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Free Malaysia Today
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Get govt bodies to ditch ‘illegal temple' term, Saravanan tells Anwar
MIC deputy president M Saravanan said the government should not overlook the historical facts surrounding the establishment of Hindu temples in Malaysia. PETALING JAYA : MIC deputy president M Saravanan has asked Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to issue a directive to government agencies and departments to refrain from using the term 'illegal temple'. In a letter to Anwar, the Tapah MP said the government should not overlook the historical facts surrounding the establishment of Hindu temples in Malaysia, many of which received approval from colonial authorities and local administrators. Saravanan said many Hindu temples in Malaysia had existed long before the National Land Code 1965, and that labelling them 'illegal' was offensive to Hindu devotees. 'The majority of temples were established during the British and Japanese colonial periods,' Saravanan said in the letter. 'Historically, early labourers built places of worship at their places of work. Following the fragmentation of estates, these temples came under the supervision of the local communities. 'Previously, these temples were located on the outskirts of towns or in rural areas. However, due to urbanisation, many of these temples now appear to be located within towns. 'In this context, I appeal to the prime minister to instruct government agencies and departments not to use the term 'illegal temple'.' Saravanan's appeal to Anwar was in response to a letter from the Taiping Hospital management stating that it would take the appropriate legal action against an 'illegal' Hindu temple on its premises. Land rights for old Hindu temples became a controversial topic following the public backlash to plans to relocate the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple in Kuala Lumpur to make way for the construction of the Madani Mosque. The government later revealed that the 130-year-old temple had agreed to relocate to another plot 50m from its current site, which Anwar called a 'win-win solution'. Last month, Urimai deputy chairman David Marshel called on the government to work with Google to remove the 'illegal temple' label which appears alongside Hindu temples found on Google Maps. Earlier this month, deputy inspector-general of police Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said police were investigating the labelling of Hindu temples as illegal on Google Maps and Waze for the abuse of network facilities under the Communications and Multimedia Act. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission previously summoned the administrator of a Facebook group dedicated to finding allegedly illegal temples nationwide.
Malay Mail
23-05-2025
- Science
- Malay Mail
When the forest blooms together — Ahmad Husaini Suhaimi
MAY 23 — Imagine cruising along the PLUS highway on a quiet morning. As you pass forested stretches near Tapah, something unusual catches your eye. The trees lining the road, usually cloaked in deep green, are now tinged with pale yellow, cream, or soft pink. You wonder, is this Malaysia's version of spring? What you've just seen may be a glimpse of one of South-east Asia's rarest and most spectacular phenomena: General flowering. As yesterday was the International Day for Biodiversity, it's the perfect moment to shine a light on this little-known natural wonder, especially since it happens right here in our tropical rainforests. General flowering isn't your typical blooming season. It doesn't occur every year, and there's no fixed schedule. Instead, once every few years (sometimes after a decade), forests across South-east Asia undergo a breathtaking transformation. During general flowering, many tree species, especially the towering dipterocarps (a key group of tropical hardwood trees), bloom at the same time. This rare synchrony turns the forest canopy into a colourful mosaic. Not long after, trees begin to fruit en masse, and the forest floor is blanketed with seeds and fruits. This abundance draws birds, insects, monkeys, and many other animals that depend on these resources. If you're lucky enough to witness it, even from a roadside, you'll understand why scientists and nature enthusiasts speak of it with such admiration. In temperate regions, trees often bloom in response to longer daylight hours or rising temperatures. In contrast, tropical trees work differently. Since our equatorial forests don't experience strong seasonal shifts, the environmental cues behind general flowering remain mysterious. General flowering in the Lambir Hills National Park, Sarawak (2009). — Photo courtesy of University of Zurich Researchers believe that short dry spells and small drops in temperature may play a role. Some studies suggest drought-like conditions can trigger flowering in dipterocarps, but the pattern remains too inconsistent to predict future events reliably. Despite years of research, general flowering continues to be one of the great puzzles of tropical forest ecology. Malaysia is home to some of the most biodiverse rainforests on the planet. Events like general flowering help maintain that biodiversity by supporting food chains, regenerating forest life, and ensuring ecological balance. However, our forests are facing growing threats. Climate change is bringing more frequent droughts and unpredictable weather, which could disrupt the natural signals that trigger general flowering. If these events become less frequent or weaker (in intensity), the entire forest ecosystem could suffer, including the animals and communities that depend on it. We also benefit directly from healthy forests. They help regulate our water supply, protect us from floods, and serve as carbon sinks. Indigenous and rural communities rely on them for food, medicine, and livelihood. Disrupting these natural rhythms puts all of that at risk. There's also untapped potential in general flowering as a unique eco-tourism and education opportunity. With the right approach, Malaysians and visitors alike could witness this natural spectacle while learning more about the importance of conservation. So, the next time you notice trees blooming in synchrony along the highway, don't just admire the view. You might be witnessing one of South-east Asia's most remarkable natural events. This Biodiversity Day, let's take a moment to appreciate these wonders and renew our commitment to protecting them. Because when the forest blooms together, it reminds us just how connected and valuable, our natural world truly is. *Ahmad Husaini Suhaimi is a senior lecturer at the Centre for Foundation Studies in Science, Universiti Malaya (PASUM), and Associate Member, Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture (CEBAR), Universiti Malaya. He may be reached at [email protected] **This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
Malay Mail
11-05-2025
- General
- Malay Mail
Lata Kinjang: More than a waterfall, a vital lifeline sustaining Orang Asli heritage, economy, and traditions
TAPAH, May 11 — Cascading from a height of about 850 metres, Lata Kinjang Waterfall — one of the highest waterfalls in Southeast Asia — is clearly visible when travelling along the North-South Expressway, almost beckoning road users to pause for a moment before continuing their journey. Located about 18 kilometres from the town of Tapah, this multi-tiered waterfall flows swiftly from the peak of the Titiwangsa Range. Yet, it is more than just a scenic natural attraction — it holds deep significance for the Semai Orang Asli community, who have inhabited the area for nearly a century. According to Rani Ulin, the Tok Batin or headman of Kampung Orang Asli Lata Kinjang, the waterfall has been a vital lifeline for his community since their forefathers settled there in the 1930s. 'For generations, many of our activities have centered around the waterfall. We gather forest produce, carry out farming and fishing activities, and make use of the various natural resources available around the falls. 'Now in our fourth generation, the waterfall remains the heart of our livelihood. As long as it continues to flow beautifully, so too will our spirit,' he said when met by Bernama recently. A view of the Lata Kinjang waterfall, which is a popular location for visitors, during Bernama's recent survey of the Eco-Forest Park May 11, 2025. — Bernama pic Sharing the origin of the waterfall's name, Rani, 53, said 'lata' means waterfall while 'kinjang' is a type of deer, symbolisng the harmony of the surrounding nature, which has remained well-preserved despite being located not far from Perak's capital Ipoh. Now known as Taman Eko Rimba Lata Kinjang (Lata Kinjang Eco Park), the area has been under the management of the local Orang Asli community since February 2022 through Lata Kinjang Orang Asli Cooperative Bhd (KOALKB), which was established to improve the livelihoods of the Orang Asli there. So far, the cooperative has provided job opportunities to 25 villagers. 'We're very happy to offer job opportunities to the youth here. They no longer need to migrate elsewhere to earn a living. Instead, they can serve and develop their own village. 'It's not just about providing employment, but we've also become more confident in competing in the tourism sector. Tourism has become a major catalyst for our village economy,' said Rani, who is also KOALKB secretary. A view of the Lata Kinjang waterfall, which is a popular location for visitors, during Bernama's recent survey of the Eco-Forest Park May 11, 2025. — Bernama pic He hopes his community's efforts will continue to receive support from all relevant parties so that Lata Kinjang remains a natural treasure even for future generations. 'We want the younger generation here to feel proud of their ancestral land. As long as we can preserve the beauty and heritage of Lata Kinjang, there will always be opportunities for future generations to enjoy and benefit from it. 'We hope tourists and everyone who visits (Lata Kinjang) will help protect its natural environment. Development is important but balance and sustainability are the keys to ensuring that Lata Kinjang continues to bring benefits in the future,' he said. — Bernama
