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Borneo Post
a day ago
- Borneo Post
Plantastic journeys: My botany jungle field-trips
Author and his course mates during their field trips in 1988/89 in Pahang. I did my first degree in Botany at UKM, and if there's one part of the experience that truly rooted itself in my heart, it was the field trips. Among the ferns, mud, leeches and laughter, I found more than just plants – I found unforgettable moments. These are a few stories I've treasured over the years – not just for the lessons in botany and ecology, but for the unexpected adventures, the friendships and the sheer joy of learning in the wild. Jungle Trekking and the 'Cigarette Distance' I have shared a fond memory of my botany field trips during my varsity days at UKM. During one of my botany field trip, one jungle trek in Pahang still cracks me up. Our guide, a legendary Pakcik, was a wiry old man whose knowing grin hinted at more jungle secrets than we could ever hope to learn. Armed with just a parang and a pouch of tobacco, he glided through the undergrowth while we city kids stumbled behind like contestants on a botanical survival show. After hours of sweaty trekking, I finally asked the question we were all thinking: 'Pakcik, how much further?' With a mischievous twinkle, he replied, 'Sepuntung rokok jauhnya.' (One cigarette's distance.) Relieved, I thought, Ah, 15 minutes tops. Then Pakcik lit a cigarette, took a drag… and tucked it behind his ear. Off we went. The ritual repeated — puff, pause, tuck — and still, no end in sight. It took hours before I realised the awful truth: sepuntung rokok was not a unit of time or distance. It was a lesson in patience, endurance, and pure jungle mischief. By the time we reached the clearing, I was drenched in sweat and forever skeptical of any measurement involving cigarettes. Lesson learned: never trust a Pakcik's version of 'just a little further.' A 'Pakcik' and his 'sepuntung rokok' distance (Credit: Chanwit Wanset, Mosquitoes Repelled by Smokes? Back on that field trip, Pakcik didn't just school me on the fine art of cigarette-timekeeping — he also introduced me to a jungle survival hack that was equal parts questionable and hilarious: smoking as mosquito repellent. Now, let's be clear — I'm not a smoker. But as a varsity student sweating buckets in the mosquito-infested jungles of Pahang, I was desperate enough to try anything. Pakcik, with his ever-present cigarette and the confidence of a man who had seen it all, handed me a freshly rolled one and said, 'Puff it and blow the smoke. Nyamuk takut asap.' (The mosquitoes are scared of smoke.) So there I was, a clueless city boy, awkwardly puffing away. Pakcik, unfazed, looked as cool as a cowboy in a spaghetti Western, completely unbothered by the buzzing horde. Me? I took a cautious drag, promptly coughed like I'd swallowed a hornet's nest, and exhaled as directed. Did the mosquitoes flee in terror? Nope. If anything, they doubled down like kamikaze pilots on a mission. It was as if they had decided, this guy's blood is worth the effort. And that's when it hit me — mosquitoes have preferences. They're not just random bloodsuckers; they're picky connoisseurs, swiping through a human buffet until they find their Michelin-star meal. Pakcik, clearly, wasn't on the menu. Me? I was the daily special. So what's the science behind it? Do mosquitoes actually prefer certain blood types? Maybe. A 2019 study suggested they favour Type O blood, which surprise, happens to be mine. But another research? Conflicting. Turns out, blood type is just a tiny piece of the mosquito puzzle. The real deciding factors? Skin odours, genetics and even your microbiota — the unseen bacteria colonies living on your skin — play a much bigger role. Here's the kicker: mosquitoes aren't equal-opportunity diners. There are two kinds of people in this world — those who can lounge outdoors bite-free, and those who step outside for five seconds and immediately get swarmed like an all-you-can-eat buffet. Apparently, your body odor is like a neon 'Eat Here' sign to mosquitoes. If you exhale more carbon dioxide (courtesy of a faster metabolism), you're basically ringing the dinner bell. Wearing red, orange, or black? Congrats, you're now even easier to spot. It's like rolling out a red carpet for the bloodsuckers. As for Pakcik, I suspect decades in the jungle had blessed him with a scent that mosquitoes simply couldn't care less about. Or maybe he just rolled the most potent mosquito-repellent tobacco known to man. Either way, whatever his secret was, it wasn't transferable. So here I am, still scratching my head (and my mosquito bites), baffled by science and betrayed by nature. If there's one consistent truth about mosquitoes, it's their inconsistency. Oh, and about the cigarette trick? Yeah, let's just say I won't be using that 'repellent' ever again. An Orang Asli's motorbike in Cameron Highlands loaded with stink-beans. A Jungle Justice Comedy During one of our separate botany field trips to Cameron Highlands, a lecturer of ours shared of a real episode from another earlier Botany group's field trip. Apparently, this group encountered a scene so absurd it could've been scripted for a sitcom. As the group trekked down a village road, the tranquil hum of the highlands was suddenly interrupted by the growl of a motorcycle engine. An Orang Asli man zipped past on his well-worn motorcycle with a basket of petai (stink-beans), the kind of machine that looked like it had survived more jungle trails than paved roads. His hair flowed wild in the breeze, and the bike rattled with a personality of its own. But surprisingly, he was wearing a worn-out helmet. A short distance ahead, two policemen had set up a checkpoint, flagging down vehicles for routine inspections. The Orang Asli rider slowed down and, with an air of total innocence, stopped as they waved him over. We paused nearby, feigning interest in a clump of roadside ferns but really eavesdropping on what promised to be an entertaining exchange. 'Encik, lesen motosikal ada?' asked the first policeman. ('Sir, do you have a motorcycle license?') 'Tak ada,' the Orang Asli replied casually, as if they'd asked him if he had a 'spare' durian in his basket. ('Don't have.') 'Cukai jalan?' the second policeman followed up, raising an eyebrow. ('Road tax?') 'Pun tak ada,' the man said with a shrug, looking genuinely puzzled by the questions. ('Also don't have.') The policemen exchanged glances, clearly gearing up for a stern lecture. One of them, taking a tone of patient authority, began explaining: 'Lesen tu untuk pastikan awak ni tahu dan layak tunggang motosikal. Cukai jalan pula untuk hak guna jalan awam.' ('The license is to ensure you're qualified to ride the motorcycle, and the road tax is for your right to use public roads.') The Orang Asli nodded thoughtfully, absorbing the explanation. Then, without missing a beat, he climbed off his motorcycle, placed his hands firmly on the handlebars, and began pushing the bike down the road, from the side of the road – grassy and non-tar. The policemen stared, momentarily dumbfounded. One of them called after him, 'Encik, apa yang awak buat?' ('Sir, what are you doing?') The man turned around and, with the utmost sincerity, replied, 'Tak bawa lesen, tak bawa cukai. Jadi, saya tak tunggang motosikal atas jalan. Saya tolak saja di tepi jalan.' ('No license, no road tax. So, I'm not riding the motorcycle on the road. I'm just pushing it at the side of the road.') With that, he resumed pushing his bike along the roadside, humming a cheerful tune, as if this was the most logical solution in the world. The policemen were left speechless, caught between the hilarity of the situation and the technicality of his compliance. They exchanged a shrug and waved him off, muttering something about choosing their battles wisely. According to the lecturer, the group watched as the Orang Asli man disappeared around the bend, still pushing his motorcycle with a non-chalant determination that could only come from someone completely at peace with his logic. Later, as the group continued their trek, they couldn't help but laugh. In the end, the Orang Asli wasn't breaking any rules. The law said no license and no road tax meant no riding the bike on the road. So, he didn't ride on the road. Case closed. Sometimes, jungle logic beats city logic, hands down. Pink lotus flowers blooming in Tasik Chini (Credit: TheStar) Malaysia's 'Loch Ness Monster' in Tasik Chini Nestled in the heart of Pahang, Malaysia, Tasik Chini isn't just a lake, it's a living tapestry of nature, culture and mystery. Spanning an impressive 12,565 acres, it holds the title of Peninsular Malaysia's second-largest freshwater lake. But what makes it truly fascinating is that it isn't just one lake, it's actually a series of 12 interconnected lakes, creating a breathtaking waterway that flows into the mighty Pahang River via the Chini River. On its shores, the Jakun people, a branch of Malaysia's indigenous Orang Asli, have lived in harmony with the lake for generations. They rely on its waters for fishing, farming, and even the deep-rooted legends that shape their culture — especially the age-old tales of mythical dragons lurking beneath its surface. In an effort to preserve the lake's depth during dry seasons, a dam was built along the Chini River. While well-intended, this intervention altered the lake's natural ecosystem. Water levels rose unnaturally, drowning trees along the shoreline and disturbing the fragile balance of life within the lake. Despite these challenges, Tasik Chini remains a natural treasure. It is an UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in Malaysia. This recognition highlights its importance — not just as a scenic getaway, but as a vital ecological hotspot that needs protection. From its mystical dragon legends to its breathtaking lotus blooms and fragile ecosystem, Tasik Chini is more than just a lake, it's a story waiting to be told. I remember the Botany field trip to Tasik Chini in the interiors of Pahang to study its biodiversity. The lake is also endowed with a rich bio-diversified lush tropical wilderness that is home to 138 species of flora, 300 species of non-aquatic live and 144 species of fresh water fishes. There are months in the year when the lake can be is transformed into a floating garden with thousands of white and pink lotus flowers covering the surface. The lake offers tranquil and peaceful surroundings steeped in myths and legends that have remained unexplained to this day. According to an Orang Asli legend, the lake is inhabited by a dragon called the Naga Seri Gumum, sometimes referred to as 'Malaysia's Loch Ness Monster'. It is believed to contain an ancient sunken Khmer city at the bottom of the lake. During our field trip, mornings were dedicated to biodiversity studies — we'd hop on boats, navigate the waterways, and meticulously survey and record the rich flora and fauna of the area. Evenings, however, were a different kind of adventure. Dinner was a feast, often featuring the day's fresh catch from our explorations. And then came storytelling time, arguably the best part of the day. That's when I first heard about the 'Loch Ness Monster' of Tasik Chini, whispered by the locals with just enough conviction to make us glance twice at the dark waters. Here's a little dinner-table wisdom I picked up one evening: when eating fish, start at the top fillet — head first, working your way down. Take small, careful bites (unless you enjoy an impromptu game of 'choke on a fishbone'). BUT — and this is crucial — never, ever flip the fish over. It's not just a quirky custom; it's a serious maritime taboo. Flip the fish, and you might as well flip your boat, too or so the old belief goes. Instead, gently lift the backbone, ease the meat off, and keep your vessel (and your luck) afloat. Oh, and unless you're dining in the comfort of your own home, leave the head and tail intact. Respect the fish. Respect the tradition. Or go full rebel at your own risk. Resemblance? Haruan fish (Credit: The Angler) and Naga Seri Gumum (Credit: Walid Muhamad, TheStar) One evening, we were served haruan fish, also known as the striped snakehead. Now, if you've ever looked one in the face, you'll understand why some of us suddenly lost our appetite, especially after hearing the Tasik Chini 'Loch Ness' legend just the night before. Our minds immediately flashed back to our Evolution class, summoning images of Charles Darwin, natural selection, and the unsettling thought: What if this haruan is actually a distant cousin of the Loch Ness Monster? Best not to take chances. As the legendary Phua Chu Kang might say, 'Don't play-play!' Frasers Hill and Communist Insurgency In another botany field trip, we ventured up to Fraser's Hill, a lush highland retreat with a past as colorful as its orchids. Once a mining outpost, it was transformed into a hill station in 1922, its cool climate making it a favourite escape from the lowland heat of Klang Valley. Fraser's Hill owes its name to Louis James Fraser, a Scottish trader and accountant who mysteriously disappeared — some say he left, others believe he met a grimmer fate. Either way, history doesn't let him go. Now, being a history enthusiast, I can't resist digging into a place's past before setting foot there. I relish piecing together forgotten tales, cross-examining locals for juicy tidbits, and basically acting like a detective without a badge. Fraser's Hill is no stranger to history, but its darkest chapter unfolded on 6 October 1951, at the height of the Malayan Emergency. That morning, Sir Henry Gurney, the British High Commissioner, was assassinated in an ambush at Mile 56½ of Kuala Kubu Road. Communist guerrillas rained bullets on his convoy as it rounded a curve, riddling the vehicles with gunfire. Despite being wounded, Gurney stepped out, drawing fire away from his wife and secretary, ultimately sacrificing himself. Chin Peng, the Communist leader, later claimed it was a routine ambush, and they only realized they'd killed the High Commissioner after hearing it on the news. Talk about being at the wrong place at the wrong time. Determined to see the exact spot where history took such a violent turn, I asked around. To my delight, our bus driver confidently claimed he knew the location. Sensing my moment, I asked, 'Can we stop for a bit on the way down?' He stared at me. Hard. I already knew the answer, but hey, one must try. The Fraser's Hill road system was legendary for its traffic control. Back then, one-way access was regulated by strict timings — odd hours for ascending, even hours for descending. Any unscheduled stop would mean blocking traffic, causing chaos, and — most importantly — angering an entire line of frustrated drivers behind us. Let's just say, our bus driver was not about to make history repeat itself with another ambush — this time, from furious motorists. Concluding Advice for Field Trips I loved my botany field trips — fun, full of surprises, and way better than staring at a whiteboard. Nothing beats learning in the jungle, where leeches are part of the syllabus and laughter is constant. If you're heading into the wild, here's some quick advice: Know before you go — read up on the place, its people, and its plants. It makes the trip richer and the campfire chats livelier. Take notes — trust me, memories fade, and one day you might want to write about it. Pack smart — layers, meds (especially activated charcoal), bug spray, extra underwear, and never forget toilet paper. Expect discomfort — sand in your tent, mozzies in your dreams — but also expect magic. Field trips are messy, funny, unforgettable lessons in life and science. Embrace the mud, laugh through the mishaps, and collect stories like specimens. Go on — make them wild.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Vietnam aims to boost education, tech ties with Malaysia
BANGI: Vietnam is ready to work more closely with Malaysia in the fields of education, science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation in an effort to drive sustainable development and shared prosperity across the ASEAN region. Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, in a public lecture at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) here today, said both countries share a vision of leading Southeast Asia's transition toward a knowledge-based, innovation-led future. 'We are two dynamically developing economies in Southeast Asia, sharing a vision of sustainable development based on knowledge, technology, and innovation. 'Vietnam is ready to work more closely with Malaysia for our common goal of sustainable development and the shared prosperity of both nations and the ASEAN community,' he said. Chinh delivered the public lecture as part of his visit to Malaysia for the 46th ASEAN Summit, which concluded yesterday. UKM's Royal Fellow Tunku Zain Al-'Abidin Tuanku Muhriz, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and UKM Board of Directors chairman Prof Datuk Mohamad Abd Razak were also in attendance. Chinh emphasised that the people are strategic assets and that breakthroughs in science, technology and digital transformation are 'key drivers and decisive factors' for national development, especially among developing countries in ASEAN. In light of globalisation and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Chinh stressed the urgent need for quality human capital development and the pivotal role of educational institutions. 'Now is the time for educational institutions to play a central role in preparing the workforce of the future, not just for one country, but for the entire region and the world,' he said. Chinh outlined five pillars for advancing university-level cooperation between Malaysia and Vietnam, including high-tech human resource training; joint scientific research; academic exchanges; regional accreditation standards ; and startup innovation ecosystems. 'When Vietnam and Malaysia invest in knowledge, when young people today share a common aspiration, we can build a Southeast Asia that is not only a centre of production, but also a centre of ideas; not just a place to apply technology, but also to create knowledge and future technologies,' he said. He also proposed enhancements to deepen science, technology, and digital cooperation between the two countries including joint research, infrastructure development, and digital governance. 'I believe that educational cooperation will not only produce learning hubs and knowledge transfer centres, but also serve as centres of innovation, scientific research, and technology transfer across nations, regions, and globally. 'Knowledge is power. When two countries share and connect knowledge, and invest in future generations, no limit is insurmountable, and new milestones can always be achieved,' he said. In the same lecture, Chinh urged the youth of ASEAN to adopt a mindset of resilience, innovation and accountability in navigating an increasingly complex world. 'Today's youth must not rest on their laurels but should adopt the mindset of turning nothing into something, difficulty into ease, impossibility into possibility, and the unimportant into the essential, that is what truly matters,' he said while underlining the values of discipline and responsibility as critical traits for future leaders. He said the youths are the architects of progress and as such must embody five traits, namely: active learning, innovation and entrepreneurship, institutional and policy engagement, international integration, as well as cultural preservation and peace-building.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Vietnam seeks stronger education, tech ties with Malaysia for ASEAN's future
BANGI: Vietnam is ready to work more closely with Malaysia in the fields of education, science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation in an effort to drive sustainable development and shared prosperity across the ASEAN region. Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, in a public lecture at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) here today, said both countries share a vision of leading Southeast Asia's transition toward a knowledge-based, innovation-led future. 'We are two dynamically developing economies in Southeast Asia, sharing a vision of sustainable development based on knowledge, technology, and innovation. 'Vietnam is ready to work more closely with Malaysia for our common goal of sustainable development and the shared prosperity of both nations and the ASEAN community,' he said. Chinh delivered the public lecture as part of his visit to Malaysia for the 46th ASEAN Summit, which concluded yesterday. UKM's Royal Fellow Tunku Zain Al-'Abidin Tuanku Muhriz, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and UKM Board of Directors chairman Prof Datuk Mohamad Abd Razak were also in attendance. Chinh emphasised that the people are strategic assets and that breakthroughs in science, technology and digital transformation are 'key drivers and decisive factors' for national development, especially among developing countries in ASEAN. In light of globalisation and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Chinh stressed the urgent need for quality human capital development and the pivotal role of educational institutions. 'Now is the time for educational institutions to play a central role in preparing the workforce of the future, not just for one country, but for the entire region and the world,' he said. Chinh outlined five pillars for advancing university-level cooperation between Malaysia and Vietnam, including high-tech human resource training; joint scientific research; academic exchanges; regional accreditation standards ; and startup innovation ecosystems. 'When Vietnam and Malaysia invest in knowledge, when young people today share a common aspiration, we can build a Southeast Asia that is not only a centre of production, but also a centre of ideas; not just a place to apply technology, but also to create knowledge and future technologies,' he said. He also proposed enhancements to deepen science, technology, and digital cooperation between the two countries including joint research, infrastructure development, and digital governance. 'I believe that educational cooperation will not only produce learning hubs and knowledge transfer centres, but also serve as centres of innovation, scientific research, and technology transfer across nations, regions, and globally. 'Knowledge is power. When two countries share and connect knowledge, and invest in future generations, no limit is insurmountable, and new milestones can always be achieved,' he said. In the same lecture, Chinh urged the youth of ASEAN to adopt a mindset of resilience, innovation and accountability in navigating an increasingly complex world. 'Today's youth must not rest on their laurels but should adopt the mindset of turning nothing into something, difficulty into ease, impossibility into possibility, and the unimportant into the essential, that is what truly matters,' he said while underlining the values of discipline and responsibility as critical traits for future leaders. He said the youths are the architects of progress and as such must embody five traits, namely: active learning, innovation and entrepreneurship, institutional and policy engagement, international integration, as well as cultural preservation and peace-building.
Barnama
5 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Vietnam Seeks Stronger Education, Tech Ties With Malaysia For ASEAN's Future
BANGI, May 28 (Bernama) -- Vietnam is ready to work more closely with Malaysia in the fields of education, science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation in an effort to drive sustainable development and shared prosperity across the ASEAN region. Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, in a public lecture at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) here today, said both countries share a vision of leading Southeast Asia's transition toward a knowledge-based, innovation-led future. 'We are two dynamically developing economies in Southeast Asia, sharing a vision of sustainable development based on knowledge, technology, and innovation. 'Vietnam is ready to work more closely with Malaysia for our common goal of sustainable development and the shared prosperity of both nations and the ASEAN community,' he said. Chinh delivered the public lecture as part of his visit to Malaysia for the 46th ASEAN Summit, which concluded yesterday. UKM's Royal Fellow Tunku Zain Al-'Abidin Tuanku Muhriz, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and UKM Board of Directors chairman Prof Datuk Mohamad Abd Razak were also in attendance. Chinh emphasised that the people are strategic assets and that breakthroughs in science, technology and digital transformation are "key drivers and decisive factors' for national development, especially among developing countries in ASEAN. In light of globalisation and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Chinh stressed the urgent need for quality human capital development and the pivotal role of educational institutions. 'Now is the time for educational institutions to play a central role in preparing the workforce of the future, not just for one country, but for the entire region and the world,' he said.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
UKM ready to explore academic opportunities with Vietnam
BANGI: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) is open to exploring collaborative opportunities with universities in Vietnam, including the potential introduction of double-degree programmes, the establishment of a Centre of Excellence, and the development of a joint university. Its acting vice-chancellor Prof Dr Abdul Halim Abdul Gafor said the university hopes to further strengthen ties between Malaysia and Vietnam through impactful collaborations in the field of higher education; partnerships that promise mutual benefits and lasting contributions to the societies of both countries. 'In the near future, we aim to develop a joint university in Malaysia and Vietnam and expand our ASEAN Centre for Global Talent. 'We also plan to establish a Malaysia-Vietnam Collaborative Centre, focusing on initiatives that strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries,' he told reporters in conjunction with the Public Lecture by Vietnam Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. Also present, UKM's Royal Fellow Tunku Zain Al 'Abidin Tuanku Muhriz, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir and UKM's board of directors chairman Prof Datuk Mohamad Abd Razak. Meanwhile, Chinh, in his lecture, praises UKM as a symbol of Malaysia's dedication to liberal knowledge, diverse integration, and connected community. He said UKM is not only a centre for imparting knowledge but also a place that nurtures the aspiration to serve, develops high-quality human capital for Malaysia, and cultivates citizens with a regional and global outlook. 'I warmly congratulate the university on these proud achievements and extend my congratulations to all students, those who carry the trust, passion, aspiration, and mission to lead the future,' he said. 'I appreciate UKM's signing of Letters of Intent for cooperation with two leading universities in Vietnam (Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam National University Hanoi), which opens up promising cooperation prospects in education, scientific research, and training high-quality human resources,' he said.
