Selangor State Park - Taman Negeri Selangor

Public Briefings and Extension of Submission Date

2012-01-10T00:53:00.000-08:00

Thank you to everyone who wrote into the DOE to ask for an extension for the submission of written comments to the DOE on the DEIA for the eastern route of the KLORR. Based on the information we have received at TrEES, the DOE has extended the submission deadline to Friday, 3 February 2012!

But that doesn't make the report any less thick and technical to read! Reviewing the DEIA can be very time consuming and difficult, especially if for the average person.

So to help us all better understand what it's all about, public briefings on the eastern portion of the KLORR are being organised by WWF-Malaysia, on the 12 and 14 January 2012. Members of the public are invited to attend learn more about findings of the proposed project based on the DEIA.

Details of the briefing sessions are as follows:-

1st Session:

Date:    12th January, 2012 (Thursday)
Time:      7.30pm – 9.00pm
Venue:   WWF-Malaysia Boardroom,
No. 49, Jalan SS23/15
Taman SEA, Petaling Jaya, Selangor

2nd Session:

Date:      14th January 2012 (Saturday)
Time:      3.00pm - 5.00pm
Venue:   Rimba Ilmu
Institute of Biological Sciences
University of Malaya
50603 Kuala Lumpur

Once again, there is still time to submit your written comments to the DOE. Comments now due by Friday, 3 February 2012. Don't forget - YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE, so send in your comments to the DOE!

Director General
Department of Environment
Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
Level 2, Podium 3, Wisma Sumber Asli
No.25, Persiaran Perdana
62574 PUTRAJAYA
(Attn: Assessment Division –DEIA Secretariat)
Tel : 03-8871 2000, Fax : 03-8889 1045

KL Outer Ring Road Detailed EIA is Out for Public Comment

2011-12-29T16:26:00.000-08:00

The DOE has posted the the announcement for the KLORR DEIA (KL Outer Ring Road Detailed Environmental Impact Assessment) in the DOE Website.

We've had a quick look so far at the Executive Summary. The Selangor State Park is not mentioned in the Executive Summary. Instead they have stated that the road will affect forest reserves i.e Hulu Gombak Forest Reserve, Ampang Forest Reserve and Hulu Langat Forest Reserve and that the whole forest reserve area affected will be 214.7 ha.

Documents can be viewed from 12 Dec 2011 to 9 Jan 2012. The Executive Summary can be downloaded from the DOE website. The list of locations where documents can be viewed is also given in the DOE website.

Deadline for submission of comments is 23rd January 2012.

Written comments must be submitted to:
    Director General
    Department of Environment
    Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
    Level 2, Podium 3, Wisma Sumber Asli
    No.25, Persiaran Perdana
    62574 PUTRAJAYA
    (Attn: Assessment Division –DEIA Secretariat)
    Tel : 03-8871 2000, Fax : 03-8889 1045

This is your chance to speak up for the Park and the creatures that live within it, as well as to protect our quality of life that the Park provides. Don't wait for someone else to take action.   You can email to TrEES is you'd like to share your comments, thoughts and findings.

Celebrate the Park - Map of Activities

2011-11-18T03:34:00.000-08:00

Come and Join the FUN!!

Details on the Celebration - 19 November 2011

2011-11-16T17:27:00.000-08:00

Taman Warisan Negeri Selangor does so much to protect the quality of our lives. Come and celebrate our magnificent Park this Saturday, 19 November, at Ampang Recreational Forest.

All activities are FREE to the public, and are on a first come, first serve basis. There will be guided jungle treks, stream ecology fun, nature craft, face painting, fun games and more. Activities run from 10 am until 12 noon.

A Heritage Hunt will be run in conjunction with the celebration, too. Registration for the Heritage Hunt begins at 8.30am. Flag-off will be at 9.30 am. Participation is on a first come-first serve basis.

To better enjoy the day, we recommend you bring the following:

· Appropriate attire for running, trekking and water based activities. The public is welcome to fully with nature, so please expect to get wet.

· Change of clothes is advisable including towel, slippers and bag

· Pens or pencil for the Hunt

· Drinking water

· Enough snacks or energy snacks to enjoy the day

· 1 basic First Aid Kit for each team.

· Insect or mosquito repellent

· Sunblock lotion (optional)

Heritage Hunt Format

Only teams can participate in this Hunt. Each team must consist of 3-4 team members. Please refer to the attached pages for detail rules on team requirements.

Top placing in each category will be awarded with monetary prizes. Below are the categories and the prizes.

General/Family - 1^st prize : RM1,000

Youth - 1^st prize : RM1,000

(The parent must sign the registration-indemnity form for all participants under the age of 18 years)

There are 10 checkpoints in the Heritage Hunt. On registration, each team will receive a passport with 10 checkpoints listed on it. After successfully completing a checkpoint, the checkpoint marshall will chop that particular checkpoint in the passport.

Contestants need to successfully go through all 10 checkpoints in order to emerge the winners. All teams are given a maximum time of 2 hours to complete all challenges and present themselves at the finish line. All decisions by the organisers are final. Protests will not be entertained under any circumstances

Registration

Teams can register by emailing details to treateveryenvironmentspecial@gmail.com or register on the race day itself. The registration will open by 8.30am.

Celebrate the Park on 19 November at Ampang Forest

2011-11-04T21:17:00.000-07:00

Come and join the fun on Saturday, 19 November, from 9 am - 1.30 pm. There will be games, a Heritage Hunt with cash prizes, and so much more.

Email to TrEES if you would like to register for the Heritage Hunt, or if you need more information.

How to get there:
If you have a large group of 30 or more, TrEES may be able to help organise a bus, so send us an email.

otherwise:

1. By train: Take the Rapid KL train (Ampang line) from the Masjid Jamek station and get off at the last station which is Ampang itself. From here, you could either take a taxi directly there or take a bus to Lembah Jaya Utara (U332 – you have to cross the road to get to the bus stop though). However, if you choose to take the bus, you’ll have to walk a bit farther up to get to the picnic spot.

2. Take the U332 bus from KL itself (near KLCC) and yes, you still have to walk a bit… about 20-30 minutes, more or less.

3. By car – just stay on Jalan Ampang until the very, very end (heading out of the city, towards Ampang). It winds through a small kampong, and then you’ll end up at the parking lot.

New Alignment Continues to Threaten Water Security

2011-10-20T09:01:00.000-07:00

From the NST

Judging from media reports, it appears that the KLORR will now cut through the Hulu Gombak Forest Reserve, in addition to the Ampang Forest Reserve, both of which are water catchment forests gazetted as part of Taman Warisan Negeri Selangor.

Under the original alignment of the highway, the KLORR was going to cut through the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge and run over the Klang Gates Dam. This alignment was criticized by residents and environment organizations for many reasons. Two prime reasons were the globally unique ridge, and the other was water security.

Reports seem to indicate the building of a tunnel in the vicinity of the Ridge of which the impact on the Ridge is unknown. The new alignment still poses a very real threat to water security for Kuala Lumpur and in fact increases the threat. The Hulu Gombak Forest Reserve, which earlier was not affected by the KLORR, now appears to be cut through by the expressway.

It is often mistakenly thought that keeping land in their original forested state is lost economic opportunities that could have been gained by “developing” the forest into something more usable by people.

Studies have shown that economically speaking, if the water from a forest catchment is supplied to the local population, the best land use option for the forested area was protection, as opposed to use for purposes such as timber extraction, or building a road.

These studies have shown that the benefits of clearing the forest were lower than the additional costs of water treatment. The removal of forests will increase the sedimentation in the rivers due to heavy soil erosion on the steep slopes, and increase the levels of pollution of the rivers due to road run-off – increasing costs for water treatment, possibly even jeopordising the ability to treat the water at all.

Over the years, the state government has felt the Hulu Gombak forest reserve was a critical water catchment area, so much so that the area has been triple gazetted – as ‘state park’ and ‘water catchment’ under the National Forestry Act, Selangor Enactment, as well as ‘water catchment’ under the Selangor Waters Management Authorities Enactment 1999.

Furthermore, it is even more disheartening to learn that the new alignment is purported based on the concerns raised by residents and NGOs. The new alignment does nothing to reduce these concerns. Claiming that the new alignment does address our concerns is very misleading.

Keeping the Selangor State Park in its natural forested state is actually saving the country billions of ringgit through the services the Park provides to the country, for free. The KLORR will result in profits that will really benefit only a few.

Phobaeticus serratipes - that's one big bug!

2011-10-18T07:43:00.000-07:00

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum Arthropoda

Class: Insecta

Order: Phasmatodea

Family: Phasmatidae

Genus: Phobaeticus

Species: serratipes

Phobaeticus serratipes (formerly known as Pharnacia serratipes) is one species of stick insects. It is endemic to Peninsular Malaysia. And it is one big bug! (although technically, it is not a bug, but I can’t help myself!)

At one time, Phobaeticus serratipes was known as the longest insect in the world, with one female being recorded at 555mm (with legs fully extended). However, specimens of Phobaeticus chani and Phobaeticus kirbyi have now been recorded as longer.

This insect likes warm and humid weather. It is nocturnal, and lies still during the day, using its body shape as camouflage. It takes 4-5 months for their eggs to hatch. Females are commonly green or brown. Males are much shorter than females, and have a blue and black stripe along the sides of the thorax. The males have wings but cannot fly.

Phobaeticus serratipes are plant eaters, feeding on leaves and berries. It has the unusual ability of partial regeneration, where if a leg is lost, it will grow back after several successful molts.

Phobaeticus serratipes is a popular species that is raised in captivity, with a lot of on-line discussion and exchange going on. But it’s IUCN threat status is not evaluated.

If you see a stick insect in the wild, admire it but do not disturb it. Let’s hope that this beautiful insect is thriving in the wild, including the Park!

Sources of info:

www.phasmidsincyberspace.com

wikipedia.org

and the Selangor Forestry Department

Sites in the Park Ranked as Top Hiking Destinations!

2011-10-05T18:52:00.000-07:00

The STAR sent out mass e-mails to nature buffs and eco-tour guides to determine the top spots for hiking, biking, paddling and climbing in Malaysia. And proudly, at least 2 sites within the Park are the top hiking spots in Selangor! (read the article )

The Klang Gates Quartz Ridge topped the list for both the best hiking spot in the Klang Valley (particularly the western section, known as Bukit Tabur) and for the best mountain biking spot (the trails along the foot slopes at the eastern section, around Kemensah).

Gunung Nuang, the highest mountain in Selangor, was also rated top hiking spot in the Klang Valley, especially as a training ground for tougher hikes like Mt. Kinabalu.

Both locations are very popular with outdoor enthusiasts, and both offer exciting challenges while enjoying nature's beauty. Sadly, these areas in particular are under a lot of pressure from human activities and development, so we've got to act to protect them as much as we enjoy them.

So it's time to leave the shopping malls behind, and get out and enjoy the beauty of Taman Negeri Selangor!

We’ve Got to Do Our Part – Rethink, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle!

2011-09-21T19:27:00.000-07:00

Yet another worrying article in the newspapers, this time, it’s on solid waste

According to the government, Malaysians are already throwing nearly 27,000 tonnes of rubbish every day. And it is expected that we will reach 30,000 tonnes per day well before 2020! Nearly all of this waste is going to landfills. But out of the 166 landfills in the country, only EIGHT are sanitary landfills!

No one wants to live near a landfill. So of course the government must look for sites that are away from residential areas…and that can mean the forest and other natural areas.

The quality of our lives depends on our natural resources, and in Selangor, particularly those found in Taman Negeri Selangor. Our consumption of goods and our lifestyle overall have an impact on the Park and forests in general.

Taman Negeri Selangor is located immediately eastward from the country’s largest urban complex. The Forestry Department cannot manage the Park sustainably without the cooperation of the residents of Selangor and beyond.

It is we, the people, who will ultimately influence the Park’s proper management and conservation. To play our part in conserving the Park and protecting the environment overall, we should remember these simple steps and apply to our daily habits:

1. Rethink how we live and how it affects the environment:

When we buy an item, think about where it comes from and where it will go to once we finish with it.
Think about the company that makes the item and ask if they have a good environmental track record

2. Reduce our consumption of resources:

By conserving water and energy, we reduce the need to build more dams, which flood our forests and destroy habitats and communities.
By reducing what we throw away, we use fewer materials and save land from becoming landfills.
By trying to reduce our dependency on cars, we reduce the need to construct more and more highways, which often cut through the forest and disrupt communities.

3. Re-use and recycle as much as possible

Re-using and recycling materials such as plastic bottles and paper reduces the need for raw materials, which come from natural resources such as trees.

There are lots of places to get more info. To get started, you can visit the TrEES website for a list of recycling centres in the Klang Valley. To learn more about how to compost at home, and to learn about home cleaning alternatives, click here .

Let's all do our part!

KLORR - Financial Close Means that Work Could Commence Soon

2011-09-17T00:54:00.000-07:00

Based on an article that appeared in The Edge Financial Daily on 11 August 2011, the Terengganu-based construction outfit Ahmad Zaki Resources Bhd (AZRB) has reached financial close with Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Bhd for the RM1.5 billion KL Outer Ring Road (KLORR) project. Financial close is the last hurdle before funds can be drawn down to commence work on a project.

This could indicate that AZRB is finalising details of the concession agreement with the government and that work on the project could commence soon.

According to the article, AZRB was given the letter of intent to undertake the project back in 2008, building the 40km stretch from Sungai Long to University Islam Antarabangsa in Gombak, linking up with the South Klang Valley Expressway and Kuala Lumpur-Kuala Selangor Expressway, among others.

The article further stated that the KLORR job could be a boost for AZRB. As at end-March this year, AZRB had an order book of RM1.06 billion. Some of the more prominent jobs were the design and building of Complex Kerja Raya 2 in Jalan Sultan Salahuddin, Kuala Lumpur, for RM266 million, packages 2, 6, 5A and 9C of the East Coast Highway amounting to some RM207 million and Universiti Darul Imam package 3 building works valued at RM192 million.

As per the article, AZRB is 59.24% controlled by Zaki Holdings (M) Sdn Bhd. Zaki Holdings is the vehicle of Datuk Seri Wan Zaki Wan Muda, the executive vice-chairman of AZRB, managing director Datuk Wan Zakariah Wan Muda and executive director Datuk Wan Zulkifli Wan Muda.

To date, the public has no clear picture of where the exactly KLORR highway will be built, aside from the simple line drawn on the map of the Draft Local Plan Ampang Jaya 2020. Based on articles that have appeared in the newspapers since the Draft Plans were released, this alignment may be changed, but no information on other proposed alignments have been offered to the public.

Over 1,000 residents sent in their written objections to the alignment of the KLORR back in 2009, through the public feedback sought under the Draft Local Plan Ampang Jaya 2020. Communities are very concerned about the impacts the KLORR highway will have on the forests of Taman Negeri Selangor, the water supply to Selangor and KL, and the neighborhoods that will be affected.

Looking at other highways, the KLORR will most likely require a wide swath of forest to be cleared for its construction.

Kajang to Seremban Highway:

Karak Highway:

Retaining walls:

There has to be a better solution to the traffic problem, than putting a highway through critical water catchment areas!

Selamat Hari Raya, Selamat Hari Merdeka & Selamat Bercuti!

2011-08-29T19:20:00.000-07:00

Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday break!

Once you've stuffed yourself with lemang, rendang and pineapple tarts, why not get some fresh air and exercise. Visit one of the many recreational sites in the Park.

Find the site closest to you:

Recreational Sites In & Around the Park

ENJOY!

Wild Boars - Eurasian Wild Pigs

2011-08-22T04:09:00.000-07:00

Order : ARTIODACTYLA
Family : Suidae
Species : Sus scrofa

Head-Body Length : Males up to 1.5 metres
Height : Males up to 0.8 metres
Tail Length : Males up to 300 cm
Weight : Males up to 200 kg, females are smaller

Wild Boar / Eurasian Wild Pig

If you live in a residential community that borders along Taman Negeri Selangor, there is a good chance you have seen a Wild Boar or Eurasian Wild Pig coming out of the forest to forage in grassy areas of your neighborhood in the late evening.

The Eurasian Wild Pig inhabits primary and secondary forest, but, as mentioned above, it will also forage in adjacent cleared or agricultural areas. In parts of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore the species occurs in mangroves. It is found within Taman Negeri Selangor.

The Eurasian Wild Pig has one of the widest geographic distributions of all terrestrial mammals, and this range has been greatly expanded by human agency. The species now occurs in pure wild or barely modified feral form on all continents excepting Antarctica, and on many oceanic islands.

Eurasian Wild Pigs are generally to be found in groups of up to 20, though adult males are often solitary. Adults are dark grey to black, and juveniles brownish with distinctive horizontal stripes. Wild pigs are prolific breeders and apparently breed throughout the year.

They are omnivorous, living on crops, roots, tubers, fruits and carrion. Other items commonly consumed by these pigs included soil, earthworms, roots and other vegetable matter and in mangrove areas, molluscs, crabs and other arthropods and even fishes. They also enjoy domestic crops, and no animal is more destructive to crops than pigs.

The Wild Pig is the ancestor of most (but not all) ancient and modern domestic pig breeds, and there is evidence to suggest that it was independently domesticated in several different parts of its range, including Southeast Asia. The Eurasian Wild Pig, however, is greater size than its domesticated cousins. And has a mane of bristly hairs extending along the back. The mane becomes erect when the animal is feeling threatened.

The Eurasian Wild Pig is a chief food source for tigers and leopards. It is also a popular food item among humans. The wild pig has constituted a primary resource of subsistence hunters since the earliest times, and it remains one of the most popular targets for recreational hunting wherever it remains sufficiently abundant.

Over-hunting and changes in land use have resulted in the fragmentation of its range and its extermination throughout the British Isles, Scandinavia, parts of North Africa, and relatively extensive parts of its range in the former Soviet Union. and northern Japan.

Nevertheless, the species remains widely distributed and is often locally abundant within the Peninsular and within the Park. As a result of its depredations on crops it is regarded as a pest in many countries.

In the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the Eurasian Wild Pig is categorized as “Least Concern” due to its wide range, abundance, tolerance to habitat disturbance, and presence in many protected areas. Here in Malaysia, the wild pig is listed in the First Schedule, Part I, as a hunted Species, of the Wildlife Conservation Action 2010. This means it is a “protected wildlife” but it can be hunted with a license.

Despite its abundance, it can be an exciting treat to see a group of wild pigs coming out of the forest in the evenings, to forage in along the grassy roadside, especially when there are young babies in the group – provided you are seeing them from the safety of your car!

Read more at (all information extracted from these sites):

Ecology Asia:

http://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/mammals/wild_pig.htm

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species:

http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/41775/0

Department of Wildlife and National Parks Malaysia

http://www.wildlife.gov.my/index.php/en/component/content/article/64-mamalia/378-mammals7

Wild Pigs:

http://wiienvis.nic.in/ungulatesofindia/pig.htm

Growing Population Depends on the Park

2011-08-01T16:56:00.000-07:00

It was interesting to read the findings, as reported in The Star newspaper, from the nationwide census conducted by the Statistics Department between July 6 and Aug 22, 2010.

Based on the census findings, Selangor continued to be the most populated state, with 5.4 million or 19.3% of the country's population, followed by Johor with 3.3 million and Sabah at 3.2 million. Putrajaya had the highest population growth during the 2000 to 2010 period, with 17.8%.

The findings also related that in tandem with the country's rapid development, the proportion of urban population increased to 71% in 2010 compared to 62% in 2000, with the highest levels of urbanization occurring in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, Selangor and Penang.

Given the concentration of Malaysia’s population that is living in Selangor, KL and Putrajaya, and the growing urbanization of the area, it would be most prudent that the government carefully guards the natural resources that support and sustain this population.

The most basic and critical resource to supporting this population is water. It would seem very unwise of the government to jeopardize even one drop of the existing water supply, as it is currently sufficient to meet the needs of the population. Other areas of the country are growing rapidly, too, so we cannot expect to be able to send all of the Peninsula’s water resource to the Klang Valley alone. The federal government will already be sending water from Pahang to Selangor, through the nearly RM11 billion Selangor-Pahang raw water transfer project. What happens when Johor needs more water, too?

Given that the Selangor State Park is the source of nearly 98% of the water supply for Selangor, KL and Putrajaya, it would seem irresponsible of the government to jeopardize the forests of the Park, that protect this water supply. Only if the forests of the Park remain healthy and intact, can the Park can continue to feed the 5 main reservoirs that supply the bulk of our current water that is needed to meet our existing demands, not to mention our growing future needs.

That is why TrEES, together with a number of other NGOs and residents groups, are against the alignment of the KL Outer Ring Road, a highway that is planned to cut through 2 water catchment areas of the Park. One area is the Klang Gates Reservoir, which is the source of clean water for the Golden Triangle, KL. The second catchment forest affected is the Ampang Forest, which supplies clean water to residents in the Ampang area.

Yes, the traffic is bad on the MMR2. A solution needs to be found. But prioritizing a highway over our water supply seems an extremely poor solution.

Water is so critical to our lives. The government needs to manage our water resources with great care and prudence, if we want to make sure there is enough water for our growing population.

Stand Up & Write

2011-07-22T23:45:00.000-07:00

If you are concerned about the Park, the forests in Malaysia, and the environment in general, please stand up & write.

The forests, animals and plants cannot speak. We need to speak for them. Write a letter to voice your concerns. Write to your ADUN, your MP, write to the PM, put a post on his facebook site, write to the newspapers and to your favorite blogger.

Here are some contacts, to help you get started!

Y.A.B. Dato' Sri Mohd Najib bin Abdul Razak
Prime Minister Email: ppm@pmo.gov.my
FB: http://www.facebook.com/najibrazak
Najib Razak on Facebook

Y.B. Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas
Minister of Natural Resources and Environment
Email: uggah@nre.gov.my
FB: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Douglas-Uggah-Embas/142244839119126
Douglas Uggah Embas on Facebook

Y.A.B. Tan Sri Dato' Abdul Khalid bin Ibrahim
Dato' Menteri Besar Selangor
Email: mb14_selangor@yahoo.com
FB: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abdul-Khalid-Ibrahim/38012338900?sk=wall
Abdul Khalid Ibrahim on Facebook

Malaysiakini editor@malaysiakini.com

The Nut Graph editor@thenutgraph.com

The Sun letters@thesundaily.com

The Star editor@thestar.com.my

Berita Harian bhsurat@bharian.com.my

Sin Chew Jit Poh info@sinchew-i.com

Fraser’s Hill – a fun family getaway

2011-07-14T07:45:00.000-07:00

Many people don't realize it, but the forests in the Selangor section of Fraser’s Hill, and along the road that winds up to the hill resort, are part of Taman Negeri Selangor.

It’s nicest to begin the experience from Kuala Kubu Bharu, a quaint government town that shouldn’t be missed on the way up to Fraser’s Hill. Of course, KKB is not part of the Park, but it is lovely town that borders the Park, and is full of old buildings and history.

From KKB, you take the E55. Driving up this windy road, you pass the Sungai Selangor dam. The Sungai Selangor reservoir is the largest supply of freshwater to residents in Selangor. Completed in 2002, construction of dam itself was hotly protested, due to the rich forest, and community lands the reservoir inundated. Now, as you drive along the road, it almost seems as if the dam always existed.

After the Sg. Selangor Dam, the road enters the forests of Taman Negeri Selangor. These forests play a critical role as water catchment for the reservoir. To the left and right you can see beautiful forest trees, which comprise the species-rich dipterocarp forests on hilly and mountainous terrain. These area of the Park tends to be steep slopes of more than 45 degrees, and there is a general decline in the number of dipterocarps and an increase in non-dipterocarps such as Fagaceae, or commonly known as oaks, as you drive further up into the hills.

About half way through the journey you can take a break at the Sg. Semangkok Forest Recreation site. It is a small waterfall and picnic area that is just at the road side, so there is no long walk to find the waterfall! It can make for a nice place to take a few photos and stretch your legs.

Continuing on in the journey, you pass a small signboard that marks the site where the British High Commissioner in Malaya, Sir Henry Gurney, and his motorcade was ambushed by communists in 1951. Thirteen British soldiers along with Sir Henry were killed in the attack.

The Gap, a famous place to rest just before you make the final assent to Fraser’s Hill Resort, is sadly in a bad state. It was closed down a few years ago. According to the work sign, it was closed for restoration and renovation, but this seems to have been totally abandoned, and the old rest-house is deteriorating into quite an eye-soar. On the opposite side of the road, a grand walking bridge was constructed. Perhaps all the money for the renovations went into the bridge! While the bridge was recently completed, panels along parts of the side rails are already falling off, sad to say.

On our most recent trip up to Fraser’s Hill, you no longer need to wait at the Gap for the ‘odd-up’ or ‘even-down’ road closure. The Gap road seems to be always open now for the drive UP to Fraser’s Hill, and the new road at the Pahang side is always open for the drive down.

The Gap and Fraser’s Hill have always been popular places for birder watchers. Bird species include six species of hornbill and the Great Argus Pheasant. In the upper parts of the hill forests and lower montane forests, the giant fishtail palm Caryota maxima and the giant rattan Plectocomia griffithii create impressive sites.

The Gap road borders along the Fraser’s Hill Wildlife Reserve. With the declaration of the gazettement of Taman Negeri Selangor, the forests of the wildlife reserve is now also gazetted as permanent forest reserve classified as part of the State Park.

The lower montane forests below and around Fraser’s Hill are rich in both plant and animal species. One unusual plant species is the climbing bamboo Maclurochloa montana, and it is known only from a few sites in Peninsula Malaysia. Wildlife in the Park around the Fraser's Hill area includes three species of gibbon, flying lemurs, slow loris.

In Fraser’s Hill itself, there are a number of great nature walks, fun activities, as well as just simply strolling along the sidewalks in the cool air, that make this spot a fun and refreshing break from the city. On the Selangor side, you can stay at the Selangor Bungalow. The Kindersley Trail also starts from the Selangor side, near the Methodist bungalow.

So the next time you need an overnight break from the city, drive up to Fraser’s Hill and experience the magnificence of Taman Negeri Selangor along the way!

An Inspiring Short Story

2011-06-20T04:38:00.000-07:00

This is an inspiring story of how young people are trying to make a difference in their community.

TrEES was approached by the Dhammaduta Youth group (D2Y) from the Buddhist Maha Vihara to help make this year’s Wesak Day more green. Every year during this religious festival, over 20,000 devotees visit the temple in Brickfields. And wherever big crowds gather, you can also expect a large amount of rubbish to follow.

The D2Y wanted to prevent the waste generated during the festival from simply going to the landfill. To keep the greening manageable, it was decided to focus on the rubbish generated, and that was a huge task in itself.

Also joining in the greening efforts was the organization Khatulistiwa. With their Sampah Masyarkat programme, Khatulistiwa brought their knowledge and experience gained through their work during the Thaipusam festival at Batu Caves.

During the preparations leading up to the festival, volunteers at the temple were very cooperative in ensuring that all vegetable scraps from the food preparations were separated. A bin to collect left over food waste was also put out at the volunteer’s eating area on Wesak day itself. The food waste, together with the vegetable scraps were sent to a local organic farm for composting, after the festival began to wind down.

Most of the carton boxes used for the delivery of goods, including candles and drinks, were kept aside for the recycling efforts. The used oil from cooking as well as oil used for the oil lamps were collected and stored in drums. The oil was later sent for reprocessing into biodiesel.

Dealing with the public is not an easy task. But we were very pleased to see the cooperation and willingness to participate from people of all ages. For the public that was unfamiliar with recycling, D2Y volunteers were stationed at each set of recycling-rubbish bins, to help the public put the proper item into the proper bin.

With the close of the festival, over 3 lorry loads consisting of plastic bottles, tetrapak, carton boxes, oil and organic waste was saved from the landfill and sent for better use through recycling and composting. TrEES looks forward to working with the D2Y youth in this greening challenge again next year!

Every time we reduce, re-use and recycle our waste, we are helping to protect Taman Negeri Selangor and the environment in general. By saving valuable resources and reducing the filling of landfills, we help to protect our forests and other natural areas.

Do YOU have an inspiring story to share? Send us an email at treateveryenvironmentspecial@gmail.com

Steep Terrain of the Park Must be Taken Seriously

2011-06-11T18:23:00.000-07:00

Last month, there was a lot in the papers about the tragedy in Hulu Langat, due to another series of landslides (two landslides occurred simultaneously), that claimed 16 lives, many of them young boys living at the al-Taqwa orphanage.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who died, to the families who remain, and to all those who are suffering as a result of the tragedy.

This tragedy raises several concerns, many of them are not new…

From information gathered in the newspapers an estimated 58 housing estates in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor situated in hilly areas face the risk of landslides, based on a Public Works Department (PWD) study last year, in 2010.

According to the papers, the study shows that all 58 housing estates are situated within four local council areas, namely Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ), Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) and Selayang Municipal Council (MPS).

The highest number of areas at risk, 39, are listed under MPAJ. Among the areas sited as highest risk include Bukit Antarabangsa, Taman Melawati, Kampung Pasir, Taman Wangsa Ukay, Ukay Heights, Ukay Perdana, Kampung Tengah, Taman Keramat and Sering Ukay.

Based on the disappointing outcome of the Highland Tower court case, it was re-affirmed, in court, that the local councils cannot be held liable for any tragedy that may result from the council’s approvals of any development.

This is why so many of the residents in these areas are very concerned when new developments are proposed/constructed at the slopes behind or near to their existing homes. This is another reason why so many residents are concerned about the alignment of the KL Outer Ring Road as well - the dangers the highway itself may create, and the urban development that will surely follow the highway. The highway will be passing through the MPAJ area. The alignment of the proposed highway is near or adjoining areas with the highest number of developments at risk for future landslides including Bukit Antarabangsa and Taman Melawati , as stated in the Public Works study. Knowing the dangers of the area, why is the federal government still planning a highway here? And who will be responsible if there are future tragedies due to the highway?

Another point of concern is that the al-Taqwa orphanage was built without approval from authorities. At the time it was built, about 15 years ago, there were no requirements to apply for building approvals, as the structure was built on agricultural land.

Have the laws and requirements been amended so that approval required today? Most of the very steep and loose terrain that forms the foot-slopes of the Klang Gates area is still classified as agricultural land, with many single title land owners.

Given the hazardous terrain, the fact that the Ridge is now gazetted as part of the Selangor State Park and has been (somewhat) recognised as a geological wonder, is MPAJ or other state authorities keeping an eye on developments the area?

Vatica yeechongii

2011-06-02T04:46:00.000-07:00

Vatica yeechongii

A rare dipterocarp, adapted to growing near streamsides. Vatica yeechongii is a recent discovery to science, identified only in 2003. This recent discovery reflects the immense richness and uniqueness of the forests in the Park.

The Vatica yeechongii is a species of the dipterocarpaceae family of towering timber trees. The Vatica genus is known locally as resak and includes some lucrative, huge, hardwood tree species.

Vatica yeechongii , however, is a medium-sized understorey tree, growing to a diameter of 13cm and a height of 15m tall, and is hardly of any commercial timber value. It looks very different from the rest of the Vatica, as the leaves are very big.

It is suspected that the V. yeechongii seeds are scattered by water. This is because the trees have been observed only near rivers and the seeds are surrounded by small petals which are not conducive for wind dispersal.

V. yeechongii was also recently found in the Setul Forest Reserve in Negri Sembilan. The species has a very restricted distribution and small population – there are less than 30 in Sungai Lalang and 100 in Setul – reflects the species’ rarity. This places the species at risk.

On your next weekend break, make it a mini-adventure. Take a drive to Sg. Tekala Recreational Forest, Taman Negeri Selangor, and look out for this unique and rare tree species!

For more information, please visit:

http://goodtimes.my/index.php/Community/forest-researchers-to-the-rescue.html

http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2004/5/25/features/7777396&sec=features

Selangor to review forest reserve permits

2011-05-24T08:39:00.000-07:00

It is good news that, beginning next month, the Selangor State Government will be reviewing permits for development on land gazetted as forest reserves.

According to an article in The Sun , the permits have been frozen following a moratorium by the state government on development in forest reserve land. The article goes on to state that the state executive council will either approve or reject these permits based on the details, facts and need for the proposed developments.

Earlier this year, this blog site highlighted a housing development that was advertised as being built within a forest reserve. (find the blog entry here) . We hope that this will be investigated, too.

Human Pressure on the Park - Rubbish!

2011-05-17T02:39:00.000-07:00

It is very disheartening to see the trail of rubbish along some of the quiet roads that wind through Taman Negeri Selangor.

One particular example is along the B116 (Jalan Sg. Tekali). Having driven along this road, heading to Sg. Tekala Recreation Forest on many occasions, the mountains of rubbish seem to be increasing in both size and in the number of locations. Along some stretches of the road, the piles of rubbish are so huge that they block an entire lane of the road, making the 2-way road into a dangerous single lane.

Piles of rubbish are also being dumped over the edge of the road, along the forest slopes, where it is less obvious to travelers along the road. There are also now huge piles of rubbish beginning to appear along the B19, both on the way to Sg. Congkak and to Sg. Tekala Recreation Forests. This illegal dumping along the public roads and in the forest reserves bordering the roads in this area in particular has become a serious situation.

TrEES has written to the local council (with cc copy to the State), and spoken to a representative. Efforts are being made to clean up the mess. It is difficult for the local council to keep up with the amount being thrown along these quiet roads.

Something needs to be done to stop the illegal dumping from happening (or at least to greatly reduce the frequency!) This is definitely not an easy task. All contractors that are hired by a local council or other organizations, should be required to produce an official receipt from the proper dumpsite as proof that waste was dumped legally and properly BEFORE any payment is made to the contractor for that disposal. I believe MPSJ has implemented such a system to help curb illegal dumping.

The piles of rubbish should be investigated, to determine the type of rubbish, to thus determine the source of the rubbish. The local councils may then be able tell if the waste is coming from the local factories, recycling separation centres, wet markets, etc. Overnight observation on random occasions every month could be done at troublesome spots along the roads. Looking at the amount of rubbish in some places, it is probably dumped nearly every night.

This rubbish is coming from neighborhoods, from night markets, from contractors - from you and me. We’ve got to take more action to reduce our waste, and be more responsible for the waste we produce.

What can we do?

- reduce disposable plastic and styrofoam use

- bring your own bag to the pasar malam, ask the stall owners to dispose of their rubbish in a proper bin

- make sure your contractor disposes of your renovation waste properly

- report illegal dumping immediately to the local authority

Clearly, it’s a mountain of a task. Let’s all try to do our part to solve this problem!

The Malayan pangolin (Manis javanica) – a creature in trouble

2011-05-06T22:51:00.000-07:00

Order : PHOLIDOTA

Family : Manidae
Species : Manis javanica

The pangolin is a small yet magnificent creature. Having read so many articles in the papers on illegal smuggling of this animal, I wanted to highlight the beauty of this animal and its fight for survival.

The pangolin, also known as the scaly anteater, and tenggiling in Malay, is an unusual mammal that is covered with tough, protective scales. It lives in the forests (primary, secondary, scrub forest) and plantations (rubber and palm oil) of Southeast Asia, and it has been documented within the forests of the Taman Negeri Selangor.

This ground-dwelling, scaled animal measures close to 1m in length and weighs about 2kg. The protective scales are made of keratin, which is the same substance that hair, fingernails, and horn are made from. These scales cover nearly the entire body of the pangolin, except belly, snout, eyes, ears, and undersides of the limbs.

The pangolin is an insectivore, and feeds mainly on ants and termites. It uses its short legs and huge claws to dig into anthills and termite mounds. Well adapted for this type of feeding, the pangolin’s face and eyes are protected by thick skin and eyelids. It also has the ability to open and close its nostrils, thus completely protecting itself from ant or termite attack. While it has no teeth, with it’s long, sticky tongue, it can eat an estimated 200,000 ants or termites per day.

The Pangolin is nocturnal and will rest by day in burrows and tree holes. While it is mainly a ground dwelling creature, the species is also a skilled climber, aided by its prehensile (grasping) tail - the pangolin can even hang from its tail! The strong tail also is used to support the animal when it stands up on its hind legs to tear open termite mounds.

It may roll into a ball when it feels threatened. The species may also hit an enemy with its tail or spray it with urine. Pangolins are also known to hide by day amongst the foliage of large epiphytes such as the Bird's Nest Fern.

The pangolin will have one or two young at a time. Infants are carried on top of the base of the mother's tail until they are independent. The pangolin can live up to 14 years in captivity. There are 7 species of pangolins that live in grasslands and forests in parts of Africa and Southeast Asia (Genus Manis).

Pangolins are fully protected species in Malaysia, yet they are under serious threat from poachers. How many times have we seen articles in the newspapers about crates and crates of these animals being confiscated? It is frightening when you think about the number of these animals being smuggled.

Pangolins are thought to be a powerful antiseptic; medicines made from their scales supposedly cure fevers, skin disorders and venereal diseases. Their meat it thought to be an aphrodisiac. It is reported that buyers from China pay as much as RM1,500 per animal

In this modern day, don’t we have enough antiseptics, fever medicines and Viagra, that traders and customers can purchase other products to cure their ailments? With regular confiscations of up to 500 pangolins in one load, how many can be left in the wild?

These creatures cannot speak for themselves. They cannot ask for help, for better protection from the government. We have to do that for them.

Please, make it a strong point NOT to buy any medicines made from wild animals. Please don’t eat these animals. If you seen any one selling wild animals or parts of wild animals, please call the Department of Wildlife and National Park (DWNP) immediately at 03-9086 6800. Please write letters to the government and articles to the newspapers to express your concern over the illegal trade in wildlife. Every little bit you do makes a big difference!

Information extracted from the following sites, please visit them for more excellent information:

http://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/mammals/sunda-pangolin.htm

http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/mammal/eutheria/pholidota.html

http://www.ecologyasia.com/news-archives/2003/dec-03/thestar_20031209_2.htm

http://www.thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2011/2/25/north/8134926&sec=North

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/2/27/nation/8148804&sec=nation

Photos extracted from:

http://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/mammals/sunda-pangolin.htm

Earth Day Activities

2011-05-02T01:44:00.000-07:00

Earth Day was a busy day in Taman Negeri Selangor.

At Sungai Tua Recreational Forest, approximately 600 people gathered to clear the Park of rubbish left behind by uncaring picnickers. It was wonderful to see so many Malaysians and other concerned citizens of the Earth gather to clean up our beautiful Park. But it is a tragedy that picnickers are still leaving behind such a mess after enjoying the beauty of nature. It is really high time that the authorities start getting serious on the cancerous problem of littering, and start imposing fines on those who throw rubbish around.

Still, a big thank you must go out to those volunteers who worked so hard to clean up Sg. Tua Recreational Forest, one of the Park headquarters. The event was organised by the Waterfall Survivors, with so many other groups helping out. Great Job to all of you!

On a smaller scale, but with no less heart, a group of media gathered at Sg. Tekala Recreation Forest to commemorate Sloggi's international Love Earth Campaign, in a bid to increase conservation efforts and awareness of this magnificent Park.

Globally, Sloggi and the SensitivEcoSystem Project have partnered with the World Land Trust to save the threatened rain forest in the Yaboti Biosphere, which is home to many unusual plants and animal species, at risk of extinction.

Here in Malaysia, Sloggi have partnered TrEES in our efforts to increase the awareness and protection of Taman Negeri Selangor. In addition to writing articles and blogging about the Park, the media planted native trees to enrich the Park’s biodiversity.

Sloggi also presented a check to TrEES to help us with our Internet efforts to empower communities to reduce their ecological footprint on the Park.

While we should practice Earth Day everyday, it was a special weekend at Taman Negeri Selangor. The plants and wildlife send a special thank you to everyone who got involved! Keep up the good work!

Happy Earth Day!

2011-04-21T20:01:00.000-07:00

Today is Earth Day! Most of you who read this blog are already active and concerned for the environment. Thank you for all your efforts!

But I’ll bet there is still that project or two that’s been nagging at the back of your brain. Make this weekend your weekend to get it done:

· Start that compost bin. It’s really not that difficult, and it can provide great exercise. Visit TrEES' Going Green Pages for more tips on how to get it done.

· Plant a native tree. I know it’s not always easy to find a place, there’s little space left in the urban areas for greenery, but you can do it! I’ve got to get my sapling in the ground, too.

· Fix that leaking tap. The drip, drip, drip has been annoying you for weeks now.

· Reduce your air-con usage. Try to bring your aircon up one or 2 degrees. Try to reduce the number of hours you use the air con in one day. This will save you a bundle of cash, too, when you have to pay your next electric bill!

· Put that reusable Tupperware & cloth bag in your car so it’s ready for use anytime….and don’t be shy to use it.

· Make a day trip to one of the many beautiful sites at Taman Negeri Selangor, instead of the shopping mall this weekend! A picnic by the river makes for a wonderful family experience. There's a whole list of sites to visit on this blog: Recreation Sites In & Around the Park

Earth Day is a celebration of the wonderful things the Earth provides us with – water, oxygen, plants and animals, and so much more. Let’s all celebrate and give thanks!

Sungai Sendat Waterfalls - A Mini Adventure Close to Home

2011-04-10T03:11:00.000-07:00

It's time to get out of the house and away from the shopping malls!

For an easy, mini-adventure, that is not too far from home, visit the Sungai Sendat Waterfalls, just outside of Ulu Yam town.

Sg. Sendat is a lovely place for a day-trip and picnic. It is a beautiful, 3-tier waterfall. The recreation site is small and simple, but a fun and easy escape from the usual city grind. While photographs and picnics can be enjoyed at the top levels of the waterfall, it is advisable to keep your swimming to bottom level of the waterfall only. The top 2 pools look quite harmless, but after reading feedback and media reports, it would seem not. The top 2 tiers of the waterfall can have strong undercurrents. According to reports, people have drowned or nearly drowned due to the undercurrent's pull.

Access is quite easy now, as the Forestry Department of Selangor has been fixing up the site. Toilets, changing area, as well as a natural trail are all under way by the Department. There is a small entrance fee, to subsidize the cost to keep the area clean, about RM1 per adult. But compared to the cost of a movie, or parking at KLCC, that's a very reasonable fee.

Sg. Sendat recreation site is located about 30 minutes drive from Batu Caves, heading past the Batu Dam, and Forest Recreation Sites of Sg. Tua. From Batu Caves, you follow the road to Ulu Yam, drive past the Batu Dam, along Jalan Sg. Tua, past the many recreation sites of Sg. Tua, Taman Negeri Selangor, past the eco-resorts and small housing developments. At the end of Jalan Sg. Tua, there is a clear signboard clearly stating 'Ulu Yam Baru (left), Genting Highlands (left) and Sg. Sendat (right)'. Follow that small dirt road until the end. You can now drive right to the entrance of Sg. Sendat Recreation site.

Historical Day for Forest Conservation in Selangor

2011-04-01T22:46:00.000-07:00

This is NOT an April Fools Joke!!

Yesterday, 31 March 2011 was a historical day for forest conservation in Selangor & Malaysia. The Selangor State Assembly, lead by YB Elizabeth Wong, amended the State Forestry Act to increase protection to all Forest Reserve in the state.

The amendment requires that before any degazetment of a Forest Reserve in Selangor, there MUST first be a public inquiry.

This is an important victory for the environment, especially in the International Year of the Forest 2011. However, it does not mean that we, as concerned communities and individuals, can relax. We must keep up our support for policies that protect the environment, and ensure the policies are fully implemented on-the-ground. And we must show our disappointment for policies and activities that harm our environment.

Forests like Taman Negeri Selangor provide us with so many services that build our economy and our quality of life, and they provide it for FREE. It is up to us to ensure these forests remain intact.

Below is the press statement issued by YB Elizabeth's office. Read it and smile! :-)

31 MAC 2011

SIARAN MEDIA

KERAJAAN NEGERI SELANGOR MENCIPTA SEJARAH DENGAN PINDAAN SEKSYEN 11 ENAKMEN (PEMAKAIAN) AKTA PERHUTANAN NEGARA 1985

SHAH ALAM, 31 MAC 2011--Kerajaan Negeri Selangor pada hari ini meminda seksyen 11 Enakmen (Pemakaian) Akta Perhutanan Negara 1985 dalam Dewan Negeri Selangor.

Pindaan yang bersejarah ini diluluskan di dalam Dewan Negeri Selangor dan mewajibkan siasatan awam dibuat sebelum mana-mana kawasan Hutan Simpan Kekal (HSK) diwartakan keluar. Ini bertujuan untuk memastikan ketelusan dalam usaha penjagaan kawasan hutan di negeri Selangor, yang merupakan negeri yang pertama di Malaysia untuk membuat pindaan yang progresif ini.

Rang undang-undang pindaan tersebut dibentang oleh YB Elizabeth Wong selaku EXCO Pelancongan, Hal Ehwal Pengguna dan Alam Sekitar dan diluluskan oleh ahli-ahli Dewan Negeri Selangor.

"Peranan kawasan Hutan Simpanan Kekal dalam memberi perkhidmatan tak ternilai atau intangible bagi menjamin kestabilan alam sekitar dari aspek sumber bekalan air bersih, kualiti udara bersih, kawalan banjir dan hakisan tanah, pemeliharaan biodiversiti, penyah karbon dioksida yang paling berkesan di samping membekalkan kayu-kayan, tumbuhan
perubatan, herba, rotan, sumber protein dan sebagainya semakin penting di era globalisasi kini," kata Wong dalam ucapan beliau.

Mengikut beliau, Kerajaan Negeri Selangor ingin mewajibkan penyiasatan awam sebelum Hutan Simpan Kekal diwartakan keluar untuk membolehkan rakyat, khususnya penduduk Selangor, untuk memberi ulasan serta cadangan bagi melindungi kawasan hutan simpan kekal yang sentiasa menghadapi tekanan pembangunan terutamanya di kawasan-kawasan maju yang menjadi tumpuan ekonomi.

"Dari 2000-2007 beribu-ribu hektar kawasan HSK telah diwarta keluar tanpa pengetahuan orang awam," kata Wong. "Misalnya, beberapa tahun yang lalu, Hutan Simpan Kota Damansara diberimilik untuk dijadikan kawasan perumahan mewah. Hanya bila Pakatan Rakyat mengambil alih pentadbiran negeri Selangor, pemberimilikan itu dibatalkan."

Sesi pendengaran awam akan diiklankan atas papan tanda dan juga suratkhabar dengan awal untuk memastikan penduduk dan juga badan-badan bukan kerajaan (NGO) untuk memberi pandangan mereka.

Pindaan Seksyen 11 yang dibuat adalah seperti berikut:

Pihak Berkuasa Negeri, jika berpuas hati bahawa mana-mana kawasan tanah dalam hutan simpanan kekal:
(a) tidak lagi diperlukan bagi maksud yang mana ia dikelaskan di bawah seksyen 10; dan
(b) diperlukan bagi kegunaan ekonomi yang lebih tinggi daripada kegunaan yang sedang dilakukan sekarang, boleh mengeluarkan kawasan tanah itu daripada hutan simpanan kekal dengan syarat tanah tersebut hanya boleh dikeluarkan setelah diadakan penyiasatan awam sebagaimana yang ditetapkan oleh Pihak Berkuasa Negeri."

Di bawah Perkara 74(2) Perlembagaan Malaysia, perhutanan adalah di bawah kuasa Kerajaan Negeri. Oleh yang demikian, setiap negeri berkuasa untuk menggubal undang-undang di sektor perhutanan dan mengadakan dasar perhutanan sendiri.

Wong juga mengucapkan terima kasih pihak Jabatan Perhutanan Negeri Selangor (JPNS) atas usaha mereka dalam menjayakan pindaan ini.

Untuk maklumat lanjut, sila hubungi Brian Yap (pegawaikhas@gmail.com)

--

Species of the Month - Johannesteijsmannia, the Joey Palms

2011-03-24T07:54:00.000-07:00

Johannesteijsmannia, the Joey Palms.

Under the group of Fan Palms, or Daun Payung in Malay, Johannesteijsmannia is a genus of four species of palms found in tropical rain forests of southern Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. They are beautiful, huge fan palms with large, undivided, diamond-shaped leaves, and usually grow without a trunk – resembling the feathers of a huge shuttlecock. They require warm, shady, and moist rainforest conditions.

These palms are among the rarest in the world and global attention is focused on their conservation status because they are also among the most beautiful palms known. Because of their beauty, they are among the most desirable palms for collectors, yet they are difficult to find in the nursery trade because they are so rare.

It is an extremely proud claim that Taman Negeri Selangor is one of the only places on Earth with all four species of this incredibly beautiful genus occurring naturally!

The four species of are:

Johannesteijsmannia lanceolata, or the Slender Joey

The "Slender Joey" is the rarest of the four species of Johannesteijsmannia. It is known only from an extremely limited habitat, one of which is in Taman Negeri Selangor.

It is easily separated from the other species in the genus by its more narrow, pleated leaf that can reach to 3.5 metres tall and 30 cm wide.

Johannesteijsmannia magnifica , Silver Joey

The “Silver Joey” is a magnificent palm, and may be considered one of the most spectacular plants known. It is trunkless, with enormous spear shaped leaves that grow up to 3 metres long, (the first metre of which is petiole) and up to 2 metres wide.

The underside is covered in fine white hairs which give it a silvery appearance. These leaves arch over and leave any viewer with an unforgettable sight.

Johannesteijsmannia perakensis also known as Joey on a Stick.

This is the only species of Joey to develop a trunk, and it gets to about 4metres high. The leaves are very similar to those of J. altifrons , but are more widely spread. This species is very rarely seen in cultivation.

Notice the man sitting under the palm - this gives you an idea of the magnificent size most of the Joey palms can achieve.

Johannesteijsmannia altifrons or the Joey Palm or Diamond Joey

J. altifrons is more widespread, found also in southern Thailand, Sumatra and Sarawak, but the other three species are known only in Peninsular Malaysia.

The Diamond Joey is a medium sized, trunkless palm with large, simple, undivided leaves that can be up to 4-6metres in length, coming directly from an underground rootstock. These large, leathery, diamond-shaped leaves are pleated along their length, and have serrated edges.

The genus of palm Johannesteijsmannia is truly beautiful and rare, and is a testament to the immense richness and uniqueness of species still to be found in our beloved Taman Negeri Selangor. Yet, these wonders of our Park are under serious pressure from human activity. To quote one botanist from PACSOA, when viewing one of the palms found in the Park:

“I felt very privileged to have seen these still living "dinosaurs" and the question arose, looking at these plants, is whether there will be any such wonder left for our next generations or will we soon have traded such a wonderful sight for new car tyres?”

The Park’s fate lies in our hands.

Information and photos were extracted, in part, from:
The Project Towards the Establishment of the Selangor State Park, reports
The Palm & Cycad Society of Austrailia. Please read more:

http://www.pacsoa.org.au/palms/Johannesteijsmannia/index.html

Nuclear Malaysia - A Worry for Us All

2011-03-16T02:29:00.000-07:00

There was an excellent article that ran in the Aliran in February 2011, raising a number of questions about Malaysia's mad rush into building 2 nuclear energy plants. In light of the recent tragedy in Japan and the critical state of many of its nuclear plants, we felt it was very timely to share this sensible article with you all.

The article can also be found at Nuclear Malaysia Feb 2011

Community Concerns Over Developments in the Park

2011-03-10T16:18:00.000-08:00

Residents are growing concerned over the protected status of the Selangor State Park, due to the number of development pressures on the Park. The past blog entry highlighted the community's concern about the KLORR. This entry is highlighting the voice of another concerned resident, Is the Park a Protected Area? that appeared in the Star letters section.

It appears that a housing development has been built in a 'forest reserve'.

By looking at forest maps, if this area is indeed a 'forest reserve' as claimed in the advertisement, the forest reserve would be the Ampang Forest Reserve. This forest reserve has already been gazetted as part of the Selangor State Park several years ago.

How did a housing development get approved in a 'forest reserve'? Is this 'forest reserve' part of the Selangor State Park? Are the authorities serious about protecting the Park?

These are serious questions. We are looking for the answers...

KLORR - Residents Kept in the Dark

2011-03-07T19:18:00.000-08:00

Over 1,000 residents and NGOs raised our disagreement with the proposed alignment of the KL Outer Ring Road, in our comments on the MPAJ Draft Local Plans 2020.

According to the article in the NST , the plans for the highway are now with the Selangor State Planning Committee.

When will the residents and NGOs be allowed to see the highway plans? Why are we always kept in the dark when it comes to major projects that affect our lives, our environment...and our taxes! Please see the side tab on this website with more information on the impacts of the KLORR.

We want to see the highway plans BEFORE they are agreed and approved. We want a say in the project! We want our voices HEARD!

If your resident group, community group, nature loving group is also concerned, please send TrEES and email. We'd love to hear from you. treateveryenvironmentspecial@gmail.com

Species of the Month - the Lesser dawn fruit bat

2011-02-25T23:39:00.000-08:00

Eonycteris spelaea
Lesser dawn fruit bat or long-tongued dawn fruit bat

Order: Chipotera, Family Pteropodidae

Eonycteris spelaea or the Lesser dawn fruit bat or long-tongued dawn fruit bat is a tiny fellow with a wing span of only 6 to 8 cm. It has large eyes, and small, simple ears. The muzzle is narrow and the tongue long and extendable.

The lesser dawn fruit bat is found throughout most of south Asia, including the forests of Taman Negeri Selangor.

Lesser dawn fruit bats are gregarious, roosting during the day in the high ceilings of caves in colonies numbering from a dozen to over ten thousand individuals. The roosting colony is divided into sexually segregated clusters. This species may share the roost with other bat species.

This species is nocturnal and will often travel 20 to 40 km from their day roosts to the night flowering trees where they feed. Lesser dawn fruit bats forage in flocks. Feeding occurs between 1900 and 0200 hours.

Diet consists primarily of the nectar and pollen of night flowering plant species and are generalists that have been documented feeding on over 31 plant species. They enjoy durian fruit nectar and pollen, and it is suggested that they are the among the most important pollinators of this economically important fruit - which add hundreds of millions of ringgit to the Southeast Asian economy annually.

A behavior unique to E. spelaea is the production of wing-clapping sounds during movement in dark situations. This is thought to be a primitive form of echolocation that aids orientation, or simply a product of slowed flight which may reduce the force with which bats collide with other objects in dark caves.

Lesser dawn fruit bats are thought to be polygynous with single males mating with multiple females. Breeding intervals are unknown, but females may breed up to twice each year. After a gestation period of 3 – 6 months, the female will give birth to 1 to 2 young. The young are weaned after 3 months, and reach sexual maturity in 6 to 12 months for females, and 1 – 2 years for males.

It is not known how long the Lesser dawn fruit bat can live in the wild. The longest lifespan of other fruit bats, in captivity include straw-colored fruit bats (Eidolon helvum), 21.8 years; flying foxes (Pteropus), 31.4 years; and rousette fruit bats (Rousettus), 22.9 years.

Conservation of the species

Lucky for the Lesser dawn fruit bat, it is considered of lower risk concern by the IUCN. But the threats to the species include loss and degradation of forest habitat, hunting and human disturbance.

The undisturbed forests of Taman Negeri Selangor are so important for the survival of wild creatures like the Lesser dawn fruit bat as well as for the survival us human beings, too.

For More Information, please visit:

The very excellent website of University of Michigan Museum of Zoology’s website Animal Diversity Most of the information and both the photos were extracted from this site. Thank you UMMZ!

and PERHILITAN

Organic Mulch

2011-02-17T02:12:00.000-08:00

As the organisers for the blog site, TrEES would like to share with you Organic Mulch, our newsletter. We hope you enjoy reading it! You can visit us at our website, under the links listed at the right. Thank you for all your support.

1m Climate Deaths a Year by 2030

2011-02-12T18:28:00.000-08:00

This is serious.

"By 2030, climate change will indirectly cause nearly one million deaths a year and inflict U$157 billion (RM487 billion) in damage in terms of today's economy, according to estimates presented by at the United Nations talks..." This article came out in the NST in early December 2010. Many of you may have seen it already NST, TechandScience

This is yet one more article to support the fact that we Malaysians can no longer bury our heads in the sand when it comes to the environment. We cannot keep saying we must 'educate the children, because the adults are a lost cause.'

If we adults don't start taking immediate action to protect the environment, our children's quality of life may be a lost cause!

Protecting Taman Negeri Selangor from future encroachment and development, and conserving its biodiversity and ecological functions is an important local step in helping to reduce the impact of climate change.

Many of you who read this blog are already very concerned and environmentally active people. Please keep up your excellent efforts to help protect and conserve the environment. Please keep spreading the message about the Park, and keep reminding your family and friends how our every day habits impact the Park and the environment in general (and as the attached article tells, impacts ourselves and our children).

It is also important that we keep reminding our government that they need to take the environment seriously and make it a priority. This needs to be from the very top, federal level, to the state level, and down to the local level - where so much of the actions by our local councils directly impact our lives and our local environment. You can do this by writing to editorials in the newspapers, meeting up with your local Adun and MP, keeping tabs on development plans in your district.

Keep up the good work and keep up the pressure on the authorities to protect and conserve Taman Negeri Selangor, and Malaysia's amazing natural environment! Once it's gone, it's too late to act.

FREE STUFF!

2011-02-08T19:20:00.000-08:00

Receive a Taman Negeri Selangor car-sticker, FREE! Just send us an email with:

- Your name
- Mailing address (so we can post the sticker to you)
- Contact number
- & a sentence or two about you and the Park (have you been there? why you care about the Park? something you are doing to help protect the Park....whatever...)

Car stickers will be sent to the first 50 people who email us with the information above.

Email to treateveryenvironmentspecial@gmail.com

We can't wait to hear from you!!

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

2011-01-31T03:24:00.000-08:00

Wishing everyone a Happy Chinese New Year holiday break!

May the Year of the energetic Rabbit get us even more active in protecting our beautiful planet!

Enjoy the holidays....drive carefully!!

Species of the Month - Meranti trees

2011-01-27T07:05:00.000-08:00

Meranti trees

Shorea acuminata (Meranti Rambai Daun) is one of many meranti trees in the rain forest, and in Taman Negeri Selangor. These trees grow to gigantic sizes, and form the main framework of the forest.

Meranti trees are part of the Dipterocarpaceae family. The genus, Shorea, is reported to be widely distributed, starting from Sri Lanka and India on the west and throughout Burma and other countries of Southeast Asia, up to the Philippines on the east. The greatest concentration of Shorea species is reported to occur in Borneo, Sumatra, and the Malay Peninsula.

Shorea acuminata is one of eighteen species representing several relatively distinct but related botanical groups of Shorea in Malaysia, which are collectively called Red Meranti. They usually grow at low altitudes and prefer well-drained soils.

Red meranti trees grow to be large, magnificent trees, attaining heights of 150 to 200 feet (45 to 60 m), with trunk diameters of 3 to 6 feet (0.9 to 1.8 m). Shorea acuminata is a canopy or emergent trees. It has hermaphrodite flowers, and the main flower visitors are thrips and/or small beetles. Seeds are dispersed by wind or gravity.

Meranti trees are much sought after for their timber. Meranti is reported to be the principal source of general utility timbers used in Malaysia. Local consumption of the timber is reported to exceed all others in the country, and it is regarded as one of the most important Malaysian species. It is also reported to be one of the principal export timbers. Meranti wood is used as building materials, beams, doors, flooring, and furniture among many other uses.

The conservation of the Meranti tree is very important. Without these big trees, the rainforest structure and ecology will break down.

According to the IUCN Red List, Shorea acuminata is listed as critically endangered, as at 1998.

So let’s protect this beautiful tree species. Help do your part to protect and conserve Taman Negeri Selangor, and spread the word to your friends about this wonderful park and this magnificent tree!

Support TrEES in Our Environment Efforts

2011-01-18T06:04:00.000-08:00

For those of you who are unfamilar, Treat Every Environment Special S/B (TrEES) is a non-profit environment organisation that has been a key organisation spearheading the establishment and conservation of the Selangor State Park. TrEES needs your help to keep our activities going.

Here's how you can give TrEES a hand:

1. Tell your friends about the Selangor State Park, email them the link to this blogsite, the Selangor State Park on Facebook, and Young Voices For Taman Negeri Selangor on Facebook and ask them to join us.

2. Make a contribution to TrEES via www.maybank2u.com.my (please copy and paste this address to safely arrive at the maybank2u website)

For more information on TrEES, please visit our website at www.trees.org.my

Get Out of the House - Visit the Ampang Recreational Forest!

2011-01-13T06:25:00.001-08:00

Located in the southern area of the Selangor State Park is the Ampang Forest Reserve. The Ampang Forest Reserve is, importantly, a water catchment forest. It also includes some of the most magnificent forest stands left in this locality, and is rich in wildlife. Hundreds of wildlife species have been documented in this area, a few include tapirs, leopards, slow loris, and gibbons, pit vipers and great angle-head lizards.

There are also a number of important recreation sites within this region of the Park, of which, the Ampang Recreational Forest is one. The Ampang Recreational Forest, also known as Taman Rimba Ampang or Bukit Belacan, is located about 13.5km east of Kuala Lumpur, following Jalan Ampang right to its very end. The site is easily accessible from the city and is a popular get away for a lazy, afternoon picnic by the river.

The river is cool and clear, with many shallow pools to wade in and small rocks that provide natural massage. The recreational forest actually runs along the access road to the Ampang water in-take (which eventually supplies water to the Golden Triangle). Only authorized vehicles are allowed on the road to the in-take point, so it makes access to the river quite simple, especially for those with small children or with disabilities. You just need to walk along the road until you see a spot in the river that looks appealing, and then set up your picnic!

The Ampang Recreational Forest has recently been put back under the management of the Selangor Forestry Department. The Department is doing a very good job keeping the area clean and fairly well maintained. There is a car park at the entrance to the recreation site, and a small playground for young children. There are a few changing hut and small gazebos to picnic under.
Aside from lazing about and enjoying the fresh air and cool river, the Ampang Recreational Forest is a popular birding area, in part due to the easy road access, and also because of the number of beautiful birds that dwell in the forests there. It is possible that there are some trails in the vicinity, but these are not officially established trails, and it is not advisable to go hiking without informing the forestry department before hand.

There is a small entrance fee, to help the Forestry Department maintain the area, and to clean up the trash, but the fee is worth the beauty you’ll experience – and it is a real bargain as compared to the price of movie tickets!

When you visit, remember to always KEEP THE FOREST CLEAN. Don’t feed the animals, especially the monkeys. Don’t cut any trees or disturb the wildlife or other living creatures. Let others enjoy the beauty that you enjoyed.

UNDER THREAT

Sadly, the entire Ampang Forest Reserve is under threat from the proposed alignment of the KL Outer Ring Road. The forest will be cut in half, as the highway is planned to run from the south to the north of the forest reserve. Somewhere near the end of Jalan Ampang (i.e. the Ampang Recreational Forest and the kampong), there will be an access point to the highway It is difficult to know exactly where the highway will cut through in relation to the water intake point and the recreation site, but the pollution from construction and from the future highway use will definitely have a negative impact on the forests here and the functions it plays.

HOW TO GET THERE

1. By train: Take the Rapid KL train (Ampang line) from the Masjid Jamek station and get off at the last station which is Ampang itself. From here, you could either take a taxi directly there or take a bus to Lembah Jaya Utara (Metro bus number 28 – you have to cross the road to get to the bus stop though). However, if you choose to take the bus, you’ll have to walk a bit farther up to get to the picnic spot.

2. Take the Metro bus from KL itself (near Kotaraya area) and yes, you still have to walk a bit… about 20-30 minutes, more or less.

3. By car – just stay on Jalan Ampang until the very, very end (heading out of the city, towards Ampang). It winds through a small kampong, and then you’ll end up at the parking lot.

Support from Maybank2u

2011-01-11T20:28:00.000-08:00

TrEES recently received funding from Maybank2u through its 'Love the Earth' Campaign, to help spread awareness to communities on the Selangor State Park. Thanks M2U!

Maybank2u - Love the Earth Campaign

1 Malaysia Poll - where's the environment?

2011-01-05T02:27:00.000-08:00

The 1Malaysia website has recently put up a poll, for people to rate which of the 4 areas they would like the government to improve on in 2011:
- the economy
- public infrastructure
- public safety
- education

What has happened to the ENVIRONMENT? When will our government think to consider the environment as a concern of the people?

You can put a comment on his facebook site, if you'd like to ask YAB to consider improving the environment in 2011: Comment - Where's the Environment?

Highway Sparks Water Worries

2011-01-02T18:58:00.001-08:00

Please check out the following article that appeared recently in the news:

The Sun newspaper : Highway Sparks Water Worries

The Selangor Times:

Reflecting on Promises Made

2010-12-30T22:17:00.000-08:00

New Year’s is a time when we reflect on past promises made, whether we achieved these goals, and what we need to do in the new year to improve ourselves.

We remember with great pride and happiness the promises that were made on 27 August 2005, the day Chief Minister of Selangor, together with the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia declared the establishment of Selangor State Park, as Taman Warisan Selangor.

Today, the Park is known as Taman Negeri Selangor, and will be 108,300 ha once completely gazetted.

Below, we recall the highlights of the speeches and promises made by both the Chief Minister of Selangor and the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, on that auspicious day, over 5 years ago. Sadly, this location where the declaration occurred, is the same location that the KLORR is likely to cut through the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge, the key feature of the Park.

Teks Ucapan Pelancaran

YAB Timbalan Perdana Menteri Malaysia

Di Majlis Pelancaran Taman Warisan Selangor

Di Kawasan Rekreasi Empangan Klang Gates Ampang

Majlis Perbandaran Ampang Jaya

Pada 27 Ogos 2005

…….Konsentrasi dan kepesatan penduduk yang terdapat dan akan bertambah di Selangor dan Konurbasi Kuala Lumpur, jika tidak dirancang dengan sempurna, akan menimbulkan kesan negatif terhadap penduduk dan persekitaran fizikal dan sosio-ekonomi di wilayah ini, jika langkah-langkah pencegahan tidak diambil daripada sekarang. Diantara kerumitan yang dijanka wujud jika tidak dihindari ialah ketiadaan air minuman yang cukup, kualiti air sungai yang sangat rendah, pemotongan bukit dan penebangan pokok kerana pembukaan tanah untuk pembangunan, kepupusan fauna dan flora kerana kekurangan kawasan semula jadi, dan kekurangan kawasan lapang dan kawasan hijau sebagai ‘green lungs’ bagi kawasan Konurbasi Kuala Lumpur keseluruhannya….

Taman Warisan Selangor yang akan dilancarkan pada hari ini, yang terletak di sepanjang di sebelah timur negeri Selangor dan sangat hampir dengan sempadan Kuala Lumpur, merupakan kawasan warisan khazanah alam semula jadi bukan sahaja kepada rakyat negeri Selangor, tetapi juga kepada warga Kuala Lumpur dan Putrajaya. Taman Warisan Selangor ini merupakan sumber air bagi penduduk Selangor, Kuala Lumpur dan Putrajaya, dan dengan itu menjadi asas kehidupan penduduk konurbasi Kuala Lumpur. Ia akan melindungi tanah tinggi dan bercerun supaya tidak menghakiskan sungai-sungai yang bermula dari kawasan Taman Warisan ini….

Teks Ucapan

YAB Dato’ Seri Dr. Mohamad Khir Bin Toyo

Dato’ Menteri Besar Selangor

Di Majlis Pelancaran Taman Warisan Selangor

….Degan pengisytiharan kawasan ini sebagai Taman Warisan di bawah pengurusan perbadanan Taman Negeri Selangor, jaminan diberikan bahawa ia akan kekal hijau buat selama-lamanya apa juga berlaku kawasan in tidak akan dibangunkan…

Kita mahu Selangor maju dengan mengekalkan sekurang-kurang kehijauan pada tahap 30 peratus.

Taman ini bukan sahaja sejajar dengan Dasar Kepelbagaian Bio-diversiti Negara tetapi juga bagi menjamin kemapanan sumber asli serta melindungi kawasan-kawasan sensitif alam sekitar selari dengan komitmen kerajaan Negeri ke arah melaksanakan Agenda 21 Selangor….

Seperti yang kita sama-sama maklum, kawasan hutan (ini) dikenalpasti sebagai Kawasan Sensitif Alam Sekitar…

Kelima-lima sungai utama di Selangor…berpunca dari kawasan yang kini dikenali sebagai Taman Warisan Selangor ini. Dengan menjadikan kawasan hutan itu sebagai Taman Warisan yang tidak boleh diteroka, kita dapat menjamin bahawa kawasan tadahan air utama bagi Lembah Klang ini dilindungi buat selama-lamanya…

…kawasan Taman Warisan Selangor ini sangat kaya dengan spesis semula jadi…ada antara tumbuhan dan hidupan liar di dalam Taman ini dianggap sangat unik dan jarang ditemui. Dengan menjadikan kawasan seluas 107,000 hektar ini sebagai Taman yang dilindungi, maka kepelbagaian biologi yang terdapat didalamnya, dapat dijamin dari pupus buat selama-lamanya. Dengan itu, fungsi-fungsi ekologi flora dan fauna, serta pembentukan-pembentukan geologi kawasan itu, akan kekal mengikut hukum alam buat selama-lamanya…

Let's hope in 2011, these promises will be kept. Once again, Happy New Year!

If you would like a copy of the full speech, that was included in the press kit on the launch day, please email to treateveryenvironmentspecial@gmail.com.

Species of the Month - the Hornbill

2010-12-26T18:24:00.000-08:00

There are 10 species of hornbill found in Malaysia. Six species have been recorded in the forests of the Selangor State Park (Taman Negeri Selangor).

The hornbill is a beautiful bird, famous for the large casque which forms on the top of its beak or bill. The bill is usually a striking colour, and the size and shape of this bill varies between the species. While the casque looks bulky, it is not solid but filled with a cellular tissue and air pockets, so it is not as heavy as it appears.

Most hornbills have black, white or gray plumage, and beautiful, thick eyelashes that most women would die for! Hornbills may live to be more than 40 year old. They can fly great distances and when flying, they wind against their wings produces a distinctive sound.

Hornbills mate for life. The female hornbill will lay her eggs in the hollow of a tree, which is sealed up until only her beak can poke out of the hole to receive food from the male. The male is kept extremely busy supplying food for his mate and offspring. During the course of an hour he may visit the nest up to twenty times to supply food.

The main food sources for the hornbill are berries and fruit. However, they will also eat small living rodents. The bird does have a reputation as a fussy eater, however, and will wait to eat fruit only once it has fully ripened.

The six species that have been recorded in Taman Negeri Selangor are:

Aceros comatus, the White-crowned Hornbill;

Aceros undulatus, the Wreathed Hornbill;

Annorhinus galeritus, the Bushy crested Hornbill;

Buceros bicornis, the Great Hornbill;

Buceros vigil, the Helmeted Hornbill;

And Buceros rhinoceros, the Rhinoceros Hornbill.

The Hornbill is the national symbol of Sarawak. Hornbills can be found in many countries in Asia, down through to the Solomon Islands, and in Africa. In Malaysia, most species of hornbill are threatened and all are listed as protected species under Malaysian law.

The pressure of encroaching development in Taman Negeri Selangor is a real threat to these magnificent species who make their home in the Park. By reducing development and fragmentation of the forest, we can help ensure there is sufficient range for the hornbills to continue to live and breed in Taman Negeri Selangor and throughout Malaysia.

The photos here are from the website of the Department of Wildlife & National Park Malaysia. Read more about Hornbills at their DWNP website

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-22T17:46:00.000-08:00

Wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas holiday and a very Happy New Year!

Let's hope that in 2011, the Selangor State Government fulfills its promise to complete the gazettement of the Selangor State Park. To date, over 93,000 ha has been gazetted under the National Forestry Act Selangor Enactment 2005. This includes the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge and some of the surrounding forests of the Ridge. However, there still remains about 15,200 ha to be gazetted, so that the Park reaches the promised area of 108,300 ha. Let's hope this gets done in 2011!

Happy Holidays!!

Nuclear Power Plants in Malaysia

2010-12-19T16:52:00.000-08:00

Malaysia's nuclear energy plans - while it may not seem directly related to the Selangor State Park, forests and villages somewhere in Malaysia will be under threat with the location of 2 nuclear power plants and waste disposal sites...if the USA can't manage such disposal, what about Malaysia??

Nuclear Waste Piles Up Across USA - 138 million pounds

We need exact answers to these types of critical questions before the Malaysian public can decide if we are agreeable to building nuclear power plants in our country.

Not Wise to Prioritise Traffic Over Water Supply

2010-12-15T02:23:00.000-08:00

In response to the following article: Selangor Times - ORR to go Underground

Human activities in Selangor, KL and Putrajaya, as well as development along the borders of adjoining states, are putting tremendous pressure on the Park. The proposed alignments of the KL Outer Ring Road, a major pressure on the Park, will jeapordise the critical functions the Park plays, particularly in water catchment and biodiversity.

A major portion of the Park has slopes greater than 25 degrees (class 3 slopes), with a significant area also greater than 35 degrees (class 4). Furthermore, nearly the entire Park area can be classified a ‘very high’ soil erosion risk. These areas, vulnerable to soil erosion and landslides especially during periods of prolonged rainfall, makes the Park unsuitable for development.

In 2005, JKR (Public Works Dept) announced 100 geo-hazard areas in Peninsular Malaysia, and the Ulu Klang mountain range – located within the Park - was one of the localities. In fact, there have been about 8 major landslides since 1998 along the Ampang-Ulu Gombak forests around the Park – Highland Towers and the Genting Road being two of the great tragedies.

It is appalling that the KLORR project is going ahead despite the many objections raised by the residents and NGOs. To-date little information is available on this massive project. The detailed plans for the proposed road should be made easily available to the public immediately to study thoroughly.

A 200 metre tunnel to protect the Klang Gates Ridge is not enough. The Selangor State Park is the main source of Selangor, Putrajaya and KL’s water supply. This year there have been numerous articles in media quoting both Federal and State governments regarding a pending water shortage in Selangor. It has been said that the current water sources in Selangor will not be able to provide enough water for its needs in the near future. At the same time the Federal government is spending RM10 billion for the Pahang Selangor Water Transfer project to help meet the projected water demands.

If this is the case, NGOs and residents are unable to understand the rationale behind the proposed KLORR, a major highway that will cut through the Park, specifically two water catchment areas, the Ulu Gombak Forest Reserve and Ampang Forest Reserve. The Klang Gates Dam and the Ampang Intake that are fed by these two catchments supply water to the Golden Triangle of Kuala Lumpur, the international face of the nation and the commercial, shopping and entertainment hub.

We are unable to accept that alleviating traffic congestion is more important than protecting the state’s and federal territories’ water supply.

There are many solutions to the traffic problem including an integrated and efficient public transport system and upgrading of the existing roads. What we need to do is to think outside the box rather than rely on old solutions that are short term with adverse environmental impacts.

It is also very disappointing to learn that the Town and Country Planning Department is supporting the project despite the road cutting through the Selangor State Park. The department was the key government agency pushing for the establishment of the Park in partnership with TrEES The proposed road also contradicts the department’s policy based on Agenda 21 Selangor and the National Physical Plan that were produced by the department.

TrEES will continue to oppose the project as we believe protecting the water supply for the present and future generations is more important than alleviating traffic congestion. Selangor is currently self-sufficient in water. Why does the state want to move from self- sufficiency to being dependant on other states to meet its water needs?

We will continue to pressure the government at all levels to ensure that Selangor’s water supply is not jeopardised. The state and federal government should also seek feedback from the residents on what can be done to alleviate the traffic problem besides building the KLORR.

More Exciting News on TrEES' School Programme

2010-12-08T16:36:00.000-08:00

Check out the article in Wednesday, 8 December, NST Streets section, on TrEES' School Programme - Connecting Communities to Taman Negeri Selangor - the Park that Provides Sustenance to Life in Selangor.

SMK USJ8 Students Bag Top Prize

TrEES is very proud of all the participants - students and teachers - for all their hard work! Under the programme student project teams reached out to nearly 50,000 people - students, teachers and family members - to build awareness on the Park. Teams collected over 100 tonnes of paper for recycling, managed to reduce the usage of styrofoam containers and disposable materials in the canteens, and installed simple yet inventive water saving devices to save water with every toilet flush and washing of hands. All these efforts to help reduce the school communities' impacts on Taman Negeri Selangor.

Great work by everyone! We look forward to 2011!

TrEES School Programme 2010 Draws to a Close

2010-11-21T03:10:00.000-08:00

TrEES' School Programme for 2010 - Connecting Schools to Taman Negeri Selangor - came to a fantastic end with the Closing Ceremony on 11 November. Student project teams celebrated their combined efforts to raise awareness on the importance of the Park among their school communities, and to inculcate the habit of 4Rs - re-think, reduce, reuse and recycle - water and waste.

Through the programme, student project teams managed to raise awareness to an estimate 50,000 people. The teams also collected about 100 tonnes of material for recycling, installed water saving devices to save thousands of litres of water at their schools, and permanently reduce and stop the use of styrofoam and other disposables in their school canteens. Students also carried out greening projects at their schools, to bring a bit of Taman Negeri Selangor into their neighborhood. Truly a job well done by people so young!

The closing ceremony was held on 11 November 2010. There were performances by SK SS17 and SMK Wangsa Melawati, and exhibition booths by the secondary schools. Prizes were also given out to the top performing schools.

The winning primary school was SK SS17, Subang Jaya. The top prize for secondary schools went to SMK USJ8. Second prize went to SMK Section 18, Shah Alam. Third prize went to SMK Wangsa Melawati. Special merit prizes went to SMK Tengku Ampuan Rahimah, Klang; SMK Presint 11(2); SMK USJ12, SMK Presint 16(1) and SMK Section 16, Shah Alam.

But to TrEES and the programme organisers, all the teams were winners, as they all did an outstanding effort to help protect and conserve Taman Negeri Selangor.

TrEES would like to thank all our programme partners - the Forestry Department of Selangor, the Department of Minerals and Geoscience Selangor/WP, Selangor Water Management Agency, the Ministry of Education and the Education Departments. And to the programme funders - CIMB Foundation through its Community Links Programme.

TrEES looks forward to more fun in 2011!

Read more about it here..TrEES School Programme in the Sun

Site of the Month - Sg. Tua Recreational Forest

2010-11-16T05:18:00.000-08:00

Sungai Tua Recreational Forest is one of the main gateways to Taman Negeri Selangor - the Selangor State Park. This recreational park is located within the Hulu Gombak, central region of the Park (coordinates: N03 19.91' E101 42.15').

Sg. Tua is a major tourist attraction in Selangor, and is very popular, especially on weekends and public holidays. The Selangor Forestry Department has a site office at one of the main parking areas. While most of the facilities at Sg Tua are managed by the Forestry Department, a few sites are managed by the local council, as well as a few private sites.

Facilities at the main site include camping grounds, a surau, picnicking and changing facilities. And, of course, a beautiful river to swim in, with many rocks and boulders to add to the enjoyment.

The forests of Sg. Tua are primarily young, regenerating secondary forests. The Saraca stream forest habitat is prominent here. There are a small number of old-growth forest trees remaining here.

Species of the Month - the Saraca or Gapis tree

2010-11-11T17:27:00.000-08:00

Taman Negeri Selangor is the source of the major rivers in Selangor. These rivers begin as small streams deep in the forests of the Park. Streamside forests, also known as Saraca-streams, are particularly well developed in the southern half of the Park.

The Saraca, or Gapis tree, Saraca cauliflora (Bean family Leguminosae), are common along the stream beds. Their latticework root systems cover the stream banks, protecting the banks by slowing down the flow of the river, particularly after heavy rains. The root-work also provides habitats for small anthropods including prawns. The Saraca trees are a beautiful flora species of the Park.

Young gapis seedlings can be seen in along the sand banks of the streams.

Volunteers Needed!

2010-11-04T05:31:00.000-07:00

TrEES' School Programme - Connecting Schools to Taman Negeri Selangor - the Forests That Provide Sustenance to Life in Selangor is coming to a close. On 11 November, all the participating schools and programme partners will celebrate the end of a very successful programme, with the Closing Ceremony.

Volunteers are needed to help with closing ceremony. If you are free on Thursday, 11 November, and would like to help out, please send an e-mail to TrEES at treateveryenvironmentspecial@gmail.com , put "volunteer for closing ceremony" in the subject line. For more information on TrEES, visit our website.

The school teams have put in a lot of hard work to spread the message on the Park, and to reduce their negative impact on the Park. We hope you can help us make the closing a success.

No Park, No Water, No Life

2010-11-02T04:15:00.000-07:00

The people and businesses of Selangor, KL and Putrajaya depend on Taman Negeri Selangor for our most basic needs of clean air, water and local climate stability. The Park helps to maintain the quality of life we all enjoy, particularly the water we need and use everyday.

The forests of the Park are catchment for the upper reaches of the major rivers in Selangor (Sg. Bernam, Sg. Selangor, Sg. Klang and Sg. Langat). These river basins cover almost the entire state of Selangor. The Park is the origin of many smaller streams that merge to form larger rivers, including Sg. Kerling, Sg. Batang Klang, and Sg. Semenyih, that feed these major rivers.

The Park area also feeds the 5 reservoirs that provide 98% of the water supply to Selangor, KL and Putrajaya. That is why we say "No Park, No Water, No Life" ! These 5 reservoirs are:
Sg. Selangor Dam in the Sg. Selangor river basin,
Batu and Klang Gates Dams in the Sg. Klang river basin,
Langat and Semenyih Dams in the Sg. Langat river basin.

Recognising the importance of these forests as water catchment, the Forestry Department has double gazetted these areas also as 'catchment forest' under the National Forestry Act Enactment 2005 of Selangor, in addition to being gazetted as 'state park' under the same act.

While the state of Selangor is protecting the forests, the benefit is felt by the people and businesses in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya as well. For example, the Klang Gates reservoir, with its pristine forest, supplies clean water to the downtown KL, the 'Golden Triangle', the commercial hub of the city. Sadly, the forests that act as the catchment for the Klang Gates reservoir are threatened by the proposed KL Outer Ring Road.

Given the recent debate over whether Selangor will have enough water to supply the growing needs of residents and industries in the state, KL and Putrajaya, it would seem critical to strictly protect the Park given its vital importance in protecting the existing water supply of the nation's most prosperous region.

Residents Speak Up for the Park

2010-10-22T21:13:00.000-07:00

This past Thursday, 21 October, over 200 residents, concerned youth and reps from NGOs attended the public hearing to voice their concerns about the plans in the Draft Local Plan for Ampang Jaya - not a bad turnout for a working day!

All of the residents and NGOs expressed their intense objections to the KL Outer Ring Road cutting through Taman Negeri Selangor and the increasing development pressures on the Park, particularly the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge.

Some of those who attended pose for a photo
with posters objecting to the KLORR

There were a number of other proposals that the residents and NGOs strongly objected to including:

a proposed incinerator
TNB high tension wires planned along a steep hill and near housing in Tmn Bkt Segar Jaya area
continued development plans on the steep, sensitive slopes of the entire Ampang area
the intensity of new housing and other developments that are destroying the greenery and overall quality of life throughout the areas of Ampang
the increasing human-wildlife "conflicts" due to the lack of green space and conversion of green spaces to development, leaving no room for the wildlife
increasing developments along river reserves
the extremely small amount of green-recreational space (less than 5%) throughout the Ampang area

Chairman of the hearing En. Iskandar Abdul Samad (State Exco) said that the objections would be discussed at the State Planning Committee in December.

Many thanks must be given to the residents, young people and NGO groups that took the time to attend the hearing and speak up for the Park, the environment and our overall quality of life. Many thanks must also be given to everyone who wrote in objections earlier this year, again, calling for the better protection of the Selangor State Park and the environment in general. Thanks must also be given to the government for hearing us. Now we must see if they ACT on our concerns.

Read more about what happened during the hearing on Malaysiakini's Komunitikini and The Star Metro

Taman Negeri Selangor Needs YOU to Take Action!

2010-10-14T07:13:00.000-07:00

Taman Negeri Selangor needs YOU to take action! A public hearing will be held on 21 October relating to the Ampang Jaya Draft Structure Plans that came out at the end of 2009.

In the Draft Plan, the alignment of the KL Outer Ring Road was shown to cut through the centre of the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge, and bisect the length of the Ampang Forest Reserve - both of which are critical habitats of the Park. For more details click here

Putting a major highway through the middle of environmentally sensitive areas, critical to water supply and recently gazetted as a 'state park' seems to be an extreme contradiction in planning.

This is your chance to speak up for the Park. Details of the hearing are as follows:

Thursday, 21 October 2010
9 - 11.30 am (session 1)
Auditorium, 5th Floor, Menara MPAJ
MPAJ

The reply form is below, IF you wish to fax to MPAJ your attendance. Let's all speak up to keep this important forest intact - for the security of our quality of life.

Fieldtrip fun to Sg. Tua

2010-10-13T16:44:00.000-07:00

A bus load of students from SK Tun Abdul Razak, Kuala Kubu Baru had an amazing experience at Sg. Tua Recreation Forest on Tuesday, 15 October, under TrEES School Programme.

The good time included discovering amazing things in the forest while jungle trekking, finding small creatures such as prawns and crabs to test the stream ecology and a refreshing swim in Sg. Tua.

Many thanks to the students and teachers of SK TAR. Thank you to Yayasan Bursa for sponsoring the activity. Thank you to the Forestry Department and LUAS for running excellent activities during trip!

Fieldtrip fun to Sg. Tekala

2010-10-05T06:52:00.000-07:00

They're at it again! The final batch of schools participating in TrEES' Connecting Schools to Taman Negeri Selangor Programme are having a fantastic time experiencing the wonders of the Park through the fieldtrips, sponsored by CIMB Foundation!

After a lot of hard work spreading the message of the importance of Taman Negeri Selangor, the student project teams are able to enjoy the beauty of the Park! Students on today's trip were from SMK Putrajaya Precinct 16(1) and SMK PP 11(2), SMK Taman Melawati and Wangsa Melawati.

Activities included a 2 hour jungle trek, stream ecology and river swim. The rain didn't deter any of the students from having a great time. In fact, many of the students seem to really enjoy hiking and wading in the river, in the rain!

This Thursday will see the final batch of schools under the programme enjoy their fieldtrip - SMK PP11(1), SMK PP 9(2), SMK BUD3 and SMK Section 18.

Many thanks to the programme partners - the Selangor Forestry Department, Lembaga Urus Air Selangor (LUAS), and to the funders, CIMB Foundation Community Links Programme.

And many thanks to the students, teachers and schools for all their hard work and dedication.

Site of the Month - Sungai Tekala Recreation Forest

2010-10-01T18:53:00.000-07:00

Sungai Tekala Recreation Forest is a charming picnic spot located at the southern most end of the Park, near the Semenyih Dam, in Hulu Langat. The site is famous for the lovely river, Sungai Tekala, that flows through the site, and for the magnificent forest that surrounds it. (see also recreation sites in & around the Park )

The river itself is rough in some places, with a few small falls and pools. But there is also a large area where the river flattens out and makes for a very gentle, shallow swimming area - making it a perfect location for family outings.

The forests within Sg. Tekala Recreation Forest are beautiful, with some magnificent old growth trees including Jelutong, Chengal and other individuals, some that are well over 100 years old! In 2003 there was an exciting addition to science with the discovery of a new stream-side adapted dipterocarp tree species Vatica yeechongii found growing in the Sg. Tekala Recreation Forest area.

The site is managed by the Selangor Forestry Department. They do a very good job keeping the area clean - especially given Malaysian's bad littering habit! The site also has basic changing and toilet facilities.

There is a small auditorium and forest species garden plot, available only for pre-arranged group visits, that makes the site an excellent place for school fieldtrips. Treat Every Environment Special (TrEES), together with the Forestry Department, has run over 20 fieldtrips at Sg. Tekala over the past few years, with the schools that participate in TrEES' Taman Negeri Selangor School Programme.

The Sg. Tekala Recreation Forest is open everyday to the public. Weekends and public holidays the site can get very crowded. There is a small admission fee, to help maintain the cleanliness of the area. For more information on visiting the site, contact the Selangor Forestry Department. For more information on the school programme, contact Treat Every Environment Special (TrEES).

So the next time you want a family outing, skip the shopping mall and take a drive to Sg. Tekala Recreation Forest, Taman Negeri Selangor, and experience your living heritage!

Hikes to Waterfalls in the Park

2010-09-23T03:51:00.000-07:00

Waterfall Survivors are organising trips to waterfall sites in the Park, in the Hulu Langat region. One is the Perdik Falls on Sunday, 26 Sept at 7 am. The other trip is to Lepok Falls on Saturday, 2 Oct. also at 7am.

You can visit their site on Facebook at waterfall.survivors for more information.

You can also visit Waterfalls of Malaysia for more details on the two waterfalls. The photos below are from Waterfalls of Malaysia.

Species of the Month - the Malayan Tiger

2010-09-19T01:18:00.000-07:00

The Malayan tiger, Panthera tigris jacksoni, may roam in and out of the Park, in search of food. With recent sightings around the Fraser's Hill area in 2005, the northern forests of Taman Negeri Selangor have been classified as tiger habitat under the Selangor Structure Plan. Tigers may also roam in and out of other sections of the Park, particularly the large tracts of forest, including the Hulu Langat area in the south.

While powerful creatures and stealthy hunters, tigers instinctively try to avoid humans and will only attack people if they are provoked, injured or unable to hunt their usual food.

Tigers are carnivores, with their favorite prey being wild boar and deer. They are solitary creatures except during mating time, or as a mother with young cubs. No two tigers have the same stripe pattern.

Sadly, there are less than 500 individual tigers left in the wild in Peninsular Malaysia - as compared to about 3,000 individuals 50 years ago. The Malayan tiger is listed as Critically Endangered under IUCN. Tigers prefer the lowland dipterocarp forests as their primary habitat, which is the main forest type of Taman Negeri Selangor.

To learn more about efforts to protect our magnificent Malayan tiger, please visit:
Tx2 - Double the Number of Tigers

Also, please sign the petition to stop the KL Outer Ring Road from fragmenting the forests of Taman Negeri Selangor:
Stop the KLORR from Damaging Taman Negeri Selangor

Selamat Hari Raya!

2010-09-09T08:11:00.001-07:00

Wishing a Selamat Hari Raya and Selamat Bercuti to all!

Enjoy the holidays!!

Check Out the BFM Podcast on Taman Negeri Selangor

2010-09-03T01:01:00.000-07:00

From the BFM website:

TrEES (Treat Every Environment Special) is on a mission to save the Selangor State Park. They, like many other concerned citizens and NGO's, are troubled by the proposal to align the Kuala Lumpur Outer Ring Road across the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge and through the Selangor State Park.

Leela Panikkar and Christa Hashim, co-directors of TrEES, tell us more about the government's development plans, the consequences of cutting down and through the national park, and why this magnificent park must be saved.

TrEES Talk About TNS on BFM

Happy MERDEKA !!

2010-08-30T19:54:00.000-07:00

This country's wealth was built largely on the abundant natural resources Malaysia stores - timber and tin, our rich coastline for ports and fishing.

Our country continues to depend on our abundant natural resources to support our economy. Without the most basic building blocks such as water and biodiversity provided by places like Taman Negeri Selangor we could not enjoy our current lifestyles and grand prosperity.

So this Merdeka Day, remember to say 'Thank you' to the unsung heroes of Malaysia - the forests, rivers, swamps and seas, the plants, animals and insects - the rich natural heritage that makes this country so beautiful and so plentiful!

Thanks Taman Negeri Selangor. Thank you Malaysia's natural environment!

Site of the Month - the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge

2010-08-27T02:22:00.000-07:00

Resembling the back of a dragon, the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge is a world-class geological wonder and a key feature of Taman Negeri Selangor. It provides a breathtaking backdrop to the northern Klang Valley.

Made up entirely of milky white quartz, it is one of the longest quartz outcrops of its kind in the world, measuring about 14 km above ground and up to 50 metres wide at some points. It is estimated to be 170 million years old.

The Ridge system is not limited to the rocky whitish body. It incorporates the side slopes that break from the foot of the exposed body. The beautiful vegetation along the Ridge is adapted to the harsh, thin and infertile sandy soil weathered from the quartz.

There are 5 species of plants found here that occur nowhere else in the world. These include the tree Ilex praetermissa, the herb Borreria pilulifera and the grass Eulalia milsumii. The vegetation is vulnerable to disturbance by small clearings, burning and trampling by visitors who climb the trails along the Ridge.

The Klang Gates Quartz Ridge is also the sanctuary of the serow, the wild mountain goat known as kambing gurun. The serow also ranges into the adjoining forests, thus requiring a larger area than just the Ridge to survive.

In the small natural gap between the two main sections of the Ridge, the Klang Gates Dam was constructed in 1958. Only a small concrete wall had to be constructed as the Dam wall is anchored into the quartz foundation. Thus the Ridge itself is also critical in keeping the Klang Gates Dam and Reservoir in place.

There is a small swimming and picnicking spot at the foot of the dam, at the back end of Taman Melawati. Sadly, it is not very well maintained but is still very much enjoyed by the local community. There are also trails which lead up onto the Ridge. However, the trails are very steep and dangerous, a number of people have died over the years-even experience hikers-while trekking along the Ridge. If you decide to go, be sure to go with someone who is experienced in hiking the Ridge.

The Ridge is also under threat from the pressure of development, with housing now right up to its foot slopes and the KL Outer Ring Road proposed to run parallel to the Ridge and possibly cut through the Ridge or run behind the Ridge.

The Klang Gates Quartz Ridge is truly a magnificent geological wonder. It is the key feature of Taman Negeri Selangor and it deserves our respect and our efforts to help protect it!

The Park that Gives Life to Us All

2010-08-20T18:55:00.000-07:00

The Selangor State Park, or Taman Negeri Selangor, protects the forests, rivers and dams that are the source of 98% of the water supply for Selangor, KL and Putrajaya. Aside from the Park's magical beauty and immense biodiversity, the water supply protected by this Park means that the nation cannot live without this Park.

So the next time you turn on your tap to get a drink of water, or take your bath, or wash your car, please be sure and say 'thank you' to Taman Negeri Selangor - the Park that give life to us all!

Please sign the on-line petition to help protect two critical water catchments in the Park from the threat of the KLORR. sign the petition

The flyers below give some quick water-saving advice. You can also visit SOS Selangor for more tips on saving water.

Where's Your Favorite Spot in the Park?

2010-08-13T22:27:00.000-07:00

You've read about the Park. You've seen the list of recreational sites in and around the Park. Have you been there?

We'd love to know ... where's YOUR favorite spot in Taman Negeri Selangor?

Bonding with Taman Negeri Selangor

2010-08-01T07:19:00.000-07:00

To create a bond between young people and Taman Negeri Selangor, TrEES has initiated a school programme with over 20 schools from Selangor, Putrajaya and KL.

Visiting the Park to experience first hand the beauty of the forests of Taman Negeri Selangor is a very important part of the programme. TrEES has begun taking students from the participating schools for fieldtrips to Sg. Tekala Recreation Forest, one of the many recreation sites in the Park.

During the fieldtrips, students have a wonderful time exploring the forest, investigating life in the stream, learning the interconnection between species and habitats, and just having a fantastic time splashing in the river. For so many of the students, it is a rare opportunity that they all truly enjoy.

TrEES School Programme is sponsored by CIMB Foundation through its Community Links Programme. The programme is run in partnership with the Selangor Forestry Department, the Department of Minerals and Geoscience Selangor & WP, and Lembaga Urus Air Selangor (LUAS). The programme has the approval of the Ministry of Education and the respective Education Departments.

For more information, visit TrEES website at www.trees.org.my

Many Hands Make Light Work

2010-07-19T07:30:00.000-07:00

The caring volunteers from the Kelah Association of Malaysia (Kagum) spent their weekend cleaning up rivers and picnic spots around the country. Some of these sites, including Ulu Yam, were located in and around the Park.

Remember the prayers we asked for the Park, it seems to be helping! Keep the positive thoughts flowing for the Park. And groups like Kagum - keep up the excellent work!!

http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2010/7/10/lifefocus/6617258&sec=lifefocus

Trees by Joyce Kilmer

2010-07-18T08:44:00.001-07:00

I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the earth's sweet flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in Summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.

Get 10 Friends to Sign the Petition

2010-07-13T17:19:00.000-07:00

The Challenge:

Can you get 10 friends to log on and sign the petition to stop the KL Outer Ring Road from cutting through the Park? Please do it today!

http://www.petitiononline.com/KLORR/petition.html

What young people are saying about the Park...

2010-07-06T06:40:00.000-07:00

Taman Negeri Selangor is the AIR I breathe, it's the WATER that I drink and the CULTURE in me

Shibel Moreira, 13 years old, Ampang

Mursyida Salma, 16 years old, Putrajaya

I am glad that the government has preserved this wonderful land and I hope that we will gain more and more support because, ALONE WE ARE STRONG BUT TOGETHER WE ARE UNSTOPPABLE!

Hasbok, 16 years old, Shah Alam

I love Taman Negeri Selangor - Because it is beautiful, Because it is part of NATURE, Because it's part of YOU and I

Nik Fauwaz Arief, 16 years old, Klang

Selangor may be a well developed state but without Taman Negeri Selangor, we will not have what we have now. Protect Taman Negeri Selangor! Our oxygen in everyday life.

Ho Man-Yi, 16 years old, USJ

Klang Gates Quartz Ridge, I want my children to see it too!
Nicole Kimberly, 16 years old, USJ

Nura Syazana Diyana, 16 years old, Putrajaya

Young Voices for Taman Negeri Selangor

2010-06-25T04:14:00.000-07:00

Pembinaan KLORR Musnah Hutan Simpan, Kawasan Tadahan Air

2010-06-21T17:02:00.000-07:00

Constructing the KLORR will Destroy Forests and Water Catchments - this letter to the editor was published in the Berita Harian on 28 May 2010, by SM Mohamed Idris, President of CAP & SAM (Consumer Assoc. of Penang & Sahabat Alam Malaysia).

It was good to the see article in the Malay publication. It has also been archieved in the Ministry of Works' website, and can be downloaded. You can find it here:

http://www.kkr.gov.my/ms/node/24699

Let's keep those letters coming, people. Show our support to keep Taman Negeri Selangor healthy and intact!

Say a Little Prayer for the Park

2010-06-14T04:29:00.000-07:00

Don't want to scare anyone or sound too religious, but prayer can be very powerful, especially when many people are channeling their thoughts towards a common entity. So the next time you are praying, or meditating or just thinking hard, please have a positive thought for Taman Negeri Selangor.

Please pray that people will respect and help in its conservation. And that the 'powers that be' will realise the value of keeping the Park in its natural forested state, and not allow it to be over-run with highways and cut up for development.

Just a few of the many threats facing the Park:

Individually, we are strong, but together, we are unstoppable! So let's all say a little prayer for Taman Negeri Selangor.

Family Fun

2010-05-17T17:03:00.000-07:00

Come and find out more about the Selangor State Park at the event below. Should be lots of fun!

MNS Selangor Open Day 2010

Location:Taman Lembah Kiara

Time:9:00AM Saturday, June 5th

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

2010-05-05T17:54:00.000-07:00

The Star Two just ran an excellent article on the dreadful impacts the KLORR will have on the Park. You can catch the article at:
http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2010/5/4/lifefocus/6159198&s

Sadly, the Star Metro also ran an article, to highlight the over use of the MRR2 and the urgent need for the MRR3 (the KLORR). You can read the article at:
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/5/4/central/6177735&sec=central

Do your part to stand up for the Selangor State Park. Send a letter to the editor on your objections to the KLORR cutting through the Park.

Too busy to write a letter. Send a quick sms to Star Talk:
Type ENT STAR TALK, followed by your message, and send to 39222.

We need lots of people to come forward and speak up for the Park. Unfortunately, the Park cannot speak for itself. Get your friends and family to send sms, too.

The plants and animals say Thank You!

Why Are People So Worried About the KLORR

2010-04-30T23:29:00.000-07:00

The proposed KL Outer Ring Road will cause irreparable damage to Taman Negeri Selangor. The highway will cut through the Ampang Forest Reserve and bisect the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge. If the highway goes behind the ridge, instead of cutting through the ridge, the road will damage the Klang Gates Reservoir, a pristine water source for all of Kuala Lumpur city.

The highway will jeopardise the biodiversity found within the Park. As much of the Park is hilly terrain, there is also great worry about the potential of landslides, noise pollution, air pollution and run-off pollution from the highway.

You can sign the on-line petition :
http://www.petitiononline.com/KLORR/petition.html

Spread the News on TNS - Tell 10 Friends about the Park

2010-04-27T04:34:00.000-07:00

Residents of Selangor, KL and Putrajaya cannot live without Taman Negeri Selangor - literally! The water the Park protects, the local climate it helps maintain, the biodiversity it provides a home to, and the wonderful recreational get-aways it provides for the busy urban Malaysian.

Yet too many people still don't know about this magnificent Park, and the critical role it plays in protecting our quality of life. Do your part to help spread the message.

Tell 10 friends, family members or colleagues about Taman Negeri Selangor. Send them this blog-site link, take them on a picnic at one of the many recreation sites, or just talk to them about this amazing Park, right in our own 'backyard'.

If we don't speak up for Taman Negeri Selangor, it may not be there to keep protecting us!

Templer's Park Gazetted Under Taman Negeri Selangor

2010-04-25T07:11:00.000-07:00

In early March 2010, Templer's Park was gazetted as part of Taman Negeri Selangor. This brings the total area gazetted to date to just over 93,000 hectares. This is exciting news for the Park, and for conservation in Selangor.

Templer's Park has been enjoyed by residents of the city, looking for a jungle retreat, since the time of the British. Over the years, as more green areas have disappeared, Templer's Park and the neighboring recreation sites such as Kancing and Commonwealth forest, have become increasingly popular. While Templer's Park, Kancing and Commonwealth forest are beautiful (and all part of the Park), they can be extremely crowded, particularly on the weekends and public holidays.

Aside from the crowds, encroachment and development continue to be a major threat to the Park. The areas outside the Park boundaries in the vicinity of Templer's Park are a hotbed of development. Only with the residents of Selangor concerned about the Park and active in its conservation, can the Selangor State Park survive well into the future, and continue to provide us with the quality of life we so enjoy.

Communities Want Better Solution to KLORR

2010-03-31T03:13:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, 28 March 2010, representatives from a total of 9 resident groups and environmental organizations, representing several thousand people, handed over a memorandum to YB Elizabeth Wong, Selangor State Executive Councilor for Tourism Consumer Affairs, and Environment, during a function celebrating World Water Day, at Taman Rimba Ampang.

The memorandum highlighted the communities’ common concern against the proposed KL Outer Ring Road (KLORR). The memorandum was signed by the Friends of Ampang Forest, Friends of Kota Damansara, Joint Action Committee for Bukit Gasing, Maxwell Towers Owners Association, Persatuan Penduduk Taman Melawati, SOS Selangor, Treat Every Environment Special S/B (TrEES), The Environmental Protection Society Malaysia (EPSM), and Malaysian Nature Society Selangor Branch.

In the Draft Local Plans for Ampang Jaya 2020, the alignment of the proposed KLORR is shown to cut through the middle of the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge and the Ampang Forest Reserve (see attached map). Both of these areas are a part of the 108,000 hectares declared as the Selangor State Park by the Selangor State Government, back in August 2005. The KLORR is also shown to cut through the back of Taman Melawati. The Local Plan also highlights the fact that the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge is a unique geological monument, and refers to the Selangor State Park, particularly the forests of Ampang, as important environmental areas.

Resident and NGO groups are concerned that the fragmentation of Selangor’s priceless geological monument, the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge, as well as the Ampang Forest Reserve, will dramatically impact the Selangor State Park, the forest that protects the water resources of the state and federal territories. The groups are also concerned that the KLORR will adversely affect the quiet residences of Taman Melawati, creating a safety threat, traffic and pollution problems.

In the memorandum, the groups highlight 5 key points of concern relating to the proposed KLORR. Among the points include the Selangor State Government should maintain its commitment to sustainable development and uphold the importance and integrity of the Selangor State Park.

Another key point was the impact on residents living in Taman Melawati. Signatories highlight that in the Local Plan, the KLORR passes very close to the Klang Gates Dam, which was built nearly 60 years ago. The groups are worried that given the past history of highway cracks in the MMR2, the number of landslides in the Ampang region, and other building catastrophies across the country, the residents of Taman Melawati actually fear for their safety if anything should happen to the structural integrity of the dam and that the entire township could be flooded.

The memorandum emphasizes the need to adhere to Selangor Agenda 21, and be inclusive of residents’ feedback and input in local planning. Signatories express concern that community feedback sought by the government during the development of the Local Plans appears to be for documentation purposes only and seems to have been disregarded in the actual planning, as many of the signatories had objected to the alignment of the KLORR when it appeared in the Draft Structure Plan for Ampang Jaya in the late 1990’s.

The groups also note that constructing the highway in an Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) that has already been declared as a Park, is a contradiction in planning.

In the memorandum, the groups acknowledge the need to alleviate the increasing traffic pressure on the Middle Ring Road-Jalan Hulu Kelang. However, the groups state that to simply continue constructing highways is not a sustainable solution to the problem and that there is an urgent need for an integrated public transport system in the Klang Valley.

Given the understanding that the KLORR is a federal project, the groups request that the Selangor State Government work together with the Federal Government to stop the destruction of the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge and the Selangor State Park as a whole, and to uphold the quality of life for residents in Taman Melawati. Signatories are asking all the branches of the government involved in the project to find a more viable solution that is in line with the concerns of the residents throughout the state.

Klang Gates Quartz Ridge and forest gazetted

2010-03-25T08:12:00.000-07:00

Happy news!

The Klang Gates Quartz Ridge, together with the forests behind the Ridge that connect to the Ulu Gombak Forest Reserve, was gazetted in February 2010 as 'state park' under the National Forestry Act Selangor Enactment, making it now an official part of Taman Negeri Selangor!!

The Klang Gates Quartz Ridge - a unique geological monument of world class standing - was envisioned to be one of the key features of the Park. The Ridge runs for about 14km above ground, at the back of Taman Melawati. It is over 100 million years old.

Unfortunately, the threat of the proposed KL Outer Ring Road cutting through the middle of the Ridge, near the dam, is still very real. Never-the-less, the gazettement of the Ridge as part of Taman Negeri Selangor is a step in the right direction.

Congratulations to the Selangor State Government and to the Selangor Forestry Department for continuing in its commitment to fully gazette the entire 108,000 hectares of the Park. There remains only another 16,000 ha or so still to be gazetted. We look forward to hearing about the gazettement of these remaining areas soon. Thank you for your commitment!

Please Write In

2010-03-16T03:25:00.001-07:00

Just a gentle reminder to please get active to help conserve the integrity of Taman Negeri Selangor. Please send a letter, as mentioned in the earlier posting, to express your concern over the impact the proposed KL Outer Ring Road will have on the unique beauty of the Park. Some other people you should write to include:

YB Dato' Shaziman bin Abu Mansor
Menteri Kerja Raya
Kemeneterian Kerja Raya
Tingkat 5, Blok A, Kompleks Kerja Raya
Jln. Sultan Salahuddin
50580 KL
Tel: 03-2711-1100
Fax: 03-2711-3288

YB Dato' Sri Ong Tee Keat
Menteri Perngangkutan
Kementerian Pengangkutan
Aras 7, Blok D5, Parcel D
Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan
62502 Putrajaya
Tel: 03-8886-6000
Fax: 03-8889-1569

YB Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas
Menteri Sumber Asli dan Alam Sekitar
Kementerian Sumber Asli dan Alam Sekitar
Tingkat 17,Lot 4G3, Presint 4
Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan
Tel: 03-8886-1637
Fax: 03-8889-1057

PLEASE send your letter TODAY!!!

Threat of KL Outer Ring Road on the Park - Map

2010-02-23T03:45:00.001-08:00

Threat of KL Outer Ring Road on the Park

2010-02-20T23:03:00.000-08:00

Based on information in the Draft Local Plan for Ampang Jaya 2020, the proposed KL Outer Ring Road (KLORR) highway will cut through the middle of the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge and the western section of the Ampang Forest Reserve.

It is understandable that there is a need to relieve the traffic on the middle ring road-Jln Ulu Kelang. However, cutting through the middle of the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge - a world class geological site that is over a 100 million years old - as well as through the Ampang Forest Reserve does not seem to be a sustainable solution.

Residents of Ampang and Taman Melawati, as well as NGO's such as TrEES and MNS, have been objecting to the placement of the KLORR since we first read of the proposed road in the Draft Structure Plans for Ampang in 1998. There needs for a more sustainable, better thought-out solution to the never-ending traffic problem of Kuala Lumpur, than simply building new highways. Especially when these highways will cut through protected Park areas which are unique and irreplaceable habitats.

It seems that the KLORR may be a raised highway, that will run along the Klang Gates Reservoir's edge, and then cut through the middle of the Klang Gates Ridge, just a the side of the dam (see photo of likely affected area).

This appears to be nearly the same spot that the former DPM and Selangor CM declared the Park back in 2005 (see photo of Declaration). If the highway continues, it will be a terrible tragedy.

Please send a letter-fax or e-mail to the Prime Minister, members of the Federal Government, as well as to the Selangor Chief Minister, to voice your concern. Please ask what has happened to the Declaration, and to please stop the KLORR highway from cutting through Taman Negeri Selangor.

Please do it TODAY!

YAB Dato' Sri Mohd. Najib Bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak
Perdana Menteri
Pejabat Perdana Menteri
Bangunan Perdana Putra
Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan
62502 Putrajaya
Tel: 8888-1960 press"0"
Fax: 8888-3444
blogsite: www.1malaysia.com.my/

YAB Tan Sri Dato' Haji Muhyiddin Bin Mohd Yassin
Timbalan Perdana Menteri merangkap Menteri Pelajaran
Pejabat Timbalan Perdana Menteri
Aras4, Blok Barat, Bangunan Perdana Putra
Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan
62502 Putrajaya
Tel: 8888-1950
Fax: 8888-3430

YB Dato' Shaziman Bin Abu Mansor
Menteri Kerja Raya
Kementerian Kerja Raya
Tingkat 5, Blok A, Kompleks Kerja Raya,
Jalan Sultan Salahuddin
50580 KL
Tel: 03-2711-1100
Fax: 03-2711-3288

YAB Tan Sri Dato' Abdul Khalid bin Ibrahim
Menteri Besar Selangor
Pejabat Menteri Besar Selangor
Tingkat 21, Bangunan SSAAS
40502 Shah Alam
Tel: 5544-7031
Fax: 5519-0032

Please take action TODAY!

Need to Complete Gazettement of the Park

2010-02-20T00:10:00.000-08:00

In August 2005, the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, together with the Chief Minister of Selangor, stood in the shadows of the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge and declared the establishment of the Selangor State Park. The Park will be a total of just over 108,000 hectares once it is fully gazetted.

The first phase of the Park was officially gazetted on 25 January 2007. On that date, 91,144 ha was gazetted as a 'state park' under the National Forestry Act, Selangor Enactment 2005. However, the remaining areas, including the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge, remains to be gazetted.

To date, Taman Negeri Selangor consists of the Hulu Gombak, Ampang, Ampang Pecah, Hulu Langat, Sungai Lalang, Gading, Hulu Selangor, Semangkok, Bukit Kutu, Batang Kali and Serendah Permanent Forest Reserves, which have been gazetted as 'state park'.

Still remaining to be gazetted are additional areas to Semangkok, Hulu Gombak Forest Reserves, as well as the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge and Templer Forest Reserve. The gazettement of these areas is underway.

However, it never hurts to remind the State Government that the people want to see the remaining areas gazetted under Taman Negeri Selangor, and gazetted quickly. Please send a letter to the Chief Minister of Selangor, expressing your interest to see the remaining areas gazetted quickly, and for the continued sustainable management of the entire Selangor State Park.

YAB Tan Sri Dato' Abd Khalid Bin Ibrahim
Menteri Besar Selangor
Pejabat Menteri Besar Selangor
Tingat 21, Bangunan Sultan Salehuddin Abdul Aziz Shah
40503 Shah Alam

The pressures of development on the Park are great. Every little effort that each person makes really does makes a big difference! Please send a letter today!

Students Spread the Message

2010-02-18T19:51:00.000-08:00

After visiting TNS, students went back to their schools to spread the message to their class mates about the importance of TNS, and how individuals can help protect the Park.

The students ran all types of fun outreach activities, including performances for the entire school, talks and skits, banner competitions, recycling to reduce waste, campaigns to save water, and how to compost at home.

All in all, the students reached out to an estimated 20,000 of their classmates, teachers, families and friends.

If your school would like to spread the message about Taman Negeri Selangor, please contact
TrEES at:
treateveryenvironmentspecial@gmail.com

School Fieldtrips to TNS

2010-02-18T19:43:00.000-08:00

Students from 13 schools across the Klang Valley have taken an interest in the beauty and importance of Taman Negeri Selangor. To strengthen the bond between the students and the park, each school sent a bus load of students on a fieldtrip to Sg. Tekala Recreation Forest, TNS.

The students had an exhilarating time hiking through the forest, relaxing in the stream, and creatively expressing their thoughts on TNS.

If your school would like to take part in this programme, please contact TrEES at
treateveryenvironmentspecial@gmail.com

Sites of Interest in the Park of Beauty

2009-07-28T17:48:00.001-07:00

Continuing our list of fun recreation spots in Selangor State Park (Taman Negeri Selangor). Let's call it TNS for short!

Here are some other favorite spots:

1. Kuala Kubu Baru
This quaint town is just outside TNS boundary. It has some lovely old buildings and is a spot for culture and heritage for Selangor.

2. Sg. Sendat
Sg. Sendat is a fun recreation spot for the family, located in Hulu Selangor, and is part of TNS. It is a great place to spend a afternoon swimming and picnicking. Just please don't forget to clean up your own rubbish!

3. Commonwealth Park
6 km from Rawang along the Rawang-KL road.
This is a quaint picnic site with a small river running through it. The base area is run by the Selangor Forestry Department. The site above is run by Selangor Tourism. There is camping and a bit of hiking as well.

4. Sungai Chongkak
13 km from Cheras town, along the Hulu Langat to Pangson road.
Another popular recreation site of TNS. Along the river here is a waterfall and nice swimming pools... Ahhh refreshing! For the fit and brave, there is also hiking up to Bukit Chenuang, which is about 850 meters above sea level. Just always be sure to tell a ranger before you set off. Always go with a friend, stay on the trail, and bring plenty of water.

Sites of Interest in the Park of Beauty

2009-07-04T00:08:00.000-07:00

Below are some sites in this magnificent Selangor State Park. We hope you can give us some feedback on your favorite sites :

1. Fraser's Hill-the Gap
A popular, hill top retreat. The Gap and Fraser's Hill itself are very popular birding sites. There are many places to stay in Fraser's Hill and it makes a wonderful weekend retreat. This is one of the areas still remaining to be gazetted as part of the Selangor State Park.

2. Sungai Tua Recreation Site
Located 10KM from Selayang Town along the Ulu Yam- Gombak Road, past Batu Dam.
A location a family will love with several picnic sites. While the river is generally shallow, at times it flows with full enthusiasm of the rain forest. (aaaaaaaahhhhh)

3. Commonwealth Park
Located 6km from Rawang, along the Rawang to K.L road. (Malaysia not Singapore) A nice small picnic site for families and friends.

4. Klang Gates Quartz Ridge
Located at the back of Taman Melawati, off Jalan Ulu Klang.
Several exciting but well hidden trails run top this awesome Ridge. But take note - while it is beautiful, it is also very dangerous as the trails are very steep and narrow at places. Not recommended for younglings. There is a small swimming spot at the base of the Ridge but unfortunately it is not always clean. The Klang Gates is another area that has not yet been gazetted as part of the Selangor State Park. We hope it will be gazetted soon!

5. Ampang Recreation Site
Located at the very end ( or at the very start) of Jalan Ampang.
With a river, picnic spots and lovely trees. It is another fun spot for a weekend or weekstart or week-middle swim.

6. Sungai Tekala Recreation Site
Located 13 km from Semenyih Town along the Semenyih-Ulu Langat Road. With water as clear as the morning dew and few nice gentle pools along the river's way, it is better than Disney World. (Yes, you can sell your plain ticket to Orlando, you don't need it any more!)

7. Gunung Nuang
Located 17 km from Cheras along the Ulu Langat to Pangson road. A very beautiful but very challenging mountain hike. For the fit and not for the faint of hearts.

History of the Establishment of the Park

2009-06-27T01:09:00.000-07:00

The Selangor State Park, or Taman Negeri Selangor, is managed by the Selangor Forestry Department, but involves many other stakeholders.

TrEES has been working for more than 12 years lobbying the State Government to establish Taman Negeri Selangor. Efforts included collecting over 6,000 signatures, mobilizing community groups, preparing reports and raising funds to support this goal.

The idea to establish the area as a park was first put forward by TrEES to the Selangor State Government in the late 1990's, with the release of the Draft Structure Plans.

In 2005 the 107,000 hectare Park was declared by the Deputy Prime Minister and the Selangor Chief Minister. In 2007, 91,441 hectares of the Park was gazetted under the National Forestry Act, Selangor Enactment, with the promise by the government that the remaining areas, including the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge, would be gazetted in the near future. The Park is managed by the Selangor Forestry Department.

The establishment of the Park was the result of so many people and groups working together with TrEES to make it happen, including Prof Dr. Wong, Dr. Raj, Dr. Yong, Datin Paduka Dr. Halimaton, Dr. Bala, the Selangor Town & Country Planning Department, the Selangor Mapping Department, the Selangor Forestry Department - the caretakers of the Park-, DWNP, MEC Consultants, WWF Malaysia, MNS and the Selangor Branch as well as so many other concerned individuals, departments and organisations.

TrEES continues to lobby for the gazettement of the remaining areas. TrEES is also working hard with the Selangor Forestry Department to help build awareness on the importance of the Park, and for the Park’s sustainable management.

You can do your bit by spreading awareness on the importance of the Selangor State Park (Taman Negeri Selangor).

Importance of the Selangor State Park

2009-06-27T00:53:00.000-07:00

1. Water
The Park is the source of 98% of Selangor, KL and Putrajaya’s water supply. Nearly all of Selangor's major rivers originate in the park. The Sg Selangor, Batu, Klang Gates, Langat & Semenyih reservoirs are all feed by this forest. These reservoirs provide water for residents of KL, Selangor & Putrajaya.

2. Rich Biodiversity

The park area is rich in flora and fauna and unique habitats, including the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge – one of the longest quartz outcrops in the world.

- rare species:
A newly discovered species of stream-side dipterocarp, Vatica yeechongii has been discovered in the Park. The Park is also home to palms that are among the rarest and most beautiful in the world.

- home to wildlife
Approximately 50% of the species of Peninsula Malaysia’s faunal biodiversity can be found in the Park. Species include serow, tigers and gibbons; serpent eagles and rhinoceros hornbills; whip snakes and vipers.

3. Protects Steep Slopes

At least 50% of the park area has slopes steeper than 20 degrees. Protecting these forests reduces downstream flooding and erosion.

4. Cultural beauty

The kampung homes around the edges of the forest, particularly in the northern and southern regions, express the rich culture of the people living in the area. The traditional Malay home garden, or mixed fruit garden, is a wonderful example of successful farming in harmony with the natural environment.

5. Eco-tourism, Research & Education
Provides essential recreational sites and valuable education and research opportunities.

Map of the Declared Selangor State Park

2009-06-27T00:45:00.000-07:00

The green area demarcates the 107,000 hectares declared as the Selangor State Park (Taman Negeri Selangor).

On 25 January 2007, the Selangor State Government gazetted 91,441 ha as State Park under the National Forestry Act, Selangor Enactment, with the promise of gazetting the remaining areas in the near future.

The Selangor State Park is the third largest park in Peninsular Malaysia after Taman Negara and the Royal Belum State Park.

Selangor State Park - Taman Negeri Selangor

Public Briefings and Extension of Submission Date

KL Outer Ring Road Detailed EIA is Out for Public Comment

Celebrate the Park - Map of Activities

Details on the Celebration - 19 November 2011

Celebrate the Park on 19 November at Ampang Forest

New Alignment Continues to Threaten Water Security

Phobaeticus serratipes - that's one big bug!

Sites in the Park Ranked as Top Hiking Destinations!

We’ve Got to Do Our Part – Rethink, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle!

KLORR - Financial Close Means that Work Could Commence Soon

Selamat Hari Raya, Selamat Hari Merdeka & Selamat Bercuti!

Wild Boars - Eurasian Wild Pigs

Growing Population Depends on the Park

Stand Up & Write

Fraser’s Hill – a fun family getaway

An Inspiring Short Story

Steep Terrain of the Park Must be Taken Seriously

Vatica yeechongii

Selangor to review forest reserve permits

Human Pressure on the Park - Rubbish!

The Malayan pangolin (Manis javanica) – a creature in trouble

Earth Day Activities

Happy Earth Day!

Sungai Sendat Waterfalls - A Mini Adventure Close to Home

Historical Day for Forest Conservation in Selangor

Species of the Month - Johannesteijsmannia, the Joey Palms

Nuclear Malaysia - A Worry for Us All

Community Concerns Over Developments in the Park

KLORR - Residents Kept in the Dark

Species of the Month - the Lesser dawn fruit bat

Eonycteris spelaeaLesser dawn fruit bat or long-tongued dawn fruit bat

Organic Mulch

1m Climate Deaths a Year by 2030

FREE STUFF!

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Species of the Month - Meranti trees

Support TrEES in Our Environment Efforts

Get Out of the House - Visit the Ampang Recreational Forest!

Support from Maybank2u

1 Malaysia Poll - where's the environment?

Highway Sparks Water Worries

Reflecting on Promises Made

Species of the Month - the Hornbill

Happy Holidays!

Nuclear Power Plants in Malaysia

Malaysia's nuclear energy plans - while it may not seem directly related to the Selangor State Park, forests and villages somewhere in Malaysia will be under threat with the location of 2 nuclear power plants and waste disposal sites...if the USA can't manage such disposal, what about Malaysia??

Not Wise to Prioritise Traffic Over Water Supply

More Exciting News on TrEES' School Programme

TrEES School Programme 2010 Draws to a Close

Site of the Month - Sg. Tua Recreational Forest

Species of the Month - the Saraca or Gapis tree

Volunteers Needed!

No Park, No Water, No Life

Residents Speak Up for the Park

Taman Negeri Selangor Needs YOU to Take Action!

Fieldtrip fun to Sg. Tua

Fieldtrip fun to Sg. Tekala

Site of the Month - Sungai Tekala Recreation Forest

Hikes to Waterfalls in the Park

Species of the Month - the Malayan Tiger

Selamat Hari Raya!

Check Out the BFM Podcast on Taman Negeri Selangor

Happy MERDEKA !!

Site of the Month - the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge

The Park that Gives Life to Us All

Where's Your Favorite Spot in the Park?

Read more in the Star

Bonding with Taman Negeri Selangor

Many Hands Make Light Work

Trees by Joyce Kilmer

Get 10 Friends to Sign the Petition

What young people are saying about the Park...

Young Voices for Taman Negeri Selangor

Pembinaan KLORR Musnah Hutan Simpan, Kawasan Tadahan Air

Say a Little Prayer for the Park

Family Fun

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

Why Are People So Worried About the KLORR

Spread the News on TNS - Tell 10 Friends about the Park

Eonycteris spelaea
Lesser dawn fruit bat or long-tongued dawn fruit bat