FRIM works with UiTM (Perak) to conserve threatened species
The FRIM DG speaking at the signing ceremony, while Saw looks on.
5 September 2012 (Tuesday) – The Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) (Perak) on 4 Sept 2012 to pave the way for greater collaboration in research, development, conservation and management of biodiversity and habitats.
The MOU will serve the common interests of both parties and contribute towards the conservation of threatened species and their natural habitats in the country.
Abd Latif (second from left) and Zainab (second from right) signing the MOU, as Saw (far left) and Asiah (far right) look on.
The move will enhance cooperation between FRIM and UiTM (Perak) in the areas of research and development (R&D) in flora and fauna diversity and conservation; conservation management for threatened plant species and its habitats; technology transfer; training and capacity building; and education and public awareness.
FRIM Director General Dato’ Dr Abd Latif Mohmod represented the Malaysian Forestry Research and Development Board (MFRDB) in signing the MOU while UiTM (Perak) was represented by its Rector, Prof. Ir Dr Zainab Mohamad.
Abd Latif (fifth from right), Zainab (fourth from left) and other representatives from FRIM and UiTM (Perak) posing for a photograph under one of the trees identified as highly threatened in the campus.
The signing ceremony, held at the UiTM campus in Seri Iskandar, Perak, this morning, was also witnessed by the FRIM Biodiversity Division Director, Dr Saw Leng Guan, and the Senior Deputy Registrar of UiTM (Perak), Puan Asiah Saleh.
The MOU formalises conservation efforts which had begun in 2006 with the discovery of five highly-threatened dipterocarp species, namely Dipterocarpus semivestitus (keruing padi), Hopea apiculata (resak melukut), Shorea macrantha (meranti kepong hantu), Shore hemsleyana (cengal pasir daun besar) and Vatica flavida(resak padi), in the freshwater forest swamps within the university campus.
Group photograph taken of all attendees of the signing ceremony at the UiTM (Perak) campus in Perak.
FRIM researchers, who first discovered the presence of the five species and have been monitoring the econological behaviour and health of the individual trees, had forwarded a proposed action plan to UiTM (Perak) in 2009.
Since the discovery, the university has taken steps to safeguard the remaining populations of the species including protecting the natural habitats.
Abd Latif said: “Safeguarding the habitat of a species is the most critical aspect of conservation. In this case, we really respect UiTM (Perak) for responding positively to our recommendations. The university reviewed its development master plan for this purpose and is actively incorporating research elements into its conservation programme.”
For more information, please contact Dr Lillian Chua (Tel: 03-62797223) or Ms Wendy Yong (Tel: 03-6279 7939) of the FRIM Forest Biodiversity Division.
