From 1970 to 1974, the Pasoh FRIM Research Station (Pasoh FRS) has been a site for intensive research of lowland rain forest ecology and dynamics under a joint research project between University of Malaya and the International Biological Programme (IBM). Pasoh forest was also the main study site for the Reproductive Biology of Forest Trees Project, a joint research project between University of Aberdeen and University of Malaya from 1974 to 1978. Since then, various research projects on biodiversity, forest productivity, flora, fauna, micrometeorology, soils, hydrology and nutrient cycling were conducted in collaboration with local universities.
In December 1977, Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) took over the management of the research station from University of Malaya. This was made possible through the collaboration with the Negeri Sembilan State Forestry Department. The Pasoh forest station has since become a leading tropical forest field research station. This could not have been possible without the commitment from the state forestry department to gazette 1,840 ha of the Pasoh reserve as a Research Forest. All research activities are monitored by the Pasoh Research Committee (PRC) in FRIM since 1999. The Director of the Negeri Sembilan Forestry Department is also a Committee member.
The main attraction of the Pasoh Reserve is its floristically rich forest. A total of 335,256 stems 1 cm dbh (diameter at breast height) and above belonging to 814 species, 294 genera and 78 families has been recorded within an area of 50 ha. The most common plant families are the Euphorbiaceae and Annonaceae among the smaller trees, and the Dipterocarpaceae, Leguminosae and Burseraceae. The most common species is Xerospermum noronhianum (Sapindaceae) locally known as ‘rambutan pacat’, which accounts for 2.5% of the total number of plants. For trees above 30 cm dbh, the most abundant species is Shorea leprosula (meranti tembaga), a member of the Diptrerocarpaceae family. Being an isolated forest surrounded by oil palm estates and other land uses, forest gaps, formed by windthrow of a large tree or a group of trees, are a fairly common feature at Pasoh. Within these gaps, one can find many regenerating seedlings and saplings.
Although Pasoh lacks charismatic animals such as tigers and elephants, it still harbours a good composition of small mammals, primates and birds Today Pasoh is not only the site of many research studies by both local scientists and scientists from abroad but is also an educational centre for school children, college and university students as well as the general public.
The Pasoh Research Committee (PRC) was set up in the 1990s to monitor the progress of all previous, on-going and future projects in Pasoh. The committee is made up of FRIM’s senior researchers from various forestry and biodiversity fields. The main objectives of this committee are to:
- Oversee the research activities in Pasoh Forest Research,
- Ensure that research in Pasoh Research Forest is in line with FRIM’s aspirations, and
- Contribute to FRIM’s staff capacity building.
Among the roles of the PRC is to accept and approve research proposals from local and international researchers. Approval is based on criteria such as project objective(s), risks involved, expected output, presence of local collaborators and benefits to FRIM.
Individuals or groups who would like to conduct studies at Pasoh FR and/or use shared data should send a proposal to the PRC through the Secretary. Local and foreign researchers are encouraged to collaborate with FRIM researchers.
For more information, please contact:
Salleh Mat
Pasoh FRS Coordinator
Forest Research Institute Malaysia
52109, Kepong, Selangor
Tel : 03-6279 7267
Fax : 03-6272 9852
E-mail: sallehmt[at]frim.gov.my
FRIM provides basic necessities for visitors to Pasoh FRS. Guests house, hostel, laboratories and a seminar room are available for pre-and post research activities in the field.
1. Accommodation
a. Guest house
Four (4) guest houses located at Taman IPP near Simpang Pertang, the nearest town to Pasoh FRS. Each unit consists of 2 rooms, which can accommodate 4 persons at a particular time.
b. Hostel
Nine (9) hostel rooms located at Pasoh FRS that can accommodate 26 people at any one time.
c. Camp site
If you wish to camp within Pasoh FRS, there are several suitable locations for camping within the station compound depending on the number of participants. Tents are available for rent.
2. Seminar Room
One (1) medium size seminar room with basic facilities (i.e. white board, projector, white screen) is available at the station. The seminar room can hold up to 30 participants (theatre style), or 25 participants (classroom style), or 20 participants (board room style) at any one time. Please contact us for more details.
3. Internet Services
Internet services are available at the main station building.
4. Dining Hall
Dining hall in Pasoh FRS can accommodate 30 pax at any time. A cook is available upon request. Minimum payment will be charged.
5. Office
If you would require office assistance (i.e. scanning, photocopying small amounts of documents), the office operates on Mondays to Fridays from 8 am – 5 pm and closed during lunch break at 1 – 2 pm (Mondays to Thursdays), 12.15 – 2.45 (Fridays) as well as weekends and (Negeri Sembilan) public holidays.
6. Activity Gazebo
A semi-open gazebo is available to host activities, programs, functions and meal settings. It fits 50 people standing or 30 people seated.
1. Laboratories
Two laboratories are available for research activities in the field. Facilities available includes:
- digital balance
- drying oven
- workbenches
- shelving units
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm and closed during lunch break at 1 – 2 pm (Mondays to Thursdays), 12.15 – 2.45 (Fridays) as well as weekends and (Negeri Sembilan) public holidays.
Arboretum
The Pasoh Arboretum is a research facility at the Pasoh FRS. Established in 1989 and upgraded in 2010, the 2.2 ha arboretum contains living collection of woody plants, which today number a total of 874 trees belonging to 279 species from 44 families. A map and list of species names of all 874 trees as well descriptions of ten more common species is available from the Office. The arboretum is a great training ground particularly for botanical and general science students, as well as casual visitors interested to learn about the local tree species diversity. The arboretum can also be used for training programs and school activities.
Aluminium Tower
In conjunction with the collaborative project between FRIM and the National Institute on Environmental Studies (NIES) of Japan, a triple aluminum alloy tree tower- canopy walkway system was constructed in April 1992. The system comprises of three freestanding towers (30 m in height) with individual stairways for each section. They are held in place by steel cables and are interlinked at 30m by canopy walkways forming a triangle. Being metallic, each tower carries an efficient lightening conductor. Though widely used in USA, the system was the first to be erected in Malaysia. This system which took 10 days to install are highly compact and portable. The towers provide facilities for microclimatic and physiological studies such as phenological observations and faunal studies at various levels of the canopy. One of the towers were extended to reach a height of 52m, towering over the tree canopy. This tower is accessible to researchers only as it holds many sensitive micrometeorological equipment.
Permission to climb the tower may be obtained from the Pasoh FRS main office. All tower users need to strictly follow the stipulated rules and regulations, and accompanied by a Pasoh FRS staff.
Nature Trails
Also known as Marina Wong’s Trail, the nature trail was established within Pasoh FRS as an educational trail for visitors to see a glimpse of the natural and regenerated forest of the Pasoh reserve. Established in the 1970’s, the 2.6 km Nature Trail has 67 observation points for visitors to learn about unique trees, features and ecological processes of the forest. Some of the observation points (OP) remain as it was 30 years ago. Information at each observation point is available in both Bahasa Malaysia and English. While you may walk the trails on your own, a guided tour by an experienced staff (upon request) is recommended for a more informative walk.
Research Plots
Permanent ecology plots
Five 2 ha permanent ecological plots were established during the UM-IBP Project. All trees 10 cm dbh and above have been tagged, identified and mapped within these plots and their growth and mortality are being monitored regularly. A 35 m tall wooden tower was constructed around a Shorea leprosula tree in the phenology plot to facilitate microclimatic studies and phenological observations. The tower is, however, no longer in use following the death of the supporting tree.
The 50 ha plot
In 1985, a 50 ha permanent plot was established by FRIM in collaboration with the National Science Foundation and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. All tree species 1 cm dbh and above in diameter were tagged, identified and mapped. Data from this demographic study plot will provide insights into better understanding of ecological processes and functions of the rain forest as well as useful baseline information in supporting other related studies. The 50 ha plot is about 45 minutes walk from the base station along the main trail.
Procedures to Visit
Pasoh FRS is established to conduct research in tropical forest ecology. The main objectives of the establishment of Pasoh FRS are:
- To synthesize research findings that could be adapted and used in the management and conservation efforts of Pasoh Forest Reserve and other tropical rain forests.
- To promote local and foreign scientists and students to use the facilities provided and data collected in conducting basic, follow-up, integrated research and comparative studies at regional level and worldwide.
- To host short field courses in the field of ecology and biodiversity.
The following are the main research areas currently undertaken at Pasoh:
| No | Area | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Biodiversity | Genetic resource and wildlife |
| 2 | Carbon dynamics | Carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling and forest production |
| 3 | Logging impact on watershed | Soil erosion, watershed damage, reforestation trial and vegetation recovery forest micro-environment |
| 4 | Forest dynamics, recovery and revegetation | Natural growth process and regeneration process after logging, and the relationship with the forest micro-environment |
| 5 | Land use change and socio-economy of local communities | Remote sensing, ecosystem services value and goods, and their contribution to the socio-economy. |
Entry Application Form
BORANG 5.1 – APPLICATION FORM FOR VISITORS TO PASOH FRIM RESEARCH STATION
BORANG 5.2 – NOTICE OF ENTRANCE FOR STAFF/VISITORS* TO THE RESEARCH FOREST OF PASOH
These two forms should be completed at least two weeks prior to each visit to FRIM Pasoh Research Station. Please indicate the relevant options to assist in managing accommodation and facilities.
Borang 5.2 must be filled out and will be submitted to the Negeri Sembilan Forestry Department and IPD Jempol for approval and security reasons. Please send both forms to Salleh Mat, Coordinator of Pasoh FRIM Research Station, at sallehmt@frim.gov.my.
Research Application Form
BORANG 7.2 – APPLICATION TO CONDUCT RESEARCH AT FRIM PASOH RESEARCH STATION
Please note that the utilization of the Pasoh 50-ha Forest Dynamic Plot and any research conducted in the Pasoh Forest Reserves is subject to the regulations of the Pasoh Research Committee, which comprises representatives from FRIM and the Negeri Sembilan Forestry Department. If you are interested in conducting research in the Pasoh Research Forest, kindly submit your proposal to the Secretariat of the Pasoh Research Committee at prcsecretariat@frim.gov.my
SPF PASOH is located about 8 km from Simpang Pertang in Negeri Sembilan. Cities, towns and places near Simpang Pertang include Ulu Serting, Pertang, Kampong Penagu and Kampong Gelang (N 02′ 58.142″, E 102′ 17.820″)
Please click the link below to see the map.
http://www.gomapper.com/travel/map-of/simpang-pertang.html
There are several routes to take to reach the facility
By Car
FROM KUALA LUMPUR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (KLIA).
FROM KUALA LUMPUR. There are THREE alternatives to get to Simpang Pertang from Kuala Lumpur:
OR
OR
By taxi
FROM KLIA.
FROM KUALA LUMPUR
For more information, please contact:
Salleh Mat
Pasoh FRS Coordinator
Forest Research Institute Malaysia
52109, Kepong, Selangor
Tel : 03-6279 7267
Fax : 03-6272 9852
E-mail : sallehmt[at]frim.gov.my
Musalmah Nasardin
Pasoh FRS Manager
Forest Research Institute Malaysia
Simpang Pertang, Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan
Tel : 013-344 4633
Fax : 03-6272 9852
E-mail : musalmah[at]frim.gov.my
