FRIM substation Setiu is located at Kg. Bari Besar, Penarik, Setiu, Terengganu eastern part of Peninsular Malaysia facing the South China Sea. On the north is the state of Kelantan, whilst to the south is the state of Pahang. It is approximately 55 km from Kuala Terengganu and 460 km from the capital city of Kuala Lumpur. Total hectarage of the substation is approximately 53 ha and possessed from the state government of Terengganu on 26th July 1993. The area was originally vegetated by Acacia spp, Malaleuca cajuputi, Eugenia spp. and other secondary species.

The date of initial development was since September 1993 (plot demarcation, site clearing & fence construction). The substation is under the jurisdiction of forest plantation division in FRIM mainly doing research on BRIS soil. According to Choo (1991) approximately 71,000 ha of BRIS soil recorded in Terengganu which are inherently poor in fertility status. There have been very little progress made on the rehabilitation of these land except for some work by MARDI promoting tobacco planting. Abdullah (1997) estimated that majority of the area being left idle, which only 5-10% of the total BRIS soils in the country for agriculture development and that.

At the 53 ha BRIS soil site of Setiu substation, infrastructures in the form of an office building, staff quarters, a guesthouse and a nursery was established to facilitate R&D activities by FRIM researchers. The guest house has recently been renovated inclusive 6 rooms which can accommodate up to 12 person. A small laboratory is also available for research work. A nursery building with sprinkler system is maintained for small amount seed germination.

The main objectives of the substations are as follows:

  • To carry out research activities and disseminate the information on growing tress in the BRIS soils
  • To identify potential plantation species for such degraded sites
  • To promote the use of BRIS soils by planting commercially forest species
  • To develop cost-effectiveness tree planting technique for BRIS soils

  • Reforestation of selected fast growing forest species on BRIS soils
  • Planting of Tectona grandis in BRIS area
  • Development of high value timber species planting techniques on BRIS soils
  • Establishment of selected plantation species (Azadirachta excelsa, Khaya ivorensis, Hevea brasiliensis and Dyera costulata)
  • Seedling seed orchard of Acacia auriculiformis
  • Performance of Acacia hybrid on BRIS soils
  • Utilisation of oil palm empty fruit bunches for growing plants on BRIS soils
  • Rehabilitation of BRIS soil with mycorrhizal inoculation of Acacia spp.
  • Genetic study of Tectona grandis on BRIS soils

Setiu

Mohd Fakhri Ishak
E-mail: mohamadfakhri[at]frim.gov.my
Tel: 03-6279 7137
Faks: 03-6280 4614