article · 2014-06-23 · advances in propagation using stem cuttings means that these obstacles...

A Quarterly of the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)June 2014FRIM in FOCUS2

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Cover, background photo: Stands of merawan siput jantan (top), khaya (middle) and jelutong (bottom) at FRIM Segamat research station taken in 2007 (photo credit: FRIM Segamat research station). Inset, clockwise from above: Teak seeds, teak seedling in polybag and cutting of patawali stem (photo credit: FRIM Mata Ayer research station).

The Editor & Writer of FRIM In Focus Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)52109 Kepong, Selangor DE, Malaysia

Telephone : +603-6279 7501 | Facsimile : +603-6273 1076E-mail : [email protected] | Website : www.frim.gov.myDesign & Printing : Cetak Jitu Sdn Bhd

AdvisorsDato’ Dr Abdul Latif MohmodDr Mohamed Nor Mohd Yusoff

Technical EditorMohamad Zaki Mohd Isa

Editor & WriterIda Suraini Abd Shukor

Dr Ahmad Zuhaidi Yahya [email protected]

RESEARCH FOR EFFECTIVE PLANTATION FORESTRY Penyelidikan ke Arah Perhutanan Ladang yang Efektif

Plantation forestry is essentially forest land use which is managed on a sustainable basis such as in biodiversity reserves and natural forests, in addition to intensively managed mono-species plantation. Observing how plantation forestry in Malaysia has evolved over the last 30 years may help in better understanding of the process and avoid repeating past mistakes. Plantation forestry relies on the choiced selection of species and planting site. Quality planting site, as determined by careful selection, field testing and silvicultural maintenance is crucial to sustain high wood yield over repeated short rotations.

A review of species suggests that Paraserianthes falcataria, Hevea clones, Acacia crassicarpa and hybrid of Acacia are candidates with the lowest risk for short rotational plantation forestry. These genera with the exception of Hevea clones produce seeds that are easily stored for years without losing viability, thus nursery production can be easily scheduled. The trial planting at FRIM’s experimental sites at Bukit Hari and in other states suggests that Shorea spp (including S. leprosula, S. parvifolia, S. acuminata), Dyera costulata, Endospermum diadenum and Pouteria malaccensis should be included in the plantation programme for

Focus article

June 2014FRIM in FOCUS A Quarterly of the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) 3

ABOUT THE AUTHORDr Ahmad Zuhaidi Yahya is the head of the Forest Plantation Programme, FRIM. He specialises in forest plantation silviculture, majoring in growth and yield modelling of selected tropical forest species. He has written several articles on silviculture of forest plantation, financial viability, tree growth and modelling, and afforestation. Apart from conducting training and serving as a panel expert, he is also involved in consultancy projects, including the preparation of the forest plantation management plan besides participating in tree planting and greening campaigns. He obtained a PhD in plantation forestry (growth and yield modeling)from Scotland, United Kingdom.

medium to long-term rotation (30 to 40 years). Other candidates such as teak, khaya and mahogany are more sensitive to shallow, infertile, acidic soils and unlikely to grow fast enough to be an attractive investment. Inclusion of native light hardwood species of promising growth has yet to be demonstrated. The irregular production of recalcitrant seeds of many native species such as Shorea and Dipterocarpus retards their effective use in plantation forestry. However, recent advances in propagation using stem cuttings means that these obstacles can be overcome.

Considering plantation forestry that involves high initial capital, clonal forestry (using genetically improved material) may play an important role in the success of an investment. The economic advantage is that clonal plantation yields a uniform product tailored to the requirements of the processing industry. The selected clone usually has fast growth rate, high wood density and pulp yield, and is more profitable compared to seed-based plantation. Nevertheless, the clones must be properly tested to ascertain performance variations to different environment. Mediocre or untested clones should also be avoided, and testing should be conducted on major site types in the target planting environment. Testing on a half rotational basis gives a fairly reliable indication of the performance, whereby clonal development for short rotation plantation can produce tested clones within five years.

A continuous research programme is required to support any effective plantation even if a good initial

choice of planting species has been made. Research conducted locally is required to fill the knowledge gap and solve problems arising from local conditions. The results should be readily available to forest investors in the form of practical and accessible management recommendations. As such, long term research cooperation between private forest plantation owner and research organisation is deemed appropriate.

Focus article

12-year-old Pouteria malaccensis (above) and Dyera costulata (page 2) at Bukit Hari, FRIM Kepong

Find out how FRIM transforms the ex-tin mine area below at

pages 6–7

Original landscape of FRIM Bidor research station before

greening efforts


AGARWOOD: A HIGHLY-PRIZED FOREST PRODUCE

Focus article

Agarwood or gaharu is an aromatic resinous and fragrant non-wood forest product which is a highly- prized incense. The extremely rare and precious produce is often referred to as wood of god and black gold from the golden tree of Aquilaria. It is believed that this resinous wood substance is produced as a result of wound, or insect and microbial invasion. Among the uses of agarwood are for traditional medicine, religious ceremony, perfume, high quality incense, prayer beads and ornamental products.

The source of agarwood is from Aquilaria or karas tree, whereby in Malaysia, Aquilaria malaccensis is one of the best known gaharu producing tree species. However, there are at least eight Aquilaria species with potential for cultivation using good silvicultural practices. Among them are A. hirta, A. microcarpa, A. beccariana, A. rostrata, A. crassna, A. subintegra, A. sinensis and Aquilaria hybrids of which, are being subjected to agarwood inducement trials. The potential of these species however, is reduced by their endemic occurrence, lack of species background, exotics and limited availability of research knowledge from researchers and management authorities alike.

The growth of karas species may vary according to site; karas trees that are naturally associated with rubber estates have been observed to out-perform cultivated rubber trees in the area. A. malaccensis and other endemic species in Sabah and Sarawak however, are prone to over-exploitation because of its natural occurrence within the rich lowland mixed dipterocarp forest which is the site of log harvesting activities. Logging, which at times is permissible in these areas, will eventually affect seed production and reduce the availability of seedlings for any future regeneration of Aquilaria.

The high value of agarwood and global demand has invariably led to a significant increase in the establishment of large-scale karas plantations. To date, about 3000 hectares of land are being planted with over three million karas trees in Malaysia. Illegal harvesting and trading of agarwood have also increased with the fragrant wood becoming one of the most sought after non-wood forest produce. To curb over-exploitation of the species, authorities have taken steps to regulate the export trade and strengthen the cultivation policy. Aquilaria species is

Dr Lok Eng Hai [email protected]

Gaharu: Keluaran Hutan yang Bernilai Tinggi

Agarwood from cultivated tree using inducement technique

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Focus article

now listed in the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List Criteria (1994) and Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) Appendix II (1995) and classified as threatened species for the purpose of conservation and management.

Tree inducement is an important requirement especially for cultivated karas, because without artificial inducement, most healthy trees do not produce agarwood. The formation of resin is the tree’s response towards infection and wound or motivated by cells stress in the case of a dying tree. In artificial inducement, the wounds normally extend into the xylem part of the stem which usually involves chemical, biological or physical methods. Agarwood will be graded according to the extent of resin accumulation in the sapwood and heartwood.

FRIM is presently conducting a more coordinated and proactive study to develop effective inducement techniques for producing agarwood in a sustainable manner, at a reasonable cost. Successful tree inducement for agarwood formation may not only be caused by fungal infection, but by several interactive factors such as wounds that are followed by invasion of pioneer fungi. Methods used for inducement include cutting, hole drilling, chopping, nail insertion, deep slashing and bark removal. Besides inducement, substantial efforts are being undertaken to develop better processing techniques for oil extraction and grading of quality agarwood from cultivated trees. Furthermore, FRIM is also involved in the development of value-added products for health care and other related studies.

ABOUT THE AUTHORDr Lok Eng Hai is a senior research officer at the Forest Plantation Program, FRIM with a PhD in silviculture and plant nutrition from Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia. He specialises on silviculture, plant nutrition, plant microbe and sustainable forest plantation management, and provides training and consultancy for land property development and Aquilaria plantation establishment.

KUALA LUMPUR, 4 Jun 2014—Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak dilantik sebagai felo kehormat Akademi Sains Malaysia (ASM) kerana sokongan kuat beliau ke arah memajukan sains dan teknologi. Manakala Ketua Pengarah Institut Penyelidikan Perhutanan Malaysia (FRIM) Datuk Dr Abd Latif Mohmod, bekas Ketua Pengarah Jabatan Meteorologi Malaysia Datuk Dr Yap Kok Seng dan naib canselor Universiti Teknologi Petronas Datuk Ir (Dr) Abdul Rahim Hashim merupakan antara 21 orang diumum sebagai felo baharu pada mesyuarat agung tahunan ke-19 ASM bulan lepas.Sumber: Bernama

Pelantikan Felo Kehormat dan Felo Baharu Akademi Sains Malaysia Ketua Pengarah FRIM

Wounds and injuries on induced Aquilaria malaccensis for agarwood formation: 1. Slashing by parang, 2. Holes created by chisel and 3. Hole drilling and inducement on the karas bole

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Tree planting is no longer an exercise for timber production alone. Trees play an important role in our existence by generating beneficial balance between development and nature. The benefits of greening are numerous; mainly to provide clean water, fresh air and improved soil condition for supporting the daily needs of mankind. In addition, trees are a gift of healing from nature to mankind either as medicine, health supplement, beverage, food or vegetable. Large tracts of forest area are inevitably lost due to development and conversion into agriculture, housing, mining, industrial estate and landfill purposes. Consequently, some of the floral and faunal biodiversity of the forest may be extinct. Unsustainable land uses usually result in problematic soils that are barren and unsuitable for growing trees thus causing the lack of food source and shelter for other inhabitants. Problematic soils due to site constraints either from anthropogenic activities or natural processes do not sustain plant growth. Ex-tin mine, acid sulphate soils, landfill, degraded urban sites for green space development and beach ridges interspersed with swales (BRIS) are examples of

Dr Ang Lai Hoe & Dr Ho Wai Mun [email protected]

TRANSFORMATION OF BARREN LAND TO LUSH GREENSTransformasi Tanah Gersang Menjadi Hutan

common problematic soils in Malaysia. Ex-tin mine alone occupies 113,750 ha in Peninsular Malaysia. Aside from timber production, trees are being planted on problematic soils to establish a smaller version of a man-made forest and biodiversity depository. The greened problematic soils will preferably turn into permanent urban green spaces such as parks and low density forest park city. The emerging trend of balanced land use between nature and development has an added purpose in the form of biodiversity conservation. PROBLEMATIC TRAITSSite constraint is the hallmark of problematic soils, mainly caused by the adverse influence of growth inhibitory factors. Abiotic factors that inhibit plant growth include harsh microclimate, high mechanical impedance, poor nutrients, high level of soil toxicants, soil water imbalance and strong wind; biotic factors include pests and diseases. Trees on problematic soils may recover slower compared to those in good soil as tree health is strongly related to soil quality besides planting and tending methods. Using the forest plantation technology developed by FRIM, two

Focus article

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extreme problematic soils namely ex-tin mine and landfill sites were rehabilitated and restored into mixed tropical forest stands. These two sites represent successful models for greening problematic soils.

Tree biodiversity was also conserved by planting threatened, endemic and endangered tree species.

TWO SUCCESSFUL MODELS The Tin Tailings Afforestation Centre (TTAC) with an area of about 124.6 ha at FRIM Bidor research station was an ex-tin mine 16 years ago. The barren and desert-like landscape after mining activities ceased reflected the harsh and impoverished environment which was unsuitable even for pioneer species. Natural regeneration is limited at the low site of the sand tailings where water is available at the root zone. In slime tailings however, water-logging during wet season would normally kill new plants due to deprivation of oxygen. For these sand and slime tailings, soil amelioration methods have been developed which to date are the best models of greening and restoration of ex-tin mine. Ara Damansara Eco-Park (APEP) is another model for greening and restoring man-made problematic soils. The minipark covers about 25 ha and was formerly a landfill site. Initial planting efforts failed until 2011, when the site was improved to overcome high mechanical impedance, heavy metal toxicity and water-logging. Amelioration methods were used to provide free drainage and increase porosity of soils by reducing mechanical impedance while organic matter was added to remediate heavy metal toxicity. TTAC and APEP now house more than 40 and 80 species of tropical rainforest tree species respectively, including endangered and endemic species.

PATH TO SUCCESSR&D in plantation developed by FRIM is a stepwise-approach of improving site quality by ameliorating

ABOUT THE MAIN AUTHORThe author is a senior researcher with 27-years of working experience in rehabilitation of degraded land. His PhD is in plant and soil sciences from the University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom. He is involved in the establishment of forest at the tin tailings afforestation centre at FRIM Bidor research station, rehabilitation of riverbank forest reserve for firefly habitat conservation, tree planting on landfill site for minipark development, and rehabilitation of degraded lowland mixed dipterocarp forest for orang utan habitat conservation. He has published more than 200 articles in silviculture and management of tree stands.

Focus article

soil properties and creating more suitable microclimate for tree growth. From the findings, growing trees on problematic soils such as ex-tin mine and landfill sites will no longer be a major concern for planters. The two models demonstrate that problematic soils can now be turned into lush-green parks that house diverse tree species including the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List species. FRIM plantation technology enabled large-scale greening of ex-tin mine and landfill site, in which problematic soils may be turned into a wood production area, or a man-made forest and a bio-depository. Greening of problematic soils will enable utilisation of thousands hectares of idle land nationwide. The green sites can be further enhanced into eco-tourism spots with recreational and entertainment facilities.

1. Unhealthy three year-old stand of an ornamental tree grown at Ara Damansara Eko-Park before FRIM provided technical inputs

2. Suitable species-site matching produces 18 month-old healthy mixed species stands along the cycle-cum-jogging pathway at the park after obtaining technical inputs from FRIM

3. Sand tailings after greening efforts showing established mixed species stands. The high natural regeneration of the lowland tree species is brought about by avian dispersal agents

4. Sand tailings before greening efforts5. Landscape view of the forest at FRIM Bidor research station

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26 April 2014—Pertandingan Futsal Piala KSU NRE 2014 berlangsung di Kompleks Sukan Futsal 1 Malaysia, Presint 18, Putrajaya. Sebanyak 20 pasukan daripada pelbagai agensi di bawah Kementerian Sumber Asli dan Alam Sekitar (NRE) menyertai pertandingan untuk merebut piala Ketua Setiausaha Negara (KSU) NRE. FRIM muncul sebagai juara setelah menewaskan Jabatan Perhutanan Semenanjung Malaysia (JPSM) dengan 5–1 pada perlawanan akhir.

9 Mei 2014−FRIM buat julung kalinya dianugerahkan medal emas untuk kesemua lima inovasi yang dipertandingkan di Ekspo Teknologi Antarabangsa (ITEX) 2014 di Pusat Persidangan Kuala Lumpur (KLCC). Ketua projek serta produk yang bertanding adalah seperti berikut:

• Dr Rushdan Ibrahim: Kidney Tray for Hospital—An Environmental Friendly Antimicrobial Kenaf Core Pulp Moulding

News article

Ahmad Hafriz Ayob [email protected]

FRIM KUASAI FUTSAL KSU NRE 2014FRIM Tops Futsal KSU NRE Cup 2014

FRIM Receives Five Gold Medals at ITEX 2014

FRIM TERIMA LIMA MEDAL EMAS DI ITEX 2014

Pegawai Penyelidik FRIM bergambar kenangan dengan medal emas yang diterima

Pegawai Penyelidik FRIM di gerai pameran ITEX 2014

Gambar: Wahayu Abdul Wahab

• Dr Abdul Hamid Saleh: Hybrid Bamboo Veneer Flooring

• Siti Humeirah: Biofunctional Actvie Ingredient from Aquilaria species

• Dr Fadzureena Jamaludin: Anti-Gout Herbal Remedies from Standardised Extract (SEBF) of Baeckia frutescens

• Dr Abdul Hamid Saleh: ROVBAM Technology

Berdiri dari kiri: Mohamad Nasir (pengurus pasukan), Mohd Afizi,

Mohd Ismul Azam, Ahmad Norsidar, Azizi. Duduk dari kiri: Mohamad

Norfarullah, Khaironl, Mohd Firdaus, Saiful Shahrizan

Piala Futsal KSU NRE 2014 yang menjadi milik FRIM

Gambar: Mahmudin Saleh


23 April 2014—FRIM menerima Anugerah Cemerlang Penarafan 5 Bintang pada majlis Perhimpunan Bulanan Kementerian Sumber Asli dan Alam Sekitar (NRE) 2014 yang berlangsung di Dewan Baiduri, NRE, Putrajaya. Anugerah yang diperoleh buat

13 April 2014—Tumirah Khadiran dan pasukannya yang terdiri daripada Mohd Zobir Hussein, Zulkarnain Zainal dan Rafeadah Rusli memenangi pingat emas di Pameran Reka Cipta dan Inovasi Kejuruteraan Antarabangsa, i-ENVEX 2014 di bawah kategori “Pembinaan Bangunan dan Bahan-bahan” yang berlangsung dari 11−13 April di Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Kangar, Perlis. Tajuk penyertaan beliau ialah “Nanocapsules organic phase change material as advanced thermal energy storage for energy-saving, intelligent building application” atau “Bahan ubah kapsul nano fasa organik sebagai simpanan tenaga termal termaju bagi penjimatan tenaga dalam aplikasi bangunan pintar”. Pameran tersebut menyaksikan lebih 300 penyertaan daripada 19 buah negara bagi merebut anugerah yang dipertandingkan.

Sempena Pameran Herba Malaysia (PHM) 2014 pada 23–25 Mei, BECKA (M) Sdn Bhd telah menaja alat memasak induksi beserta ketuhar gelombang mikro. Kedua-dua peralatan ini telah diguna pakai oleh personaliti dan ikon PHM iaitu seniwati Rubiah Suparman, Chef Adu Amran dan Chef Azli Razali.Matlamat utama demo masakan ini ialah bagi mempromosikan diet dan amalan gaya hidup sihat di samping penggunaan herba tempatan. Gabungan herba tradisi dan amalan memasak sihat oleh BECKA merupakan salah satu inti pati pengisian sempena PHM kali ini.

News article

Wahayu Abdul [email protected]

FRIM Portal Maintains 5 Star Rating FRIM Innovation Wins at i-ENVEX 2014

PORTAL FRIM KEKALKAN PENARAFAN 5 BINTANG

INOVASI FRIM MENANG DI I-ENVEX 2014

DEMONSTRASI MASAKAN SEMPENA PAMERAN HERBA MALAYSIA TAJAAN BECKA (M) SDN BHD

Gambar: Yusni Idris

Gambar: Yusni Idris

kali ketiga berturut-turut itu disampaikan oleh Dato’ Sri Zoal Azha Yusof, Ketua Setiausaha NRE kepada Dato’ Dr. Abd Latif Mohmod, Ketua Pengarah FRIM.

Majlis juga menyaksikan penyampaian anugerah Penilaian Portal dan Laman Web Kerajaan Malaysia (MGPWA) 2013 oleh Perbadanan Pembangunan Multimedia (MDeC). Sebanyak 1285 portal dan laman web agensi kerajaan dinilai bagi tahun 2013. Pelancaran buku “Kajian Penilaian Outcome Program Penanaman Pokok Bakau dan Spesies-spesies yang sesuai di pesisiran pantai negara” serta bot hidrografi Institut Tanah dan Ukur Negara (INSTUN) turut diadakan di majlis yang sama.

Cooking Demonstration Sponsored by Becka (M) Sdn Bhd at Herbal Malaysia Exhibition

Seniwati Rubiah Suparman (kiri) mengguna pakai peralatan BECKA ketika

mengadakan demonstrasi memasak

Chef Adu Amran ketika mengadakan demonstrasi masakan sempena PHM 2014

Ketua Pengarah FRIM (kiri) menerima sijil Anugerah Cemerlang Penarafan 5 Bintang daripada Ketua

Setiausaha NRE (kanan)


Focus article

Agroforestry is a system of land management that has shown to increase productivity by simultaneous cultivation of farm crops and trees. The system is suitable for idle and degraded forest, does not require new land thus relieves pressure on the natural forest. In Malaysia, several agroforestry systems have been developed to maximise land use and increase the production of timber, non-timber and food crops. Among the large scale agroforestry systems available are the direct interrow integration, block planting, perimeter planting and hedge system.

AGROFORESTRY IN MALAYSIAPerhutanan Tani di Malaysia

Attempt at intercropping cash crops in young timber plantations has been successful. However, planters receive additional income for a limited number of years for example, 3−4 years before the timber canopy closes. In immature rubber, oil palm and fruit plantations, planters have successfully integrated crops including vegetable, bamboo, pineapple, maize, fruits and medicinal plants. Animal rearing such as cattle, goat and chicken was also successful. The substantial returns have offset establishment costs while providing income during the non-productive phase of the tree crops.

In view of its attractive benefits, agroforestry was included as one of the strategic action plan in the National Agricultural Policy. Potential areas for agroforestry practices in Peninsular Malaysia include existing agricultural land, forest plantation and idle land. Utilising existing land avoids the need to clear the natural forest. A statistical report from the Department of Statistics (2014) and a report for Forest Plantation Sdn Bhd on the “Baseline Information on Land in Malaysia for Conversion into Forest Plantation” have shown that with correct integration

crops, potential areas can be developed for agroforestry practices.

There are three categories of potential areas for agroforestry practices in Malaysia. The first category of land is available for integration and simultaneous development for timber, non-timber and food produce. This category covers more than 86,649.08 ha of existing forest plantation in Peninsular Malaysia; 125,746 ha in Sabah and 289,885 ha in Sarawak. The second category of land area however, was estimated at 6.29 million ha consisting of oil palm and rubber plantations that are suitable for mixed farming including animal rearing and intercropping. Also in this category are vacant spaces such as steep slopes and terrain, as well as roadsides or river perimeters which can be planted with timber species. The third category is agricultural areas such as coconut, cocoa and tobacco farms which are estimated at 16,200 ha of land area including the perimeter and boundaries for planting of timber species.

The future of agroforestry in Malaysia is promising although large plantation owners are expected to continue with the monocultural approach. Agroforestry at present is preferred by smallholders and landless farmers in the situation where idle lands may be available in the near future.

Rosdi [email protected] Razak Othman & Dr Ahmad Zuhaidi Yahya

1. Grass as animal feed 2. Counting grass clumps 3. Grass shredding

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2 3

ABOUT THE MAIN AUTHORRosdi Koter is a research officer at the Forest Plantation Programme, He heads the Agroforestry Unit and his research interest includes forest plantation silviculture, rehabilitation of degraded soil and agroforestry.

A desirable soil usually allows sufficient space for rooting (more than 100 cm depth) with suitable moisture content of 35−50% for anchorage and water supply. Adequate proportions of sand, silt and clay which describe the soil texture are also necessary. The clay and sand content of 30−35% will be able to retain the moisture

and nutrients, as well as permit root penetration. Most stands require nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium, and other trace elements for feasible growth. The mobility and uptake of nutrients however are dependent on soil pH and ionic exchange capacity. Establishment of plantation stands are recommended on gently undulating terrain with minimal surface run off and low erosion risks in the absence of waterlogging conditions that impede growth. The changing current needs in research and development has highlighted the potential of soil as a carbon stock in forest plantation. A recent study has showed soil is able to sequester about 120−140 t C ha-1 in top soils of an A.mangium plantation. The drive towards REDD+ in Asia and the requirement for sustainable forest management have also encouraged forestry managers to implement species-site matching for timber species based on soil and landscape characteristics.


Focus article

Soil is an integral part of forest plantation activities which provides the nutrient capacity and anchorage for suitable growth and yield of timber species. Amidst the lack of studies related to timber species and its growth on various soil types, FRIM has vast experience on soil suitability survey work for species such as Acacia mangium, Dyera costulata, Tectona grandis and Khaya sp. A site soil survey usually involves activities such as description of soil series according to landscape characteristics followed by soil physical and chemical analysis at FRIM laboratory. The survey report will be able to recommend specific terrain and nutrient management for various soil types towards optimum yield of forest plantation species.

Asas Tanah bagi Perhutanan LadangSOIL BASICS IN FOREST PLANTATION

ABOUT THE MAIN AUTHORJeyanny Vijayanathan is a research officer at the Forest Plantation Programme, FRIM. She is currently pursuing PhD in soil science. Besides soil fertility, her research interest includes soil carbon dynamics, soil survey and plant nutrition management. Jeyanny is also a committee member of the Malaysian Society of Soil Science.

Jeyanny [email protected] Wan Rasidah Wan A Kadir

Soil profile description activity for forest management purposes

Three-year-old Khaya senelegansis plantation established on sandy BRIS soil in Setiu, Terengganu

Profile of an organic rich highland soil


Biodiversity article

“We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children”. The famous Native American quote rings true to our ears and hearts. There is also the saying that the Earth doesn’t belong to man, but man belongs to the Earth. Mother Nature, who has provided us vital resources—water, food, medicine, shelter and clothing—is getting worn down from human’s destructive activities. Pollution, deforestation and ecological imbalances occur every day and at the end, in what state will the Earth be returned to our children? The importance of promoting education and awareness about the environment, biodiversity and conservation cannot be taken lightly. Children who are future caretakers must be well-prepared for the enormous task of safeguarding Mother Earth. One of such effort has been realised by the collaboration between the Taylor’s University and FRIM. The programme, designed for first year students of Biotechnology and Biomedical Science started in 2011 as part of the learning module on biodiversity

Chan Yoke Mui [email protected]

EDUCATING THE YOUNG GUARDIANS OF MOTHER EARTHMendidik Generasi Muda Penjaga Bumi

and conservation. The effort was well-received and has since been an annual event for the Taylor’s and FRIM alike. The aim is to promote understanding on the importance of biodiversity and conservation through environmental education or outdoor learning. At FRIM, students are able to connect theories and lecture courses with the experience gained from practical field visits and real life explorations. The programme at FRIM is a one-day course which covers guided nature walk, lectures and field visits to the nursery, herbarium and arboretum. The students are being introduced to the biodiversity component via nature walk, ex-situ conservation via field visits and in situ conservation issues via presentation of case studies on flora, such as dipterocarps and begonias, as well as fauna, such as fireflies and butterflies. The programme which has been conducted for the past few years is well-received by students. FRIM hopes to continue with the current programme while attracting other educational and learning institutes to adopt a similar approach.

Students listening intently to biodiversity facts and figures explained by the guide during the nature walk at FRIM


Biodiversity article

What you reap is what you sow. Here are some testimonies from pioneer students:

No matter how many books one is capable of reading, one cannot compare the beauty of seeing nature as it is in the flesh. It was both refreshing and enjoyable to walk in the forest. The trip to FRIM has also opened my eyes to some of the conservation strategies that I did not know before, and helped me see the seriousness of deforestation—Choo Su Lin (Biomedical Science).

We had the chance to see the diversity of the Malaysian rainforest and experience the sensation of being inside a rainforest. We were also taught many conservation issues by experts. Their teachings made us realise that the work they are doing have a great impact on the ecosystem and they are attempting to salvage the species for future generation and that we should also take part in conserving biodiversity—Chia Yi Yuen (Biomedical Science).

I personally feel that a proper learning module should not focus on theory or lectures alone. More field trips should be incorporated as part of the learning process, to suit different students’ style of learning. This trip made me realise how important biodiversity

Chan Yoke Mui [email protected]

ABOUT THE AUTHORThe author is from the Forest Biodiversity Division, FRIM. She specialises in conservation monitoring of threatened plants in Peninsular Malaysia, particularly palms and begonias. Her current work focuses on the reproductive ecology and genetic diversity of rare and endemic begonias in Peninsular Malaysia.

and conservation are. It gave me a big picture of what I’ve learned so far in lectures and it fits well into the context. I have a deeper understanding on the subject and topics of biodiversity and conservation. Thank you—Yip Hong Yung (Biomedical Science).

An interesting part of the trip that made it all worth it was the nature trail. Surrounded by tall trees and walking on real soil really gave a different feeling which many won’t be able to realise until they actually experience it themselves. Human should have genuine concern and better sensibility towards nature, because when nature strikes back, we will lose the battle. Nature doesn’t need us, but we need her. Seeing all the plants and learning (about) them makes us appreciate them more. We’ll understand why we need to learn our biodiversity and conserve them—Tengku Syahirah Sorhana Tengku Abdullah Sulaiman (Biotechnology).

The pioneer batch students of the

Biodiversity and Conservation

course from the Taylor’s University.

The programme was initiated by Dr Wong Ching Lee (in green) with FRIM’s

collaboration


Book review

FOREST PRODUCTS R&D AT FRIM: YESTERDAY AND TODAY R&D Keluaran Hutan di FRIM: Dahulu dan Kini

Book title Forest Products R&D at FRIM: Yesterday and Today

Author KS Gan, SC Lim & S Rahim

Publisher Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Kepong

Published 2013

Pages 140 pp

ISBN 978- 967-0622-03-3

Price RM120 / USD72

The book gave a chronological order on the development of forest products research and development in synchrony with the development of FRIM into a globally recognised institution for tropical forest research. It also highlights some of its notable achievements of research in contributing to the progress and economy of Malaysia. The publication describes the R&D of forest products in FRIM over different periods starting from 1901 till 1929, which was the establishment phase of FRIM (called FRI then). This is followed by the periods 1930–1949, 1950–1969, 1970–1989 and 1990-2013. For each of these periods, the R&D and management aspects are described. Following these sections, different areas of R&D are given detailed coverage. Areas include wood technology/

anatomy, sawing and machining, timber mechanics, timber seasoning, timber preservation, fire door testing, pulp and paper, composite wood, wood energy, wood lamination, wood finishing, wood mycology, wood entomology, non-wood forest products such as rattan and bamboo, and oil palm trunk and empty fruit bunch. Furniture testing and rubberwood research are also highlighted.

The book highlights an interesting and seemingly improbable event during the Japanese occupation of Malaya in World War II, which indicated the respect and concern of the Japanese for scientific forestry information. The book also documents the increasing demand for services, both consultancy and technical, leading to substantial increase in revenue generated.

Overall, it is a comprehensively compiled account of the history of development of forest products R&D undertaken by FRIM from its establishment till the present. In the compilation of such a large amount of information over a century of FRIM existence some information may be missed. One of this is the award received for rubberwood research at the Cologne International Fair in Germany in the early 1990s. Be there as it may, this will not mar the quality of the publication and the information contained therein. However, there are some disjointed arrangement of some of the sections resulting in loss of identity of relatedness of utilisation areas to the reader, eg wood preservation (pg 79), wood mycology laboratory (pg 110), wood entomology laboratory

REVIEW 1


Book review

The book gives a good overview of the history of forest products research in Malaysia—from the beginnings of the Timber Research Laboratory (TRL) in 1929 to its move to the Forest Research Institute (FRI) in Kepong and up to the most recent research achievements in 2013 on the use of oil palm stems. The authors describe extremely well the past and current important role of forest products and its research for the Malaysian economy. A good example is the case of rubberwood. Research at FRIM helped to overcome seasoning and preservation problems with the stems of rubber trees, thus converting these previously thought to be valueless ‘by products’ of the latex industry into a valuable export commodity. The economic success of rubber

Hong Lay Thong Bioversity International Serdang, Malaysia [email protected]

Wulf Killmann Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH Republic of Fiji [email protected]

(pg 113) could be arranged in sequence, one following the other as these areas are related to durability of timber. The establishment of earlier graveyard tests for natural durability of timber (pg 7 and 79) was not referred to under the mycology laboratory section (pg 112), giving the impression that such tests were started in 2000s only while the fact is it was started in 1929 (pg 7 and 79). I must also point out some editorial oversights that could be taken care of with closer proof-reading of the draft. The acronym EPU (pg 45) should also be followed by the full name as not many people including some Malaysians know what it stands

for; the word Environmental after DANCED (pg 43) should be Environment; and the correct caption for photo on page 7 should be “timber durability testing ground…” and not “termite testing ground….” as it shows the natural durability of timbers were tested!

This is a timely publication in view of the great interest and critical role that forests are contributing to the ecosystem of the world, particularly in maintaining a stable and sustainable environment for the well-being of the human race. Albeit forest products are just as important for human well-being as such products are mainly derived from

wood is a notable FRIM success story. The publication also provides a helpful list of Malaysian Standards on Timber and Timber-related Products. The many illustrations and photographs provide a complete overview of the wide range of research activities through the years but missing are captions naming the different personalities in the pictures. This would have added a lot more to the story and the history. I was also surprised to find no acknowledgement of the two previous Director-Generals of FRIM, Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Salleh Mohd Nor and Dato’ Dr Abdul Razak, and their roles in guiding and fostering forest products research and Development at FRIM.

the forests. Research plays a vital role in ensuring not only the optimal use but the sustainability of such products, especially from the forest. FRIM and its authors ought to be congratulated for documenting this vital area of research and development, which has made significant contribution to the national economy.

Overall, the book is a very valuable contribution to better understand the important role of forest products and its research for Malaysia, and the particular role FRIM played and is still playing. For anyone whose heart is still at FRIM, it invokes nice memories.

REVIEW 2


Suku tahun kedua 2014 menyaksikan pegawai FRIM menerima pelbagai pengiktirafan di peringkat nasional dan antarabangsa.

17 Mei 2014—Lima orang pegawai FRIM dilantik memegang jawatan dalam Persatuan Ahli-Ahli Sains Malaysia (MSA) iaitu Dato’ Dr Abdul Latif Mohmod (Ahli Majlis), Dr Saw Leng Guan (Timbalan Presiden), Dr Gan Kee Seng (Penolong Ketua Setiausaha), Dato Dr Marzalina Mansor (Ahli Majlis) dan Dr Rahim Sudin (Juruaudit). Pelantikan tersebut dijalankan ketika mesyuarat agung MSA yang diadakan di Auditorium FRIM di mana Tan Sri Salleh Mohd Nor, mantan Ketua Pengarah FRIM turut dilantik sebagai Presiden.

19 Mei 2014—Khairuddin Kamarudin memenangi Anugerah Buku Terbaik 2013 MAPIM-KPM (Majlis Penerbitan Ilmiah Malaysia dan Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia) dalam bidang Sains, Teknologi dan Perubatan. Anugerah bagi buku Hutan Hujan Tropika Semenanjung Malaysia, terbitan Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka tersebut disampaikan oleh P Kamalanathan P Panchanathan, Timbalan Menteri Pendidikan II sempena majlis yang berlangsung di Dewan Bankuet, Universiti Putra Malaysia.

28 Mac 2014—Dr Sik Huei Shing diumumkan sebagai salah seorang penerima Anugerah Cemerlang Penyelidikan Doktor Falsafah oleh

Jawatankuasa Anugerah International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO). Anugerah berprestij bagi pelbagai pencapaian saintifik tersebut akan disampaikan pada Persidangan Sedunia IUFRO pada 5−11 Oktober 2014 di Salt Lake City, Amerika Syarikat.

PENYELIDIK TERIMA ANUGERAH PHD IUFRO

PEGAWAI FRIM TERIMA PELBAGAI PENGIKTIRAFANFRIM Officers Receive Various Recognitions

PELANTIKAN AHLI MAJLIS MSA 2014/2016

PEGAWAI RAIH ANUGERAH BUKU TERBAIK

10 April 2014—Dr Wan Rasidah Wan A Kadir dilantik menjadi presiden wanita pertama bagi mengetuai Persatuan Sains Tanah Malaysia (MSSS) setelah 43 tahun persatuan tersebut ditubuhkan. Pelantikan beliau adalah sempena Persidangan Sains Tanah Malaysia 2014, anjuran bersama Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) dengan kerjasama FRIM yang diadakan dari 8−10 April 2014 di Putra Palace, Kangar, Perlis.

PRESIDEN WANITA PERTAMA MSSS

Wan Rasidah dilantik mengetuai

Persatuan Sains Tanah Malaysia

(MSSS)

News article

Lagi tentang pelantikan Abd Latif sebagai felo Akademi Sains Malaysia (ASM) di halaman 5

Sik akan menerima

Anugerah PhD IUFRO pada Persidangan

Sedunia IUFRO

Mesyuarat Agung

Persatuan Ahli-Ahli Sains Malaysia (MSA) yang diadakan di Auditorium FRIM, Kepong

Khairuddin Kamarudin (tengah) dengan cek serta piala Anugerah Buku Terbaik 2013

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