Media taken on a visit to oldest rainforest in the world

The media were taken on a visit to the oldest rainforest in the world — Temenggor forest — recently as part of a campaign to raise awareness and highlight the plight of protecting its unique eco-system. The programme jointly organised by the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) and The Body Shop led five members of various print media for a three-day and two-night visit to the forest located in Perak.

The group led by MNS head of communications Andrew Sebastian took the group hiking into the forest, boat rides on the lake, up tall canopy towers overlooking vast areas as well as a visit to the Pulau Banding Rainforest Research Centre. “The members of the media were exposed to the beauty and importance of this 130-million-year-old rainforest which is home to a variety of flora and fauna including the Malayan Tiger, 10 species of hornbills and three species of rafflesia.

Breezy: Participants enjoying the speed boat ride on a lake.

“The group was lucky enough to find a rafflesia in full bloom during one of the hikes and saw many different species of animals. A recent mayfly research discovered two new species. “If the forest is exposed to the threats of illegal logging and poaching, then we might be destroying one of the best options Mother Nature has offered us in terms of developing a variety of useful products particularly in the health area,” said Sebastian.

Mutalib Saifuddin from Tell Magazine had an eye-opening experience to the beauty of the Temenggor forest and hoped to see it preserved for future generations. “Little did I know that our country had such a precious natural heritage. I was enthralled to find there are three species of rafflesia here and seeing one with my eyes was even more spectacular,” he said.

Research centre chief executive officer Dr Daniel Baskaran said although Temenggor forest has been designated as a production forest for logging by the state government with approximately RM6mil contribution annually, the forest has a huge potential as an eco-tourism destination. “Various activities such as sport fishing, jungle trekking, bird watching, bamboo rafting, wildlife observation, camping, visits to rafflesia sites, waterfalls and orang asli village can be done in Belum Temenggor. “There are also resorts to welcome guests for a relaxing and nature-filled getaway,” he said.

The Belum Temenggor Forest comprised four forest reserves with the size of about 300,00ha. There are 82 islands dotted around the lakes. There are also two aboriginal tribes; Temiar and Jahai living here. The area has been identified as an Environmentally Sensitive Area Rank 1 under the Malaysian National Physical Plan and recognised by Birdlife International as an important bird area. For details, visit www.mns.my or call 03-2287 9422.

-thestar online.