
Why it's vital to save Malaysia's diverse flora
These species, which comprise flowering plants and trees, are under threat due to poaching and other human activities, says Sabah Forestry Department director Datuk Frederick Kugan.
"Besides pitcher plants, the other types of flora facing threats are trees and flowers," he said.
Kugan cited examples such as the dipterocarp (timber) which are being logged and harvested while high horticultural demand for exotic plants like pitcher plants and orchids means they are poached in the wild and sold in the black market.
"There is also habitat loss due to plantation expansion," he said.
He also spoke about a small distribution pattern which is being threatened by climate change, especially montane (mountainous) species, adding that this has also contributed to the decline of such species.
Overall, he said, the species are categorized as "threatened" under the International Union for Conservation of Nature list.
The "threatened" category is further divided into CR (critically endangered), EN (endangered) and VU (vulnerable).
In fact, Kugan said that 10 species of CR plants had been marked as possibly extinct -- anisophyllea impressinervia, ixora labuanensis, lasianthus subglobosus, melanochyla woodiana, praravinia gracilis, praravinia neriifolia, quercus pseudoverticillata, semecarpus angulatus, semecarpus sandakanus and syzygium badescens.
The last seen photos of these tree species ranged from 45 to 148 years ago, Kugan said.
"Another possibly extinct species that was part of our conservation project for the last few years is the CR elaeocarpus pinosukii,'" he said.
He said that many search operations were mounted to locate this species at its locality, Pinosuk Plateau or Mesilau in Kundasang, but none had been found.
Kugan said Pinosuk Plateau or Mesilau, as it is known today, is no longer a forest like it was 60 to 70 years ago (when the species was first collected) as most of these areas have been turned into vegetable farms.
He said all these assessments are based on what have been published in the IUCN Red List.
"However, we have thousands of species that have not been assessed yet, especially the non-tree species," he added.
Kugan said that more research and conservation initiatives need to be taken to better protect these species and hopefully, prevent their extinction.
"There must be coordinated efforts between state agencies, private sectors as well as local communities to find solutions on how to reduce impact on flora and fauna with the development that is taking place," he said.
In March, Kugan revealed that the pitcher plant is under threat in Sabah, with seven species listed as threatened on the IUCN list.
Pitcher plants, also known as monkey cups, have over 160 species worldwide, out of which 25 are found in Sabah.
The world's largest pitcher plant, nepenthes rajah, is only found in Mount Kinabalu and its surrounding highlands.
This species can trap not just insects but also small mammals like rats.
A report in March quoting the IUCN said that "deforestation, farming and climate-fueled fires are driving increasing threats to fungi, the lifeblood of most plants."
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Korea Herald
07-07-2025
- Korea Herald
Why it's vital to save Malaysia's diverse flora
KOTA KINABALU, Malaysia (The Star) -- The plant kingdom isn't doing so well with at least 600 species facing extinction in Sabah alone. These species, which comprise flowering plants and trees, are under threat due to poaching and other human activities, says Sabah Forestry Department director Datuk Frederick Kugan. "Besides pitcher plants, the other types of flora facing threats are trees and flowers," he said. Kugan cited examples such as the dipterocarp (timber) which are being logged and harvested while high horticultural demand for exotic plants like pitcher plants and orchids means they are poached in the wild and sold in the black market. "There is also habitat loss due to plantation expansion," he said. He also spoke about a small distribution pattern which is being threatened by climate change, especially montane (mountainous) species, adding that this has also contributed to the decline of such species. Overall, he said, the species are categorized as "threatened" under the International Union for Conservation of Nature list. The "threatened" category is further divided into CR (critically endangered), EN (endangered) and VU (vulnerable). In fact, Kugan said that 10 species of CR plants had been marked as possibly extinct -- anisophyllea impressinervia, ixora labuanensis, lasianthus subglobosus, melanochyla woodiana, praravinia gracilis, praravinia neriifolia, quercus pseudoverticillata, semecarpus angulatus, semecarpus sandakanus and syzygium badescens. The last seen photos of these tree species ranged from 45 to 148 years ago, Kugan said. "Another possibly extinct species that was part of our conservation project for the last few years is the CR elaeocarpus pinosukii,'" he said. He said that many search operations were mounted to locate this species at its locality, Pinosuk Plateau or Mesilau in Kundasang, but none had been found. Kugan said Pinosuk Plateau or Mesilau, as it is known today, is no longer a forest like it was 60 to 70 years ago (when the species was first collected) as most of these areas have been turned into vegetable farms. He said all these assessments are based on what have been published in the IUCN Red List. "However, we have thousands of species that have not been assessed yet, especially the non-tree species," he added. Kugan said that more research and conservation initiatives need to be taken to better protect these species and hopefully, prevent their extinction. "There must be coordinated efforts between state agencies, private sectors as well as local communities to find solutions on how to reduce impact on flora and fauna with the development that is taking place," he said. In March, Kugan revealed that the pitcher plant is under threat in Sabah, with seven species listed as threatened on the IUCN list. Pitcher plants, also known as monkey cups, have over 160 species worldwide, out of which 25 are found in Sabah. The world's largest pitcher plant, nepenthes rajah, is only found in Mount Kinabalu and its surrounding highlands. This species can trap not just insects but also small mammals like rats. A report in March quoting the IUCN said that "deforestation, farming and climate-fueled fires are driving increasing threats to fungi, the lifeblood of most plants."


Korea Herald
22-05-2025
- Korea Herald
Tapirs top roadkill list in Malaysia
PETALING JAYA, Malaysia (The Star/ANN) -- The Malayan tapir tops the list of large mammals most frequently killed in road accidents in Malaysia. According to the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan), 112 Malayan tapirs were struck down by vehicles from 2020 to 2024. Sun Bears and Black Panthers were second with nine deaths each. They are followed by Asian elephants (6) and Malayan tigers (4). Each of the five types of large mammals is considered an endangered species in Malaysia. "Many of these incidents are linked to recent deforestation or land-use change that leads to habitat fragmentation. "The reduction in habitat size compels wildlife to encroach into adjacent human-modified landscapes. This fragmentation forces wildlife to cross roads to reach other patches to access essential resources such as food, water, shelter, and mating opportunities," the department said. An incident on Mother's Day, where a mother elephant was seen grieving by her fatally injured calf along the Gerik-Jeli Highway, touched many people. It led to growing calls to better protect the country's wildlife. Last month, Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said that only around 700 to 800 Malayan tapirs remain in their natural habitats. Perhilitan said 2,336 wild animals were killed by vehicles nationwide from 2020 to 2024, with 522 wildlife roadkill incidents recorded last year. The department said that in terms of species, the most affected by roadkill incidents over the five year-period are monitor lizards, with 548 struck down. Second were macaques (487), followed by wild boar (329), civet species (326), and cat species (118). Perhilitan said ecological factors also contribute to wildlife crossing roads. "Wildlife may cross roads to escape areas with high human activity, noise, or pollution. The presence of roads may alter their behavior, leading them to seek new, less disturbed habitats even if they have to risk their lives crossing busy roads." While there is no consistent pattern of roadkill incidents across specific months or wildlife breeding seasons, the time of day does play a significant role. Most wildlife-vehicle collisions occur at night or in areas with poor visibility, such as sharp bends or winding roads, the department said. This is attributed to the nocturnal behavior of most wildlife, making them less visible and more challenging for motorists to detect during nighttime driving conditions. "These incidents are largely preventable," the department said. It urged drivers to adhere strictly to speed limits, especially when passing through known wildlife hotspots. Slower speeds can significantly reduce collision risk and give motorists more reaction time when animals suddenly appear on the road. Perhilitan said it has implemented measures to reduce wildlife roadkill incidents. They include installing wildlife crossing warning signs, solar-powered amber lights, and transverse bars on roads to slow vehicles. The department rescues and relocates wildlife to more suitable habitats and has built wildlife crossing viaducts in selected locations in collaboration with the Public Works Department (JKR).
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Korea Herald
10-04-2025
- Korea Herald
[Asia News Network] In Malaysia, dodol-making stirs up tradition and sweet memories
JOHOR BARU, Malaysia (The Star/ANN) — For as long as she can remember, Nur Siti Farhana Aziz has enjoyed eating dodol every Hari Raya. However, the 24-year-old sales adviser had never given much thought to how the sticky-sweet confection was made, until now. She spent hours stirring the thick, gooey mixture over an open fire alongside friends and local residents during a dodol-making event at Stulang Laut Mosque here recently. "It was then I realized that what seemed like a simple festive delicacy actually requires a labor-intensive process, along with patience, teamwork and plenty of arm strength. "Dodol is a festive staple in my household, but it was my first time making it." "Although it took a lot of effort, I found it quite rewarding," she said when interviewed. For Nur Siti Farhana, the experience was more than just a cooking lesson — it was a way to preserve heritage. "Like me, I think many youths are unaware of how traditional snacks like dodol are made." "I feel lucky to be able to learn from senior members of the mosque because it is important that traditional recipes are passed down to the next generation," she added. Stulang Laut Mosque adviser Muhammad Yunos Omar said they used 30 kilograms of glutinous rice flour, 54 kg of coconut milk and 24 kg of palm sugar to make the dodol in two large woks. The event, organized in collaboration with nongovernmental organizations and Stulang assemblyman Andrew Chen, began at 9 a.m. with the preparation of ingredients. "About 30 residents and public participants took part, taking turns to stir the dodol." "Once it was cooked by 4 p.m., we let it cool before packing it into more than 200 containers for distribution to nearby residents in conjunction with the festive season." "In previous years, we prepared bubur lambuk during Ramadan." "This time, we decided to do something different by making dodol, a Hari Raya must-have," he said. Yunos, who is also Kampung Stulang Laut resident committee deputy chairman, said the event was also an opportunity to pass down dodol-making knowledge to the younger generation. "We used my family's dodol recipe for the event." "There is no secret recipe; we just need lots of patience to produce the snack." "I am also open to sharing the recipe with others, especially the younger ones," he added.