logo
#

Latest news with #MalaysianEcologicalAssociation

Calls grow for new Tioman Airport despite environmental concerns
Calls grow for new Tioman Airport despite environmental concerns

Malaysian Reserve

time16-07-2025

  • Malaysian Reserve

Calls grow for new Tioman Airport despite environmental concerns

by HIDAYAH HISHAM A NEW airport should be built on Pulau Tioman to provide more efficient, year-round access for visitors to the island resort, say travellers and local stakeholders. Spanish tourist Carol, 39, told Utusan Malaysia that Tioman — known for its ecotourism appeal — faces persistent transport issues, especially during the monsoon season. 'With a commercial airport, tourists can enjoy better travel convenience without relying entirely on ferries, which are subject to weather conditions. I once had to stop halfway during a ferry ride from Mersing Jetty due to bad weather. 'If there were an airport on Tioman, travel time would be cut by more than 60%, and our visits would be much more comfortable,' she said. Recently, Malaysian Ecological Association president Prof Dr Ahmad Ismail also called for a commercial airport to be constructed in Rompin. He said such infrastructure could catalyse rapid development along the east coast, benefitting surrounding areas including Tioman, Mersing and Muadzam Shah. Mingguan Malaysia previously reported that Tioman residents have long struggled without a commercial airport, relying solely on ferry and speedboat services. Local tourist Shazwi Isa, 40, echoed similar frustrations, saying a proper airport would resolve long-standing transport issues. 'With flights, time can be saved — especially for working people like me who don't have long holidays. I also believe tourists from all over the world would be excited to visit Tioman if it had its own airport.' A chalet operator known only as Zura added that an airport would not only boost tourist arrivals but also spur the local economy. In November 2019, the Pahang and federal governments agreed to proceed with a new airport project on Tioman, with Kampung Paya identified by the Public Works Department (JKR) as the most suitable site due to its minimal environmental impact. The plan included a 2.5km runway capable of accommodating Boeing 737 or Airbus A320 aircraft with up to 200 passengers. However, in August 2023, the government scrapped the proposal after an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) warned of potentially severe consequences. Then-Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said the EIA found that the proposed project could significantly harm the environment, especially sensitive areas such as Tioman's marine ecosystem.

We need more experts in plant biodiversity, says academician
We need more experts in plant biodiversity, says academician

The Star

time03-07-2025

  • Science
  • The Star

We need more experts in plant biodiversity, says academician

PETALING JAYA: Amid multiple threats to the survival of plant species in Malaysia, the country is facing a lack of experts to work on biodiversity, says Malaysian Ecological Association president Prof Dr Ahmad Ismail. There is an inadequate number of experts in this field, he said. He said this problem is rooted in the lack of funds to support research and development of new talents in the field of biodiversity. 'When we don't have enough people and money, it would also be difficult to do research, especially biodiversity work mostly in the field,' he said. Prof Ahmad added that while regional estimates report about 8,300 vascular plant species in Peninsular Malaysia and around 12,000 in Sabah and Sarawak, the national total is estimated at 15,000 due to significant species overlap across regions. 'For example, Mount Kinabalu in Sabah alone has recorded over 5,000 plant species, with 40% being endemic. 'This is about the richness of plants in Malaysia. But those are mostly old data that were studied by foreign scientists. "If we ratio plant species with our local botanists, the number is very low,' he said, urging for more to be done in recruiting young talents in biodiversity conservation. He also pointed out that while laws exist to protect Malaysia's natural resources, the lack of research and experts is concerning, especially given the country's uniquely diverse plant life. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, from 1998 until 2025, a total of 193 plant species in Malaysia were categorised as critically endangered, 423 as endangered and 841 as vulnerable. The Malaysia Biodiversity Information System (MyBIS) database showed that at least 138 plant species in Peninsular Malaysia were identified as critically endangered, vulnerable or endangered. Among the critically endangered plant species are mersawa merah (anisoptera megistocarpa), berus mata buaya (bruguiera hainesii), keruing pipit (dipterocarpus fagineus) and merawan mata kuching merah (hopea ferruginea). Endangered species include bearded paphiopedilum (paphiopedilum barbatum), keladan (dryobalanops oblongifolia) and keruing bukit (dipterocarpus costatus). In the vulnerable category are chengal (neobalanocarpus heimii), agarwood (aquilaria malaccensis) and meranti pa'ang (shorea bracteolata). MyBIS is a one-stop repository database system, which provides and facilitates access to information on biodiversity studies and management in Malaysia under the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry. The data collection in MyBIS involved experts and research officers from government agencies, non-governmental organisations, research institutes and universities. Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) president Meenakshi Raman said that deforestation and uncontrolled conversion of areas for commercial development continue to threaten the survival of plant species in Malaysia. She warned that if the forests are not protected, the important plant species will be gone forever. 'We have a National Biodiversity Policy and national biodiversity action plans but they mean nothing if they are not implemented with legal effectiveness and protection. 'States have the power to designate areas and forests to protect species but they often sacrifice them for timber, plantations and other commodities on the grounds that these are for income,' she said.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store