MNS Miri would like to announce on the upcoming hiking & trekking activities in May & June 2011:
Tengkorong Waterfall Hiking, Saturday, 7th May 2011
MNS Miri is planning a one way hike to Tengkorong waterfall (approximately 6km/3hours).
Closing Date For Registration: Thursday, 05th May 2011.
Requirements:
1) Participants should be moderately fit.
2) With intention to hike as a group.
Hike Date: Saturday, 07th May 2011
Time: 0800 hr - 1500 hr ( Total time expected: 7 hours inclusive of breakfast)
Gathering Venue: LHNP car park at 07:30am on Saturday, 07 May 2011.
Please note that this hike is subjected to the weather.
The hike will be cancelled or be shortened if it rains.
To interested participants, for coordination of hiking team, please make sure that Peter has your mobile phone numbers during the registration by e-mail.
Nitewalk II, Sunday, 5th June 2011
Nitewalk II Date: Sunday, 05th June 2011.
Time: 18:00-20:30.
Gathering Venue: Please meet at LHNP car park at 18:00, as usual.
Please note that this hike is subjected to the weather.
The hike will be cancelled or be shortened if it rains.
To interested participants, for coordination of hiking team, please make sure that Peter has your mobile phone numbers during the registration by e-mail. Please contact Peter a seeborneo@gmail.com
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Come celebrate World Migratory Bird Day with MNS Miri Branch this May
Members of MNS Miri Branch surveying the coasts for waterbirds in January. Image by Sara Wong.
25th May : WMBD and MY Garden Birdwatch with SMK Lutong Birdwatching Club
1500-1545 hrs “Birds in Sarawak : Common Birds in Sarawak and Rare Birds Beyond”
1545-1630 hrs MY Garden Birdwatch on Schoolgrounds
28th May : MY Garden Birdwatch at KRP
0700-0900 hrs Birdwatching around KRP compound for common birds
0900-1100 hrs Talk and slideshow, "MY Common Garden Birds"
Brunch and refreshments will be served
Discussions initiated for a "Birdwatching on Campus" at Curtin University 1600-1900hrs. A slideshow "Birds in Sarawak" and a late afternoon birding around campus.
World Migratory Bird Day 2011 is coming up soon! So far for 2011, WMBD has 42 event registrations from 25 countries and are expecting many more in the coming weeks. However, this year we wish to break the record of 150 registered events set by the 2009 campaign! MNS Miri Branch has dedicated all May weekends to bird related events in conjunction with this celebration.
This year’s theme for World Migratory Bird Day is “Land use changes from a bird’s-eye view”. We want to raise awareness on the dramatic effects human land use has on migratory birds and the ecosystems upon which they depend. Many aspects of human land use are extremely damaging to the birds’ habitats.
For example, urbanization and intensive agriculture can fragment and replace complex networks of habitats needed by the birds. Deforestation and mineral extraction can damage entire regions used along the birds’ annual migration paths. In addition, land reclamation and biofuel production remove or degrade crucial wetlands and other habitats for many migratory bird species.
Please join MNS Miri Branch and others around the world and take part in World Migratory Bird Day on the weekend of 14 -15 May 2011 and the weekends throughout May.
Events in Miri in conjunction with WBMD 2011:
07th May : Community Outreach in Kpg Masjid, Kuala Baram
0900hrs-1700hrs. Presentations and games of Congregating Fireflies in Sarawak; Waterbirds and Wetland Habitats in Sarawak and Our Underwater Treasures at Bungai Lodge, Kampung Bungai, Bekenu.
14th May: WMBD : Birdwatching at Lambir Hills
Birdwatching in conjunction with World Migratory Bird Day.
0700-0900 hrs to meet at Lambir Hills National Park 0700hrs to birdwatch in Lambir.
0900-1200 hrs Talk and slideshow "Birdwatching in Sarawak" at Lambir Hills Conference.
15th May : Community Outreach in Kampung Kuala Sibuti
0900hrs-1700hrs. Presentations and games of Congregating Fireflies in Sarawak; Waterbirds and Wetland Habitats in Sarawak and Our Underwater Treasures at Village Community Hall, Kampung Masjid, Kuala Baram.
21st May : WMBD : Community Outreach (Birdwatching) at Pustaka Miri
1300-1500 hrs Poster-making Contests, “Birds of Sarawak”
1500-1700 hrs Talk and Slidehow : WMBD : Birdwatching in Miri : Common Birds in Your Garden and Other Rare Birds Beyond”
0900hrs-1700hrs. Presentations and games of Congregating Fireflies in Sarawak; Waterbirds and Wetland Habitats in Sarawak and Our Underwater Treasures at Bungai Lodge, Kampung Bungai, Bekenu.
14th May: WMBD : Birdwatching at Lambir Hills
Birdwatching in conjunction with World Migratory Bird Day.
0700-0900 hrs to meet at Lambir Hills National Park 0700hrs to birdwatch in Lambir.
0900-1200 hrs Talk and slideshow "Birdwatching in Sarawak" at Lambir Hills Conference.
15th May : Community Outreach in Kampung Kuala Sibuti
0900hrs-1700hrs. Presentations and games of Congregating Fireflies in Sarawak; Waterbirds and Wetland Habitats in Sarawak and Our Underwater Treasures at Village Community Hall, Kampung Masjid, Kuala Baram.
21st May : WMBD : Community Outreach (Birdwatching) at Pustaka Miri
1300-1500 hrs Poster-making Contests, “Birds of Sarawak”
1500-1700 hrs Talk and Slidehow : WMBD : Birdwatching in Miri : Common Birds in Your Garden and Other Rare Birds Beyond”
25th May : WMBD and MY Garden Birdwatch with SMK Lutong Birdwatching Club
1500-1545 hrs “Birds in Sarawak : Common Birds in Sarawak and Rare Birds Beyond”
1545-1630 hrs MY Garden Birdwatch on Schoolgrounds
28th May : MY Garden Birdwatch at KRP
0700-0900 hrs Birdwatching around KRP compound for common birds
0900-1100 hrs Talk and slideshow, "MY Common Garden Birds"
Brunch and refreshments will be served
Discussions initiated for a "Birdwatching on Campus" at Curtin University 1600-1900hrs. A slideshow "Birds in Sarawak" and a late afternoon birding around campus.
World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD)
World Migratory Bird Day is a global initiative devoted to celebrating migratory birds and for promoting their conservation worldwide. It is organized by the Secretariats of the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA) and the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) – two international wildlife treaties administered by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) – and a growing number of partners. This year’s campaign is being financially supported by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU), which we acknowledge with gratitude.
People and dedicated organisations around the world will be using the event to draw attention to migratory birds that are threatened by extinction. Activities to mark WMBD include bird festivals and bird watching trips, public discussions, exhibitions, presentations, bird rallies and other educational and public events.
MNS Miri Branch has been celebrating WMBD since 2008 in our effort to increase awareness about birds and their habitat conservation within our immediate community.
Source : www.worldmigratorybirdday.org
Friday, April 15, 2011
Branch April Update
View of the night skies in Kampung Kuala Suai. Being away from the bright lights of the city afford infinite gaze into the heavens, more people need to experience close unimpeded views such as this more regularly.
APRIL UPDATES
Many of us have gotten the election bug and been following closely the election groupies that's been coming and going through Miri. Notwithstanding that fact life goes on for the rest of us. Here's a review of past event items as well several exciting in the community activities for our members. Come join us ang get hands on with literally delivering on out mission by particiapting in some of these events!
IMMEDIATE PAST EVENTS:
18th Mar : Nitewalk at Lambir Hills National Park
Led by Kamil, those that took part saw probably the biggest arboreal tarantula the ever did see. We also stumbled upon Luciola anceyi, a firefly larvae not before sighted. Checkout what it looks like here. Thank you to Peter for organising and Kamil for locating Lambir specialties!
19th Mar: CFZ of Sg Teru
We completed CFZ Sg Teru with some surprising results despite getting soaking wet getting it. We recorded synchronising fireflies with sizable numbers (>200 individuals) along Sg Teru which borders the Loagan Bunut NP. Had it not been for the heavy rain, our team would've gone further.
We also did some early morning birdwatching around the lake the morning after.
25th Mar : Launch of SMK Lutong Birdclub at SMK Lutong
Thirty young students from SMK Lutong are now full-fledge members of of the Birdwatching Club, first in Miri if not Sarawak.
26-27th March : CFZ Survey and Monitoring Workshop at Similajau National Park
We recorded the occurence of three species of Pteroptxy ie. P. bearni, P. tener and P. malaccae along Sg Similajau during the field survey component of the workshop. Twenty people participated with Sonny Wong, Dr Mahadi Menakbar Dawood facilitating.
02-03rd April: CFZ of Sg Suai
We recorded a sevral synchronising display trees and several crocodiles along the way to Kpg Kuala Suai. Our intention to camp on the beach was dashed when Pak Rahim and the Ketua Kampong insisted we stayed at their house, complete with proper rooms, bed with beddings and a proper bathroom. What luxury, that evening Sara and Joyce cooked up a storm with the veggies we picked up along the the way.
CANCELLED : Photography Workshop in Lambir with William Ting
This was unfortunately cancelled due to conflicting schedules of our resource, WIlliam Ting. We'll endeavour to organise a replacement photography workshop one of these days. Keep your eyes peeled!
09th April : "Sarawak's Sweetheart : Orang Utan Conservation Campaign" at Pustaka Miri.
SFC Miri Regional Office, MNS Miri and Pustaka Miri collaborated to bring Orang Utan closer to our young children. Preceded by a coloring contests, teh talk drew approximately 140 students and parents from all over Miri town. Three top prizes were awarded to the winning artwork. MNS Miri also welcomes 5 new members at the event.
13th April : Eco Diver Training
1930hrs-2130hrs. We ran our 1st Eco Diver training session covering that was attended by 3 qualified divers. The 3 trainees will progress with the training to qualify as Eco Divers to participate in Reef Check surveys.
18th April : Eco Diver Training
1930hrs-2130hrs at PBC’s Ward Room. We’ll be running our 2nd Eco Diver training session. This training is open to all qualified divers with DAN (or equivalent diving insurance) who would like to volunteer to participate in Reef Check surveys on Miri’s coral reefs upon completion of the EcoDiver training. For those interested pls email reefcheck_miri@yahoo.com for more information.
16th and 22nd April : Net Clearing at Siwa 4A
A long fishing net snagged at the Siwa reefs but floating up in the water was reported by divers on the 9th of April. Unfortunately the divers reported quite a number of fish caught in the abandoned net as well as 2 juvenile reef sharks and 1 coral cat shark. We will be organizing net clearing dives over 2 weekends via the PBC. Non-PBC members but are qualified divers with DAN (or equivalent diving insurance) are welcome to join in for this net clearing dives. For those interested pls email reefcheck_miri@yahoo.com for more information.
23rd April : Community Outreach in Kpg Kuala Nyalau*
0900hrs-1700hrs. We'll be spending a day with the children and young people (and their parents) of Kpg Kuala Nyalau. Main themes would be river ecosystem conservation, fireflies, waterbirds, wetlands and our coral reefs. Other than our usual talks and slideshow, we are hoping to make the day interesting for everyone.
30th April : Community Outreach in Kpg Bungai*
0900hrs-1700hrs. We are looking for some very creative and some interesting ideas around activities for children other than talks by Musa, Nazeri and Kumar. These has to be related to theme at hand : Fireflies and River Conservations, Waterbirds and Wetlands, Reefs and Marine Ecosystems. We welcome all input.
07th May : Community Outreach in Kpg Masjid, Kuala Baram*
0900hrs-1700hrs. We are looking for some very creative and some interesting ideas around activities for children other than talks by Musa, Nazeri and Kumar. These has to be related to theme at hand : Fireflies and River Conservations, Waterbirds and Wetlands, Reefs and Marine Ecosystems. We welcome all input.
14th May: WMBD : Birdwatching at Lambir Hills
Birdwatching in conjunction with World Migratory Bird Day.
0700-0900 hrs to meet at Lambir Hills National Park 0700hrs to birdwatch in Lambir.
0900-1200 hrs Talk and slideshow "Birdwatching in Sarawak" at Lambir Hills Conference.
15th May : Community Outreach in Kpg Kuala Sibuti, Sibuti*
0900hrs-1700hrs. We are looking for some very creative and some interesting ideas around activities for children other than talks by Musa, Nazeri and Kumar. These has to be related to theme at hand : Fireflies and River Conservations, Waterbirds and Wetlands, Reefs and Marine Ecosystems. We welcome all input.
21st May : WMBD : Community Outreach (Birdwatching) at Pustaka Miri
1300-1500 hrs Coloring and Drawing Contests, “Birds of Sarawak”
1500-1700 hrs Talk and Slidehow : WMBD : Birdwatching in Miri : Common Birds in Your Garden and Other Rare Birds Beyond”
25th May : WMBD and MY Garden Birdwatch with SMK Lutong Birdwatching Club
1500-1545 hrs “Birds in Sarawak : Common Birds in Sarawak and Rare Birds Beyond”
1545-1630 hrs MY Garden Birdwatch on Schoolgrounds
28th May : MY Garden Birdwatch at KRP
0700-0900 hrs Birdwatching around KRP compound for common birds
0900-1100 hrs Talk and slideshow, "MY Common Garden Birds"
Brunch and refreshments will be served
Discussions initiated for a "Birdwatching on Campus" at Curtin University 1600-1900hrs. A slideshow "Birds in Sarawak" and a late afternoon birding around campus.
18th June : MY Garden Birdwatch with students in Bekenu++
We will be birdwatching with 45 students from 3 schools in Bekenu in conjunction with WMBD and MY Garden Birdwatch. There'll be a talk and slideshow, "Birdwatching in Miri : Common Garden Birds in Your Garden and Other Rare Birds Beyond".
*Tentative program for Community Outreach 23rd, 30th April; 07th and 15th May:
0900 hrs Arrival of Students
0900-0930 hrs Registration starts
(assign 10 groups, 2 teachers per group, 1 MNS or facilitator, for games)
0930-1000 hrs Ice-breaking Games
1000-1030 hrs Introduction Slideshow (MNS/Other)
1030-1115 hrs Congregating Firefly Zone Talk and Slideshow
1115-1200 hrs Firefly Games
1200-1300 hrs Buffet Lunch 1200-1300hrs
1300-1345 hrs Waterbirds and Wetlands Habitats Talk and Slideshow
1345-1415 hrs Bird-related Outdoor Activity or Micro bird-race)
1415-1500 hrs Our Coralreef Presentations)
1500-1545 hrs Reefcheck Games or Group Activity
1545-1600 hrs Tea-break
1600-1700 hrs Certificates and Prizes,
Closing
++Tentative program for Community Outreach 18th June in Bungai:
0700 hrs Start Program at SK Kpg Bungai
0700-0730 hrs Short Briefing and break into groups (10 students per group, with 1-2 MNS
birders per group, teachers)
Walk towards Peliau Beach (Group1) Peliau Cliff (Group2); Bungai (Group 3);
Gatas (Group 4)
0730-1000 hrs Birdwatch at Peliau Beach (Scope1) , Peliau Cliff (Scope 2), Bungai and
Gatas (Scope 3)
1000-1100 hrs Walk Back to SK Bungai for dinks and refreshments
1100-1200 hrs A few words from HM of from participating schools.
Slideshow on "Common Birds in MY Garden" by MNS Miri
Presentation of posters and fieldguide to participating schools, sponsored by
MNS. Award certificates and award of "Surprise Prize", sponsored by MNS.
1200 hrs Lunch
1300 hrs End Program
* Sarawak Waterbirds Survey related Community Outreach Program
++ MY Graden Birdwatch related program
World Migratory Bird Day related program
OTHERS:
Community Outreach April and May:
We are on gear for a series of Community Outreach planned throughout April and May, check-out our events for April. We need warm bodies who enjoy a day with rambunctious kids and inquisitive villagers, please contact us to volunteer.
MY Garden Birdwatch
Keep your ears peaked for My Garden Birdwatch that will be running on the 4-5th June, there will be training sessions in May in conjunction with World Migratory Bird Day 2011. More details in the event listing.
MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL REMINDER
MNS is an NGO solely driven by support and contribution from it’s members. Those who have submitted their dues a large thank you.
While we warmly welcome new members to the family:
Miriam Chacko
Satur Uttraphan
Kwan Toh Choong
We'd also like to take this opportunity to remind current members to renew their membership. Why not do it for the next 3 years? Your contribution helps us work together better towards achieving MNS vision.
Below are members whose membership has expired:
Alison Brown
Anne Malissa King
Anura Dason
Kamal Abdullah
Kong Lih Shan
Lee, Charlie
Rosie Anak Kasim
Sim Yuh Thin
SK. Kelapa Sawit No. 1
SK. Lepong Ajai
SK. Sg. Buri, Bakong
SK. Sg. Entulang
SK. Sg. Liam
Ting King King
Wouter Rensink
Members who have just recently renewed their membership, "We thank you for your support!":
Lee Bor Seng
Gianna Minton
Wong Ching Tai
Azeeza Bujang
Puteri Shariza Megat Khalid
Nurashikin Ikhwan
Ting Sze Ying, Claudia
Nooriza Mohd Noor
Members whose membership will expire end of April, we urge you to renew your membership now. Your continued membership ensures our sustained effort to achieve our Mission within our immediate community:
Ahmad Bin Samsuddin
Anis Azmani Bin Azman
Fatin Hamimi Binti Azhar
Johan Iskandar Mohd Nasir
Khairul Amer
Muhammad Jumasri b. Mohd Tanizzi
Nurazura Bte. Abd Hamid
SMK Merbau, Miri
Sofina Tan
Do read up on more of our activities’ through our blog and Facebook. Maybe even join us one of these days in our activities.
Please email us for comments, input, feedback : mnsmiri at yahoo dot com.
Kind Regards,
Anura Dason,
MNS Miri Branch
Links :
MNS Main: http://www.mns.my/
MNS Miri Branch: http://www.mns.my/state.php?sid=5
MNS Miri Blog: http://mnsmiri.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mnsmiri
Useful Acronyms:
MNS – Malaysian Nature Society
MNS BCC-WG – MNS Bird Conservation Council –Waterbird Group
AWC – Asian Waterbirds Census
SWS -Sarawak Waterbird Survey (short for Waterbirds and Wetland Habitats Survey for the Sarawak Coast Project)
CFZ – Congregating Fireflies Zone
IMMEDIATE PAST EVENTS:
18th Mar : Nitewalk at Lambir Hills National Park
Led by Kamil, those that took part saw probably the biggest arboreal tarantula the ever did see. We also stumbled upon Luciola anceyi, a firefly larvae not before sighted. Checkout what it looks like here. Thank you to Peter for organising and Kamil for locating Lambir specialties!
19th Mar: CFZ of Sg Teru
We completed CFZ Sg Teru with some surprising results despite getting soaking wet getting it. We recorded synchronising fireflies with sizable numbers (>200 individuals) along Sg Teru which borders the Loagan Bunut NP. Had it not been for the heavy rain, our team would've gone further.
We also did some early morning birdwatching around the lake the morning after.
25th Mar : Launch of SMK Lutong Birdclub at SMK Lutong
Thirty young students from SMK Lutong are now full-fledge members of of the Birdwatching Club, first in Miri if not Sarawak.
26-27th March : CFZ Survey and Monitoring Workshop at Similajau National Park
We recorded the occurence of three species of Pteroptxy ie. P. bearni, P. tener and P. malaccae along Sg Similajau during the field survey component of the workshop. Twenty people participated with Sonny Wong, Dr Mahadi Menakbar Dawood facilitating.
02-03rd April: CFZ of Sg Suai
We recorded a sevral synchronising display trees and several crocodiles along the way to Kpg Kuala Suai. Our intention to camp on the beach was dashed when Pak Rahim and the Ketua Kampong insisted we stayed at their house, complete with proper rooms, bed with beddings and a proper bathroom. What luxury, that evening Sara and Joyce cooked up a storm with the veggies we picked up along the the way.
CANCELLED : Photography Workshop in Lambir with William Ting
This was unfortunately cancelled due to conflicting schedules of our resource, WIlliam Ting. We'll endeavour to organise a replacement photography workshop one of these days. Keep your eyes peeled!
09th April : "Sarawak's Sweetheart : Orang Utan Conservation Campaign" at Pustaka Miri.
SFC Miri Regional Office, MNS Miri and Pustaka Miri collaborated to bring Orang Utan closer to our young children. Preceded by a coloring contests, teh talk drew approximately 140 students and parents from all over Miri town. Three top prizes were awarded to the winning artwork. MNS Miri also welcomes 5 new members at the event.
13th April : Eco Diver Training
1930hrs-2130hrs. We ran our 1st Eco Diver training session covering that was attended by 3 qualified divers. The 3 trainees will progress with the training to qualify as Eco Divers to participate in Reef Check surveys.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
18th April : Eco Diver Training
1930hrs-2130hrs at PBC’s Ward Room. We’ll be running our 2nd Eco Diver training session. This training is open to all qualified divers with DAN (or equivalent diving insurance) who would like to volunteer to participate in Reef Check surveys on Miri’s coral reefs upon completion of the EcoDiver training. For those interested pls email reefcheck_miri@yahoo.com for more information.
16th and 22nd April : Net Clearing at Siwa 4A
A long fishing net snagged at the Siwa reefs but floating up in the water was reported by divers on the 9th of April. Unfortunately the divers reported quite a number of fish caught in the abandoned net as well as 2 juvenile reef sharks and 1 coral cat shark. We will be organizing net clearing dives over 2 weekends via the PBC. Non-PBC members but are qualified divers with DAN (or equivalent diving insurance) are welcome to join in for this net clearing dives. For those interested pls email reefcheck_miri@yahoo.com for more information.
23rd April : Community Outreach in Kpg Kuala Nyalau*
0900hrs-1700hrs. We'll be spending a day with the children and young people (and their parents) of Kpg Kuala Nyalau. Main themes would be river ecosystem conservation, fireflies, waterbirds, wetlands and our coral reefs. Other than our usual talks and slideshow, we are hoping to make the day interesting for everyone.
30th April : Community Outreach in Kpg Bungai*
0900hrs-1700hrs. We are looking for some very creative and some interesting ideas around activities for children other than talks by Musa, Nazeri and Kumar. These has to be related to theme at hand : Fireflies and River Conservations, Waterbirds and Wetlands, Reefs and Marine Ecosystems. We welcome all input.
07th May : Community Outreach in Kpg Masjid, Kuala Baram*
0900hrs-1700hrs. We are looking for some very creative and some interesting ideas around activities for children other than talks by Musa, Nazeri and Kumar. These has to be related to theme at hand : Fireflies and River Conservations, Waterbirds and Wetlands, Reefs and Marine Ecosystems. We welcome all input.
14th May: WMBD : Birdwatching at Lambir Hills
Birdwatching in conjunction with World Migratory Bird Day.
0700-0900 hrs to meet at Lambir Hills National Park 0700hrs to birdwatch in Lambir.
0900-1200 hrs Talk and slideshow "Birdwatching in Sarawak" at Lambir Hills Conference.
15th May : Community Outreach in Kpg Kuala Sibuti, Sibuti*
0900hrs-1700hrs. We are looking for some very creative and some interesting ideas around activities for children other than talks by Musa, Nazeri and Kumar. These has to be related to theme at hand : Fireflies and River Conservations, Waterbirds and Wetlands, Reefs and Marine Ecosystems. We welcome all input.
21st May : WMBD : Community Outreach (Birdwatching) at Pustaka Miri
1300-1500 hrs Coloring and Drawing Contests, “Birds of Sarawak”
1500-1700 hrs Talk and Slidehow : WMBD : Birdwatching in Miri : Common Birds in Your Garden and Other Rare Birds Beyond”
25th May : WMBD and MY Garden Birdwatch with SMK Lutong Birdwatching Club
1500-1545 hrs “Birds in Sarawak : Common Birds in Sarawak and Rare Birds Beyond”
1545-1630 hrs MY Garden Birdwatch on Schoolgrounds
28th May : MY Garden Birdwatch at KRP
0700-0900 hrs Birdwatching around KRP compound for common birds
0900-1100 hrs Talk and slideshow, "MY Common Garden Birds"
Brunch and refreshments will be served
Discussions initiated for a "Birdwatching on Campus" at Curtin University 1600-1900hrs. A slideshow "Birds in Sarawak" and a late afternoon birding around campus.
18th June : MY Garden Birdwatch with students in Bekenu++
We will be birdwatching with 45 students from 3 schools in Bekenu in conjunction with WMBD and MY Garden Birdwatch. There'll be a talk and slideshow, "Birdwatching in Miri : Common Garden Birds in Your Garden and Other Rare Birds Beyond".
*Tentative program for Community Outreach 23rd, 30th April; 07th and 15th May:
0900 hrs Arrival of Students
0900-0930 hrs Registration starts
(assign 10 groups, 2 teachers per group, 1 MNS or facilitator, for games)
0930-1000 hrs Ice-breaking Games
1000-1030 hrs Introduction Slideshow (MNS/Other)
1030-1115 hrs Congregating Firefly Zone Talk and Slideshow
1115-1200 hrs Firefly Games
1200-1300 hrs Buffet Lunch 1200-1300hrs
1300-1345 hrs Waterbirds and Wetlands Habitats Talk and Slideshow
1345-1415 hrs Bird-related Outdoor Activity or Micro bird-race)
1415-1500 hrs Our Coralreef Presentations)
1500-1545 hrs Reefcheck Games or Group Activity
1545-1600 hrs Tea-break
1600-1700 hrs Certificates and Prizes,
Closing
++Tentative program for Community Outreach 18th June in Bungai:
0700 hrs Start Program at SK Kpg Bungai
0700-0730 hrs Short Briefing and break into groups (10 students per group, with 1-2 MNS
birders per group, teachers)
Walk towards Peliau Beach (Group1) Peliau Cliff (Group2); Bungai (Group 3);
Gatas (Group 4)
0730-1000 hrs Birdwatch at Peliau Beach (Scope1) , Peliau Cliff (Scope 2), Bungai and
Gatas (Scope 3)
1000-1100 hrs Walk Back to SK Bungai for dinks and refreshments
1100-1200 hrs A few words from HM of from participating schools.
Slideshow on "Common Birds in MY Garden" by MNS Miri
Presentation of posters and fieldguide to participating schools, sponsored by
MNS. Award certificates and award of "Surprise Prize", sponsored by MNS.
1200 hrs Lunch
1300 hrs End Program
* Sarawak Waterbirds Survey related Community Outreach Program
++ MY Graden Birdwatch related program
World Migratory Bird Day related program
OTHERS:
Community Outreach April and May:
We are on gear for a series of Community Outreach planned throughout April and May, check-out our events for April. We need warm bodies who enjoy a day with rambunctious kids and inquisitive villagers, please contact us to volunteer.
MY Garden Birdwatch
Keep your ears peaked for My Garden Birdwatch that will be running on the 4-5th June, there will be training sessions in May in conjunction with World Migratory Bird Day 2011. More details in the event listing.
MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL REMINDER
MNS is an NGO solely driven by support and contribution from it’s members. Those who have submitted their dues a large thank you.
While we warmly welcome new members to the family:
Miriam Chacko
Satur Uttraphan
Kwan Toh Choong
We'd also like to take this opportunity to remind current members to renew their membership. Why not do it for the next 3 years? Your contribution helps us work together better towards achieving MNS vision.
Below are members whose membership has expired:
Alison Brown
Anne Malissa King
Anura Dason
Kamal Abdullah
Kong Lih Shan
Lee, Charlie
Rosie Anak Kasim
Sim Yuh Thin
SK. Kelapa Sawit No. 1
SK. Lepong Ajai
SK. Sg. Buri, Bakong
SK. Sg. Entulang
SK. Sg. Liam
Ting King King
Wouter Rensink
Members who have just recently renewed their membership, "We thank you for your support!":
Lee Bor Seng
Gianna Minton
Wong Ching Tai
Azeeza Bujang
Puteri Shariza Megat Khalid
Nurashikin Ikhwan
Ting Sze Ying, Claudia
Nooriza Mohd Noor
Members whose membership will expire end of April, we urge you to renew your membership now. Your continued membership ensures our sustained effort to achieve our Mission within our immediate community:
Ahmad Bin Samsuddin
Anis Azmani Bin Azman
Fatin Hamimi Binti Azhar
Johan Iskandar Mohd Nasir
Khairul Amer
Muhammad Jumasri b. Mohd Tanizzi
Nurazura Bte. Abd Hamid
SMK Merbau, Miri
Sofina Tan
Do read up on more of our activities’ through our blog and Facebook. Maybe even join us one of these days in our activities.
Please email us for comments, input, feedback : mnsmiri at yahoo dot com.
Kind Regards,
Anura Dason,
MNS Miri Branch
Links :
MNS Main: http://www.mns.my/
MNS Miri Branch: http://www.mns.my/state.php?sid=5
MNS Miri Blog: http://mnsmiri.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mnsmiri
Useful Acronyms:
MNS – Malaysian Nature Society
MNS BCC-WG – MNS Bird Conservation Council –Waterbird Group
AWC – Asian Waterbirds Census
SWS -Sarawak Waterbird Survey (short for Waterbirds and Wetland Habitats Survey for the Sarawak Coast Project)
CFZ – Congregating Fireflies Zone
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Visit to Kampong Kuala Nyalau for a Dialogue on SCORE
Anura and Nazeri attended the session held at Kampong Kuala Nyalau community hall. Written here are best recollection of what transpired 19th February at the dialogue session with villagers.
The session was organised by Chemsains; there were four presentations altogether : one presentation by AML, followed by one of Bintulu Port Authority. Chemsains then followed with two presentations introducing the two proposed ventures.
The session wasn't a DEIA or EIA session as purported by the original invite faxed to MNS. We were expecting a full blown discussion over EIA done for the projects, however as we found outs it was only a presentation on the proposed plans by Asia Minerals Limited on Asia Minerals Limited Manganese Smelting and Bintulu Port Authority on Samalaju Port.
Both are embarking on EIA to be conducted by Chemsains to be commenced shortly after. Chemsains consultants involved in the project had already distributed some forms with questionaires as part of their Social EIA, this was done before our arrival.
The forms were to be collected before everybody leaves after lunch. The form distribution was organised by one of the ladies from the village through one of the consultants.
Present:
AML representated by (2 Japanese top executive, 1 Chinese top executive)
Bintulu Port Authority represented by Datuk Meor, originally from Perak "now stranded in Bintulu for the past 24 years", his own words.
Bintulu Residence Office represented by his deputy, someone hailing from Belaga area.
One representative from AZAM was present.
Villagers by Ketua Kampong from Kpg Kuala Nyalau, Kampong Nyalau Tengah, Kampong Nyalau Ulu and Tuai Rumah Panjang nearby.
We were reminded by the the Deputy Resident at the start of the session that this session was for the kampong folks.
Most of the elderly in the villages were present in the community hall : Tuai from the Iban Longhouse, Penghulu Saibi from Kuala Nyalau, Penghulu Sabtu from Nyalau Ulu, and Penghulu from Nyalau Tengah.
A few young people from all villages with only two actually taking the opportunity to speak: Ariffin from Kuala Nyalau and Suhaili from Nyalau Ulu.
There were at least 10 Chemsains consultants. There were also several officers we didn't recognise.
Flow: Linda from Chemsains was MC throughout the entire session. Penghulu Saibi said a few words : "Whatever is good for the kampong is good for me. I want yang terbaik for everybody". All the other Ketua Kampong echoed the same.
Datuk Meor gave a short opening speech and he went over the new Samalaju port in general. Mostly stressed on the the job opportunities for young people of the kampong ; return of Sarawakians to work in Samalaju. Mostly he reiterated opportunies to work at the port for those from all levels.
AML (Chinese top executive) presented gave a short opening speech : "the safe operation of AML, proven technology in India and China. Expertise from India and China for technical training. 400-500 job openings at all levels. Initially employing experts from India and China, later utilizing trained locals. Locally run manganese smelting operation is an aspiration of AML." Their operation is : a zero effluent operation, all water generated from process will be re-used for the cooling process.
No other water by products to be released into to the sea or river. Emissions will be following government prescribed standards (among them sulfur diokside).
Daniel of Chemsains presented AML and it's operations. Standard text-book items which I doubt any of the villagers undertsood. "All safe. No concerns. Effluents - Zero. Emmission - following government standards. AML Operations proven in India and China; Malaysia is the only other operation planned" He did not belabor the spec or technical aspects of the operations or potential negative impacts - which is understood since they are pitching a sale. He spent quite some time on "the good stuff" : opportunities for technical training, technology transfer, community engagements activities, CSR efforts (mostly in China).
No exact monetary value of intended investments in these non-core aspects were given.
Anthony of Chemsains presented Samalaju Port. There will be 6 phases in total, phase 1 and 2 from year 1-3; phase 3-6 if deemed necessary based on future growth requirements. He presented a completely new design of the port ie. instead of a wharf to sea, a dredged up port on the beach.
The port is to be located just north of Similajau NP. The Samalaju Port to be developed on the beach, with deepening and dredging activities, as well as construction of breakwater.
Shipping lane furrows 14m deep 3-5km to sea to be dug up and dredge up. The planned EIA will cover potential impacts the activities might have.
Q and A : At the start Residence's Office requested input from local people directly impacted by the project only.
Penghulu Saibi : Yang terbaik for the community. Education fund for kpg children Ariffin : Loss of fishing catch, job opportunity, training.
Suhaili : Infrastructure for the kampong ... roads, electricity, running water especially in view of 50 years independence. Jobs for all levels. Setting up of education funds.
Pa' Amit : Jobs for the older folks. To which Datuk Meor replied, "It will be limited. Opportunities for young folks however are boundless".
Suhaili : Enquired about potential contribution of Wang Ehsan for makan tahun. To which Datuk Meor replied, "BDA has many CSR activities involving large sums of money for many communities. No reason why some of that cannot be channelled to Kpg Kuala Nyalau."
Penghulu Kpg Tengah : Reiterated his desire for what's best for the kampong. There were no questions from anyone else. Datuk Meor : Job opportunities for all, the elder folks perhaps to reap benefits via their children. CSR activities from Samalaju Port for Nyalau folks.
The questions were standard questions from communities such as these ie. what they can potentially get instead of what they will definitely lose.
Session ended with lunch with the villagers.
We spoke to Anthony about why the change on port plans as opposed to originally proposed for Rio Tinto. Short answer : "Too expensive!"
Chemsains will conduct EIA on new plans as presented with mitigation measures, not sure whether this (mitigation measures, expensive) will go down well. We raised up destruction of beach area, disturbances over the 3 years contruction, potential permanent disturbance due to expected annual dredging that is required over the furrows for the shipping lanes to sea. Impact on turtles, water turbidity, as well as impact on corals and marine life nearby Sibuti Coral Reef NP. Hydrology study and current movements along the coast could increase frequency of dredging, prolong turbidity effects.
Biggest nearby river north of site is Sg Nyalau; biggest river south of site Sg Similajau. We also mentioned our Waterbirds Survey, MNS-Reefcheck Survey and Firefly Surveys in the Northern Region as potential baseline data.
Suhaili was prompted during a short exchange after the session to explore the setting up of Nyalau Education Trust with contributions from all industry players at the start of operation, immediately post EIA.
As it stands work has already started in the proposed area (land clearing started way back in 2009) where none of the EIAs have reached completion.
We left after lunch.
Senior management for AML, "We are top class producer of manganese in the region."
Senior management, this Japanese gentleman promised to teach local kids badminton and how to plant paddy for better yields.
Datuk Meor, "There will be plenty of opportunities for everyone at the new Port."
Deputy Resident from the Bintulu Resident's Office, "I know how you feel, I'm from Belaga, we didn't have roads and water either when I was growing up there. Look at Belaga now, with Bakun Dam and all that came with it, progress is knocking at our door. Progress has now arrived at Nyalau, open your arms and embrace progress."
Penghulu Saibi, "I only want what is best for the kampong and all anak buah of Nyalau."
Suhaili, "Will there be opportunities to create an education fund to cater for the coming generation of Nyalaus? With potential lost of traditional income from fishing, will there be opportunities given to the kampong people to help them jump onto the progress bandwagon? Funding for education and other skills enhancement opportunities."
A young Nyalau that will inherit the imminent change to the coastal landscape.
Boys listening to the presentations, recipients of all that progress has to offer.
Samalaju and the site of the new Samalaju Port to be developed by Bintulu Port Authority. The area has already been cleared, contructions in some parts have been ongoing since beginning of last year.
Samalaju on the plan, expected to accomodate jobs for 50,000 people.
The different planned phases of Samalaju Port. The design of the port differed significantly from the proposed plans originally put forward by Salco and Rio Tinto during their discussions for their aluminium smelting facilities at the same location.
The port at the beach and its breakwater.
The Samalaju Port. Groundwork has started and can be seen clearly from the air.
Words and images by Nazeri Abghani/Anura Dason
The session was organised by Chemsains; there were four presentations altogether : one presentation by AML, followed by one of Bintulu Port Authority. Chemsains then followed with two presentations introducing the two proposed ventures.
The session wasn't a DEIA or EIA session as purported by the original invite faxed to MNS. We were expecting a full blown discussion over EIA done for the projects, however as we found outs it was only a presentation on the proposed plans by Asia Minerals Limited on Asia Minerals Limited Manganese Smelting and Bintulu Port Authority on Samalaju Port.
Both are embarking on EIA to be conducted by Chemsains to be commenced shortly after. Chemsains consultants involved in the project had already distributed some forms with questionaires as part of their Social EIA, this was done before our arrival.
The forms were to be collected before everybody leaves after lunch. The form distribution was organised by one of the ladies from the village through one of the consultants.
Present:
AML representated by (2 Japanese top executive, 1 Chinese top executive)
Bintulu Port Authority represented by Datuk Meor, originally from Perak "now stranded in Bintulu for the past 24 years", his own words.
Bintulu Residence Office represented by his deputy, someone hailing from Belaga area.
One representative from AZAM was present.
Villagers by Ketua Kampong from Kpg Kuala Nyalau, Kampong Nyalau Tengah, Kampong Nyalau Ulu and Tuai Rumah Panjang nearby.
We were reminded by the the Deputy Resident at the start of the session that this session was for the kampong folks.
Most of the elderly in the villages were present in the community hall : Tuai from the Iban Longhouse, Penghulu Saibi from Kuala Nyalau, Penghulu Sabtu from Nyalau Ulu, and Penghulu from Nyalau Tengah.
A few young people from all villages with only two actually taking the opportunity to speak: Ariffin from Kuala Nyalau and Suhaili from Nyalau Ulu.
There were at least 10 Chemsains consultants. There were also several officers we didn't recognise.
Flow: Linda from Chemsains was MC throughout the entire session. Penghulu Saibi said a few words : "Whatever is good for the kampong is good for me. I want yang terbaik for everybody". All the other Ketua Kampong echoed the same.
Datuk Meor gave a short opening speech and he went over the new Samalaju port in general. Mostly stressed on the the job opportunities for young people of the kampong ; return of Sarawakians to work in Samalaju. Mostly he reiterated opportunies to work at the port for those from all levels.
AML (Chinese top executive) presented gave a short opening speech : "the safe operation of AML, proven technology in India and China. Expertise from India and China for technical training. 400-500 job openings at all levels. Initially employing experts from India and China, later utilizing trained locals. Locally run manganese smelting operation is an aspiration of AML." Their operation is : a zero effluent operation, all water generated from process will be re-used for the cooling process.
No other water by products to be released into to the sea or river. Emissions will be following government prescribed standards (among them sulfur diokside).
Daniel of Chemsains presented AML and it's operations. Standard text-book items which I doubt any of the villagers undertsood. "All safe. No concerns. Effluents - Zero. Emmission - following government standards. AML Operations proven in India and China; Malaysia is the only other operation planned" He did not belabor the spec or technical aspects of the operations or potential negative impacts - which is understood since they are pitching a sale. He spent quite some time on "the good stuff" : opportunities for technical training, technology transfer, community engagements activities, CSR efforts (mostly in China).
No exact monetary value of intended investments in these non-core aspects were given.
Anthony of Chemsains presented Samalaju Port. There will be 6 phases in total, phase 1 and 2 from year 1-3; phase 3-6 if deemed necessary based on future growth requirements. He presented a completely new design of the port ie. instead of a wharf to sea, a dredged up port on the beach.
The port is to be located just north of Similajau NP. The Samalaju Port to be developed on the beach, with deepening and dredging activities, as well as construction of breakwater.
Shipping lane furrows 14m deep 3-5km to sea to be dug up and dredge up. The planned EIA will cover potential impacts the activities might have.
Q and A : At the start Residence's Office requested input from local people directly impacted by the project only.
Penghulu Saibi : Yang terbaik for the community. Education fund for kpg children Ariffin : Loss of fishing catch, job opportunity, training.
Suhaili : Infrastructure for the kampong ... roads, electricity, running water especially in view of 50 years independence. Jobs for all levels. Setting up of education funds.
Pa' Amit : Jobs for the older folks. To which Datuk Meor replied, "It will be limited. Opportunities for young folks however are boundless".
Suhaili : Enquired about potential contribution of Wang Ehsan for makan tahun. To which Datuk Meor replied, "BDA has many CSR activities involving large sums of money for many communities. No reason why some of that cannot be channelled to Kpg Kuala Nyalau."
Penghulu Kpg Tengah : Reiterated his desire for what's best for the kampong. There were no questions from anyone else. Datuk Meor : Job opportunities for all, the elder folks perhaps to reap benefits via their children. CSR activities from Samalaju Port for Nyalau folks.
The questions were standard questions from communities such as these ie. what they can potentially get instead of what they will definitely lose.
Session ended with lunch with the villagers.
We spoke to Anthony about why the change on port plans as opposed to originally proposed for Rio Tinto. Short answer : "Too expensive!"
Chemsains will conduct EIA on new plans as presented with mitigation measures, not sure whether this (mitigation measures, expensive) will go down well. We raised up destruction of beach area, disturbances over the 3 years contruction, potential permanent disturbance due to expected annual dredging that is required over the furrows for the shipping lanes to sea. Impact on turtles, water turbidity, as well as impact on corals and marine life nearby Sibuti Coral Reef NP. Hydrology study and current movements along the coast could increase frequency of dredging, prolong turbidity effects.
Biggest nearby river north of site is Sg Nyalau; biggest river south of site Sg Similajau. We also mentioned our Waterbirds Survey, MNS-Reefcheck Survey and Firefly Surveys in the Northern Region as potential baseline data.
Suhaili was prompted during a short exchange after the session to explore the setting up of Nyalau Education Trust with contributions from all industry players at the start of operation, immediately post EIA.
As it stands work has already started in the proposed area (land clearing started way back in 2009) where none of the EIAs have reached completion.
We left after lunch.
Senior management for AML, "We are top class producer of manganese in the region." 
Senior management, this Japanese gentleman promised to teach local kids badminton and how to plant paddy for better yields.
Datuk Meor, "There will be plenty of opportunities for everyone at the new Port."
Deputy Resident from the Bintulu Resident's Office, "I know how you feel, I'm from Belaga, we didn't have roads and water either when I was growing up there. Look at Belaga now, with Bakun Dam and all that came with it, progress is knocking at our door. Progress has now arrived at Nyalau, open your arms and embrace progress."
Penghulu Saibi, "I only want what is best for the kampong and all anak buah of Nyalau." 
Suhaili, "Will there be opportunities to create an education fund to cater for the coming generation of Nyalaus? With potential lost of traditional income from fishing, will there be opportunities given to the kampong people to help them jump onto the progress bandwagon? Funding for education and other skills enhancement opportunities."
A young Nyalau that will inherit the imminent change to the coastal landscape.
Boys listening to the presentations, recipients of all that progress has to offer.
Samalaju and the site of the new Samalaju Port to be developed by Bintulu Port Authority. The area has already been cleared, contructions in some parts have been ongoing since beginning of last year.
Samalaju on the plan, expected to accomodate jobs for 50,000 people.
The different planned phases of Samalaju Port. The design of the port differed significantly from the proposed plans originally put forward by Salco and Rio Tinto during their discussions for their aluminium smelting facilities at the same location.
The port at the beach and its breakwater.
The Samalaju Port. Groundwork has started and can be seen clearly from the air. Words and images by Nazeri Abghani/Anura Dason
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