IRIM set a record in the Malaysian Book of Records by planting 20,200 mangrove seedlings

IRIM created a record in the Malaysia Book of Records when successfully planted 20,200 mangroves tree in Dayang Bunting Forest Reserve, Langkawi, Kedah.

Two mangrove species - Rhizophora Apiculata (Bakau Minyak) and Rhizophora Mucnorata (Bakau Kurap) were planted in less than 2 hours.

A total of about 1,500 volunteers from Pulapol Langkawi, Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), PSDT NRE-iM4U, Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak Forestry Department and Sabah Forestry Department has worked hard and successfully deleting records that have been recorded before.

The presence of 300 participants from the ‘Ship for South-East Asian Youth Programme’ (SSEAYP) in 11 countries joining the planting activity made the event truly memorable. SSEAYP is in its 40th year, and is a programme between Japan and Asean countries to promote understanding among youths while sailing on board a cruise ship.

Also present were Vice Minister of the Japanese Cabinet Office, Kazumichi Sakamoto, His Excellency Khamphan Anlawan, the Ambassador, LAOS Embassy of the Lao People's Democratic Republic and other ASEAN embassy representatives.

This successful new Malaysian Book of Record is even more meaningful as it was achieved during the last two tree planted by Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, former Prime Minister of Malaysia and his wife Tun Jeanne Abdullah, in the event organized by the Malaysian Institute of forester (IRIM) in Kg. Selat Bagan Nyiur, Langkawi, Kedah.

In collaboration with the Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia and Kedah Forestry Department, IRIM has renewed the current record in Perlis in 2011 with the planting of 11,111 mangrove trees.

 

“This is an incredible achievement and the result of the joint effort between the the Institute of Malaysian forester, Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia and Kedah Forestry Department,” said project director and IRIM honorary secretary Mohd Yussainy Md Yusop.

“The planting of the 20,200 mangrove seedlings are intended to preserve the coastal natural hedge and to reduce the destruction caused by natural occurrences. It prevents soil erosion as well as preserving and restoring the biodiversity of the Coastal Ecosystems,” he said.

The sponsor Oleon Sdn Bhd and Petro Teguh Sdn Bhd as well as the District Officer Langkawi, Langkawi Pulapol, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) and other government agencies involved directly and indirectly for making the program a success.

 

Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, former Prime Minister of Malaysia and Dato’ Prof. Dr. Hj Abd. Rahman, Director-General of Forestry Peninsular Malaysia at the 20,200 mangroves tree planting ceremony

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Obama: Malaysia will not succeed if non-Muslims marginalized

Malaysia cannot flourish if the country’s religious and ethnic minorities are sidelined, President of the United States Barack said today.

Obama said that prejudices against people from different religions and races have no place in the modern world and must be removed.

“Malaysia won't succeed if the non-Muslims do not have the same opportunity,” Obama said in a town hall event at University Malaya.

Obama said non-Muslims in Malaysia are currently facing hostility, and some have felt oppressed.

He compared the struggle for civil rights across the world to the long fight to eliminate discrimination against ethnic minorities in the US, which culminated in him being elected president.

Obama said countries including Malaysia will not succeed if women, who comprise roughly half of the population, are not given the same opportunities as men.

The president then drew on Christian values on which he was raised, saying that people must treat others the way they would like to be treated themselves.

He also stressed the importance in treating those who are seen as “different” with respect.

“Treat people with respect,” Obama told hundreds of the audience in the event organized by Young Southeast Asian Leadership Initiative.

“Expect your government to treat everybody with respect and you’re going to be okay.”

Shanghai returns as the Top Ten Global Fashion Capital

Shanghai returns to what many consider its rightful place in the Top Ten.   Asia was well represented with Tokyo (11), Singapore (19), and Hong Kong (20) in the Top Twenty.

February Fashion Weeks, 2014 New York and Austin, Texas — New York was reclaimed the title of the Top Global Fashion Capital from London, which had held the tile for 2011 and 2012.  Paris, which also won the title of the Top Global Fashion Capital for Haute Couture, finished in the No. 2 spot overall.  New York and Paris were separated by 0.05%, the closest in the 10-year history of the Global Language Monitor’s survey.   

In another development, Los Angeles move into the esteemed Big Four status, moving up five spots from 2012.