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Galeri Jati ialah sebuah galeri mini di Stesen Penyelidikan Institut Penyelidikan Perhutanan Malaysia (SPF) Mata Ayer, Perlis. Galeri ini ditubuhkan pada tahun 2008 bertujuan memperkenalkan tanaman dan produk yang dihasilkan daripada kayu jati kepada orang awam dan pihak industri. Antara keunikan yang terdapat di galeri ini ialah bingkai atau rak di bahagian pintu masuknya. Struktur bingkai ini diperbuat daripada kayu jati yang berusia 80 tahun dan berasal dari Myanmar.

Pelbagai aspek tentang tanaman jati dapat diketahui secara lebih dekat lagi melalui maklumat dan bahan pameran di galeri ini. Antara maklumat yang terdapat di sini ialah tentang sejarah penanaman dan taburan pokok jati di Malaysia, kelas ketumpatan kayu jati dan aktiviti-aktiviti penyelidikan berasaskan jati yang dijalankan di negara ini. Bahan-bahan berkaitan jati yang dipamerkan di sini pula terdiri daripada keratan rentas kayu jati yang berbeza umur, sampel-sampel siri tanah yang sesuai untuk tanaman jati, produk cenderahati dan spesimen-spesimen herbarium.

GALERI JATI

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1. Keratan rentas kayu jati yang berumur 15 tahun2. Produk berasaskan kayu jati

EditorialBoard

AdvisorsDato’ Dr Abdul Latif MohmodDr Mohamed Nor Mohd Yusoff

Technical EditorNorhara Hussein

Editor & WriterIda Suraini Abd Shukor

FRIM in Focus (FIF) is distributed free of charge upon request. We welcome feedback on any of the FIF articles.Address comments and enquiries to:

The Editor & Writer of FRIM In FocusForest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)52109 Kepong, Selangor DE, Malaysia

Cover photos: Canopy walkway at Mata Ayer FRIM Research Station (top), Teak fl ower (bottom)

Telephone : 603-6279 7501 | Facsimile : 603-6273 1076E-mail : idasuraini@frim.gov.my | Website : www.frim.gov.myDesign & Printing : Concept Press Sdn Bhd

Dr Mohd Zaki Abdullah,Mohd Ramly Mohd Saleh & Noor Atizza Mansorzaky@frim.gov.my

TENTANG PENULIS UTAMADr Mohd Zaki Abdullah bertugas sebagai Penyelaras Stesen Penyelidikan FRIM Mata Ayer, Perlis. Beliau juga seorang Pegawai Penyelidik di Program Membaik Biak Tumbuhan, Bahagian Bioteknologi Perhutanan, FRIM. Beliau berkelulusan Sarjana Muda dan Sarjana Sains dari Universiti Putra Malaysia dan memperoleh ijazah Doktor Falsafah dalam bidang genetik tumbuhan dari Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Bidang kepakaran beliau ialah membaik biak baka pokok bagi spesies-spesies tempatan dan eksotik.

Focus article

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Pelawat yang berkunjung ke Stesen Penyelidikan FRIM Mata Ayer juga tidak dikenakan sebarang bayaran. Galeri ini dibuka pada waktu pejabat dan sekiranya terdapat permintaan di luar waktu pejabat, lawatan tersebut boleh diaturkan dengan menghubungi pengurus stesen penyelidikan FRIM Mata Ayer.

Untuk maklumat lanjut sila hubungi Mohd Ramly Mohd Saleh di 604-9456235 atau emel ke ramlyps@frim.gov.my.

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Focus article

MENGIMBAU SEJARAH SPF MATA AYER

Stesen penyelidikan Institut Penyelidikan Perhutanan Malaysia (SPF) Mata Ayer pada mulanya dikenali sebagai stesen penyelidikan Institut Penyelidikan Perhutanan (FRI). Pada asalnya stesen ini ialah kawasan petak penyelidikan pertumbuhan (experimental growth plot) bagi tanaman jati. Petakpenyelidikan ini mula ditanam pada 15 Ogos 1953 dengan tanaman jati dari Pulau Langkawi, iaitu ex-Java dengan penanaman anak benih tunggul berjumlah 408 batang. Petak kajian ini berkeluasan dua ekar dan terletak di Lembah Sungai Chuchoh, Kompartmen 17, Hutan Simpan Mata Ayer, Perlis. Petak jati ini merupakan yang tertua di Semenanjung Malaysia pada masa kini.

Dua dekad selanjutnya iaitu pada tahun 1974, stesenpenyelidikan pertama FRIM telah ditubuhkan di Mata Ayer. Pada awal penubuhannya, stesen ini berfungsi sebagai tapak pelaksanaan bagi projek kebun biji benih Pinus caribaea. Ketika itu, kemudahan yang ada termasuk bangunan pejabat, rumah kediaman dan tapak semaian di kawasan yang merangkumi keluasan lebih kurang 10 ekar. Infrastruktur yang dilengkapi bekalan elektrik dan air telah siap dibina pada tahun 1975. Manakala pada tahun 1979, jalan berturap sepanjang satu kilometer yang menghubungi stesen Mata Ayer dengan jalan utama Kangar-Padang Besar telah siap dibina oleh Jabatan Kerja Raya dengan kos RM80,000.

Menjelang tahun 1980-an, tumpuan masyarakat terhadap tanaman jati meningkat sehinggatertubuhnya 300 ha kawasan tanaman jati di negeriPerlis. Atas sebab itu, kawasan ini telah dikenalisebagai Kebun Jati oleh penduduk tempatan.Ketika ini, stesen Mata Ayer telah berkembang dengan penubuhan sebilangan petak-petak penyelidikan

tanaman jati dan pelbagai spesies tanaman lain. Selain daripada itu, bangunan pejabat dan rumah kediaman juga telah dibaik pulih. Rumah rehat untuk pegawai FRIM turut dibina pada tahun 1986. Beberapa infrastruktur seperti Galeri Jati, titian gantung, tapak perkhemahan, log cabin dan bilik seminar juga telah dibina baru-baru ini.

Stesen Mata Ayer pada masa kini berperanan sebagai pusat rujukan teknikal hutan ladangdan rujukan bagi kaedah membiak baik tanaman jati. Perkhidmatan nasihat disediakan untuk orang perseorangan, agensi kerajaan serta syarikat swasta yang memerlukan bantuan khidmat teknikal. Bagi memenuhi tujuan tersebut, stesen ini diurus tadbir oleh seorang Pegawai Penyelidik selaku Penyelaras SPF dengan seramai 16 orang penjawat awam yang diketuai oleh seorang Pengurus Stesen.

Dr Mohd Zaki Abdullah, Dr Hashim Mohd Noor& Mohd Ramly Mohd Salehzaky@frim.gov.my

Petugas di stesen penyelidikan Mata Ayer pada tahun 1970-an

TENTANG PENULIS UTAMAMaklumat di muka surat 2

Ladang jati di SPF Mata Ayer

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Focus article

Dr Mohd Zaki Abdullah, Mohd Ramly Mohd Saleh & Dr Hashim Md Noorzaky@frim.gov.my

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Mohd Ramly Moohdhd Saleh

Stesen penyelidikan Institut Penyelidikan Perhutanan Malaysia (SPF) Mata Ayer telah ditubuhkan pada tahun 1974. Pada tahun berikutnya, infrastruktur seperti bangunan pejabat, rumah kediaman dan tapak semaian telahpun dilengkapi bekalan elektrik dan air.

Pada tahun 2011, kemudahan-kemudahan yang sedia ada telah dinaik taraf melalui pembiayaan Kementerian Pelancongan Malaysia dengan kerjasama Unit Perancang Ekonomi Negeri (UPEN) Negeri Perlis dan Jabatan Perhutanan Negeri Perlis.

Kemudahan penginapan di SPF Mata Ayer terdiri daripada rumah tetamu, asrama dan log cabin. Berbeza dengan penginapan di tempat-tempat pelancongan yang lain, log cabin dibina berkonsepkan hutan dan alam semula jadi. Di samping itu terdapat juga dewan seminar serta bilik mesyuarat yang dilengkapi kemudahan audio serta video.

Infrastruktur berkaitan penyelidikan yang terdapat di sini termasuk nurseri, petak-petak penyelidikan pertumbuhan serta Galeri Jati. Nurseri membekalkan bahan tanaman spesies-spesies terpilih untuk tujuan penyelidikan dan jualan. Petak-petak tanaman untuk penyelidikan pula ditanam dengan beberapa spesies-spesies tempatan serta eksotik. Terdapat juga Galeri Jati untuk orang awam yang mempamerkan tanaman jati serta produk-produk berasaskan jati.

Log cabin dibina berkonsepkan hutan dan alam semula jadi

Kemudahan-kemudahan berasaskan ekopelancongan yang terdapat di sini terdiri daripada denai alam, tapak perkhemahan dan titian kanopi.

Denai Chenderai mengambil sempena nama pokok chenderai atau nama saintifi knya Grewia paniculata. Pokok ini tumbuh sepanjang laluan menuju ke puncak Guar Chenderai yang berketinggian 50 m dan merupakan bukit tertinggi di kawasan stesen. Pengunjung dapat melihat keindahan pemandangan termasuk kawasan penempatan FELCRA Lubuk Sireh dan Kaki Bukit di puncak bukit ini.

Tapak perkhemahan di sini dilengkapi kemudahan-kemudahan asas seperti tandas awam, tempat memasak dan dewan pelbagai guna. Pengunjung tapak perkhemahan ini kebanyakannya ialah murid-murid sekolah dan guru-guru yang menjalani program motivasi, kursus kepimpinan dan pembelajaran sains dan alam sekitar.

Titian kanopi sepanjang 100 m telah dibina pada ketinggian enam hingga 17 m. Pembinaan titian dari pokok ke pokok bertujuan memberi peluang kepada pengunjung untuk merasai dan menikmati keindahan suasana serta pemandangan dari atas rangkaian silara pokok.

Untuk maklumat lanjut sila hubungi Mohd Ramly Mohd Saleh di 604-9456235 atau emel ramlyps@frim.gov.my

JOM LAWAT SPF MATA AYER

TENTANG PENULIS UTAMAMaklumat di muka surat 2

Tapak semaian jati pada tahun 2010

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Semenjak penubuhannya pada tahun 1974, stesen penyelidikan Institut Penyelidikan Perhutanan Malaysia (SPF) Mata Ayer mempunyai hubungan baik dengan pentadbiran Kerajaan serta Jabatan Perhutanan Negeri Perlis. Bermula pada 28 Jun 1986 Pejabat Setiausaha Kerajaan Negeri Perlis telah memberi kebenaran kepada FRIM melalui Lembaga Penyelidikan dan Pembangunan Perhutanan Malaysia (MFRDB) untuk mengurus dan mentadbir kawasan pusat penyelidikan perhutanan yang berkeluasan lebih kurang 455 hektar di kawasan Mata Ayer, Perlis.

Semenjak itu, di samping menjalankan aktiviti-aktiviti di stesen, pihak pentadbiran Stesen Penyelidikan FRIM (SPF) Mata Ayer turut memberi kerjasama dan menyumbang tenaga dalam menjayakan pelbagai aktiviti yang dianjurkan oleh Kerajaan Negeri Perlis.

Antara aktiviti-aktiviti yang menyaksikan penyertaaan tetap daripada pihak SPF Mata Ayer termasuk perhimpunan bulanan Pentadbiran Kerajaan Negeri Perlis, mesyuarat Ketua-ketua Jabatan Negeri Perlis, mesyuarat Ahli Majlis Mesyuarat Kerajaan Negeri (EXCO) Pelancongan Negeri Perlis dan jemputan ke majlis-majlis anjuran Setiausaha Kerajaan Negeri (SUK) dan jabatan-jabatan lain yang berkaitan.

Focus article

1. Majlis Perasmian Program Mesra Rakyat dan Menteri KKLW Bersama Masyarakat Arau, Negeri Perlis di Dewan 1 Malaysia, Simpang Empat pada 17 April 2012

2. Mesyuarat Jawatan Kuasa Penyelarasan 2/2012 Sempena Ulang Tahun Keputeraan ke-69 Tuanku Raja Perlis di Kompleks Undangan Negeri Perlis pada 14 Mac 2012

3. Perhimpunan Bulanan Pentadbiran Kerajaan Negeri Perlis Bil 02/2012 yang telah diadakan di Dewan Warisan Kangar, Perlis

TENTANG PENULIS UTAMAMaklumat di muka surat 2

MENJALIN KERJASAMA ERAT DAN HUBUNGAN BAIK

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Dr Mohd Zaki Abdullah & Mohd Ramly Mohd Saleh zaky@frim.gov.my

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THE GRAVEYARD TEST OF DURABILITY Dr Salmiah Ujang, Dr Roszaini Kadir & Baharudin Kamarudinsalmiah@frim.gov.my

The hot and humid weather in Malaysia is especially suitable to the activities of decomposing agents such as fungi and insects. These organisms are known to cause heavy damage to all types of wood-based products and building materials. As such, knowledge on the durability of timbers is very important especially when building timber tructures in areas prone to deterioration. The choice of timber should fi rst focus on durability before price and availability. In most cases, early signs of timber failure are often due to timber qualities that are less durable or non- permeable for preservative treatments.

The experimental site at the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) Mata Ayer research station was established after paying a visit to a graveyard test site at the Timber Research and Technical Training Centre in Sibu, Sarawak. Back then, the Sarawak test site was the only wood testing centre established in accordance to the accepted standards. The decision to establish the graveyard test site at FRIM Mata Ayer research station was because of its fertile and natural surroundings. The land there is level with uniform, moist but well-drained soil. The area is also large enough to permit future expansion of test sample installations.

The graveyard site at the FRIM Mata Ayer research station was established in accordance to the guidelines by the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) and the American Standard Testing Method (ASTM). Later in 2002,a proper set-up of the graveyard test at the station was made possible by funding from the Intensifi cation of Research in Priority Areas (IRPA) Project (01-04-01-0023-EA001).

Testing was not only conducted on untreated commercial wood species, but on a numberof wood preservatives. Wood samples are impregnated with a series of preservative retention prior to their exposure in the fi eld according to specifi ed procedures. The treated samples are

exposed to wood destroying fungi and termites byplanting them on the ground. Samples are then subjected to periodic inspections to determine the degree of decay and termite attack. The test fi eld will be cleared prior assessment on test samples which is conducted every six months.

ABOUT THE MAIN AUTHORDr Salmiah Ujang is a research offi cer at the Biocomposites and Wood Protection Programme, Forest Products Division, FRIM. The author obtained her Bachelor and Masters degrees from the Mississippi State University and her Doctor of Philosophy degree from Portsmouth.

Focus article

Wood samples undergoing testing for durability

Testing wood samples at FRIM research station, Mata Ayer

Wood planks are also tested for durability

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UP-CLOSE WITH TEAK DISEASES Dr Mohd Farid Ahmad, Dr Lee Su See & Patahayah Mansormohdfarid@frim.gov.my

1. A teak tree with advanced symptoms of root rot disease ie defoliation and sparse canopy (the tree is beyond saving)

2. Leaves affected by the rust fungus, Olivea tectonae which spores are easily visible as brownish orange powder on the lower surface (arrows)

3. Common symptoms of pink disease caused by Phanerochaetae salmonicolor such as cracking bark and pink encrustation on the stem

Several diseases such as leaf disease, stem canker and pink disease have been observed on teak plants both in the plantation and nursery at the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) Mata Ayer research station. Of these the leaf rust is most common as in many teak growing countries of the south, east and south-east Asia and Australia but it is less damaging compared to the other diseases.

Leaf rust is often observed on plants in the plantation or nursery where hygiene is poor. The eff ect of the disease may range from light to severe aff ecting only tree growth but rarely killing its host. Field identifi cation of teak leaf rust is simple; it is easily seen as rusty bright orange powder (spores) on the lower leaf surface. In most cases, trees aff ected by the disease eventually recover after the leaf fall season. Other leaf diseases commonly observed in the nursery at the Mata Ayer station are leaf blight, powdery mildew and leaf spots. The occurrence of these diseases is strongly related to poor hygiene of the surroundings, poor air circulation and conditions of high humidity.

The incidence of stem canker, pink and root rot diseases are considered of minor importance at the Mata Ayer research station although a serious stem canker may cause a tree to crack and break. In contrast, pink disease which may sometimes kill trees, could cause shoot and branch dieback thereby reducing the eff ective merchantable length of timber. Chemical or biological treatments for root rot disease especially when symptoms are already evident are pointless as the death of the tree is almost certain. Root rot disease is usually lethal because it may kill a tree regardless of its age, size and health status and often detected only

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when it is too late. Diagnosis of root rot disease is diffi cult especially during the early stages of infection as there are often no visible crown symptoms. By the time crown symptoms such as wilting or defoliation are observed, infection would already be in an advanced stage where treatment would be ineff ective and futile.

Teak wood may be tough and highly durable but the growing tree is still susceptible to pests and diseases. Therefore, practising good management strategies such as good land clearing, weed control and maintaining hygiene, prior to and after the establishment of the plantation is crucial in preventing and controlling pests and diseases.

Focus article

ABOUT THE MAIN AUTHORDr Mohd Farid Ahmad is a research offi cer at the Mycology and Pathology Branch, Forest Biodiversity Division, FRIM. He obtained his Bachelor and Masters of Science degrees from Universiti Putra Malaysia and his Doctor of Philosophy is from Universiti Sains Malaysia. Mohd Farid has written related articles in

December 2011 and respectively.

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News article

PEMEGANG MALAYSIA BOOK OF RECORDS

ANUGERAH EMAS PENYELIDIKAN ROTARYYayasan Penyelidikan Rotary, Kelab Rotary DiRaja Kuala Lumpur telah menganugerahkan Pingat Emas Penyelidikan Rotary kepada Ketua Pengarah Institut Penyelidikan Perhutanan Malaysia (FRIM), Dato’ Dr Abd Latif Mohmod sebagai pengiktirafan bagi sumbangan beliau dalam penyelidikan dan pembangunan (R&D) dalam bidang Sains Perhutanan.

Penerima-penerima Anugerah Yayasan Penyelidikan Rotary, Kelab Rotary DiRaja Kuala Lumpur

Anugerah ini telah disampaikan oleh Penaung DiRaja Kelab Rotary DiRaja Kuala Lumpur, Sultan Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj di Majlis Penganugerahan Yayasan Amal Rotary yang berlangsung di Kuala Lumpur pada 13 April 2012.

1. Denai mesra orang kelainan upaya yang pertama bagi Denai Razak

2. Koleksi sampel kayu yang tertua yang berumur 107-112 tahun

3. Koleksi sampel kayu terbesar berjumlah 10,036 spesimen kayu

4. Rotan manau terpanjang berukuran 120 meter dan berusia 33 tahun

5. Penggunaan pengcapjarian DNA yang pertama untuk mengesan balak

6. Penanaman pokok bakau yang pertama menggunakan teknik penanaman Comp-Mat dan Comp-Pillow

Institut Penyelidikan Perhutanan Malaysia (FRIM) menerima enam pengiktirafan daripada Malaysia Book of Records pada 24 Mac 2012 bersempena dengan sambutan Hari Perhutanan Sedunia di FRIM, Kepong. Pengiktiran tersebut adalah untuk:

Harapan dan impian Ketua Pengarah dan seluruh warga Institut Penyelidikan Perhutanan Malaysia (FRIM) menjadi kenyataan apabila FRIM diisytiharkan sebagai Warisan Kebangsaan Negara pada 10 Mei 2012. Perisytiharan oleh Dato’ Seri Utama Dr Rais Yatim, Menteri Penerangan, Komunikasi dan Kebudayaan berlangsung pada Majlis Perisytiharan Warisan Kebangsaan 2012 di Kuala Lumpur.

FRIM, WARISAN KEBANGSAAN

Majlis menandatangani perisytiharan Warisan Kebangsaan pada 10 Mei 2012

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News article

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Pada 3 April 2012, Institut Penyelidikan Perhutanan Malaysia (FRIM) telah dinobatkan sebagai pemenang Anugerah Kategori 1 IDB bagi Sains dan Teknologi (S&T). FRIM diiktiraf sebagai institusi yang berpencapaian cemerlang dari segi sumbangan saitifi k dan teknologi kepada pembangunan sosio-ekonomi bagi negara ahli untuk tahun 1433H (2012).

Dato’ Dr Abd Latif Mohmod selaku Ketua Pengarah FRIM telah menerima hadiah tersebut daripada Presiden Republik Sudan, Omar HassanAhmed al-Bashir sempena Mesyuarat Tahunan IDB kali ke-37 yang berlangsung di Sudan.

Koperasi Institut Penyelidikan Perhutanan Malaysia (KOFRIM) telah dianugerahkan penarafan bintang di Majlis Anugerah Bintang Koperasi Malaysia pada 6 April 2012.

Majlis Anugerah The BrandLaureate BestBrandsTM Awards 2011–2012 yang membawa logo The World’s Best Brand telah diadakan pada 8 Mei 2012 di Bandar Sunway, Selangor.

ANUGERAH IDB 2012 SAINS DAN TEKNOLOGI KATEGORI 1

ANUGERAH BINTANG KOPERASI MALAYSIA

FRIM MENANG DI ITEX

Majlis anugerah ini dianjurkan oleh Asia Pacifi c Brands Foundation (APBF) di bawah naungan Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad dan Lembaga Gabenor. APBF bertujuan meningkatkan standard penjenamaan di Malaysia, Asia Pasifi k dan dunia.

FRIM telah dipilih sebagai pemenang The Brandlaureate BestBrandTM Awards 2011-2012 untuk Kecemerlangan dalam Penjenamaan Korporat —Jenama Terbaik dalam Perhutanan—Pemuliharaan Alam Sekitar

Institut Penyelidikan Perhutanan Malaysia (FRIM) memenangi dua pingat emas dan dua pingat gangsa pada 18 Mei 2012 bersempena pameran International Invention, Innovation and Technology Exhibition (ITEX) 2012. Pameran tersebut berlangsung dari 17–19 Mei 2012. Kedua-dua pingat emas telah dimenangi oleh inovasi yang berasaskan perabot manaka dua lagi pingat gangsa adalah untuk inovasi pokok jati yang rentan terhadap serangga serta meja unik yang dikenali sebagai GHost.

Penyampaian sijil Anugerah Kategori 1 IDB bagi Sains dan Teknologi (S&T)

THE BRANDLAUREATE BESTBRANDSTM AWARDS 2011 2012

Beberapa ahli Pengurusan Tertinggi FRIM bergambar dengan anugerah The BrandLaureate BestBrandsTM

Penjawat awam FRIM meraikan kemenagan FRIM di ITEX 2012

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FROM SHOOT TO FLOWER

Teak trees at the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) Mata Ayer research station are unique as they grow on several diff erent plantation conditions. Due to their diff erent surroundings the trees became interesting subjects in an attempt to understand teak fl owering process for the isolation of fl oral genes. Teak shoots at various stages of developments from vegetative to the infl orescence were observed physically and under the microscope to determine the right stage for acquiring their fl oral genes.

Early fl owering in teak is controlled by both genetic and environmental factors. In the early stages, terminal fl owering causes forking of the main axis during the fi rst fl owering year. Subsequent fl owering seasons will then cause forking of other leading shoots. Forking of the main axis aff ects the quality of timber by reducing the merchantable timber length. Flowering also reduces vegetative growth as some energy is channelled towards the fl owering process.

Prior studies on model plants have identifi ed potential genes that delay early fl owering in trees, thus introduction of these genes can boost vegetative growth and improve the tree form. Before the introduction of genes to modify fl owering time, the function and interaction of these genes on the fl owering process have to be understood.

The identifi cation and selection of suitable shoots that bear the fl oral meristem where the desired genes are strongly expressed is fi rst conducted.

Several developmental stages of the terminal shoots in their reproductive phase are studied to observe the transition from vegetative to the infl orescence stage. These observations will determine which developmental stage of the terminal shoot is suitable for the isolation of fl oral genes.

Observations on trees grown under diff erent plantation conditions, in terms of exposure to the sunlight showed diff erent fl owering characteristics under diff erent light conditions. For trees that are singly grown, where the entire terminal shoots from the top to the lowest branches are exposed to bright sunlight, fl owering began at the top terminal shoots and progressed towards the lower branches. The development of terminal shoots were described and photographed from the vegetative to the infl orescence shoots, and to the lower panicles.Although there are signs of emerging flower buds, the inflorescence shoots were also examined under the microscope to confirm the presence of the floral meristem. In essence, knowing exactly where the fl oral meristem is formed is crucial in selecting tissues for future fl oral gene isolation.

Dr Mohd Rosli Haron, Dr Norlia Basherudin & Dr Norwati Adnanmrosli@frim.gov.my

ABOUT THE MAIN AUTHORDr Mohd Rosli Haron is a research offi cer at the Biotechnology Programme, Forest Biotechnology Division, FRIM. He obtained his Bachelor and Masters of Science degrees from Universiti Malaya and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia respectively. He also has a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Universiti Putra Malaysia. The author’s main area of expertise is plant molecular biology.

Focus article

Although these shoots appear like infl orescence, they should be examined under the microscope to confi rm the presence of fl oral meristem

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Mata Ayer Reserve Forest is a unique forest reserve owing to its location. Situated at the upper north of the Peninsular Malaysia, Mata Ayer experiences the monsoon tropical climate which is suitable for the growth of teak and other high quality species such as Araucaria, Khaya and mahogany.

Teak trees at Mata Ayer form a distinctive group arising from the mixtures of breeds from various provenances such as Sabah, Thailand, Indonesia, India, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea and Trinidad. As a result, teak seedlings at Mata Ayer are essentially a mixture of among the best genotypes in the world. As a result, the teak plantation at Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) research station, Mata Ayer also possesses these uniqueness which must be preserved and conserved for future generations.

Besides teak plantation, several other research plots were established at the FRIM Mata Ayer research station. Among them are the mahogany, Khaya ivorensis, bamboo and multi-species plots as well asa teak clone bank.

The mahogany plot was established in 1987 and the trees are now 25 years old. The seeds sown at this plot were sourced from the states of Pahang,Selangor and Kedah. The Khaya ivorensis plot on the other hand was established in 1990 and is 22 yearsold now. The seeds sown here were sourced from Jeniang Kedah.

In addition to single species plots there is alsoa multiple species plot in which planted species include meranti temak nipis, yemane, sentang, mahogany, keruing, nyatoh taban merah, melembu, tecoma and sungkai. The multiple species plotwas established in 2000. Besides wood species,

CULTIVATING TEAK & OTHER SPECIES AT MATA AYERDr Mohd Zaki Abdullah, Dr Hashim Md Noor, Mohd Ramly Mohd Saleh & Mohd Adi Faiz Ahmad Fauzizaky@frim.gov.my

there is also a bamboo plot in which a number ofbamboo species are found. Bamboo species at this plot such as buluh nipis (Schizotachyum zolingari), buluh tumpat (Gigantochloa ligulata), buluh beti/raga (Gigantochloa wrayi) and buluh duri were planted in 1985.

Finally, there is also a teak clone bank whichwas established in 1994 and is 18 years old now. Seventy-one clones are available here for breeding activities. A similar plot was also established as a back-up at F45 Bukit Hari, FRIM Kepong, Selangor.

ABOUT THE MAIN AUTHORDr Mohd Zaki Abdullah is the Coordinator of the Mata Ayer FRIM Research Station. He is also a Research Offi cer at the Plant Improvement Programme, Forest Biotechnology Division, FRIM. He obtained his Bachelor and Masters of Science degrees from Universiti Putra Malaysia and his Doctor of Philosophy degree in Plant Genetics and Breeding is from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. The author’s area of expertise include tree breeding of indigenous and exotic species.

Teak clone bank at FRIM Research Station Mata Ayer, Perlis

Focus article

Khaya ivorensis plot

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GALERI SERANGGA FRIM: MENYINGKAP PANDANGAN TENTANG SERANGGA HUTAN

Kampus Institut Penyelidikan Perhutanan Malaysia (FRIM) menjadi tumpuan orang ramai yang ingin mendekatkan diri mereka kepada alam semula jadi. Kehijauan silara beserta deruan air terjun dan sahutan unggas adalah antara faktor yang menggamit pelawat untuk terus kembali ke FRIM.

Selain menghidangkan santapan alam semula jadi, FRIM turut berusaha agar pengunjung bukan sahaja pulang dengan jiwa yang tenang malah menambah pengisian ilmu di dada. Itulah antara misi FRIM yang turut disokong dengan tertubuhnya Galeri Serangga FRIM.

Galeri Serangga FRIM mula dibuka kepada umum pada 4 Oktober 1999 apabila bangunan Insektarium yang terletak bertentangan dengan Bangunan Pentadbiran dirasmikan pembukaannya. Bangunan Insektarium menempatkan bilik-bilik kajian khusus ke atas serangga atau bidang Entomologi. Di hadapan bangunan inilah terletaknya Galeri Serangga FRIM.

Sejarah awal pameran

Ketika perasmian bangunan Insektarium hampir 13 tahun yang lalu, galeri serangga mempamerkan spesimen-spesimen serangga hidup antaranya ulat peranggas daun jati, kelip-kelip dan serangga perosak pokok tongkat ali. Spesimen terawet juga turut dipamerkan seperti serangga perosak produk hutan dan sebilangan order daripada Lepidoptera (contoh: kupu-kupu dan rama-rama), Coleoptera (kumbang) dan Orthoptera (contoh: belalang dan cengkerik).

Pada tahun 2006, bahan pameran di Galeri Serangga telah diubah suai untuk memberi gambaran yang lebih bermakna kepada pengunjung. Serangga-serangga yang dipamerkan telah dikategorikan ke dalam order Orthoptera, Lepidoptera, Hemiptera dan Coleoptera. Poster-poster penerangan mengenai peranan serangga dan hubungan serangga dengan manusia juga turut dipamerkan.

Proses peningkatan dan penambahbaikan

Pada akhir tahun 2011, satu jawatan kuasa telah ditubuhkan di peringkat Cawangan Entomologi.Ahli-ahlinya telah mengadakan sesi percambahan fi kiran bagi menambah pengisian galeri dan memberi kesedaran kepada pelawat tentang kepentingan pemuliharaan serangga. Matlamat akhir antara lainnya ialah untuk mengubah persepsi pengunjung tentang serangga yang lazimnya dikaitkan dengan kerosakan dan kerugian.

Galeri Serangga FRIM telah dirancang dengan tema serangga di hutan sejajar dengan peranan FRIM sebagai sebuah institut penyelidikan perhutanan tropika. Bahan-bahan pameran membentuk jalan cerita mengenai kepelbagaian serangga pada habitat-habitat hutan yang berbeza dan memaparkan serangga tersebut dalam keadaan habitat asalnya. Penceritaan bermula dengan pameran serangga yang melata di atas tanah diikuti oleh peringkat pertengahan hutan. Peringkat ini memaparkan suasana siang hari yang diserikan oleh bunyi-bunyian dan warna-warni serangga seperti riang-riang, cengkerik dan kupu-kupu. Waktu malam pula memaparkan keindahan kelipan cahaya oleh kelip-kelip.

Pameran di Galeri Serangga juga memaparkan tentang hidupan berkaki enam yang tinggal di silara hutan dan serangga akuatik. Setiap kotak pameran serangga dilengkapi penerangan ringkas berbentuk fakta-fakta menarik tentang serangga yang ditemui di lokasi yang berbeza-beza ini.

Galeri Serangga FRIM ini adalah seratus peratus hasil kerja tangan warga FRIM, khususnya warga Cawangan Entomologi yang bertungkus lumus memerah idea, kreativiti serta keringat dalam memastikan hasil akhir yang membanggakan. Warga Cawangan Entomologi telah terlibat dalam penyediaan bahan-bahan pameran termasuk memberikan input tentang sejarah galeri serangga tersebut.

Nada Badruddin nada@frim.gov.my

Biodiversity article

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Biodiversity article

TENTANG PENULISNada Badruddin bertugas sebagai pegawai penyelidik di Program Biodiversiti Fauna, Bahagian Biodiversiti Hutan, FRIM. Beliau berkelulusan Sarjana Muda Sains Gunaan dari Universiti Sains Malaysia dan Sarjana Sains dari Universiti Malaya. Bidang kepakaran beliau ialah Konservasi dan Ekologi (Entomologi). Beliau pernah juga menulis tentang penyelidikan kelip-kelip di Kuala Selangor dalam isu Disember 2010.

1. Galeri Serangga yang telah melalui proses penambahbaikan

2. Penjawat awam Cawangan Entomologi sedang menyediakan bahan pameran yang baru bagi Galeri Serangga

3. Pameran serangga di Galeri Serangga. Setiap kotak pameran serangga dilengkapi penerangan ringkas dan fakta-fakta menarik tentang serangga yang dipamerkan

4. Galeri Serangga FRIM di bangunan Insektarium bersedia menerima kunjungan pelawat

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Galeri Serangga Kini

Dalam tempoh tiga bulan bermula Januari sehingga Mac 2012, setiap kotak pameran telah dirombak dan digantikan dengan bahan pameran baru. Bermula 3 April 2012, Galeri Serangga mula memaparkan pameran serangga yang baru dan dengan lebih banyak maklumat. Penambahbaikan ke atas Galeri Serangga berhasrat untuk menarik lebih ramai pengunjung ke galeri khasnya dan ke FRIM secara umumnya. Ia juga mempunyai matlamat untuk memberikan pengalaman unik serta menambah ilmu kepada setiap pengunjung.

Galeri Serangga FRIM di Insektarium dibuka untuk kunjungan pada setiap hari Isnin hingga Jumaat (kecuali hari kelepasan am) seperti berikut:

Isnin–Khamis: 8:30 pagi–12:30 tengah hari, 2:30 petang–4:30 petangJumaat: 8.30 pagi–12:00 tengah hari, 3:00 petang–4:30 petangSabtu dan Ahad: Tutup

Galeri Serangga menerima kunjungan secara perseorangan atau berkumpulan. Lawatan secara berkumpulan boleh dijalankan dengan menghubungi Pusat Perkhidmatan Setempat FRIM (One stop service centre) di talian 03-6279 7592/7649 untuk aturan sesi lawatan.

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IS IT TIME FOR RUBBERWOOD CERTIFICATION?ISSUEThe increase in global attention on climate change, also heightens pressure on the implementation of certifi cation on rubberwood plantation. Certifi cation ensures that resources are managed sustainably for economic, environmental and societal benefi ts. The international push for rubberwood certifi cation is an urgent issue as Malaysia’s furniture exporters are facing great pressure from the American and European markets. Some furniture buyers from Europe and America require certifi cation especially from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certifi cation Schemes (PEFC).

Since its introduction in the mid-1980s, it was estimated that rubberwood supplies 80 percent of total raw material in furniture manufacturing. The Malaysian National Timber Industry Policy, 2010 (NATIP) pointed that during the Second Industrial Master Plan (1996--2005) furniture sector was a major contributor to the growth of the Malaysian timber industry, valued at about RM5.8 billion with annual average growth of about 11 percent. America and Europe are among the biggest traditional markets with exports amounting to RM2.2 billion in November 2011 or 40 percent of the total wooden furniture exports, and the trend is increasing (Figure 2).

Such developments urge NATIP to select rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) for commercial forest plantation species while research is underway to produce the best rubber clones for timber, instead of latex. Certifi cation of rubberwood timber from these plantations will be at 15 years cycle and requires a simple procedure. Currently, the source of rubberwood raw material is in form of residual wood from rubber replanting activities which involves typically a 25 years cycle. About 80 percent of the supply are from various rubber small holding plantations.

EAS Strategic Options

The issue of rubberwood certifi cation was discussed since 2009 in stakeholders meetings organised by the Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities Malaysia.

PROBLEM/ OPPORTUNITYCertifi cation of rubberwood is a complex issue whereby the demand comes from the timber producers and industry. The burden of certifi cation compliance however, falls on the rubber planters whose core business is producing natural rubber or latex.

Large rubber plantation owners are less aff ected as they are aware of the certifi cation processes and are more likely to prepare for the certifi cation expenses. Small holders such as planters under the FELDA and RISDA schemes will face diffi culties to certify their rubberwood. The unorganised small holders usually own on average, barely four hectares of rubber plantation. A small holder may collect between RM 500 and RM 2000 replanting, subject to various factors such as residual wood quality, location of the farm, and buyers-seller’s negotiation. Typically, owners of remote and inaccessible farms either leave the wood for free or employ contractors for its disposal. The biggest challenge presently is to have a consensus among small holders to merge and opt for group certifcation to share the burden of the certifi cation cost. As such, what would be the incentive to rubber growers to certify and who should provide the incentive?

OPTIONSOption 1: If commercial rubber plantation caters for

wood products, the certifi cation should proceed.

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EAS Strategic Options

Option 2: If rubberwood from rubber small holdings are residual wood, incentives on rubberwood certifi cation will be expected to reduce the fi nancial burden of the small holders. Group certifi cation of small holdings is proposed to be funded by producers of rubberwood furniture.

Option 3: If the furniture industry is not ready to provide the incentives for rubberwood certifi cation, exporters should then diversify the export market as opposed to focusing on the traditional markets. Emerging and less pressure markets such as the Middle East, India, China and Africa should therefore be intensively explored to serve as new target markets.

Option 4: The furniture industry could also avoid the complicated issue of rubber certifi cation by substituting conventional raw materials to biomass and biocomposite to meet the demand of the industry. As was outlined in NATIP, wood residues should be exploited to fi ll the gap of raw materials shortage. On the other hand, raw materials could also be imported from the neighbouring countries.

Figure 2: Malaysia’s total export of wooden furniture to the world, Europe and United States of America, 2005_2011 [Maskayu Bulletin, Malaysian Timber Industrial Board, 2012]

FURTHER INFORMATIONPLEASE CONTACT:

ECONOMIC AND STRATEGIC ANALYSIS PROGRAMME (EAS)

Noor Aini Zakaria, PhDIsmariah Ahmad, PhDLim Hin Fui, PhDRohana Abd RahmanNorliyana Adnan

Innovation & Commercialization Division,Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM),52109 Kepong, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

Tel : +603 6279 7544 / 7541 / 7714 / 7549Fax : +603 6275 0925Email : frim_eas@frim.gov.myWebsite : http://www.frim.gov.my

Rubberwood raw material is sourced from residual wood from rubber replanting activities

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Determining the balance between development and conservation is a huge challenge for rapidly developing countries such as Malaysia. The Malaysian Government plays its role in curbing deforestation of tropical forest particularly at high biological diversity areas by introducing environmentally sound certifi cation such as the Forest Management Certifi cation (FMC). Certifi cation is presently the best tool to promote good forest management in order to preserve the various roles of the forest while enhancing the economy.

Among the many categories of forests in Malaysia, the permanent reserve forests (PRF) have been designated by the Government to be managed by a sustainable forest management system. This type of forest is further diff erentiated into areas for production and protection purposes which are also known as the Forest Management Unit.

To date, eight Forest Management Units in Peninsular Malaysia and one in Sabah have obtained the Forest Management Certifi cation. They are located at the states of Negeri Sembilan (154,185 ha), Johor (397,392 ha), Terengganu (521,582), Kedah (307,046 ha), Pahang (1,562,496 ha) and Perak (991,436), in addition to the Segaliud Lokan Forest Reserve (57,247 ha) in Sabah.

The Malaysian wood-based industries contributed RM20.06 billion to the country’s economy in 2011. The fi gure is expected to rise to RM53 billion in the year 2020. The United States of America, the European Union, Japan and the Middle East countries are importing countries favoured by the Malaysian wooden products manufacturers because of their large markets.

Exporting wooden products especially to America and Europe requires wood certifi cation. To facilitate the certifi cation Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) through the Natural Forest and the Economic and Strategic Analysis Programmes off ers auditing services for permanent reserve forests in Malaysia. FRIM auditors team is recognised by Accredited Certifi cation Body (ACB) such as SIRIM QAS or SGS Sdn Bhd.

Forestry article

Forests management certifi cation is conducted in forests such as these

A log harvested from the forest

When lack of raw material, timber need to be enginereed

Azharizan Mohamad Norizan, Tariq Mubarak Husin, Dr Ismail Parlan, Rizuwan Mamat & Yanti Abd Kadirazharizan@frim.gov.my

ABOUT THE MAIN AUTHORAzharizan Mohamad Norizan is a research offi cer at the Accreditation and Forest Certifi cation Branch of the Forestry and Environment Division, FRIM. He is a Graduate and an MSc holder from Universiti Teknologi MARA, specialising in forest products certifi cation and marketing. His past articles in include “Chain-of-custody Certifi cation in Malaysia” (June 2010) and “Forest Certifi cation in Malaysia” (June 2011).

MALAYSIAN CERTIFIED WOOD FOR WORLD CONSUMPTION