FRIM IN FOCUS

MARCH 2022

FRIM IN FOCUS

Highlights of This Issue
Ulu Muda Forest Reserve Research Biodiversity

02 BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION 06 CATCHING LAKE AND 11 OF INSECTS AND PROTECTION
FROM A PUBLIC PERSPECTIVE RIVER FISHES OF WOOD PRODUCTS

03 MEDICINAL PLANTS 08 THE EDEN OF 13 WEATHERING AND BAMBOO
BIRDWATCHERS IN KEDAH AFTER 6-YEARS OF EXPOSURE

04 WILD ORNAMENTAL 10 BAMBOO AND ITS 15 PERABOT SEKOLAH
PLANTS DISCOVERY MANY USES DARIPADA LAMINASI BULUH
DAN KAYU

16 NEWS

A QUARTERLY OF THE FOREST RESEARCHA INSTITUTE MALAYSIA (FRIM)FRIM IN FOCUS MARCH 2022 1

QUARTERLY OF THE FOREST RESEARCH INSTITUTE MALAYSIA (FRIM)

Ulu Muda FR Research Biodiversity

BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION FROM
A PUBLIC PERSPECTIVE PEMULIHARAAN BIODIVERSITI DARIPADA

PERSPEKTIF MASYARAKAT

Mukrimah Abdullah

[email protected]

The Convention on Biological Diversity defines Biodiversity conservation contributes significantly
biodiversity as the variability among living to wildlife survival, protection of local microclimate
organisms in habitats such as terrestrial, marine, and income generation, as well as source of daily
and other ecosystems, as well as the ecological food for local communities. The majority of Ulu
complexes as a whole. Biodiversity contributes Muda respondents expressed the need to develop
to the economy, food security, environmental better integrated management plans, enforcement
stability, education, recreation and ecotourism. activities and communication, education and
Large scale human activities frequently cause the public awareness programmes.
loss of biodiversity, which threatens stability of
the ecosystem in providing goods and services to In order to manage and conserve biodiversity, the
human. economic value of biodiversity conservation has to
be ascertained. Environmental valuation technique
At present, public awareness and concerns provides useful evidence to support and formulate
about biodiversity protection and conservation policies by quantifying the economic value
are on the rise. The more important and associated with the protection of biodiversity.
challenging aspects of biodiversity preservation Analysis showed that 75% of respondents were
are identifying priorities, needs and balance willing to contribute to conserving biodiversity
between development and conservation. Public’s through an annual fund, with an average level of
perception on biodiversity protection should be willingness-to-pay of RM32.20. Respondents who
used as guidance by government and private are willing to contribute felt that the public has a
sectors for improving forest management for role to play in conservation of Ulu Muda FR.
present and future benefits.
From this study, it is gauged that public’s interest
A survey was conducted among Kedah residents in in conserving biodiversity at Ulu Muda FR is a
2021 to determine public perception of biodiversity factor that policymakers should take serious
conservation at Ulu Muda Forest Reserve (FR). consideration, prior to any related policymaking.
Results of the survey showed 98.6% respondents
agreed on the importance of forest conservation. About the Author
Respondents perceived the forest reserve, which Mukrimah Abdullah is a research officer at the
was gazetted as Ulu Muda State Park in 2018, as an Research Planning Division, FRIM. Her fields of
ideal site for ecotourism and recreation activities expertise are environmental economics and social
due to its rich biodiversity and natural beauty . forestry.

Advisors Technical Editor Editor & Writer
Dr Ismail Parlan Sarifah Kunju Ahmad Ida Suraini Abd Shukor

EDITORIAL Dr Norwati Muhammad
BOARD
FRIM in Focus (FIF) is distributed free of charge upon request. We welcome feedback on any of the FIF articles.

The Editor & Writer of FRIM In Focus Telephone : +603-6279 7501
Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) E-mail : [email protected]
52109 Kepong, Selangor DE, Malaysia Website : www.frim.gov.my
Design &
Cover photo: The beautiful Tasik Muda fishing Printing : Johan Interlink Sdn Bhd
jetty.

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Ulu Muda FR Research Biodiversity

MEDICINAL PLANTS

TUMBUHAN UBATAN

Intan Nurulhani Baharuddin

[email protected]

Madihah Muhammad Nawi

Plant Weight data recorded Sample
measurement collection

Ulu Muda Forest Reserve (FR) is situated In total, 2633 individual medicinal plants
northeast of Kedah, bordering Thailand. This comprising 91 species were recorded and
area was gazetted in 1932 as a permanent forest identified. The highest number of species
reserve covering an area of 107,195 ha. Lowland discovered were 31 trees and 22 climber
and hill dipterocarp forests are among the major species. Only one species each of epiphyte and
forest types covering this reserve. orchid species were found.

Inventory of medicinal plants was conducted in Shrub was the most abundant with 653
Ulu Muda FR in November 2021. A total of 12 individuals comprising 15 species, followed by
plots in 20 x 20 m size were randomly established fern with 515 individuals from seven species.
in six different types of forest strata consisting of Epiphyte was represented by three individuals
logged over forest (1–10 years, 11–20 years, 21– from one species, while orchid by one species
30 years and above 30 years), protected forest with four individuals.
and virgin forest.
About the Main Author
Throughout the inventory, medicinal plants Intan Nurulhani Baharuddin is a Social Research
species were identified and data of size, height Officer at the Research Planning Division. She has
and weight of plant parts used for commercial led several inventory projects such as inventories
purposes were recorded for economic valuation. of selected potential medicinal plants based on
Selected medicinal plant species were collected traditional knowledge of orang asli in FR; inventories
for herbarium specimen and germplasm bank. of medicinal plants for economic valuation in Gunung
Tebu FR & Pulau Redang FR, Terengganu; and Ulu
Muda FR, Kedah. She has worked closely with
botanists from Natural Products Division namely
Madihah Muhammad Nawi and Tan Ai Lee.

12 Prevalent medicinal plant
34 species in the plot during
56 inventory were
1. Paku lata
(Tectaria semipinnata)
7 2. Tapak sulaiman
(Phyllagathis rotundifolia)
3. Senduduk bulu
(Clidemia hirta)
4. Kacip fatimah
(Labisia pumila)
5. Panah arjuna
(Tectaria singaporiana)
6. Pedal ayam
(Cnestis palala)
7. Pokok ripat
(Agelaea macrophylla)
8. Bujang hilir
8 (Peliosanthes teta)

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Ulu Muda FR Research Biodiversity

WILD ORNAMENTAL
PLANTS DISCOVERY HPEIANSEAMNULAIANRTUMBUHAN

Abdul Hayat Mat Saad

[email protected]

Ahmad Azaruddin Mohd Noor

Ornamental plants are grown for decorative Project briefing (below) and loading the boats for
purposes usually around buildings, in gardens journey to base camp (top)
and parks, amidst human settlements, and for
indoor or outdoor purposes. The natural beauty and chain of custody also reflects the current
of ornamental plants enriches the quality of economic valuation.
life and provides various benefits to human
beings. Ornamental plants are widely-grown Data collection was conducted on 27 October
for display rather than for functional purposes. 2021. The journey began at Tasik Gubir jetty
They are often used to improve the aesthetics which was about 40 minutes by boat to Earth
and environmental conditions such as providing Lodge base camp. The ride to base camp was
shade and as a windbreak. As important softscape calm and the scene was fascinating all around.
elements in gardening, ornamental plants are
available in a range of attractive shapes, sizes The plots were established over four different
and colours. These plants provide contrast to areas or habitats namely riparian, forest trail,
buildings and create beautiful landscapes with limestone and ridges. Wild ornamental plant
peaceful ambience. species found within the plots were tagged and
identified on the ground.
The use of wild plants, animals and abiotic resources
for ornamental purposes is extensive and varied. The limestone area proved to be quite a challenge
FRIM conducted a study to identify wild ornamental for the team as it was a four hours journey on
plants that are collected by the locals and rural foot. The view at the limestone was breathtaking.
communities of Ulu Muda Forest Reserve (FR) as According to the local guide, the area was mostly
a source of income. The study aimed to assess the visited by hornbills and some migratory birds
contribution and to measure the economic value of making it a great place for birdwatching.
wild ornamental plants, particularly in the state of
Kedah. Economic valuation on wild ornamental plants
is conducted to place a monetary value or shadow
price on forest goods and services.The cost of earning

Forest trail plot Ridges plot Limestone plot

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Ulu Muda FR Research Biodiversity

Begonia wrayi Begonia integrifolia Alocasia longiloba

Aglaonema nitidum Selaginella willdenowii Phyllagathis rotundifolia 1

A number of wild ornamental plants discovered 2
at the area were common plant species that were
planted in urban areas such as Pometia pinnata, 3
Mesua ferrea, Diospyros buxifolia, Lepisanthes
alata, Iguanura malayana, Bouea oppositifolia, 4
Caryota mitis, Cycas macrocarpa, Homalomena
sagittifolia, Aglaonema nitidum, Alocasia longiloba 1. A majestic ficus on limestone
and A. gigantea. Abundant species throughout 2. View of Tasik Gubir from boat
the four plots were Phyllagathis rotundifolia and 3. Flower of Lagerstroemia sp.
Selaginella willdenowii. A beautiful herbaceous 4. Collecting ornamental plants
species of Begonia, also known as asam batu was
discovered flowering along the river. Herbaceous About the Authors
plants are suitable in the cool and damp conditions Abdul Hayat Mat Saad and Ahmad
of the home garden. Baccaurea sp. was in mass Azaruddin Mohd Noor are researchers
fruiting at the time. Rambai fruits are edible, taste from the Ecotourism and Urban Forestry
sour and sweet and commonly eaten by monkeys, Programme, FRIM. The authors conduct
birds, wild boars and other small mammals. research & development projects related
to the management of urban forestry,
Throughout the journey from Tasik Gubir jetty landscape plants and arboriculture.
there were many flowering Lagerstroemia trees, a
popular urban landscape tree in Malaysia, growing
on river banks indicating its abundance in the area.

There were 11 types of wild ornamental plants
discovered namely orchids, aroids, begonias, ferns,
trees, palms, shrubs, climbers, cycads, mapania
grasses and hoyas. Although most of the species
encountered were common types planted in urban
areas, there may still be many others that remained
to be discovered at Ulu Muda FR. Subsequent
exploration or data collection on other sites of Ulu
Muda FR are timely to ensure the existence of these
species. The area has high diversity of flora and a
good species composition ranging from lowland to
forest hill. It is indeed an ideal habitat for discovery
of many more potential wild ornamental plants.

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Ulu Muda FR Research Biodiversity

CATCHING MENANGKAP IKAN
AIR TAWAR DI TASIK DAN SUNGAI

LAKE AND RIVER FISHES

Kaviarasu Munian

[email protected]

The Ulu Muda Forest Reserve (FR) is a forest The Muda Lake (below) and Muda River (top) are among
complex covering an area of approximately study sites selected to infer the diversity of freshwater
107,195 hectares and the vegetation in the
catchment comprises mainly lowland and fish and fish stock availability
hill dipterocarp forests. The forest is drained
by several rivers and a man-made reservoir significant ecological components of the
known as the Muda Lake. The Muda Lake Ulu Muda FR is the freshwater fish that play
was built in 1969 under the Muda Irrigation various roles in aspects of ecosystem and
Scheme to irrigate about 97,000 hectares socio-economy including providing people
of paddy areas in Perlis, Kedah and Penang. with food, recreation and conservation
The lake is about 15.5 km2 and has a value as biological indicator of freshwater
catchment area of 984 km2. The reservoir is habitat.
drained by two major river systems, namely
Teliang River which flows from northeast There are more than 60 species of fish in
to southwest and Muda River flowing from the lake and rivers in Ulu Muda FR based on
south to northwest of Ulu Muda FR. The numerous studies done since 2005; among
forest is inhabited by a diversity of fauna them are the famous Mahseer (Tor tambra),
that include threatened species such as Snakehead fish (Channa striata), Soro brook
tigers, elephants and tapirs. One of the carp (Neolissochilus soroides), Tinfoil barb
(Barbonymus schwanenfeldii) and a number of
Nur Fazreen Zainal commercially-valued fishes belonging to more
than 20 families. Based on limited studies, the
Tilapia fish is one of many freshwater fish species that were diversity of freshwater fish recorded in the
harvested from Muda Lake Muda Lake of Ulu Muda FR were moderate
compared to the man-made Temengor Lake and
Kenyir Lake. More systematic documentation
is required to unleash the many unknown
resident species in the area.

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Apart from harbouring a relatively high diversity
of freshwater fish, the lake and rivers in Ulu Muda
FR are one of the main resources for the locals to
generate income. At least 50 fishermen depend
on the catches of fish from the lake and rivers in
Ulu Muda FR, generating a monthly income of
around RM2000.

FRIM researchers conducted a study to document,
assess and value the fish fauna in the Muda Lake
and rivers. The objectives were to document the
diversity of freshwater fish in the rivers of Ulu
Muda FR, and to evaluate the fish stock availability
in the Muda Lake. It is expected that the findings
of the study could assist relevant authorities to
formulate a proper management plan to conserve
the existing diversity of freshwater fish and to
restock selected valuable fish species in lake and
rivers of Ulu Muda FR.

Systematic sampling along eight selected rivers
and several substations around the lake was
adopted using gill nets, electro-fisher and scoops.
The sampling began in September 2021 and
involved species identification and individual
measurements of length and weight.

Early results of the study indicated that the
lake and rivers of Ulu Muda FR were dominated
by fishes of the families Cyprinidae, Bagridae
and Channidae. Family Cyprinidae is currently
the largest family of freshwater fish based on
its abundant genera and species throughout
Malaysia. Cyprinidae was also the most dominant
species found in both lentic and lotic habitat of
Ulu Muda FR. It is observed that the differences
in terms of species richness between the lake and
rivers of Ulu Muda FR were low indicating the
establishment of riverine fish in the man-made
Muda Lake.

About the Author Freshwater fish from the family Cyprinidae were the
Kaviarasu Munian is a research officer attached to most dominant species found in both lentic and lotic
the Zoology Branch of Forest Biodiversity Division, habitat of Ulu Muda FR
FRIM since 2008. His research is focused on diversity,
ecology and genetic related to herpetofauna and
ichthyofauna.

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THE EDEN OF Amazing landscape of Ulu Muda FR
BIRDWATCHERS IN KEDAH

SYURGA PEMERHATI BURUNG
DI KEDAH

Noor Faradiana Md Fauzi

[email protected]

Mohammad Shahfiz Azman

Ulu Muda Forest Reserve (FR) is situated Birdwatching at selected compartments (above)
northeast of Kedah on the border with Thailand. and rivers (below) within Ulu Muda FR
This area was gazetted in 1932 as a permanent
forest reserve covering an area of 107,195
ha. The lowland and hill dipterocarp forests
are among the major forest types covering
this reserve. Several rivers, including Sungai
Teliang, Sungai Muda and Sungai Lasor streams
within the grounds. The Ulu Muda FR was
identified as one of the forest reserves under
the Central Forest Spine ecological corridors.
These ecological corridors are vital to facilitate
wildlife movement within the Greater Ulu Muda
Complex and the Main Range Forest Complex.
Moreover, Ulu Muda FR is recognised as one
of the 55 important bird areas in Peninsular
Malaysia.

The heterogeneous natural landscape in Ulu Muda
FR provides a wide range of habitats and ecosystems
for supporting remarkable number of biodiversity,
including avifauna species. More than 200 species
of avifauna were reported from Ulu Muda FR by
numerous studies since 1991. Out of these, seven
species of hornbills, such as Great hornbill (Buceros
bicornis), Rhinoceros hornbill (B. rhinoceros), Plain-
pouched hornbill (Rhyticeros subruficollis) and the
critically endangered species, Helmeted hornbill
(Buceros vigil), can be seen in Ulu Muda FR.

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123

45 6

78 1. Red wattled lapwing
(Vanellus indicus)
Avifauna species at Ulu Muda FR 2. Whiskered treeswift
(Hemiprocne comate)
The Plain-pouched hornbill (Rhyticeros 3. Stork-billed kingfisher
subruficollis) was only recorded at the Royal (Pelargopsis capensis)
Belum State Park, Perak prior to Ulu Muda FR. 4. Bar-winged flycatcher shrike

Capitalising on the diverse avifauna of Ulu Muda (Hemipus picatus)
FR, FRIM organised a birdwatching activity at 5. Oriental darter
the area. Birdwatching involves listening to bird (Anhinga melanogaster)
sounds and observing avifauna in their natural 6. Fiery minivet
habitat or using visual enhancement devices such (Pericrocotus igneus)
as binoculars and telephoto lenses for better 7. Red-bearded bee-eater
visuals. (Nyctyornis amictus)
8. Lesser fish eagle
The avifauna diversity was documented and (Ichthyophaga humilis)
updated for selected forest compartments and
along the Ulu Muda FR rivers. At least three to The presence of these fascinating avifauna species
four hours were spent each day to conduct the is a potential draw for bird enthusiasts from
observation. The bird species were identified around the world to participate in birdwatching
using references based on visual clues, records of at this area, thus introducing Ulu Muda FR as
bird calls, photos and videos. another birdwatching site in Malaysia. With proper
conduct, birdwatching could preserve the natural
The study recorded up to 100 bird species ranging avifauna biodiversity and generate income from
from waterbirds, understorey and canopy- ecotourism activities at Ulu Muda FR. Birdwatching
dwelling birds such as egrets, kingfishers, bulbuls, may potentially educate citizens and instil the
flycatchers, eagles and hornbills. The existence value of protecting and conserving Ulu Muda
of various habitat niches and food resources FR as critical habitat for avifauna populations in
were among the factors possibly influencing the Malaysia.
presence of numerous avifauna at Ulu Muda FR.
About the Authors
Noor Faradiana Md Fauzi and Mohammad Shahfiz
Azman are researchers at the Zoology Branch, Forest
Biodiversity Division, FRIM. Faradiana holds a degree
in Conservation and Management of Biodiversity from
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu. While Shahfiz is Head
of the Zoology Branch and holds a degree in Animal
Resource from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak. His areas
of specialisation are animal studies and landscape
ecology.

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BAMBOO AND ITS
MANY USES

BULUH DAN PELBAGAI KEGUNAANNYA

Dasrul Iskandar Darus

[email protected]

Amir Saaiffudin Kassim

The Ulu Muda Forest Reserve (FR), situated in Measuring and inspecting buluh semantan
the state of Kedah consists mainly of lowland (G. scortechinii) culms
to hill dipterocarp and riverine forests that
experience distinct dry periods. Its location is Shoots of buluh aur bukit (B. farinacea)
slightly south of the Kangar–Pattani border that
divides the lowland evergreen rainforest from One of the biggest environmental benefits of
the semi-evergreen rainforest. Since the early bamboo is its superb capability to absorb carbon
twentieth century, permanent forest reserves in dioxide and produce oxygen. When compared to
Malaysia have been managed using the concept an equivalent tree mass, bamboo produces  35%
of sustainable forest management. With more oxygen, besides improving soil quality via
the shift in public demand for various forest fallen leaves that return nutrients to degraded
products and services, the idea of sustainable soils. Its fibrous roots can efficiently remove
forest management was expanded to cover pollutants from wastewater.
other functions such as forest protection and It is timely to re-evaluate how bamboo can be
non-timber wood product development. used for economic benefits and to mitigate effects
of climate change and restoration of natural
Bamboo is a woody plant belonging to the grass forest. The conservation of bamboo forest using
family, known as a fast-growing species and an systematic management principles is important to
important alternative to timber. It is mostly found maintain a well-balanced forest environment and
in large numbers in disturbed areas such as logged to ensure adequate supply of raw bamboo culms.
over forests, riverine areas and forest fringes.   In
Malaysia, there are about 59 known species of About the Main Author
bamboo from 10 genera but only 13 species are Dasrul Iskandar Darus is the Head of the Plantation
utilised by the industry and the locals. Silviculture Unit, Forest Plantation Programme. His
research interest is in forest plantation silviculture,
Bamboo is associated with traditional and rural sustainable forest plantation management and
lifestyles, and is widely-used to supplement materials agroforestry.
for constructing houses and making numerous home
utility items. Generations of rural people around Ulu
Muda FR have used bamboo for various purposes.
The locals harvest Schizostachyum grande culms
to cook a Malay rice dish called lemang for Hari
Raya while the broad leaves are gathered and used
as wrappers for making Chinese rice dumplings.
Gigantochloa scortechinii (buluh semantan) and
Dendrocalamus pendulus (buluh akar) are the two
most widespread species in Ulu Muda FR. There
is also a rare bamboo species, Bambusa farinacea
(buluh aur bukit) which is indigenous to Malaysia
and distributed at higher elevation (600 m asl). Large
bamboos are useful for the manufacture of shade
blinds, barbeque sticks, vegetable baskets, incense
sticks and toothpicks. Cottage industries producing
handicrafts and bamboo poles for agriculture and
chalet constructions are well-established in the Ulu
Muda FR area.

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1 Forest Products

2 OF INSECTS
AND PROTECTION OF
3
WOOD PRODUCTS
4 TENTANG SERANGGA
1. Subterranean termites DAN MENANGANI
2. Large holes caused by Xylocopa latipes PEROSAK PRODUK KAYU
3. Adult Xylocopa latipes coming out of wood Dr Roszaini Kadir
4. Serious damage by powder post beetles [email protected]

Wood products are vulnerable to pest attack.
Wood contain starch and cellulose which
are the main source of food for beetles and
termites. Pest attacks occur at various stages
during the lifetime of a tree as a living stand, as
timber during storage or usage in the factory,
all of which resulted in negative effects.

Pest attack is marked by the appearance of
small or large holes on the wood surface. These
holes affect the overall wood aesthetics, lower
the grade and quality, as well as reduce its
original strength. Sometimes, affected wood are
completely damaged and can no longer be used.

The types of insects that attack wood may depend
on the wood moisture content. Wood damage is
caused by exit holes of mature adult beetles which
have completed their life cycle in wood. Damages
also occur when beetle eggs are hatched beneath
the bark or on the wood surface, in the case of
adult ambrosia beetles. This beetle stains the
edges of the hole which are usually less than one-
sixteenth of an inch in diameter.

Larger beetles produce bigger holes that are
more than a quarter of an inch in diameter, or
at least the same size as its body. These beetles
are called saws because they produce large-
sized sawdust and their dredging activities can
be heard. Other types of insects eat dry wood
for food, among them are many types, sizes and
shapes of powdery beetles. These type of beetles
crush wood and have other odd habits.
The most destructive type of pests are powder

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Forest Products

Some chemicals for wood treatment

post beetles, which are tiny, winged beetles Serious damage caused by termites
that lay their eggs in pores of certain
hardwood beetles. Powder post beetles are such as cengal and belian. These wood
fond of dry wood of rubberwood, pulai and contain alcohol, alkaloids, gums, resins or
jelutung. Termites are another type of insect bitter essences that repel wood borers or
that causes serious damage to wood and termites.
wood products. In Malaysia, there are two • Look for information from previous
main types of termites, namely subterranean studies to assist selection of high-quality
and drywood termites. and durable wood.
• Termite foundation, usually from
Subterranean termites cause the worst concrete, may prolong wood usability.
damage, require high moisture surroundings Termites  may cause significant damage
and attack wood indirectly from the moist to wood-based structural supports,
soil. Drywood termites as its name suggests, especially when they are in direct contact
directly attack dry wood. Termites damage to the ground.
all kinds of wooden buildings, various kinds • Use treated wood. Recommended
of stored materials, poles, posts, columns or use of chemical preservatives such as
beams, furniture and the list is endless. cypermethrin and permethrin may
protect wood from insects and moisture,
Precautions required when handling wood and provide defense against severe
are as follows: weather climate.

• Wood are to be handled and processed About the Author
rapidly, in addition to conducting Dr Roszaini Kadir is Head of the Wood
continuous air or kiln drying. Speed of Entomology Laboratory (WEL), Forest Products
handling will reduce insect infestations. Division, FRIM. The author has served FRIM
since 1993 and her research areas include non-
• Wood is to be stacked and kept separately wood forest products, wood natural durability
from firewood. and, antitermitic and antiborer properties
from natural products
• Stock checks are to be carried out
periodically and according to the rules
of first in, first out. Further protection is
by conducting periodic stock inspections
to remove infested material that will be
burnt or treated.

• Select wood that has natural durability

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Forest Products

WEATHERING AND BAMBOO

AFTER 6-YEARS OF EXPOSURE

PENGIKLIMAN DAN BULUH SELEPAS 6 TAHUN PENDEDAHAN

Dr Alia Syahirah Yusoh

[email protected]

Dr Mohd Khairun Anwar Uyup

Wood and other lignocellulosic materials 0 month
such as bamboo have popularly and long 12 months
been used as raw materials for outdoor 24 months
and indoor applications. Although these
materials have positive properties,
degradation due to weathering is known
as one of their major disadvantages.
Degradation due to weathering involves
slow dilapidation of the surface material
due to the interaction of sunlight, water,
oxygen, temperature and atmospheric
pollution.

Degradation affects the physical, chemical
and mechanical properties of wood and
lignocellulosic materials due to weathering.
There are various methods to protect
lignocellulosic materials against weathering
such as incorporating protection by coating,
surface treatment or chemical modification.
Good treatment and maintenance will
prolong the service life of the product. The
performance of wood and bamboo materials
against weathering can be tested using
outdoor exposure or special devices that
simulate outdoor weathering conditions.

At the FRIM Wood Finishing Laboratory, the
performance of treated plybamboo against
weathering was observed on a product
known as a wood-bamboo litter bin. This
study began in 2004 and was funded by
FRIM and MOSTI to develop exterior grade
plybamboo for outdoor applications. The
legs and roof of the bin were made from
wood namely keranji and kekatung, while
the walls were from treated plybamboo.

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Forest Products

36 months The wood-bamboo litter bin was placed
48 months outdoors in February 2014. The condition
60 months of the bin were examined every six months
until failure. After three years of exposure,
the coating of the litter bin became degraded.
The study discovered that the modified
impregnation treatment was significantly
effective in improving the properties of
plybamboo. Treatment also improved
the performance of the material against
degradation due to weathering. Based on a
previous study by Anwar et al. in 2010, without
this treatment, the plybamboo would have
degraded within three months after exposure
to outdoor conditions.

Maintenance was conducted on the litter bin
to continue the weathering exposure study.
In February 2021, it was found that the litter
bin was attacked by termites which started at
the legs. The modified impregnation technique
however showed good potential for protecting
bamboo against weathering. This treatment
was also found to be a possible method to
improve the degradation resistance of light
hardwood.

In conclusion, the coating method on its own
is insufficient to protect wood and bamboo
against natural weather conditions including
sunlight and rain. The modified impregnation
techniques are necessary to extend the service
life of wood and bamboo products. The
technique is also considered as an effective
method to decrease the negative effects of
weathering.

Photos: Mohd Faizul Mohd Shukari

72 months About the Main Author
The effect of weathering exposure on Dr Alia Syahirah Yusoh is a researcher at the
Bamboo, Rattan and Palm Unit, Forest Products
wood-bamboo litter bin Division, FRIM. She obtained her PhD from
Universiti Putra Malaysia and specialises in wood
science and technology (material design), including
the adhesion and bonding of forest products.

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Forest Products

PERABOT SEKOLAH
DARIPADA LAMINASI
BULUH DAN KAYU BSCAHMOBOOLOFULARMNIITNUARTEIOFNROAMND WOOD

Dr Khairul Awang

akhairul@ frim.gov.my

Dr Wan Tarmeze Wan Ariffin

Projek menghasilkan meja dan kerusi 1
daripada gabungan laminasi buluh dan 2
kayu mendapat pembiayaan daripada 3
RMK12. Projek ini memperoleh bekalan
bahan separa siap iaitu laminasi buluh atau
lamboo daripada pembekal tempatan,
manakala prototaip perabot dibangunkan
di Makmal Memesin dan Prototaip,
Bahagian Keluaran Hutan, FRIM.

Penyelidikan bagi penghasilan perabot ini
dijalankan bagi memastikan penggunaan
buluh laminasi adalah seiring dengan bekalan
kayu yang terdapat di pasaran. Aspek
keunikan laminasi buluh dan kayu termasuk
ira, warna dan rupa bentuk diambil kira dalam
pembuatan perabot berkenaan.

Reka bentuk perabot dihasilkan berdasarkan
panduan yang diluluskan oleh Kementerian
Pendidikan Malaysia dan diguna pakai oleh
pihak industri. Penyelidikan ini mendapat
kerjasama daripada Syarikat Adunan Komersil
Sdn Bhd untuk tujuan fabrikasi kerusi dan
meja dalam kuantiti sekitar 50 unit. Perabot
ini juga telah melepasi ujian di Makmal Ujian
Perabot FRIM dengan mengambil kira aspek
keselamatan, fizikal dan pembuatannya.

bersambung ke halaman 16

1. Buluh laminasi atau lamboo separa siap 4
diperoleh daripada pembekal tempatan

2. Projek membangunkan prototaip di Makmal
Memesin dan Prototaip FRIM

3. Produk yang menjalani ujian ketahanan di
Makmal Ujian Perabot FRIM

4. Penyelidik bersama-sama rakan kerjasama
Adunan komersil (M) Sdn Bhd

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News

SAINTIS TANAH FRIM TERIMA kemanusiaan; sains pengurusan; serta sains haiwan
ANUGERAH PENYELIDIK dan veterinar. Tahun ini, seramai 974 pencalonan
WANITA CEMERLANG diterima dari seluruh dunia dan hanya 33 dipilih
sebagai pemenang melalui pemilihan berdasarkan
5 Mac 2022—Saintis tanah FRIM, Dr Jeyanny laporan daripada jawatankuasa pakar dan perakuan
Vijayanathan telah menerima Anugerah Penyelidik jawatankuasa tertinggi.
Wanita Cemerlang bagi kategori kesuburan tanah Jeyanny, seorang saintis yang mempunyai
dalam bidang Sains Pertanian daripada Venus pengalaman 17 tahun dalam bidang sains tanah dan
International Foundation, India. nutrisi tumbuhan, merupakan Timbalan Presiden
Persatuan Sains Tanah Malaysia serta ahli kimia
Jeyanny merupakan seorang daripada empat berdaftar bawah Institut Kimia Malaysia.
pembentang jemputan yang menyampaikan
ucaptama pada majlis ‘Venus International Dr Jeyanny ketika menghadiri majlis Venus International
Woman Awards (VIWA)’. Beliau menyampaikan Woman Awards
pembentangan bertajuk, ‘The Journey of
Unearthing Tropical Forests Soils for Sustainability’
yang berkenaan pencapaian dan cabaran sebagai
seorang saintis tanah wanita.

Turut hadir, Dr Sarani Ghosal Mondal dari
National Institute of Technology Goa, India dan
Dr R. Sathiskhumar, Pengerusi VIWA.

VIWA memberi fokus kepada wanita yang bekerja
dalam bidang sains pertanian; kejuruteraan;
sains kesihatan dan perubatan; sains sosial dan

sambungan daripada halaman 15

Ketua Pengarah FRIM (kiri) dan Guru Besar Sekolah Penyelidikan ini diharap menjadi pemangkin
Kebangsaan Kepong, FRIM (kanan) ketika majlis untuk meningkatkan keyakinan dan
penyerahan meja dan kerusi murid permintaan industri perabot negara
terhadap buluh laminasi. Kajian ini bukan
Pada 4 Januari 2022, Ketua Pengarah FRIM telah sahaja bagi kegunaan pembuatan perabot
menyerahkan 40 set meja dan kerusi kepada sekolah tetapi untuk perabot komersil
Guru Besar Sekolah Kebangsaan Kepong, FRIM. bermutu tinggi yang dapat digunakan secara
Penyelidik FRIM akan menjalankan pemantauan meluas di seluruh negara dan seterusnya
dari semasa ke semasa dan mengambil data menembusi pasaran antarabangsa.
tentang keadaan perabot bagi mengkaji
keberkesanan dan ketahanannya. Tentang Penulis Utama
Dr Khairul Awang ialah pegawai penyelidik
kanan di Makmal Memesin dan Prototaip yang
berpengalaman dalam bidang pemesinan,
pemprosesan kayu dan pembangunan perabot.
Pegawai lain yang terlibat dalam projek ini ialah
Dr Mohd Khairun Anwar Uyup, Dr Mohd Fahmi
Awalludin dan Siti Zaliha Ali.

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