Sebuah Travelog Buluh Bamboo di Malaysia

Biodata penulis ‘zaff taib’

Professor Madya IDr Dr. Mohd Zafrullah Haji Mohd Taib dilahirkan di ‘Forest Research Institute Malaysia’ (FRIM)
Kepong, Selangor pada 9 Januari 1969. Beliau mendapat pendidikan awal di Sekolah Kebangsaan Kepong (FRIM)
dan Sekolah Menengah St. John Kuala Lumpur serta Sekolah Teknik Tuanku Jaafar, Seremban. Dr. Mohd Zafrullah
mempunyai Diploma Reka Bentuk Dalaman dan memperolehi Anugerah Dekan dari ITM pada 1991 dan pada 1992-
1994 diterima masuk terus ke peringkat Ijazah Sarjana Senibina Dalaman di De Montfort University, Leicester United
Kingdom. Beliau dianugerahkan Ijazah Doktor Falsafah Senibina dari Universiti Teknologi Malaysia pada tahun
2011. Sekarang beliau adalah Timbalan Pengarah Hab Media Kreatif dan Teknologi (CMT Hub, UiTM) dan mengajar
sebagai pensyarah kanan di Fakulti Senibina, Perancangan dan Ukur (FSPU), UiTM. Beliau juga merupakan ahli
profesional Pereka Dalaman Malaysia (M40-MIID) dan Ahli Profesional Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM ID/M58).

Beliau menulis dalam beberapa siri jurnal antarabangsa dan kertas kerja dalam bidang reka bentuk mampan, senibina
Islam, pemuziuman, hospitaliti dan reka bentuk. Selain itu, beliau pernah dilantik sebagai Pereka Kanan, Pengurus
Reka Bentuk, Pengerusi Kualiti buku teks Reka Bentuk Dalaman di Kementerian Pelajaran Malaysia, Penulis buku
Dewan Bahasa Pustaka, Penulis dan Pereka buku-buku CMT HUB, menjadi Pemeriksa luar di beberapa universiti,
Penceramah jemputan dan Panel Pakar untuk Program TV al Hijrah, Panel Penasihat Perabot FITEC, Panel
Pemeriksa Standard Hotel (Bintang) dan Juri Reka Bentuk Internasional, Reviewer journal, Pemeriksa dan Penyelia
‘post-graduate’ program Ijazah & PhD, Panel ahli jawatankuasa Akreditasi Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (MAPSM) dan
Malaysia Quality Assurance (MQA).

Minat beliau terhadap alam semulajadi sejak dari kecil lagi kerana sering terdedah terhadap kehidupan di persekitaran
hutan, dimana sejak dari sekolah rendah telah dilantik menjadi ketua pengakap, pasukan ‘hiking’ FRIM dan mendaki
gunung. Rekabentuk dalaman Muzium Alam semulajadi dan rekaan perabot dari kayu menjadi pertaruhan Projek
Akhir Diploma beliau. Antara pengalaman beliau di UiTM adalah sebagai ‘Protemp’ Pengerusi Hijau bagi FSPU
UiTM dan pada masa ini, beliau aktif sebagai AJK Malaysia Bamboo Society (MBS).

Pengalaman beliau dalam perundingan rekabentuk dalaman projek kerajaan dan swasta mencakupi reka bentuk
korporat, hospitaliti, muzium dan komersial seperti projek Istana Budaya, Bank Islam, Bank Agro, Public Bank,
Muzium Diraja Seri Menanti, Muzium Seremban, Pusat Nuklear Malaysia, Lobi Khas KPT, SIRIM dan lain-lain.
Anugerah tertinggi yang telah dicapai adalah Penyelidik Muda UiTM 2008 dan anugerah Harta Intelek Negara 2008.
Memenangi beberapa inovasi di IID UiTM, Pencipta (2008), ITEX (2007), MTE (2008) dan paten rekabentuk perabot.
Anugerah Khidmat Cemerlang UiTM pada 2008 dan 2014.

101

Autograf





( Sustainable Development Goal - SDG )

A Travelogue

ULUH

BAMBOO

IN MALAYSIA

zaff taib



BULUH
AMBOO
IN MALAYSIA
JEJAK BULUH KINI BERMULA ...

HAB MEDIA KREATIF & TEKNOLOGI CREATIVE MEDIA & TECHNOLOGY HUB
Universiti Teknologi MARA
Published by Creative Media & Technology Hub
Universiti Teknologi MARA,
40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.
Published in 2021 [email protected]
Writers :
zaff taib (Mohd Zafrullah Mohd Taib) & Masrur Mohd Khir
Editors :
Hadayat Rahmah Hassan & Azhar Hj. Abd Jamil
Book Cover & Book Designers:
Mohd Zafrullah Hj Mohd Taib & Mohd Shariman Bin Mat Sopari
Photography & Visual Editors:
Mohd Zafrullah Hj Mohd Taib, Muhammad Zharif Bin Zailan Kamaruddin & Nur Yasmin Binti Yusman
Text Editors & Proofreaders:
Hadayat Rahmah Hassan, Nurul Khairunnisa Khairudin , Nada Nasuha Binti Abdul Rahman
Printed by: Print Expert Sdn. Bhd
ISBN No. 978-967-18324-4-8
eISBN No. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Publisher:
Creative Media & Technology Hub, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam Selangor
All Rights Reserved
This book content is based on writers’ and researchers’ point of view. None of the parts in this book can be republished in any forms or any ways,
electronically or mechanically, including information storage and acquisition system, without the publisher’s written consent, with exception for reviewers
who are permitted to make citation from the source.

108

109

Melentur buluh biarlah dari Rebungnya ...
Mana ada Buluh tidak berbuku ...

Malay Proverbs associated with BAMBOO

110

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Prelude Deputy Vice Chancellor of UiTM v
Foreword President of Malaysia Bamboo Society (MBS) vii
Prologue Senior Director of UiTM Communication Department xiv
Preface Director of CMT HUB xvi
Writer’s Ink xviii
Introduction of Bamboo 1
What is Bamboo? 3
Bamboo as Construction 5
Bamboo as Furniture 6
Bamboo as Handicraft Art and Equipment 7
Exhibition, Seminar dan Bamboo Expo 9
Bamboo Trails ........... 12
Bamboo Incubator Center, Negeri Sembilan 17
Terengganu Timber Industry Trainning Center (TTITC) 27
Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) Jeli, Kelantan 31
Royal Belum & bamboo Clock Hulu Gerik, Perak 33
Maju Perak Go Green 35
Taiping Bamboo Resort 41
Teratak Ihsan & Rumah Loteng ‘Bamboo Jungle Adventures’ 47
Kuala Kangsar Bamboo Mosque, Perak 59
Sahom Valley Resort Agro & Eco Park, Gopeng 65
Tadom Hill Resort, Banting 68
Bamboo Installation, Central Market, KL 73
Playhouse, Lake Garden, KL 74
Bamboo Village, Ulu Langat, Selangor 76
Contributions 79
Persatuan Buluh Malaysia - Malaysia Bamboo Society (MBS) 80
Current news associated with bamboo 81
Reference 93
Author’s Biography 94

111

Prelude

First of all, I would like to congratulate the Creative Media & Technology Hub (CMTHub) UiTM for successfully
publishing another book on bamboo entitled “A Travelogue Bamboo in Malaysia “in 2021. Next, congratulations to
the Department Of Communications UiTM and all CMTHub’s workforce who gave their all to make this book a success
despite the pandemic. Congratulations to the bamboo book writer, Prof. Madya IDr. Dr. Mohd. Zafrullah Hj.Mohd Taib
for his success in completing this book despite facing various challenges. The author also stated that the information
has been collected since 2018 and finally compiled into a book, which explains the use and diversity of bamboo and its
other specialties.
Bamboo is a fascinating topic as its uses and uniqueness is unknown to the public. Furthermore, reading this book is
enthralling because it tells a lot about the benefits of Bamboo and its future uses.
In addition, the publication of this book is one of the initiatives of Pembangunan Lestari or Sustainable Devel- opment
Goals (SDG) to improve the ranking of Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) and its visibility in the international arena.
The success of publishing the book “A Travelogue Bamboo in Malaysia” showcases the competency of CMTHub as
the main player in realising and enhancing UiTM’s good name, not only via exhibitions, but also the publication of this
informative book. I hope that CMTHub will continue to produce quality books that attract and add more knowledge to
the society inside and outside of UiTM.
Finally, I’m wishing CMTHub all the best. Thank you.
PROFESOR DR MOHD NAZIP SURATMAN
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Inovation)
Universiti Teknologi MARA

112

Foreword

Malaysian Bamboo Association @ Malaysian Bamboo Society (MBS), is an NGO which is globally recognised and
plays a role in promoting, increasing and sharing knowledge and professional expertise about bamboo.
Alhamdulillah, the publication of this book, “A Travelogue Bamboo in Malaysia” will surely support MBS’s vision
and mission to enhance bamboo-related knowledge through the writing of a travelog. Invigorating and refreshing,
this book records colaborative programs of various parties with bamboo activists towards the growth of the country’s
bamboo industry.
Heartfelt congratulations to Prof Madya IDr Dr Mohd Zafrullah Hj. Mohd Taib who led a group of authors from UiTM
to produce this scholarly book. Hopefully this travelog which identifies bamboo status in Malaysia will open the eyes
and minds of everyone including the legislator to help boost the bamboo industry in increasing the country’s economic
growth.
Let us together shift the paradigm about bamboo as a Malaysian future commodity.
Greetings,
DATO’ DR HJH. MARZALINA HJ. MANSOR
President
Malaysian Bamboo Society (MBS)

113

Prologue

The year 2020 was a challenging year not only for the Creative & Technology Media Hub (CMTHub), but also all of us
due to the COVID-19 pandemic which are affecting the whole world. Nonetheless, I am proud because these challenges
did not stop CMTHub from working and creating. Publication of the book “A Travelogue Bamboo in Malaysia”
exhibits the uniqueness and diversity of bamboo as well as expands the visibility of CMTHub and UiTM.
Thank you to the Director of CMTHub UiTM, Prof. Madya Ts. Dr. Azhar
Hj Abd Jamil for the support and encouragement given to CMTHub towards the success in
producing the book, “A Travelogue Bamboo in Malaysia ‘’. This year, we experienced various obstacles that hit the
world and this had in a way affected CMTHub’s planning in 2020.
However, every cloud has a silver lining. This well describes the production of this book, “A Travelogue Bamboo in
Malaysia”.
My sincere appreciation goes to the book writer, Associate Professor IDr. Dr Mohd Zafrullah Hj Mohd Taib for his hard
work in obtaining various information on bamboo, dynamics of bamboo uses and many more. The book, “A Travelogue
Bamboo in Malaysia” may become an eye opener to the society who will acknowledge bamboo as an alternative for
construction sector, furniture and new industries in this country.
I would also like to again congratulate CMTHub for the success of publishing the book, “A Travelogue Bamboo in
Malaysia” and I hope this success will continue to the next future. Insya’Allah.
Thank You,.
ENCIK ZULKIPLI ABU BAKAR
Pengarah Kanan Jabatan Komunikasi Universiti Teknologi MARA

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Preface

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious and the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, with His mercy and grace, a book
about bamboo was successfully produced for the second time by the CMTHub and published in 2020.
I believe that the production of the book, “A Travelogue Bamboo in Malaysia” not only crucial but also showcases a
creative product which escalates CMTHub’s profile among the university community and the industry.

First of all, I would like to congratulate Prof. Madya IDR. Dr. Mohd Zafrullah Hj. Mohd Taib as the writer of the book
“A Travelogue Bamboo in Malaysia” for collecting and compiling information about bamboo which led to the success
in producing a book entitled “Travelogue Bamboo in Malaysia”. I would like to congratulate all staff of CMTHub for
putting effort into success in producing this book,“Travelogue Bamboo in Malaysia.”. the content of “Bamboo Trail
in Malaysia” provides a lot of new information about bamboo, companies producing bamboo products, resorts or
vacation houses constructed using bamboo and others. This information has given me new perception on Bamboo and
also the diversity of bamboo uses that can be shared together by heightening efforts to make it unique and indirectly
gives identity to our country.
Finally, I would like to congratulate the book writer, Prof. Madya IDR. Dr Mohd Zafrullah Hj. Mohd Taib and also
CMTHub team for successfully producing “A Travelogue Bamboo in Malaysia ‘’ and I hope information sharing on
bamboo can benefit the country. Insya’Allah, Amin.
Thank you.
PROF. MADYA Ts. DR AZHAR HJ. ABD JAMIL
Pengarah
Hab Media Kreatif & Teknologi (CMTHub)

115

Writer’s Ink

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious and the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah in bestowing His favours upon us
with His mercy and grace.
Experience gives us knowledge if we take it! As the Word of Allah in Surah Taha “Indeed in that are signs for those of
intelligence...“
Glory be to Allah, this book is a sharing of experience with bamboo lover friends throughout the Peninsula Malaysia.
A relaxed and unpretentious concept makes it the best approach to disseminate information to the society. Additionally,
if used properly, bamboo will surely give countless benefits.
Bamboo plant is one of the easiest plants to care for and grows easily almost anywhere. According to a study, bamboo
which is ‘a grass family’ will be able to live wherever grass does. There are various types of bamboo in the world and
they can grow reallly fast, up to 70cm long in a day!
Having unique features, this plant is known as ‘a tree of thousand uses’. Based on past research, bamboo plants release
oxygen a lot more than other trees mentioned in some studies and journals. Not only that it is used for construction
due to its uniqueness, but also for food, medicine and others. Thus, it is also called ‘Green Gold’. Bamboo plant is
categorised as a sustainable material, and this supports the initiative of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by
UNESCO.

116

To see how bamboo is used as a construction material for the magnificent expo buildings along with the use of the latest
technologies.
The land and climate of Malaysia are ideal for bamboo cultivation, so we should make the most of this gift.
Some government programmes and related projects with bamboo are highlighted in this travelogue. Its widespread
application in fields as diverse as handiwork, furniture, and building makes it a catalyst for change that can spur
the economy and even become a national priority. The ‘Bamboo Eco System’ proposal on the last page of this book
illustrates the importance of garnering support from all relevant parties, including communities and individuals, in
order to mobilise multiple industries connected to bamboo. These industries include tourism, furniture manufacturing,
the commercial plant sector for bamboo-based products, arts and crafts, textiles and fashion, food production, and
others.
It is believed that this book will serve as the finest possible exposure for its readers, allowing them to improve the
innovation of bamboo technology for the continuity of creation, while bolstering the future of the bamboo industry.
Zaff taib

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INTRODUCTION

118

Nature is the creation Of the Creator ....
Provide tranquility and bamboo The best gift for man .......
Surah Taha, ayat 53-54,
Qur’an 20:53-54 Surah Taha
(20:53) He26 it is Who spread the earth for you; and made
in it paths for you…
and sent down water from the sky, and then through it
We brought forth many species of diverse plants. (20:54)
So eat yourself and pasture your cattle.
Surely there are many
Signs in this for people of understanding.27

119

WHAT IS BAMBOO?

“Buluh” or bamboo in English is the most versatile and rapidly growing According to Kohl (2015), there are over 1,000 bamboo consumption
plants in the face of the earth. It has become one of the important as a source of food, renewable raw materials, and re-generated energy
materials in everyday life of the community for years, especially for sources. This bamboo can be used in construction, as cookware, food,
those residing in the tropical countries such as Malaysia. Bamboo is a musical instruments, cultural arts and many more.
unique group of evergreen plants in grass family, Graminae.
Due to an increase in the demand for timber in the construction
According to Mohd Tamizi, Hamdan, Abdul Latif and Amir Saaiffaudin industry, bamboo is increasingly regarded as an alternative to wood.
(2019), there are 14 genera of bamboo within 120 species in Asia from This is viewed as the best measure to control excessive exploitation of
75 genera, and more than 1300 types of bamboo around the world. the forest reserve due to the demand for wood-based materials.
Bamboo can grow approximately 7.5 to 70 cm per day. This bamboo
is known by its variety of uses hence its given nickname, “tree of a
thousand uses”.

Tourism sector and places to visit

120

BAMBOO AS CONSTRUCTION

These are examples of buildings or construction made of bamboo in
Chiangmai, Thailand and Bali Island. Buildings made of bamboo in the
pictures display their beauty and demonstrate that bamboo can be used
as an alternative to timber in making buildings. Beautiful designs and
large sizes of buildings are achievable. The third picture shows one of
the houses at a resort in Bali which is also made of bamboo.

Rest House in Bali

Bamboo building in Chiangmai, Thailand Construction at a resort in Bali

121

BAMBOO AS FURNITURE

Coffee Table Versatile Shelves

Lazy chair This furniture is made of bamboo which is also produced in Malaysia.
This shows diversity or variations of furniture that can be made by
122 using bamboo. In addition, the furniture produced is of high quality
and very modern.

BAMBOO AS AN ART OF HANDICRAFT AND EQUIPMENT

Bamboo containers and fishing equipment Bicycle frame made of bamboo

Bamboo Container Fish container equipment Angklung musical instrument

123

Sompoton Sushi roll mat

The pictures shows examples of handicrafts and equipment made of bamboo. From musical
instruments such as “Angklung and Sompoton”, cooking equipment,”Sushi Roll Mat” to make
sushi, and fishing equipment to bicycle, are all made of bamboo. These are evidence that show
diverse uses of bamboo plants. Furthermore, the unique bamboo consumption needs to be
highlighed as it gives many benefits to the handicraft and equipment production industry.

Bird house

124

EXHIBITION, SEMINAR AND BAMBOO EXPO

This section shows some exhibitions and expos on Bamboo held in
Malaysia. Exhibitions or expos are held to give exposure on diversity of
bamboo as well as bamboo uses to the public and also industries. This
disclosure will create awareness among the community on bamboo.

125

Examples of exhibitions or bamboo workshops held in Malaysia

126

Most Bamboo Workshops held in Malaysia are led by NGOs such as Bamboo Jungle Adventures and Malaysian Bamboo
Society in collaboration with FRIM and MTIB

127

BAMBOO TRAILS

128

Peace and tranquility from plants named Buluh.
There are several tourist attractions such as Potuo Village, Kulai Johor. Picture of Bamboo Park in Indonesia.

129

BAMBOO TRAILS MALAYSIA 2018

The ‘Bamboo Trail’ program was organised by MTIB (Malaysia Timber Board) supported by Malaysia Bamboo Society (MBS) and Bamboo
Jungle Adventure cooperation (the organiser of this visit). This is an inaugural program made for the nature lovers of especially this very special
plant, bamboo. Conducted on 2–9 February, 2018, embarking from MTIB’s headquarters in Cheras, the program planned to cover almost en-
tire bamboo-related destinations throughout the Peninsular Malaysia. The first visit was the Simpang Pertang incubator centre, Negeri Sembi-
lan. The entourage consisted of 20 individuals from various backgrounds but with the same interest.

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Day 1 – 05/02/2018
Bamboo Craft Incubator Centre

he writer and the entourage left at 10.00 a.m from the MTIB building, Located near to Pahang border was Simpang Pertang, Negeri Sembilan.
Cheras; boarded a special van towards Simpang Pertang through Jalan The almost 2 acre area, which had several build ings was divided into
Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan. exhibition center, basic treatment and bamboo cutting workshops,
furniture and crafts manufacturing workshop and office buildings.

131

Bamboo Trails Malaysia

We were briefed by the officers of the Bamboo Craft Incubator Centre
on the objectives and activities. This is the only bamboo craft incubator
centre in the country.

132

Day 1 – 05/02/2018
Bamboo Craft Incubator Centre

The method of bamboo cutting using machine is applied besides the
usual traditional method

133

Bamboo Trails Malaysia

The bamboo that has been treated is set upright
with standard bamboo measurement of 8 feet
long and 2 inch minimum in diameter

View of a bamboo cutting workshop.

134

Day 1 – 05/02/2018
Bamboo Craft Incubator Centre

Bamboo soaking container for treatment from insects and termites The cleavage plate comes in various sizes depending on the
requirements in uses and designs. The training officer showed how to
handle the machine.

135

Bamboo Trails Malaysia

The trainees are busy preparing the rattan binding on the bamboo seats designed at the bamboo furniture workshops
The training officer teaches
valuable carpentary skills to
trainees

136

Day 1 – 05/02/2018
Bamboo Craft Incubator Centre

Rattan guest seat and ‘lazy’ chair, and bamboo chairs

137

Bamboo Trails Malaysia

Bamboo chairs for guest rooms exhibited at the Craft Centre exhibition room

Bamboo dining chair designs

138

Day 1 – 05/02/2018
Bamboo Craft Incubator Centre

The writer posing at the signage of the Bamboo Craft Incubator
Centre, Simpang Pertang, Negeri Sembilan as a memento

139

Bamboo Trails Malaysia

Arrived at TTITC and welcomed by the director. An officer gave a briefing on TTITC.

140

Day 2 – 06/02/2018
Terengganu Timber Industry Training Centre (Ttitc)

Explanation from TTITC officers on activities associated with wood and bamboo work. One of the kiosk models
adopted by the Kuala Terengganu Municipal Council

141

Bamboo Trails Malaysia

The trainee is examining the gaps of the wood of the refined furniture.

Carving art is an artwork that needs to be preserved by the younger
generation.

142

Day 2 – 06/02/2018
Terengganu Timber Industry Training Centre (Ttitc)

Bamboo related activities need to be broaden
for future generations to ensure the skills will
not be buried and forgotten from the social
culture

Carpentery art of building traditional house was unravelled at TTITC

143

Bamboo Trails Malaysia

Taking photos as memento with officers of Terengganu Timber Industry Training
Centre

144

Day 2 – 06/02/2018
Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) Jeli, Kelantan

The trip was resumed to Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) Jeli,
Kelantan. A Briefing on bamboo tree planting and the use of interior
design materials by UMK Referral Centre

145

Bamboo Trails Malaysia

Participants from Sarawak, Kedah and Kuala Lumpur taking a photo on While crossing the West East route at the Malaysia-Thailand border
the stairs at UMK referral centre

146

Day 2 – 06/02/2018
Hentian Royal Belum, Perak Darul Ridzuan

A pit stop at the Hentian Royal Belum,
The Oldest Rainforest (130 million years) of Amanjaya,

Perak National Park

147

Bamboo Trails Malaysia

Pengkalan Hulu Clock Tower which is made
of bamboo has become one of the landmarks of

the Perak State
Recording memory at
the 1st Bamboo Clock Tower in the world

148

Day 3 – 07/02/2018
Maju Perak Go Green Sdn. Bhd

A visit to Maju Perak Go Green Sdn. Bhd A briefing by Perak Maju Go Green Sdn. Bhd on the focus and
objectives of the company emphasising the use of bamboo as
‘Sustainable & Go Green’ materials

149

Bamboo Trails Malaysia

Bamboo basic materials are collected to be made into company’s product detailing

Bamboo detailing is divided based on the product fractions

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