14 November 2018 (Wednesday) – Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) has organised 2018 Rafflesia in Malaysia Seminar, themed ‘Rafflesia Research Status: a Perspective’ at the FRIM Auditorium yesterday.

The aim of this seminar, the first of its kind ever organised, was to share information on research and development (R&D), scientific findings, technology and conservation on Rafflesia in Malaysia. The event, jointly organised by FRIM, Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA) and Felda Global Ventures Holdings Berhad (FGV), was officiated by FRIM Director General Dato’ Dr Abd Latif Mohmod.

Abd Latif (left) and Samsudin delivering their respective speeches.	From left: Zulhisham, Sharifah Shahrul Rabiah, Abd Latif, Erawan and Samsudin.

“FRIM would like to thank the Perak Government as well as agencies involved such as Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN) Peninsular Malaysia, Hulu Perak District Office, Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) and especially to FELDA and FGV,” he said.

The Rafflesia Conservation and Interpretive Centre (RCIC) in the FELDA Bersia Timur, jointly established by FRIM, FGV and FELDA, is expected to be completed by 2020. It is the first centre in Peninsular Malaysia dedicated to Rafflesia research, environmental education and conservation (in-situ and ex -situ) as well as to boost the local economy. The project focuses on the efforts of supporting the tourism industry by involving Orang Asli communities as well as promoting Gerik as an ecotourism attraction.

Also present at the ceremony were FGV Head of R&D and Agri Services Cluster Dr Sharifah Shahrul Rabiah Syed Alwee, FELDA Land Management Department Director Erawan Aman, Hulu Perak District Officer Zulhisham Ahmad Shukori and FRIM Forestry and Environment Director Dr Samsudin Musa.

Seminar participants watching a video on Rafflesia.	Abdul Latiff (left) and Noorsiha during their respective presentations.

The seminar was attended by over 100 participants comprising researchers, academicians, agency representatives, policy makers and individuals involved directly in Rafflesia research and conservation.

There were 12 presentations and nine posters exhibited at this seminar. Among the presentation topics were ‘Research on Rafflesia (Raffleciaceae) in Malaysia: Issues and Challenges’ by Prof. Emeritus Dato’ Dr Abdul Latiff Mohamad from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia; and ‘Penjenamaan Daerah Hulu Perak Menerusi Pembangunan Komponen Ekopelancongan Pusat Pemuliharaan dan Interpretif Rafflesia’by FRIM RCIC Project Coordinator Noorsiha Ayop.