16 June 2020 (Tuesday) – The Minister of Energy and Natural Resources (KeTSA) Dato’ Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah launched the book entitled, ‘Tasik Chini Biosphere Reserve–Conservation by FRIM & NAHRIM’ in Tasik Chini, Pahang, on 14 June, in conjunction with his official visit to Pahang.

The coffee-table book highlights the research and conservation efforts of Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) and National Hydraulic Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM) in Tasik Chini from 2011 to 2018.

From left: Zurinah, Shamsul Anuar, Abd Latif, Mohd Sharkar and Mohd Hizamri during the book launch.	Shamsul Anuar launching the book while Abd Latif looks on.

With its rich content, this book is an important reference for forest and lake managers, local and foreign researchers, academicians, students as well as the general public.

Also present at the ceremony were KeTSA Secretary General Datuk Zurinah Pawanteh, Pahang State Exco Dato’ Sri Mohd Sharkar Shamsudin, Forest Department Peninsular Malaysia (FDPM) Director General (DG) Dato’ Mohd Ridza Awang, Pahang Forestry Department Director Dato’ Dr Mohd Hizamri Mohd Yasin as well as FRIM DG Datuk Dr Abd Latif Mohmod, who was also one of the editors of this book.

The book highlights research and conservation efforts by FRIM and NAHRIM in Tasik Chini.

FRIM and FDPM conducted reforestation and riverbank enhancement activities in Sungai Chini, which included the planting of varies species of bamboo, forest and fruit trees along the riverbank. FRIM is also involved in replanting lotus, the iconic species of the lake.

Research and conservation efforts by FRIM ensure the sustainability of natural resources and biodiversity in this lake, which is a UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) reserve in Malaysia.