Signs at FRIM need maintenance

DURING a recent visit to the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), I realised the importance of preserving nature as best as we can.

Since it was opened to the public, FRIM has become a leading natural tourist attraction. Thus, the institute should pay more attention to practising a good forest management system.

The primary purpose for setting up FRIM in 1926 was to conduct research on forestry.

According to Jalali, the tour guide with me that day, the forest was actually first planted for research in 1929.

He said that only 19% of the forest consists of natural trees and the rest were planted.

It is good to know that this area which had been completely stripped of vegetation by mining was being rehabilitated even during the 1920s.

FRIM is like a jungle in the city. It is a good experience to be here, in touch with the natural environment while building a bond with our loved ones. City folks will be more appreciative of this place.

But there are certain aspects on the ground that can be improved. For one, the management can do better at maintaining the signposts, as many are not in good condition.

I noticed, for example, that various trees are marked with their scientific and local names.

This is a good effort as it would enable visitors to recognise the types of trees as they walk in the forest. But in some areas, the signs are poorly maintained.

There is no map of the area except one near the entrance but there a few direction signboards at different locations.

Visitors are advised to snap a picture of the map with their smartphones and use this as a guide to avoid getting lost.

The directions and signboards are actually clear, but some also need to be repaired.

In some places, I saw plastic bags and candy wrappers on the ground.

Perhaps the staff can put up more signs and organise campaigns to educate the public on how to throw rubbish properly.

Kids will most likely throw rubbish into the forest, but parents and adults should prevent them from doing this. Moreover, when nature calls, it is not easy to find a toilet. There was only one toilet and it was behind the museum.

FRIM should educate people and do more campaigns to make visitors understand the importance of forest conservation for our future generations.

We hope that through a good management system, the authorities will preserve this kind of forest research facility in perpetuity.

AHMAD FAIZUDDIN

Gombak, Selangor