The seminar on Royal Belum, held at Syeun Hotel, Ipoh on October 13 and 14, was a success. Some 200 participants from both the public and private sectors attended the two-day event aptly named, “Royal Belum Intellectual Discourse”. It was organised by the Perak Tourism Association with the support of the state government. I was among those invited.
The opening ceremony was graced by Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri DiRaja Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, Executive Councillor for Tourism and Culture, Dato’ Nolee Ashilin Dato’ Mohd Radzi and officials from the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. Zambry, in his opening remarks, stressed on the importance of maintaining the sanctity of the 130 million-year old rainforest, which is older than the rainforests of Amazon and Congo.
The most inspiring presentation was on the Sabah Experience by Datuk Seri Tengku Zainal Abidin, Chairman of the Sabah Park. Although he is 71 years old, he is so energetic. He treks, dives and para-glides like a man half his age.
Royal Belum, located to the north of Perak and bordering Thailand, is considered the crown jewel of the state. It is one of the last frontiers of the world’s dwindling tropical rainforest. And being in Perak, we should take pride in its existence and make attempts to care for it.
As a member of the Y’s Men International, I will be writing to the International President, Isaac Palathinkal in Kerala, India informing him of Royal Belum. I hope to encourage members worldwide to visit the rainforest.
R. Letchimanan
