A Quarterly of the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)

June 2014
FRIM in FOCUS
2
Editorial
Board
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Cover, background photo: Stands of merawan siput jantan (top), khaya (middle) and jelutong (bottom) at FRIM Segamat research
station taken in 2007 (photo credit: FRIM Segamat research station). Inset, clockwise from above: Teak seeds, teak seedling in polybag
and cutting of patawali stem (photo credit: FRIM Mata Ayer research station).
The Editor & Writer of FRIM In Focus
Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)
52109 Kepong, Selangor DE, Malaysia
Telephone : +603-6279 7501 | Facsimile : +603-6273 1076
E-mail : idasuraini@frim.gov.my | Website : www.frim.gov.my
Design & Printing : Cetak Jitu Sdn Bhd
Advisors
Dato Dr Abdul Latif Mohmod
Dr Mohamed Nor Mohd Yuso
Technical Editor
Mohamad Zaki Mohd Isa
Editor & Writer
Ida Suraini Abd Shukor
Dr Ahmad Zuhaidi Yahya
zuhaidi@frim.gov.my
RESEARCH
FOR EFFECTIVE
PLANTATION
FORESTRY
Penyelidikan ke Arah Perhutanan
Ladang yang Efektif
Plantation forestry is essentially forest land use which is managed on a sustainable basis such as in
biodiversity reserves and natural forests, in addition to intensively managed mono-species plantation.
Observing how plantation forestry in Malaysia has evolved over the last 30 years may help in better
understanding of the process and avoid repeating past mistakes. Plantation forestry relies on the choiced
selection of species and planting site. Quality planting site, as determined by careful selection, eld testing
and silvicultural maintenance is crucial to sustain high wood yield over repeated short rotations.
A review of species suggests that Paraserianthes falcataria, Hevea clones, Acacia crassicarpa and hybrid
of Acacia are candidates with the lowest risk for short rotational plantation forestry. These genera with the
exception of Hevea clones produce seeds that are easily stored for years without losing viability, thus nursery
production can be easily scheduled. The trial planting at FRIMs experimental sites at Bukit Hari and in
other states suggests that Shorea spp (including S. leprosula, S. parvifolia, S. acuminata), Dyera costulata,
Endospermum diadenum and Pouteria malaccensis should be included in the plantation programme for
Focus article
June 2014
FRIM in FOCUS
A Quarterly of the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)
3
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr Ahmad Zuhaidi Yahya is the head of the Forest Plantation
Programme, FRIM. He specialises in forest plantation
silviculture, majoring in growth and yield modelling of
selected tropical forest species. He has written several
articles on silviculture of forest plantation, financial viability,
tree growth and modelling, and afforestation. Apart from
conducting training and serving as a panel expert, he is also
involved in consultancy projects, including the preparation of
the forest plantation management plan besides participating
in tree planting and greening campaigns. He obtained a PhD
in plantation forestry (growth and yield modeling)
from Scotland, United Kingdom.
medium to long-term rotation (30 to 40 years). Other
candidates such as teak, khaya and mahogany are more
sensitive to shallow, infertile, acidic soils and unlikely
to grow fast enough to be an attractive investment.
Inclusion of native light hardwood species of promising
growth has yet to be demonstrated. The irregular
production of recalcitrant seeds of many native species
such as Shorea and Dipterocarpus retards their
effective use in plantation forestry. However, recent
advances in propagation using stem cuttings means
that these obstacles can be overcome.
Considering plantation forestry that involves high initial
capital, clonal forestry (using genetically improved
material) may play an important role in the success of
an investment. The economic advantage is that clonal
plantation yields a uniform product tailored to the
requirements of the processing industry. The selected
clone usually has fast growth rate, high wood density
and pulp yield, and is more protable compared to
seed-based plantation. Nevertheless, the clones must
be properly tested to ascertain performance variations
to different environment. Mediocre or untested
clones should also be avoided, and testing should be
conducted on major site types in the target planting
environment. Testing on a half rotational basis gives a
fairly reliable indication of the performance, whereby
clonal development for short rotation plantation can
produce tested clones within ve years.
A continuous research programme is required to
support any effective plantation even if a good initial
choice of planting species has been made. Research
conducted locally is required to ll the knowledge gap
and solve problems arising from local conditions. The
results should be readily available to forest investors
in the form of practical and accessible management
recommendations. As such, long term research
cooperation between private forest plantation owner
and research organisation is deemed appropriate.
Focus article
12-year-old Pouteria malaccensis (above) and Dyera
costulata (page 2) at Bukit Hari, FRIM Kepong
Find out how FRIM transforms
the ex-tin mine area below at
pages 67
Original landscape of FRIM Bidor
research station before
greening efforts
A Quarterly of the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)
June 2014
FRIM in FOCUS
4
AGARWOOD: A HIGHLY-PRIZED
FOREST PRODUCE
Focus article
Agarwood or gaharu is an aromatic resinous and
fragrant non-wood forest product which is a highly-
prized incense. The extremely rare and precious
produce is often referred to as wood of god and black
gold from the golden tree of Aquilaria. It is believed
that this resinous wood substance is produced as a
result of wound, or insect and microbial invasion.
Among the uses of agarwood are for traditional
medicine, religious ceremony, perfume, high quality
incense, prayer beads and ornamental products.
The source of agarwood is from Aquilaria or karas
tree, whereby in Malaysia, Aquilaria malaccensis is
one of the best known gaharu producing tree species.
However, there are at least eight Aquilaria species
with potential for cultivation using good silvicultural
practices. Among them are A. hirta, A. microcarpa,
A. beccariana, A. rostrata, A. crassna, A. subintegra,
A. sinensis and Aquilaria hybrids of which, are being
subjected to agarwood inducement trials. The potential
of these species however, is reduced by their endemic
occurrence, lack of species background, exotics
and limited availability of research knowledge from
researchers and management authorities alike.
The growth of karas species may vary according to
site; karas trees that are naturally associated with
rubber estates have been observed to out-perform
cultivated rubber trees in the area. A. malaccensis
and other endemic species in Sabah and Sarawak
however, are prone to over-exploitation because of
its natural occurrence within the rich lowland mixed
dipterocarp forest which is the site of log harvesting
activities. Logging, which at times is permissible in
these areas, will eventually affect seed production
and reduce the availability of seedlings for any future
regeneration of Aquilaria.
The high value of agarwood and global demand
has invariably led to a signicant increase in the
establishment of large-scale karas plantations. To
date, about 3000 hectares of land are being planted
with over three million karas trees in Malaysia.
Illegal harvesting and trading of agarwood have also
increased with the fragrant wood becoming one of
the most sought after non-wood forest produce. To
curb over-exploitation of the species, authorities
have taken steps to regulate the export trade and
strengthen the cultivation policy. Aquilaria species is
Dr Lok Eng Hai
lokeh@frim.gov.my
Gaharu: Keluaran Hutan yang Bernilai Tinggi
Agarwood from cultivated tree using inducement technique
1
June 2014
FRIM in FOCUS
A Quarterly of the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)
5
Focus article
now listed in the International Union of Conservation of
Nature (IUCN) Red List Criteria (1994) and Convention
on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)
Appendix II (1995) and classied as threatened species
for the purpose of conservation and management.
Tree inducement is an important requirement
especially for cultivated karas, because without
articial inducement, most healthy trees do not
produce agarwood. The formation of resin is the trees
response towards infection and wound or motivated
by cells stress in the case of a dying tree. In articial
inducement, the wounds normally extend into the
xylem part of the stem which usually involves chemical,
biological or physical methods. Agarwood will be
graded according to the extent of resin accumulation in
the sapwood and heartwood.
FRIM is presently conducting a more coordinated
and proactive study to develop effective inducement
techniques for producing agarwood in a sustainable
manner, at a reasonable cost. Successful tree
inducement for agarwood formation may not only be
caused by fungal infection, but by several interactive
factors such as wounds that are followed by invasion
of pioneer fungi. Methods used for inducement include
cutting, hole drilling, chopping, nail insertion, deep
slashing and bark removal. Besides inducement,
substantial efforts are being undertaken to develop
better processing techniques for oil extraction and
grading of quality agarwood from cultivated trees.
Furthermore, FRIM is also involved in the development
of value-added products for health care and other
related studies.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr Lok Eng Hai is a senior research officer at the Forest
Plantation Program, FRIM with a PhD in silviculture and plant
nutrition from Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia.
He specialises on silviculture, plant nutrition, plant microbe
and sustainable forest plantation management, and provides
training and consultancy for land property development and
Aquilaria plantation establishment.
KUALA LUMPUR, 4 Jun 2014Perdana Menteri
Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak dilantik sebagai felo
kehormat Akademi Sains Malaysia (ASM) kerana
sokongan kuat beliau ke arah memajukan sains
dan teknologi. Manakala Ketua Pengarah Institut
Penyelidikan Perhutanan Malaysia (FRIM) Datuk
Dr Abd Latif Mohmod, bekas Ketua Pengarah
Jabatan Meteorologi Malaysia Datuk Dr Yap Kok
Seng dan naib canselor Universiti Teknologi
Petronas Datuk Ir (Dr) Abdul Rahim Hashim
merupakan antara 21 orang diumum sebagai felo
baharu pada mesyuarat agung tahunan ke-19
ASM bulan lepas.
Sumber: Bernama
Pelantikan Felo
Kehormat dan
Felo Baharu
Akademi Sains
Malaysia Ketua Pengarah FRIM
Wounds and injuries on induced Aquilaria
malaccensis for agarwood formation:
1. Slashing by parang,
2. Holes created by chisel and
3. Hole drilling and inducement
on the karas bole
2 3
A Quarterly of the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)
June 2014
FRIM in FOCUS
6
Tree planting is no longer an exercise for timber
production alone. Trees play an important role in our
existence by generating benecial balance between
development and nature. The benets of greening
are numerous; mainly to provide clean water, fresh
air and improved soil condition for supporting the
daily needs of mankind. In addition, trees are a
gift of healing from nature to mankind either as
medicine, health supplement, beverage, food or
vegetable. Large tracts of forest area are inevitably
lost due to development and conversion into
agriculture, housing, mining, industrial estate and
landll purposes. Consequently, some of the oral
and faunal biodiversity of the forest may be extinct.

Unsustainable land uses usually result in problematic
soils that are barren and unsuitable for growing trees
thus causing the lack of food source and shelter
for other inhabitants. Problematic soils due to site
constraints either from anthropogenic activities or
natural processes do not sustain plant growth. Ex-tin
mine, acid sulphate soils, landll, degraded urban
sites for green space development and beach ridges
interspersed with swales (BRIS) are examples of
Dr Ang Lai Hoe & Dr Ho Wai Mun
anglh@frim.gov.my
TRANSFORMATION OF BARREN
LAND TO LUSH GREENS
Transformasi Tanah Gersang Menjadi Hutan
common problematic soils in Malaysia. Ex-tin mine
alone occupies 113,750 ha in Peninsular Malaysia.
Aside from timber production, trees are being planted
on problematic soils to establish a smaller version
of a man-made forest and biodiversity depository.
The greened problematic soils will preferably turn
into permanent urban green spaces such as parks
and low density forest park city. The emerging
trend of balanced land use between nature and
development has an added purpose in the form of
biodiversity conservation.

PROBLEMATIC TRAITS
Site constraint is the hallmark of problematic soils,
mainly caused by the adverse inuence of growth
inhibitory factors. Abiotic factors that inhibit plant
growth include harsh microclimate, high mechanical
impedance, poor nutrients, high level of soil toxicants,
soil water imbalance and strong wind; biotic factors
include pests and diseases. Trees on problematic
soils may recover slower compared to those in good
soil as tree health is strongly related to soil quality
besides planting and tending methods. Using the
forest plantation technology developed by FRIM, two
Focus article
1 2 3
June 2014
FRIM in FOCUS
A Quarterly of the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)
7
extreme problematic soils namely ex-tin
mine and landll sites were rehabilitated
and restored into mixed tropical forest
stands. These two sites represent successful
models for greening problematic soils.
Tree biodiversity was also conserved by planting
threatened, endemic and endangered tree species.
TWO SUCCESSFUL MODELS
The Tin Tailings Afforestation Centre (TTAC) with
an area of about 124.6 ha at FRIM Bidor research
station was an ex-tin mine 16 years ago. The barren
and desert-like landscape after mining activities
ceased reected the harsh and impoverished
environment which was unsuitable even for pioneer
species. Natural regeneration is limited at the low
site of the sand tailings where water is available
at the root zone. In slime tailings however, water-
logging during wet season would normally kill new
plants due to deprivation of oxygen. For these sand
and slime tailings, soil amelioration methods have
been developed which to date are the best models of
greening and restoration of ex-tin mine.

Ara Damansara Eco-Park (APEP) is another model
for greening and restoring man-made problematic
soils. The minipark covers about 25 ha and was
formerly a landll site. Initial planting efforts failed
until 2011, when the site was improved to overcome
high mechanical impedance, heavy metal toxicity and
water-logging. Amelioration methods were used to
provide free drainage and increase porosity of soils by
reducing mechanical impedance while organic matter
was added to remediate heavy metal toxicity.

TTAC and APEP now house more than 40 and 80
species of tropical rainforest tree species respectively,
including endangered and endemic species.
PATH TO SUCCESS
R&D in plantation developed by FRIM is a stepwise-
approach of improving site quality by ameliorating
ABOUT THE MAIN AUTHOR
The author is a senior researcher with 27-years of working
experience in rehabilitation of degraded land. His PhD is
in plant and soil sciences from the University of Aberdeen,
United Kingdom. He is involved in the establishment of
forest at the tin tailings afforestation centre at FRIM Bidor
research station, rehabilitation of riverbank forest reserve
for firefly habitat conservation, tree planting on landfill site
for minipark development, and rehabilitation of degraded
lowland mixed dipterocarp forest for orang utan habitat
conservation. He has published more than 200 articles in
silviculture and management of tree stands.
Focus article
soil properties and creating more suitable
microclimate for tree growth. From the ndings,
growing trees on problematic soils such as ex-tin
mine and landll sites will no longer be a major
concern for planters. The two models demonstrate
that problematic soils can now be turned into lush-
green parks that house diverse tree species including
the International Union of Conservation of Nature
(IUCN) Red List species. FRIM plantation technology
enabled large-scale greening of ex-tin mine and
landll site, in which problematic soils may be turned
into a wood production area, or a man-made forest
and a bio-depository. Greening of problematic soils
will enable utilisation of thousands hectares of idle
land nationwide. The green sites can be further
enhanced into eco-tourism spots with recreational
and entertainment facilities.
1. Unhealthy three year-old stand of an ornamental tree grown at Ara
Damansara Eko-Park before FRIM provided technical inputs
2. Suitable species-site matching produces 18 month-old healthy mixed
species stands along the cycle-cum-jogging pathway at the park
after obtaining technical inputs from FRIM
3. Sand tailings after greening efforts showing established mixed
species stands. The high natural regeneration of the lowland tree
species is brought about by avian dispersal agents
4. Sand tailings before greening efforts
5. Landscape view of the forest at FRIM Bidor research station
4
5
A Quarterly of the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)
June 2014
FRIM in FOCUS
8
26 April 2014Pertandingan
Futsal Piala KSU NRE 2014
berlangsung di Kompleks
Sukan Futsal 1 Malaysia,
Presint 18, Putrajaya. Sebanyak
20 pasukan daripada pelbagai
agensi di bawah Kementerian
Sumber Asli dan Alam Sekitar
(NRE) menyertai pertandingan
untuk merebut piala Ketua
Setiausaha Negara (KSU) NRE.
FRIM muncul sebagai juara
setelah menewaskan Jabatan
Perhutanan Semenanjung
Malaysia (JPSM) dengan 51
pada perlawanan akhir.
9 Mei 2014FRIM buat julung kalinya
dianugerahkan medal emas untuk kesemua lima
inovasi yang dipertandingkan di Ekspo Teknologi
Antarabangsa (ITEX) 2014 di Pusat Persidangan
Kuala Lumpur (KLCC). Ketua projek serta produk
yang bertanding adalah seperti berikut:
Dr Rushdan Ibrahim: Kidney Tray for
HospitalAn Environmental Friendly
Antimicrobial Kenaf Core Pulp Moulding
News article
Ahmad Hafriz Ayob
hafriz_kelab@frim.gov.my
FRIM KUASAI
FUTSAL KSU
NRE 2014
FRIM Tops Futsal KSU
NRE Cup 2014
FRIM Receives Five Gold Medals
at ITEX 2014
FRIM TERIMA LIMA MEDAL
EMAS DI ITEX 2014
Pegawai Penyelidik FRIM bergambar kenangan
dengan medal emas yang diterima
Pegawai Penyelidik FRIM di gerai
pameran ITEX 2014
Gambar: Wahayu Abdul Wahab
Dr Abdul Hamid Saleh: Hybrid
Bamboo Veneer Flooring
Siti Humeirah: Biofunctional
Actvie Ingredient from
Aquilaria species
Dr Fadzureena Jamaludin:
Anti-Gout Herbal Remedies
from Standardised Extract
(SEBF) of Baeckia frutescens
Dr Abdul Hamid Saleh:
ROVBAM Technology
Berdiri dari kiri: Mohamad Nasir
(pengurus pasukan), Mohd Afizi,
Mohd Ismul Azam, Ahmad Norsidar,
Azizi. Duduk dari kiri: Mohamad
Norfarullah, Khaironl, Mohd Firdaus,
Saiful Shahrizan
Piala
Futsal
KSU NRE
2014 yang
menjadi
milik FRIM
Gambar: Mahmudin Saleh
June 2014
FRIM in FOCUS
A Quarterly of the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)
9
23 April 2014FRIM menerima Anugerah
Cemerlang Penarafan 5 Bintang pada
majlis Perhimpunan Bulanan Kementerian
Sumber Asli dan Alam Sekitar (NRE) 2014
yang berlangsung di Dewan Baiduri, NRE,
Putrajaya. Anugerah yang diperoleh buat
13 April 2014Tumirah Khadiran dan pasukannya
yang terdiri daripada Mohd Zobir Hussein, Zulkarnain
Zainal dan Rafeadah Rusli memenangi pingat emas
di Pameran Reka Cipta dan Inovasi Kejuruteraan
Antarabangsa, i-ENVEX 2014 di bawah kategori
Pembinaan Bangunan dan Bahan-bahan yang
berlangsung dari 1113 April di Universiti Malaysia
Perlis (UniMAP), Kangar, Perlis. Tajuk penyertaan
beliau ialah Nanocapsules organic phase change
material as advanced thermal energy storage for
energy-saving, intelligent building application atau
Bahan ubah kapsul nano fasa organik sebagai
simpanan tenaga termal termaju bagi penjimatan
tenaga dalam aplikasi bangunan pintar. Pameran
tersebut menyaksikan lebih 300 penyertaan
daripada 19 buah negara bagi merebut anugerah
yang dipertandingkan.
Sempena Pameran Herba Malaysia
(PHM) 2014 pada 2325 Mei,
BECKA (M) Sdn Bhd telah menaja
alat memasak induksi beserta
ketuhar gelombang mikro. Kedua-
dua peralatan ini telah diguna pakai
oleh personaliti dan ikon PHM iaitu
seniwati Rubiah Suparman, Chef
Adu Amran dan Chef Azli Razali.
Matlamat utama demo masakan
ini ialah bagi mempromosikan
diet dan amalan gaya hidup sihat
di samping penggunaan herba
tempatan. Gabungan herba tradisi
dan amalan memasak sihat
oleh BECKA merupakan salah
satu inti pati pengisian sempena
PHM kali ini.
News article
Wahayu Abdul Wahab
wahayu@frim.gov.my
FRIM Portal Maintains 5 Star Rating FRIM Innovation Wins at i-ENVEX 2014
PORTAL FRIM KEKALKAN
PENARAFAN 5 BINTANG
INOVASI FRIM MENANG
DI I-ENVEX 2014
DEMONSTRASI MASAKAN SEMPENA PAMERAN
HERBA MALAYSIA TAJAAN BECKA (M) SDN BHD
Gambar: Yusni Idris
Gambar: Yusni Idris
kali ketiga berturut-turut itu
disampaikan oleh Dato Sri Zoal
Azha Yusof, Ketua Setiausaha
NRE kepada Dato Dr. Abd Latif
Mohmod, Ketua Pengarah FRIM.
Majlis juga menyaksikan
penyampaian anugerah
Penilaian Portal dan Laman
Web Kerajaan Malaysia
(MGPWA) 2013 oleh Perbadanan
Pembangunan Multimedia
(MDeC). Sebanyak 1285
portal dan laman web agensi
kerajaan dinilai bagi tahun
2013. Pelancaran buku Kajian
Penilaian Outcome Program
Penanaman Pokok Bakau dan
Spesies-spesies yang sesuai di
pesisiran pantai negara serta
bot hidrogra Institut Tanah dan
Ukur Negara (INSTUN) turut
diadakan di majlis yang sama.
Cooking Demonstration Sponsored by Becka (M) Sdn Bhd
at Herbal Malaysia Exhibition
Seniwati Rubiah Suparman (kiri)
mengguna pakai peralatan BECKA ketika
mengadakan demonstrasi memasak
Chef Adu Amran ketika mengadakan
demonstrasi masakan sempena PHM 2014
Ketua Pengarah FRIM (kiri) menerima sijil Anugerah
Cemerlang Penarafan 5 Bintang daripada Ketua
Setiausaha NRE (kanan)
A Quarterly of the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)
June 2014
FRIM in FOCUS
10
Focus article
Agroforestry is a system of land management that has shown to
increase productivity by simultaneous cultivation of farm crops and
trees. The system is suitable for idle and degraded forest, does
not require new land thus relieves pressure on the natural forest.
In Malaysia, several agroforestry systems have been developed to
maximise land use and increase the production of timber, non-timber
and food crops. Among the large scale agroforestry systems available
are the direct interrow integration, block planting, perimeter planting
and hedge system.
AGROFORESTRY
IN MALAYSIA
Perhutanan Tani di Malaysia
Attempt at intercropping cash
crops in young timber plantations
has been successful. However,
planters receive additional
income for a limited number
of years for example, 34 years
before the timber canopy closes.
In immature rubber, oil palm
and fruit plantations, planters
have successfully integrated
crops including vegetable,
bamboo, pineapple, maize, fruits
and medicinal plants. Animal
rearing such as cattle, goat and
chicken was also successful.
The substantial returns have
offset establishment costs while
providing income during the non-
productive phase of the tree crops.
In view of its attractive benets,
agroforestry was included as one
of the strategic action plan in the
National Agricultural Policy.

Potential areas for agroforestry
practices in Peninsular Malaysia
include existing agricultural land,
forest plantation and idle land.
Utilising existing land avoids
the need to clear the natural
forest. A statistical report from
the Department of Statistics
(2014) and a report for Forest
Plantation Sdn Bhd on the
Baseline Information on Land
in Malaysia for Conversion into
Forest Plantation have shown
that with correct integration
crops, potential areas can be developed
for agroforestry practices.
There are three categories of potential
areas for agroforestry practices in
Malaysia. The rst category of land is
available for integration and simultaneous
development for timber, non-timber
and food produce. This category covers
more than 86,649.08 ha of existing
forest plantation in Peninsular Malaysia;
125,746 ha in Sabah and 289,885 ha in
Sarawak. The second category of land
area however, was estimated at 6.29
million ha consisting of oil palm and
rubber plantations that are suitable for
mixed farming including animal rearing
and intercropping. Also in this category
are vacant spaces such as steep slopes
and terrain, as well as roadsides or river
perimeters which can be planted with
timber species. The third category is
agricultural areas such as coconut, cocoa
and tobacco farms which are estimated
at 16,200 ha of land area including the
perimeter and boundaries for planting of
timber species.
The future of agroforestry in Malaysia
is promising although large plantation
owners are expected to continue with
the monocultural approach. Agroforestry
at present is preferred by smallholders
and landless farmers in the situation
where idle lands may be available in the
near future.
Rosdi Koter
rosdi@frim.gov.my
Abd Razak Othman & Dr Ahmad Zuhaidi Yahya
1. Grass as animal feed 2. Counting grass clumps 3. Grass shredding
1
2 3
ABOUT THE MAIN AUTHOR
Rosdi Koter is a research officer at the
Forest Plantation Programme, He heads the
Agroforestry Unit and his research interest
includes forest plantation silviculture,
rehabilitation of degraded soil and agroforestry.
A desirable soil usually
allows sufcient space for
rooting (more than 100
cm depth) with suitable
moisture content of 3550%
for anchorage and water
supply. Adequate proportions
of sand, silt and clay which
describe the soil texture are
also necessary. The clay and
sand content of 3035% will
be able to retain the moisture
and nutrients, as well as permit root penetration. Most stands
require nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium
and magnesium, and other trace elements for feasible growth.
The mobility and uptake of nutrients however are dependent on
soil pH and ionic exchange capacity. Establishment of plantation
stands are recommended on gently undulating terrain with minimal
surface run off and low erosion risks in the absence of waterlogging
conditions that impede growth.

The changing current needs in research and development has
highlighted the potential of soil as a carbon stock in forest
plantation. A recent study has showed soil is able to sequester
about 120140 t C ha
-1
in top soils of an A.mangium plantation.
The drive towards REDD+ in Asia and the requirement for
sustainable forest management have also encouraged forestry
managers to implement species-site matching for timber species
based on soil and landscape characteristics.
June 2014
FRIM in FOCUS
A Quarterly of the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)
11
Focus article
Soil is an integral part of forest plantation activities which
provides the nutrient capacity and anchorage for suitable growth
and yield of timber species. Amidst the lack of studies related
to timber species and its growth on various soil types, FRIM has
vast experience on soil suitability survey work for species such as
Acacia mangium, Dyera costulata, Tectona grandis and Khaya sp.
A site soil survey usually involves activities such as description of
soil series according to landscape characteristics followed by soil
physical and chemical analysis at FRIM laboratory. The survey
report will be able to recommend specic terrain and nutrient
management for various soil types towards optimum yield of
forest plantation species.
Asas Tanah bagi Perhutanan Ladang
SOIL BASICS IN FOREST PLANTATION
ABOUT THE MAIN AUTHOR
Jeyanny Vijayanathan is a research officer
at the Forest Plantation Programme, FRIM.
She is currently pursuing PhD in soil science.
Besides soil fertility, her research interest
includes soil carbon dynamics, soil survey
and plant nutrition management. Jeyanny is
also a committee member of the Malaysian
Society of Soil Science.
Jeyanny Vijayanathan
jeyanny@frim.gov.my
Dr Wan Rasidah Wan A Kadir
Soil profile description activity for forest
management purposes
Three-year-old Khaya senelegansis
plantation established on sandy
BRIS soil in Setiu, Terengganu
Profile of an organic rich
highland soil
A Quarterly of the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)
June 2014
FRIM in FOCUS
12
Biodiversity article
We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors;
we borrow it from our children. The famous Native
American quote rings true to our ears and hearts.
There is also the saying that the Earth doesnt
belong to man, but man belongs to the Earth. Mother
Nature, who has provided us vital resourceswater,
food, medicine, shelter and clothingis getting worn
down from humans destructive activities. Pollution,
deforestation and ecological imbalances occur every
day and at the end, in what state will the Earth be
returned to our children?

The importance of promoting education and
awareness about the environment, biodiversity and
conservation cannot be taken lightly. Children who
are future caretakers must be well-prepared for the
enormous task of safeguarding Mother Earth. One
of such effort has been realised by the collaboration
between the Taylors University and FRIM. The
programme, designed for rst year students of
Biotechnology and Biomedical Science started in
2011 as part of the learning module on biodiversity
Chan Yoke Mui
yokemui@frim.gov.my
EDUCATING THE YOUNG
GUARDIANS OF MOTHER EARTH
Mendidik Generasi Muda Penjaga Bumi
and conservation. The effort was well-received and
has since been an annual event for the Taylors and
FRIM alike. The aim is to promote understanding
on the importance of biodiversity and conservation
through environmental education or outdoor learning.
At FRIM, students are able to connect theories and
lecture courses with the experience gained from
practical eld visits and real life explorations.

The programme at FRIM is a one-day course which
covers guided nature walk, lectures and eld visits to
the nursery, herbarium and arboretum. The students
are being introduced to the biodiversity component via
nature walk, ex-situ conservation via eld visits and
in situ conservation issues via presentation of case
studies on ora, such as dipterocarps and begonias,
as well as fauna, such as reies and butteries. The
programme which has been conducted for the past
few years is well-received by students. FRIM hopes to
continue with the current programme while attracting
other educational and learning institutes to adopt a
similar approach.
Students listening intently to biodiversity facts and figures
explained by the guide during the nature walk at FRIM
June 2014
FRIM in FOCUS
A Quarterly of the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)
13
Biodiversity article
What you reap is what you sow. Here are some
testimonies from pioneer students:
No matter how many books one is capable of
reading, one cannot compare the beauty of seeing
nature as it is in the esh. It was both refreshing and
enjoyable to walk in the forest. The trip to FRIM has
also opened my eyes to some of the conservation
strategies that I did not know before, and helped me
see the seriousness of deforestationChoo Su Lin
(Biomedical Science).
We had the chance to see the diversity of the
Malaysian rainforest and experience the sensation of
being inside a rainforest. We were also taught many
conservation issues by experts. Their teachings made
us realise that the work they are doing have a great
impact on the ecosystem and they are attempting to
salvage the species for future generation and that
we should also take part in conserving biodiversity
Chia Yi Yuen (Biomedical Science).
I personally feel that a proper learning module should
not focus on theory or lectures alone. More eld
trips should be incorporated as part of the learning
process, to suit different students style of learning.
This trip made me realise how important biodiversity
Chan Yoke Mui
yokemui@frim.gov.my
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
The author is from the Forest Biodiversity Division, FRIM.
She specialises in conservation monitoring of threatened
plants in Peninsular Malaysia, particularly palms and
begonias. Her current work focuses on the reproductive
ecology and genetic diversity of rare and endemic begonias
in Peninsular Malaysia.
and conservation are. It gave me a big picture of what
Ive learned so far in lectures and it ts well into
the context. I have a deeper understanding on the
subject and topics of biodiversity and conservation.
Thank youYip Hong Yung (Biomedical Science).
An interesting part of the trip that made it all worth
it was the nature trail. Surrounded by tall trees
and walking on real soil really gave a different
feeling which many wont be able to realise until
they actually experience it themselves. Human
should have genuine concern and better sensibility
towards nature, because when nature strikes back,
we will lose the battle. Nature doesnt need us,
but we need her. Seeing all the plants and learning
(about) them makes us appreciate them more. Well
understand why we need to learn our biodiversity and
conserve themTengku Syahirah Sorhana Tengku
Abdullah Sulaiman (Biotechnology).
The pioneer batch
students of the
Biodiversity and
Conservation
course from the
Taylors University.
The programme
was initiated by Dr
Wong Ching Lee (in
green) with FRIMs
collaboration
A Quarterly of the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)
June 2014
FRIM in FOCUS
14
Book review
FOREST PRODUCTS R&D AT FRIM:
YESTERDAY AND TODAY
R&D Keluaran Hutan di FRIM: Dahulu dan Kini
Book title
Forest Products R&D at
FRIM: Yesterday and Today
Author
KS Gan, SC Lim & S Rahim
Publisher
Forest Research Institute
Malaysia (FRIM), Kepong
Published 2013
Pages 140 pp
ISBN 978- 967-0622-03-3
Price RM120 / USD72
The book gave a chronological
order on the development of
forest products research and
development in synchrony with
the development of FRIM into a
globally recognised institution for
tropical forest research. It also
highlights some of its notable
achievements of research in
contributing to the progress and
economy of Malaysia.

The publication describes the
R&D of forest products in FRIM
over different periods starting
from 1901 till 1929, which was
the establishment phase of FRIM
(called FRI then). This is followed
by the periods 19301949,
19501969, 19701989 and 1990-
2013. For each of these periods,
the R&D and management
aspects are described. Following
these sections, different areas of
R&D are given detailed coverage.
Areas include wood technology/
anatomy, sawing and machining,
timber mechanics, timber
seasoning, timber preservation,
re door testing, pulp and paper,
composite wood, wood energy,
wood lamination, wood nishing,
wood mycology, wood entomology,
non-wood forest products such
as rattan and bamboo, and oil
palm trunk and empty fruit bunch.
Furniture testing and rubberwood
research are also highlighted.
The book highlights an interesting
and seemingly improbable event
during the Japanese occupation
of Malaya in World War II,
which indicated the respect and
concern of the Japanese for
scientic forestry information.
The book also documents the
increasing demand for services,
both consultancy and technical,
leading to substantial increase in
revenue generated.
Overall, it is a comprehensively
compiled account of the history
of development of forest products
R&D undertaken by FRIM from
its establishment till the present.
In the compilation of such a large
amount of information over a
century of FRIM existence some
information may be missed. One
of this is the award received
for rubberwood research at the
Cologne International Fair in
Germany in the early 1990s. Be
there as it may, this will not mar
the quality of the publication
and the information contained
therein. However, there are
some disjointed arrangement of
some of the sections resulting
in loss of identity of relatedness
of utilisation areas to the reader,
eg wood preservation (pg 79),
wood mycology laboratory (pg
110), wood entomology laboratory
REVIEW 1
June 2014
FRIM in FOCUS
A Quarterly of the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)
15
Book review
The book gives a good overview
of the history of forest products
research in Malaysiafrom
the beginnings of the Timber
Research Laboratory (TRL) in 1929
to its move to the Forest Research
Institute (FRI) in Kepong and
up to the most recent research
achievements in 2013 on the use
of oil palm stems. The authors
describe extremely well the past
and current important role of
forest products and its research
for the Malaysian economy. A
good example is the case of
rubberwood. Research at FRIM
helped to overcome seasoning
and preservation problems with
the stems of rubber trees, thus
converting these previously
thought to be valueless by
products of the latex industry
into a valuable export commodity.
The economic success of rubber
Hong Lay Thong
Bioversity International
Serdang, Malaysia
l.hong@cgiar.org
Wulf Killmann
Deutsche Gesellschaft fr
Internationale Zusammenarbeit
(GIZ) GmbH
Republic of Fiji
wulf.killmann@giz.de304
(pg 113) could be arranged in
sequence, one following the
other as these areas are related
to durability of timber. The
establishment of earlier graveyard
tests for natural durability of
timber (pg 7 and 79) was not
referred to under the mycology
laboratory section (pg 112), giving
the impression that such tests
were started in 2000s only while
the fact is it was started in 1929
(pg 7 and 79). I must also point
out some editorial oversights that
could be taken care of with closer
proof-reading of the draft. The
acronym EPU (pg 45) should also
be followed by the full name as
not many people including some
Malaysians know what it stands
for; the word Environmental
after DANCED (pg 43) should be
Environment; and the correct
caption for photo on page 7 should
be timber durability testing
ground and not termite testing
ground. as it shows the natural
durability of timbers were tested!
This is a timely publication in view
of the great interest and critical
role that forests are contributing
to the ecosystem of the world,
particularly in maintaining
a stable and sustainable
environment for the well-being
of the human race. Albeit forest
products are just as important
for human well-being as such
products are mainly derived from
wood is a notable FRIM success
story. The publication also
provides a helpful list of Malaysian
Standards on Timber and
Timber-related Products.

The many illustrations and
photographs provide a complete
overview of the wide range of
research activities through the
years but missing are captions
naming the different personalities
in the pictures. This would have
added a lot more to the story and
the history. I was also surprised
to nd no acknowledgement
of the two previous Director-
Generals of FRIM, Tan Sri Dato
Dr Salleh Mohd Nor and Dato
Dr Abdul Razak, and their
roles in guiding and fostering
forest products research and
Development at FRIM.

the forests. Research plays
a vital role in ensuring not
only the optimal use but
the sustainability of such
products, especially from the
forest. FRIM and its authors
ought to be congratulated
for documenting this
vital area of research and
development, which has made
signicant contribution to the
national economy.
Overall, the book is a very
valuable contribution to better
understand the important
role of forest products and its
research for Malaysia, and the
particular role FRIM played
and is still playing. For anyone
whose heart is still at FRIM, it
invokes nice memories.
REVIEW 2
A Quarterly of the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)
June 2014
FRIM in FOCUS
16
Suku tahun kedua 2014 menyaksikan pegawai
FRIM menerima pelbagai pengiktirafan di peringkat
nasional dan antarabangsa.
17 Mei 2014Lima orang
pegawai FRIM dilantik
memegang jawatan dalam Persatuan Ahli-
Ahli Sains Malaysia (MSA) iaitu Dato Dr Abdul
Latif Mohmod (Ahli Majlis), Dr Saw Leng
Guan (Timbalan Presiden), Dr Gan Kee Seng
(Penolong Ketua Setiausaha), Dato Dr Marzalina
Mansor (Ahli Majlis) dan Dr Rahim Sudin
(Juruaudit). Pelantikan tersebut dijalankan
ketika mesyuarat agung MSA yang diadakan
di Auditorium FRIM di mana Tan Sri Salleh
Mohd Nor, mantan Ketua Pengarah FRIM turut
dilantik sebagai Presiden.
19 Mei 2014Khairuddin Kamarudin memenangi Anugerah Buku Terbaik 2013 MAPIM-KPM (Majlis Penerbitan
Ilmiah Malaysia dan Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia) dalam bidang Sains, Teknologi dan Perubatan.
Anugerah bagi buku Hutan Hujan Tropika Semenanjung Malaysia, terbitan Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka tersebut
disampaikan oleh P Kamalanathan P Panchanathan, Timbalan Menteri Pendidikan II sempena majlis yang
berlangsung di Dewan Bankuet, Universiti Putra Malaysia.
28 Mac 2014Dr Sik Huei Shing
diumumkan sebagai salah
seorang penerima Anugerah
Cemerlang Penyelidikan
Doktor Falsafah oleh
Jawatankuasa Anugerah International Union of Forest
Research Organizations (IUFRO). Anugerah berprestij
bagi pelbagai pencapaian saintik tersebut akan
disampaikan pada Persidangan Sedunia IUFRO pada
511 Oktober 2014 di Salt Lake City, Amerika Syarikat.
PENYELIDIK TERIMA
ANUGERAH PHD IUFRO
PEGAWAI FRIM TERIMA PELBAGAI PENGIKTIRAFAN
FRIM Offcers Receive Various Recognitions
PELANTIKAN AHLI
MAJLIS MSA
2014/2016
PEGAWAI RAIH ANUGERAH BUKU TERBAIK
10 April 2014Dr Wan Rasidah
Wan A Kadir dilantik menjadi
presiden wanita pertama bagi
mengetuai Persatuan Sains
Tanah Malaysia (MSSS) setelah
43 tahun persatuan tersebut
ditubuhkan. Pelantikan beliau
adalah sempena Persidangan
Sains Tanah Malaysia 2014,
anjuran bersama Universiti
Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) dengan
kerjasama FRIM yang diadakan
dari 810 April 2014 di Putra
Palace, Kangar, Perlis.
PRESIDEN WANITA
PERTAMA MSSS
Wan Rasidah
dilantik mengetuai
Persatuan Sains
Tanah Malaysia
(MSSS)
News article
Lagi tentang pelantikan Abd Latif sebagai felo
Akademi Sains Malaysia (ASM) di halaman 5
Sik akan
menerima
Anugerah PhD
IUFRO pada
Persidangan
Sedunia IUFRO
Mesyuarat
Agung
Persatuan
Ahli-Ahli Sains
Malaysia (MSA)
yang diadakan
di Auditorium
FRIM, Kepong
Khairuddin Kamarudin (tengah) dengan cek
serta piala Anugerah Buku Terbaik 2013
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