Many people that are involved in conserving nature derive satisfaction not merely from being engaged in a meaningful activity, but from the sheer enjoyment of being in nature. It is a added bonus then to be recognised for playing a role in conserving Malaysia’s amazing environmental heritage. This year, Irshad Mobarak, our very own Jungle-Wallah of Langkawi was announced as one of the DiGi Amazing Malaysians for 2007. Greenwaveasia is proud to congratulate this dedicated island ecosystem conservationist for being singled out for this honour.

Irshad first visited Langkawi 16 years ago. The island’s beauty and mystique had such an impact on him that he gradually became drawn to nature conservation. Irshad’s personal interest in nature, and the preservation of natural habitats and ecosystems, has led to his own study of island ecosystems, in which he is today completely well-versed. He is the resident naturalist of the Datai Resort where he runs nature programmes for guests that allows them to experience and appreciate the island rainforest in a completely engaging way.

“What I hope to achieve is to show that the forest is a living community of interactive and interdependent relationships, not unlike our own relationships in our cities, in our homes and among families and friends. If we can win people’s hearts, then we can win their minds and have a friend of nature for life. And when they leave for home I hope to have inspired them to make positive adjustment to help nature,” he says.

Irshad’s concern has naturally turned to the people that are reliant on the island’s natural resources for their livelihood. He has worked with local fishermen to help adopt sustainable fishing practices. In addition, he has made efforts to promote understanding and support for conservation among islanders and developers.

Irshad is deeply concerned about the impact of active land use change have exacted on natural habitats and wildlife in Langkawi. Over the years, an estimated 49 per cent of natural cover has been lost to make way for development. The remaining wildlife is concentrated in five main habitats that are cut off from each other. This can lead to inbreeding which will weaken all animal and plant species and eventually result in their extinction. Just one bird species under threat of extinction is the Great Hornbill. Smaller areas of vegetation are also more vulnerable to edge effects and fire, making their future much less certain.

One way to address the situation is to create wildlife corridors connecting the five habitats. With Irshad advocating for this vision, let’s hope we can make it a reality. As a DiGi Amazing Malaysian, Irshad will lead a project through which he will be able to share his passion for preserving Langkawi’s habitats with children from the archipelago and hopefully influence the way they understand and relate to the natural environment.

Along with Irshad, four other new Amazing Malaysians were introduced at a recent launch at D’House, DiGi’s headquarters.

Farmer Pak Saad Harun, the Rhythm Master of Negeri Sembilan, is an expert of the ‘randai’, a complex dance originating in Sumatra.
Joan Marbek, the Kristang Poet of Melaka, is a relentless crusader of the language and culture of the Portuguese in Melaka.
Architect Chen Voon Fee, the Treasures Keeper of Kuala Lumpur, who is a living archive of information about KL’s architerctural heritage.
Judeth John Baptist, the Culture Seeker of Sabah, has devoted her life to seeking out little-known tribal communities and helping them to revive their traditions.

Like Irshad, these Amazing Malaysians will lead projects of their own which will involve them transferring some of their knowledge and skills to the next generation.

DiGi’s Amazing Malaysians is a refreshing Corporate Responsibility initiative that has pushed the issue of national heritage into the limelight. In the process we have been able to honour the ordinary Malaysians who with great passion and dedication are doing so much to keep alive these elements that make our country so special.