Irshad first visited Langkawi 16 years ago. The island’s natural beauty 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,”

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.

Irshad was among five ordinary Malaysians honoured for doing extraordinary things by DiGi’s Amazing Malaysians programme. As a DiGi Amazing Malaysian, over the next 12 months, 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.