FROM THE CENTRES


Langkawi Research Centre (PPL)

Langkawi Research Centre (PPL) has been actively conducting research related natural resources and development aspect of Langkawi since 2003. As one of LESTARI’s research entity that promotes integrative research, PPL has strives to conduct research activities that are holistic in approach through engaging researchers of diverse backgrounds. The effort to promote integrative research approach is observed based on four major programmes: Geology and Landscape Resources; Biology and Marine Resources; Cultural and Local Tradition Resources; and, Environmental Health.

Other than research conducted by these four core groups, PPL has also conducted collaborative research and activities through funds awarded by several agencies from both local and international, such as Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), Department of Mineral and Geosciences (JMG), Department of Forestry (JPSM), Underwater World Langkawi, Global Geopark Network (GGN), Coordinating Committee for Geosciences Programme in East and Southeast Asia (CCOP), and UNESCO. Findings and outputs from these collaborative research and activities have assisted PPL and LESTARI to coordinate as well as take part in several events such as PPL Scientific Expedition: Bukit Sawak and the Northern Coast of Pulau Langkawi on 15 – 21 January 2011 as well as its Symposium on 29 – 30 December 2011;  Flora and Fauna Exhibition at Underwater World Langkawi on 27 May – 12 June 2011; LESTARI Corporate Social Responsibility in Langkawi on 3 – 6 June 2011; Fieldtrip by Steven Institute of Technology, USA delegations on 20 – 22 June 2011; UKM International Students Mobility Programme in Langkawi Geopark on 2 – 7 July 2011; and many more.

As a research centre, PPL also functions as a station for postgraduate research and education, whereby, five students are pursuing their research works at Ph.D. level and two students at Master Degree level. Their research will definitely give important inputs and information in achieving PPL’s objectives including the needs to increase the potential of ecotourism industry in Langkawi with greater consideration on preserving the natural resources heritage. Journals and books were also published by researchers in PPL, while several new and on-going research projects are still being conducted in 2011.

more info, please contact Prof. Dr. Che Aziz Ali, Chairperson of PPL.


Centre for Environmental, Economic & Social Sustainability (KASES)

Established on the 1st January 2006, KASES’s main focus is on the multidisciplinary research in the field of environment, natural resources, economy and social sustainability. In addition KASES research scope encompasses integrative research of environmental integrity and sustainable natural resource utilization approaches (Environment and Natural Resource Sustainability); economic and industrial system to ensure economic resiliency and wellbeing of the community along with environmental integrity (Economy and Industry Sustainability); and social development within the various community based on sustainability concept as the foundation (Social and Community Wellbeing).  The main objective of KASES is to become the centre of excellence for multidisciplinary research integrating fundamental fields of environment, natural resource, economy and social for sustainability science. The centre also plays a role in assisting the country by providing important inputs on fundamental multidisciplinary fields and governance. Besides managing research and development activities, KASES also emphasises on capacity building and research output dissemination activities. KASES also develops and enhances research network and collaboration with local and global research institutes, government agencies and non-government organizations prioritising in the field of environment, natural resource, economy and social sustainability. 

KASES activities are supported by two core groups, namely Socio-economic and Ecosystem Studies, Urban Ecosystem Sustainability and Sustainability Assessment and Planning. Other than these two groups, core groups under the Centre for Science and Governance for Sustainability (SGK) also supports through their research, teaching and network activities. Their fundamental and applications of science research and dissemination work help KASES to achieve its objective. KASES also conducts collaborative research through funds awarded by agencies from local and foreign countries such as the Ministry of Higher Education, Department of Town Country and Planning, Selangor (JPBD), Department of Environment Malaysia (JAS), Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia - Japan External Trade Organization (ERIA-JETRO), Charles Darwin University, Australia, University of Geneva, Switzerland, University of British Columbia, Canada and UNESCO. Findings and outputs from these collaborative research enable KASES and LESTARI to help in establishing and published important guidelines for managing environmental problems in the country.

more info, please contact Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmad Fariz Mohamed,
Chairperson of KASES


Centre for Sustainability Science & Governance (SGK)

This Centre was formed on 1st January 2006 to emphasize the contribution of LESTARI particularly to the country’s sustainable development agenda. The Centre’s scope of research encompasses integrated and trans-disciplinary studies in relation to sustainability issues. Trough this Centre, the governance system comprising policy, planning, legislation and management has been explored by pool of experts who are well-versed in sustainability science and governance to comprehend the sustainable development concept based on scientific and humanities inputs, especially in the evaluation of physical ecosystem changes and the impact of human activities on the ecosystem to allow for sustainable management of the environment.

In 2011, through the establishment of the new research structure, SGK is now supported by three core research groups: Malaysian Network for Integrated Management of Chemicals and Hazardous Substances for Environment and Development (MyNICHE), Malaysian Network for Research on Climate, Environment and Development (MyCLIMATE), and Water, Forest and Natural Resources Governance.

Throughout the year 2011, SGK had actively conduct activities and research projects spearheaded by its members who are involved in the core research groups. Research funds were granted from the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) and Ministry of International Trade and Industries (MITI). SGK also received an international fund granted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Eight research projects are being conducted under SGK covering issues on Sustainable Water Resources Use, Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), Chemicals Management System (CMS), Forestry, and Environmental Management.

more info, please contact Prof. Dr. Mazlin bin Mokhtar,
Chairperson of SGK.

< top > < home >

Seminar on Ethics for Sustainable Energy by Dr Hugh Byrd from the School of Architecture and Planning, University of Auckland

On 14th December 2011, LESTARI had conducted a half day seminar with the theme of ‘Ethics for Sustainable Energy’. Three papers were presented by Dr Hugh Byrd (School of Architecture and Planning, University of Auckland), Siti Nashroh Bt. Shaari (LESTARI, UKM) and Assoc. Prof. Abd. Hadi Harman Shah (FSSK, UKM).

7th Malaysia Geoheritage Conference and 4th Malaysia-Indonesia Joint Geoheritage Conference

This conference was held on 1st to 4th October 2011 in Kuala Terengganu and was co-organized by the Geological Heritage Group of Malaysia, Geology Program of Faculty of Science and Technology, UKM, LESTARI UKM, Faculty of Mineral Technology, Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Jogjakarta, Department of Mineral and Geosciences Malaysia, Geological Society of Malaysia, KETENGAH, UPEN and Muzium of Terengganu. The main objective of the conferences is to enhance understanding on commonly adopted geoheritage value and to strengthen networks in geoheritage conservation and geopark development in the region.

3rd International Conference on Managing Rivers in 21st Century: Sustainable Solutions for Global Crisis of Flooding, Pollution and Water Scarcity

The 3rd International Conference on Managing Rivers in 21st Century: Sustainable Solutions for Global Crisis of Flooding, Pollution and Water Scarcity was held in Penang on 6th to 9th December 2011. The conference was organized by River Engineering and Urban Drainage Research Centre (REDAC) - Universiti Sains Malaysia and LESTARI as one of the co-organisers. The purpose of the conference was to become a platform for presentation and exchange of views on latest research issues related to the topic.

National Symposium on Climate Change Adaptation

LESTARI had successfully involved as a co-organiser with Southeast Asia Disaster Prevention Research Institute (SEADPRI) in organizing the National Symposium on Climate Change Adaptation on 16th to 17th November 2011 in Pullman Putrajaya. The symposium was joined by participants from various bodies including government agencies, academics and NGO with interest in the issues of Climate Change.

.UNESCO Water Watch Programme, South Zone 2011

On 15th to 16th November 2011, LESTARI UKM, collaborated with UNESCO IHP Malaysia and also UNESCO IHP partners was conducted UNESCO Water Watch Programme, South Zone 2011 with the aim to raise awareness on water management and water usage among young generation. LESTARI was represented by Mr. Nik Mohd Noor Faizul Md Saad (Head of Facilitator), Mdm. Wan Nur a'shiqin (Fasilitator) and assisted by Mr. Mohamad Usaid Akmal. LESTARI module entitled 'Water, River and People"

.International Symposium on Environment and Natural Resources
(ISENAR 2011)

Faculty of Science and Technology, UKM together with LESTARI had successfully conducted the International Symposium on Environment and Natural Resources (ISENAR 2011) on 15 – 17 November 2011 in Equatorial Bangi. The main objective of the symposium was to provide an opportunity to present and discuss about the latest research findings on environment and natural resources.

LESTARI Postgraduates Colloquium  2011

The annual LESTARI’s Postgraduates Colloquium was held on 21st to 23rd November 2011 at the Centre for Postgraduate Studies (PPS), UKM. The event was participated by 44 postgraduate students presenting their current research works in respective field at the Master and PhD level.

Simposium Ekspedisi Saintifik Pusat Penyelidikan Langkawi 2011: Bukit Sawak dan Pesisir Utara Pulau Langkawi

This symposium was held in Danau Golf Club, Bangi on 29th to 30th November 2011. Participants at the Symposium were researchers that participated in the Bukit Sawak expedition on 15th to 21st January 2011 in Langkawi. Findings from the expedition were shared and thoroughly discussed with focus on the development of Bukit Sawak and the surrounding area as a potential eco-education and tourism spot.

Exhibition at Hari UNESCO Malaysia 2011

On 18th November 2011, Malaysia officially launched the Malaysia UNESCO Day 2011 (Hari UNESCO Malaysia 2011). The ceremony was organized by the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IFDR) and was launched by the Deputy Prime Minister, YAB Tan Sri Dato’ Haji Muhyiddin Bin Haji Mohd. Yassin. LESTARI was invited to participate in the exhibition with focus on water resources management.

Exhibition at the  Launching Ceremony of the Kilim Langkawi Discovery  Centre by the Prime Minister of Malaysia

Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) had invited PPL, LESTARI to organise an exhibition at Kilim Jetty on 8th December 2011 in relation to the launching ceremony of the Kilim Discovery Centre by the YAB Dato Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak, which later spend some time visiting the exhibition booth.

Langkawi Geopark Exhibition at Underwater World Langkawi

The exhibition was held in conjunction with the signing of MoU between PPL and Underwater World Langkawi in January 2012. The exhibition were held from 14th to 31st December 2011 promoting materials relating to research activities at PPL.

Program Jati Diri Pribumi Dekat Di Hati

The Jati Diri Pribumi Dekat Di Hati program was held in Temerloh, Pahang (2nd -4th December 2011) with the indigenous people of Lubok Wong Village. The program was participated by national and international students and was aimed to foster closer relationship between university students and the indigenous community with focus on sustainable development.

Maya Loves Nature

On 20th September 2011, a discussion session with Maya Karin was conducted in LESTARI. The purpose of the discussion was to share ideas on collaborative potentials with Maya Karin’s initiative called ‘Maya Loves Nature’. The discussion was attended by the management of LESTARI, fellows and Maya Karin herself.

A Visit by the Deputy Vice Chancellor to PPL

A visit by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Prof. Dr. Rahmah Mohamed to Langkawi Research Centre (PPL) was held on the 3rd November 2011. Representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Rahmah led the university’s top management to have a closer look at the new building of PPL and to discuss related issues regarding the management and the research of PPL.

The 12th Asia Pacific Responsible Care Conference in Bali, Indonesia, 24-28 October 2011

The 12th Asia Pacific Responsible Care Conference (APRCC) with the theme ‘Road Towards Strategic Approach to International Chemical Management / World Summit Sustainable Development (SAICM/WSSD) Goal 2020 through Implementation of Global Product Strategy (GPS) was held on 24-28 October 2011 at Bali, Indonesia. At the same time, the APRCC also celebrating the International Year of Chemistry (IYC) where year 2011 has been declared as IYC by the General Assembly of the United Nations in January 2011. Prof. Dr. Mazlin Mokhtar was invited as a speaker to deliver a paper entitles ‘Striving for a Sound Chemical Management System for Economic, Ecological and Human Sustainability’ in the APRCC.

Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act in New Zealand: Lessons Learned

Research collaboration was initiated by LESTARI when representatives from LESTARI visited the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) New Zealand on 8-11 November 2011 at Wellington, New Zealand. The purpose of this visit was to learn how EPA New Zealand manage and regulate chemicals via the implementation of Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act. Meanwhile, representatives from LESTARI have shared their experiences by presenting their research findings, this include presentations entitle ‘Overview of chemicals management in Malaysia’ by Prof. Dr. Mazlin Mokhtar, ‘Update of GHS implementation in Malaysia’ by Dr. Goh Choo Ta, ‘Mercury management in Malaysia’ by Mr Mahathir Amir and ‘Risk-based assessment for ecosystem protection’ by Mr Nazren Leman.

< top > < home >

Most Recent Publications (Impact Factor Journals)

1. Arifin Kadir, Muhammad Rizal Razman, Aiyub Kadarudin, Md. Jamaluddin Md Jahi, Azahan Awang & Z.M. Lukman. 2011. Integrated Management System: Readiness Business Organizations in Malaysia. Journal of Food, Agriculture & Environment 9(1): 745-750.
2. Choon Shay Wei, Chamhuri Siwar, Joy Jacqueline Pereira, Abdul Aziz Jemain, Halimaton Saadiah Hashim & Abdul Hadi Harman Shah. 2011. A Sustainable City Index for Malaysia. International Journal of Sustainable Development and World Ecology 18(1): 28-35. ISSN 1350-4509.
3. Goh Choo Ta, Mazlin bin Mokhtar, Peter J. Peterson & Nadzri Yahaya. 2011. A Comparison of Mandatory and Voluntary Approaches to the Implementation of Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling Chemicals (GHS) in the Management of Hazardous Chemicals. Industrial Health 49: 765-773
4. Hafizan Juahir, Sharifuddin M.Zain, Mohd Kamil Yusoff, T.I. Tengku Hanidza, A.S. Mohd Azmi, Mohd Ekhwan Toriman & Mazlin bin Mokhtar. 2011. Spatial water Quality Assessment of Langat River Basin (Malaysia) using Environmetric Techniques. Environmental Monitoring Assessment 173: 625-641.
5. Kadir Arifin, Hafizi Zakarian, Shaharuddin Ahmad, Kadaruddin Aiyub, Muhammad Rizal Razman & Azahan Awang. 2011. Facilities Management in Malaysia: Building Maintenance Perspective in Health and Safety Aspect. Journal of Food, Agriculture & Environment 9(3&4): 858-863.
6. Lee Grismer, Evan Quah Seng Huat, Cameron D. Silver, Chan. K.O., Perry L. Wood, JR., Jesse L. Grismer, Shahrul Anuar Mohd Sah & Norhayati Ahmad. 2011. Peninsular Malaysia’s First Limbless Lizard: A New Species of Skink of the Genus Larutia (Bohme) from Pulau Pinang with a Phylogeny of the Genus. Zootaxa 2799: 29-40. ISSN 1175-5326.
7. M.A. Hannan. Maher Arabey, Rawshan Ara Begum & Hassan Basri. 2011. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and Communication Technologies for Solid Waste Bin and Truck Monitoring System. Waste Management xxx(2011) xxx-xxx. (Article in Press)
8. Maher Arabey, M.A. Hanna, Hasan Basri, Rawshan Ara Begum & Huda Abdullah. 2011. Integrated Technologies for Solid Waste Bin Monitoring System. Environmental Monitoring Assessment 177(1-4): 399-408.
9. Mazlin bin Mokhtar, Mohd Ekhwan Toriman, Md. Abdullah Abraham Hossain & Tan Kok Weng. 2010. Institutional Challenges for Integrated River Basin Management in Langat River Basin, Malaysia. Water and Environmental Journal 25(2011): 495-503
10. Mohammad Imam Hasan Reza & Saiful Arif Abdullah. 2011. Regional Index of Ecological Integrity: A Need for Sustainable Management of Natural Resources. Ecological Indicators 11(2): 220-229.
11. Mohd Talib Latif, Baharudin, N.H., Nor, Z.M., Mazlin bin Mokhtar. 2011. Lead in PM10 and in indoor dust aroung Schools and Preschools in Selangor, Malaysia. Indoor and Built Environment. (article in press- doi:10.1177/1420326X11402433)
12. Mohd Talib Latif, Nor Hafizah Baharudin, Puvaneswary Velayutham, Normah Awang, Harimah Hamdan, Ruqyah Mohamad & Mazlin bin Mokhtar. 2010. Composition of Heavy Metals and Airborne Fibers in the Indoor Environment of a Building During Renovation. Environmental Monitoring Assessment 181:479–48.
13. Mohd Zamri Daud, Joy Jacqueline Pereira & Mazlin bin Mokhtar. 2011. Kawasan Tadahan Utara Putrajaya, Malaysia- Cabaran Pengurusan Kualiti Air Putrajaya, Malaysia. Sains Malaysiana 40(8)(2011): 831-840.
14. Muhammad Rizal Razman, Azrina Azlan, Jamaluddin Md Jahi, Abdul Samad Hadi, Abdul Hadi Harman Shah, Ahmad Fariz Mohamed, Shahrudin Idrus, Kadir Arifin, Kadaruddin Aiyub & Azahan Awang. 2011. Interest Approach and Principle of Transboundary Liability in the Basel Convention: Focusing on the International Environmental Law and Governance. Journal of Food, Agriculture & Environment 9(1): 479-482.
15. Muhammad Rizal Razman, Azrina Azlan, Jamaluddin Md Jahi, Kadir Arifin, Kadaruddin Aiyub & Azahan Awang. 2011. Urban Sustainability on Security of Bottled Drinking Water and Application of the Law of Negligence in Malaysia. Journal of Food, Agriculture & Environment 9(1): 136-139.
16. Nurul Nadiah Mohamad Nasir, Azrina Azlan, Muhammad Rizal Razman, Nor Azam Ramli & Aishah A. Latiff. 2011. Dioxins and Furan in Demersal Fish and Shellfish from Regions in West Coast Peninsular Malaysia. Journal of Food, Agriculture & Environment 9(2): 72-78.
17. Sharareh Pourebrahim, Mehrdad Hadipour & Mazlin bin Mokhtar. 2011. Integration of Spatial Suitability Analysis for Land Use Planning in coastal Areas: Case of Kuala Langat District, Selangor, Malaysia. Landscape and Urban Planning 101(2011): 84-97. ISSN 0169-2046.

< top > < home >

Congratulations to Prof. Dato’ Dr. Ibrahim Komoo on the appointment as the Special Advisor to the Minister of Higher Education effective 16th September 2011.

LESTARI was recently bestowed with the status as a ‘Potential Centre of Excellence 2011’ and was awarded with RM 2 Million by the Ministry of Higher Education. Presentation of award was done by the Minister YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khalid Nordin in Putrajaya. Another important milestone, congratulation LESTARI

< top > < home >

Anniversary

LESTARI celebrated its 17th Anniversary on the 1st October 2011. In conjunction with the event, Director Prof. Dr. Mazlin Bin Mokhtar launched LESTARI’s 2009/2010 Annual Report and the newly created ‘Anjung LESTARI’. The event was attended by academic and associate fellows, staffs, research assistants and students of LESTARI. Happy Anniversary LESTARI!!!

Promotion

Congratulations Dr. Muhammad Rizal Razman on his promotion as an Associate Professor beginning 25th October 2011. Congratulation!!!


Newly-weds

LESTARIans would like to congratulate our colleagues Ms. Raden Puteri Khairani with her husband, as well as to Mr. Mohammad Izzuddin Anuar with his wife, on their colourful weddings, both held in November 2011.


Baby boom

Heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Akmalhisham Jasni and his wife on the birth of their new baby boy. Both mother and son are doing well, and the baby is extremely gorgeous...


Birthdays

LESTARIans wish all our beloved members who celebrated birthday in the month of October, November and December 2011 a very ‘Happy Birthday’. May all their wishes come true. Presenting the birthday boys and girls:

• Dr. Rawshan Ara Begum                                    1 October
• Mr. Shaharuddin Idrus                                       5 October
• Prof. Madya Dr. Ahmad Fariz Mohamed              8 October
• Dr. Tanot Unjah                                                 31 October
• Dr. Ahmad Aldrie Amir                                        6 November
• Pn. Nurul Safaniza Che Ani                                9 November
• Pn. Sarah Aziz Abdul Ghani Aziz                        20 November
• Prof. Emeritus Dato’ Dr. Hood Salleh                 24 November
• Pn. Hafizatul Hasnie Shahril                              26 November
• Prof. Emeritus Dato’ Dr. Abdul Samad Hadi       12 December
• Ms. Nor Mazni Md. Zaini                                     27 December
• Mr. Nik Mohd. Noor Faizul Md. Saad                   30 December
  
  
  

• Graduations

LESTARIans congratulate our staffs and students who graduated with their Doctor of Philosophy at the 39th UKM Convocation in October 2011. Congratulations and we wish all of them the very best in their future endeavours.
The graduands include our academic staffs:

   
Dr. Tanot Unjah     Dr. Goh Choo Ta

and students:

• Dr. Walid Ahmed Abdul Ali
• Dr. Nor Diana Mohd. Idris
• Dr. Md. Istiaque Hossain
• Dr. Siti Akhtar Mahayuddin
• Dr. Rabiul Islam
• Dr. Ferdoushi Ahmed

We would also like to congratulate Dr. A. Aldrie Amir on his graduation from The University of Queensland, Australia with a Doctor of Philosophy in the field of Marine Science (Mangrove Ecology). Congratulation!!!

< top > < home >