Marking 60-year link between nature, history

Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) Selangor branch celebrated its 60th anniversary in collaboration with Malaysia Museums Department and Muzium Negara.

Run by volunteers, the Selangor branch organises activities and promotes conservation of natural heritage in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.

Its vice-chairperson and documentary journalist Leong Hon Yuen had stumbled on the branch’s Registrar of Societies Malaysia certificate dated Dec 15, 1967.

Intrigued by the inclusion of the address “Museum Negara, Kuala Lumpur”, she delved into the reasons behind it for a documentary.

“It was very illuminating and quite moving, looking back and seeing how far we’ve come and how much our paths have diverged,” said branch secretary Wong Ee Lynn.

For almost two decades, MNS’s first office was located at Muzium Negara, facilitated by the late Datuk Shahrum Yub, its former director-general and later, an honorary member of MNS.

The late Arne S. Dyhrberg, the museum’s chief taxidermist during its opening on Aug 31, 1963, also served as MNS’ secretary in 1964 and a committee member the following year.

With 59 participants, including guests from other branches, the event at Muzium Negara celebrated nature and history with various activities.

“Our collabo-ration fosters a greater appreciation for the natural and cultural fabric that shapes our identity,” said Muzium Negara director Zamrul Amri Zakaria.

Leong added, “Understanding our history not only strengthens our identity but also better prepares us to confront present challenges.”

“I never thought of camping at the museum and having a treasure hunt there at night, fulfilling my childhood dream of a ‘Night at the Museum’ experience,” said Pang Meei Wei.

(From third right) Mohd Khairill chatting with Ng and Chong about natural history exhibits. — Photos: Courtesy of Muzium Negara

Yao Tze Leong, who came with his young family added, “It’s a rare chance to visit a museum at night.”

The museum staff and participants were also introduced to birdwatching at Perdana Botanical Garden.

Colin Goh and his children found the activity very enjoyable, guided by MNS Selangor branch Bird Group volunteers.

MNS vice-president George Ng and his wife Wendy Chong joined participants on a museum tour guided by volunteers.

They also enjoyed a talk on the museum’s natural history collection by deputy director Mohd Khairill Jemangin.

The collection from 1963 to 2006 has 76,649 specimens in zoology, geology and botany, with the oldest being a 122-year-old preserved Sumatran rhinoceros.

Ng thanked MNS volunteers for their efforts to conserve Malaysia’s natural treasures.

“It was a fantastic idea to collaborate with the museum on the anniversary,” said Lim Koon Hup, who was joined by his two grandchildren.

At the event, Zamrul presented prizes sponsored by MNS Selangor to winners of a treasure hunt, while Leong and Ng presented tokens of appreciation to Zamrul, Mohd Khairill and museum deputy director Nor Hanisah Ahmad.