Researchers urged to carry out scientific expedition periodically
KOTA KINABALU: Scientific expedition should be carried out periodically in order to discover more unexplored areas for research development purposes.
The director of Yayasan Sabah, Tuan Haji Jamalul Kiram bin Datuk Mohd Zakaria, stated this during the launching of Borneo Geographic Expedition 2018 at Sg Kangkawat Research Station, Imbak Canyon Conservation Area (ICCA), Tongod.
The 12-day expedition is jointly organised by Yayasan Sabah Group and Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS). Research areas conducted were entomology, plants, mammal, geology, birds, fishes, water quality, eco-tourism and social science.
According to Jamalul, the expedition is one of Yayasan Sabah Group conservation efforts in providing platform for scientists and academicians to excel in their field of studies.
“We believe UMS expertise in biodiversity studies will provide inputs in managing our ecology. Therefore we hope after the expedition, UMS will continue to organise more expeditions in other conservation areas under the purview of Yayasan Sabah Group,” added Jamalul.
Besides Imbak Canyon, Yayasan Sabah Group also managed another four conservation areas namely Maliau Basin, Danum Valley, Silam Coast and Taliwas River.
Jamalul further urged all researchers to use all facilities available in Imbak Canyon Studies Centre (ICSC).
“We have more than 200 rooms complete with dining facilities and most importantly scientific laboratory,” he said.
A total of 179 researchers from local universities and government/ NGOs agencies namely Universiti Malaya, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Pertanian Malaysia, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Sabah Research Forest Centre, Sabah Parks and Malaysian Nature Society are joining the expedition which was launched by Prof Dr Shahril bin Yusof, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research and Innovation, UMS.
Also present were Datuk Hajah Rosmawati Haji Lasuki, deputy director of Yayasan Sabah and senior officers from Yayasan Sabah Group and UMS.