Ting (sixth right) and others toss the ‘Yee Sang’.
MIRI: The absence of fire crackers, lion and dragon dance and songs and music of any sort did not dampen the cheery mood of supporters who turned up at a Chinese New Year open house in the newly established Piasau Nature Reserve (PNR) last Sunday.
The omission of these three traditions was in consideration of the animals, particularly the hornbill nesting at a tree next to P58 – a ranger station where 24-hour surveillance and researches on hornbills are being conducted.
The open house was not lacking in Chinese tradition like starting off the celebration with the auspicious tossing of Yee Sang, distribution of mandarin oranges and greetings of Gong Xi Fa Cai.
The spirit of comradeship was clearly visible when 100 turned up for the potluck open house.
The guests were mostly representatives of various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that advocated for the nature reserve as well as researchers.
Among the NGOs were the Piasau Camp Miri Nature Park Society (PCMNPS), Miri Chapter of the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), Petroleum Ladies Association Miri (PWPM), Najib Razak Club (NRC), Piasau Animal Welfare Support (PAWs) and the Hornbill Watch Group.
Datuk Sebastian Ting, chairman of PCMNPS in his address said he was glad for the support for PNR and environmental programmes carried out by various NGOs at the nature reserve.
“This nature reserve came into reality partly due to the cooperation and voice of Mirians and nature lovers the world over, advocating the conservation of Piasau Camp as a nature reserve,” he said.
Among those present were deputy chairman of PCMNPS who is also chairman of MNS Miri Chapter, president of Miri Malay Association, Datuk Wan Morshidi TuankuAbdul Rahman and wife Datin Judy, president of PWPM Srimurniyati Cranfield, PAWS chairlady Natasha Caldenhove and organising chairman Phui Chun Hua.
The open house held at Piasau Nature Reserve was to promote nature conservation.
Other activities held at PNR were Hornbill Walk organised by PCMNPS and Dog Walk by PAWS.