View: Treasure the natural bounty

Tuesday June 23, 2009

I REALLY don't know what compels me to write this letter to your paper. Possibly it is that Malaysia possesses something that we in the West lost a long time ago.

My husband and I have been very fortunate to have the opportunity to visit your country four times in the past five years. What draws us back are the people, the wildlife and the stunning scenery. Although there are numerous other countries that we would have loved to visit, the pull back to Malaysia is much stronger – she certainly found a way into our hearts.

On each of these visits, we have toured Sabah before continuing on to Peninsular Malaysia where we have travelled up the east coast visiting the Perhentian and Tioman Islands.

Our love is wildlife and Sabah has such an abundance of this ranging from the smallest insect to the pygmy elephant which we have been so lucky to see.

We are also constantly surprised by the abundance of wildlife in Peninsular Malaysia as well and have been very privileged to return home with treasured memories of these experiences.

But truth be told it is not only the wildlife that we return for – it is the warmth, friendliness and kindness of the Malay people who know how to make you feel welcome and are always quick to say hello, offer a smile and make you very welcome.

What you have is so precious and fragile.

Your forests are amazing. We have never seen anything like the Tioman Islands.

While most people gaze at the seas, we were drawn to the dense rainforest.

Your wildlife is so precious that the loss of habitat will destroy an eco-system that has existed for thousands of years.

It was so sad this year to return to the Perhentian Islands to see all the litter now covering once pristine beaches.

We really are in the position where we cannot judge because our own country has the worst record of environmental damage but please try to protect and save what you have.

Once it is gone, it will never be replaced and we need to protect and treasure this so that it is our gift to the next generation.

Thank you for allowing us to be guests in your country.

We hope that we will be fortunate to return in the years to come and rekindle friendships that we have forged and have new experiences in your beautiful country which is "Truly Asia".

JUDY MARSHALL,

Cairns, Australia.

This opinion was taken from: The Star Online: News: Opinion 23 June 2009