Fresh out of the press. My book. A milestone, I am an author now. I have the widest grin on my face. It is an amazing feeling! Part geology, part flora & fauna, part legends and part personal experiences and observations.
Tuesday, 27 September 2016 The Grand Ballroom, Level 3, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. SPECIAL EVENT Book Launch: Discovering Langkawi with Irshad Mobarak
My first book! Working on the final layout and artwork before sending into print. Thank you guys and gals of Pep Advertising, and the editors
Irshad said queries made to the Langkawi Development Authority (Lada) revealed the State Forest Department had given the green light to Sentoria Langkawi Sdn Bhd on April 27, 2015 to develop the area.
We were led on a nature walk through the resort and neighbouring forest by renowned naturalist Irshad Mobarak who pointed out that, despite its diminutive size, the small island has 530 species of butterfly compared to the UK’s 66. Resting on a rock next to a trickling stream with nothing but the sound of cicadas for distraction, I could practically feel my blood pressure falling.
Five yards away, Irshad Mobarak breathes deeply and prepares to play devil’s advocate. “In the business world, this would be fully understood,” he muses, arm extended, tracing the long shape of the arboreal aggressor to his left. “Just think of it as a hostile takeover.”
"All issues are a problem of enforcement," says Irshad Mobarak, a former banker who is now owner of eco-tour agency Jungle Walla. "Unesco requested LADA to employ geopark wardens, who would be clearly identifiable in marked vehicles and uniforms, to manage nature-based activities. The wardens have no authority. So all they can do is take pictures and report, and that reporting just ends up back in the bureaucratic circle.
