Status of limnological research and training in Malaysia

Abstract

Limnological research and training in Malaysia have progressed steadily in the last 15 years due to the efforts of an increasing number of trained limnologists and scientists from related fields based in universities, government departments (e.g. Department of Environment, Government Chemistry Department, Drainage and Irrigation Department, State Water Authorities), and research centres (e.g. Freshwater Fish Research Centre). Non-governmental organizations (e.g. Malayan Nature Society, Asian Wetland Bureau) and the private sector (e.g. hydro-engineering firms) play an active supporting role in this respect. The main driving force has been the pace of implementation of Malaysia's long-term socioeconomic and urban development plans, which require a thorough inventorying and optimal utilization of its limited freshwater resources. Malaysian limnologists have been involved in the search for solutions related to water-resource protection and formulation of environmental conservation strategies and assessment methods. The latter has been promoted by Malaysia's Environmental Quality Act (1974) with its inherent Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation (1985).

The current trend is towards organized, multidisciplinary, applied studies at the drainage basin or ecosystem level. This has been made possible by the enhancement of research and training infrastructure at universities and research institutions which still serve as the main repositories and source of trained aquatic biologists in general, and limnologists in particular. There has been regular review and introduction of new courses to the teaching curricula to reflect prevailing man-power needs and changing perspectives of the importance of the country's finite aquatic resources and its fragile environment.

Funding opportunities both from the government and private sector have been encouraging in recent years. Local intiatives have made possible extra financial, technological and human resource inputs from collaborating countries including Japan (JSPS, JICA), Canada (IDRC), Europe (ASEAN-EEC), Australia (ASEAN- AUSTRALIA) United Kingdom (Royal Society of United Kingdom), WHO and UNESCO. There is as yet no national body for coordinating limnological research and training. A national journal of limnology likewise does not exist. Regional institutional linkages through post-graduate studies, exchange of research or academic staff, inter-library loan services, and fellowship offers amongst developing countries would be beneficial and timely; as such they should be promoted and sustained.