25 February 2006
Chi Too, GFRS volunteer, Malaysia
Hello. Greetings from Malaysia. My name is Chi Too and I'm from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
For the past six years I've got my hands dirty in various sectors of the media industry. I've been involved in music recording and advertising; I am currently an independent filmmaker and photographer.
I unofficially became a tree-hugger when I first realized the leatherback turtle was nearly extinct in Malaysia. I was 12 then and was rather disturbed that such a magnificent creature whose survival has lasted for so long was so easily threatened by the exploits of humanity. Ever since then, I've vowed that I would do my best to keep mother nature happy.
On top of that, ever since I was a teenager I've been wanting to be a part of Greenpeace, so for me to be joining the Global Forest Research Station is like a lifelong dream that is finally coming true.
A few years back, I received a major knock in the head when I read about the exploits of Malaysian logging companies here in the New Guinean islands on the Greenpeace website. I found it disturbing that so little information was available about the illegal logging done here in New Guinea, worse still, no one knew about the activities of these Malaysian companies back in Malaysia. I jumped at the oppurtunity when Greenpeace South East Asia told me about an available position at the GFRS.
Armed with a video camera, I hope to make a film about life in the forest and how it is threatened by illegal logging and screen it to the folks back home in Malaysia. I think it is important for Malaysians to know that companies bearing our nationality are trampling rudely on our neighbour's backyard. Hopefully, my film would be able to make a change (even if it's slight) in this part of the world.
Quite a number of my friends and family have questioned me as to why I'm joining this project. Many have warned me of the potential dangers I'm putting myself in. Many have told me that this could be a job for 'somebody else'. Unfortunately, the current situatiuon in the Paradise Forests requires immediate attention. And fortunately for me, to everyone else ... I am 'somebody else'.
In the meantime I will have to go "Lukautim Bus". Cheers
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