By Sheeda Fathil
SHAH ALAM, May 24 — The Mini Bird Race programme at the Shah Alam National Botanical Garden (TBNSA) is a commendable initiative to educate the public on the importance of conserving and protecting migratory bird species.
[caption id="attachment_402075" align="alignleft" width="300"]
Shah Alam Mayor Datuk Mohd Fauzi Mohd Yatim delivers his speech during the Mini Bird Race programme at the Shah Alam National Botanical Garden in Shah Alam on May 24, 2025. — Picture by FIKRI YUSOF/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
Shah Alam Mayor Datuk Mohd Fauzi Mohd Yatim said the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) always supports and welcomes such programmes to be held more frequently so the public becomes more aware of the presence of migratory birds.
“As a rapidly developing city, Shah Alam must pay attention to balancing development with the conservation of flora, fauna, and the migratory bird species that stop here.
“There are 300 species of migratory birds recorded here, and as the local authority, we must ensure that this area remains protected and free from disturbances caused by development,” he said after officiating the programme today.
[caption id="attachment_402077" align="aligncenter" width="1182"]
Participants of the Mini Bird Race programme using binoculars to bird-watch at the Shah Alam National Botanical Garden in Shah Alam on May 24, 2025. — Picture by FIKRI YUSOF/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
Among the migratory bird species found at TBNSA are the common hill myna, the white-rumped munia, the crimson-winged woodpecker, the dollarbird, and the changeable hawk eagle.
Earlier, 105 participants took part in the Mini Bird Race competition, a bird-spotting contest offering a RM300 prize for the first-place winner.
Meanwhile, Fauzi said he hopes the programme will become an annual event and be expanded to a larger scale in the future.
“May this initiative be a small step that brings about significant change for our environment,” he said.
[caption id="attachment_402076" align="aligncenter" width="1439"]
Shah Alam Mayor Datuk Mohd Fauzi Mohd Yatim (front, centre) with participants of the Mini Bird Race programme at the Shah Alam National Botanical Garden in Shah Alam on May 24, 2025. — Picture by FIKRI YUSOF/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
