THOMAS HUONG discovers that reports on the diminishing firefly population in Kuala Selangor are not true.

IT WAS incredible. We have never seen anything like this in our travels."

That was how much the sight of millions of twinkling lights at the Kampung Kuantan Fireflies Park in Kuala Selangor impressed Iranian tourist Ebrahim Zarei during a visit on Saturday (March 26).

Ebrahim, 54, who was with his wife Susan Mashayekhi, 47, and daughter Yasaman Zarei, 23, had taken a taxi from Kuala Lumpur to the park after reading about it from a Selangor tourism brochure at their hotel.

"There were so many fireflies that I even took some in my hands during the boat ride on the river," said Yasaman.

Ebrahim said his family had visited countries such as India, Dubai, Germany and Thailand but never had a similar experience.

"It was a unique sight that we will always cherish," said Ebrahim.

Two firefly colonies, namely located at Kampung Kuantan and Bukit Belimbing, in Kuala Selangor made headlines late last year when the Sultan of Selangor issued a directive to the state government to take steps to prevent pollution and human depredations on the environment from affecting the insects' natural habitat.

However, Kampung Kuantan community leader Saidon Osman told StarMetro that reports on the diminishing population of fireflies at the park were not true.

"I go on a boat ride along the river to watch the fireflies at least once a month. I have not noticed any difference in the number of fireflies compared to before," said the 59-year-old Saidon, adding that the firefly colony encompasses a 10km stretch along the banks of Sungai Selangor.

Saidon still remembers a time when the fireflies used to congregate at night around Kampung Kuantan before electricity was supplied to the village.

"Almost every night, the villagers could see the fireflies without going to the river banks. Nowadays, whenever there is a blackout, the fireflies will still come to the village," said Saidon.

He praised the state government's decision to ban motorised fishing boats from plying a 10km stretch near Kampung Kuantan.

"There is less pollution of the environment. We use sampans (rowboats) to take visitors and tourists to watch the fireflies along the river banks," he said.

According to Saidon, the park has existed for more than 20 years and is now managed by the Kuala Selangor District Council.

Saidon, who has operated a souvenir shop at the park since 1987, said the firefly colony was an important source of income to the village.

"Part of the ticket sales from the rowboat rides go towards the village. The villagers also make some souvenirs and handicraft that are sold to tourists," said Saidon.

The park seemed to be a popular draw for Klang Valley residents, judging from the groups of visitors StarMetro saw on a dark and rainy evening on Saturday (March 26).

Among them were merchandise supervisor Alvin Teng, 28, and sales executive Tim Yap, 29, both of whom were from Kepong.

Teng and Yap were with their girlfriends, namely Shirley Ng, 26, and Ng Y. K., 23, respectively.

"Yap and I enjoyed our visit here four years ago. We thought our girlfriends would like the experience too," said Teng.

Another visitor was 45-year-old Eric Wong who had brought along three relatives from Hong Kong.

Wong, a businessman residing in Kuala Lumpur, said he wanted his relatives to enjoy the experience of seeing one of nature's wonders.

"I have been here a few times with my family during the last few years. It is a national treasure as it is one of the few known firefly colonies in the world," said Wong.

However, Wong felt that signboards on the main road, heading towards Kuala Selangor, which pointed the way towards the park should be made more prominent.

"It is difficult to see the signboards especially on rainy days," said Wong.

The Kampung Kuantan Fireflies Park is located about an hour's drive from Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya.

Motorists can use the Sungai Buloh main trunk road towards Kuala Selangor.

The park has facilities such as a children's playground and public toilets. It is open from 7.30pm till 10.30pm daily.

A boat ride, priced at RM40, lasts about 30 minutes.

A maximum of four persons are allowed on a boat.

As part of its programme to create awareness of the relevant green issues and environment conservation, the BRATs Green Pow Wow 2005, a green conference for youngsters aged from 18 to 23 in the region, has included the firefly colony at Kuala Selangor on its itinerary.

Organised under The Star BRATs (Bright, Roving, Annoying, Teen-agers), a young journalist programme, together with Citigroup, this international green conference seeks to tap young minds on how to protect the environment using the media.

BRATS Green Pow Wow takes place from June 5 to 12.

The conference's other destinations include Taman Negara and the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary in Lanchang (near Temerloh), Pahang.

To participate in the conference, applicants must write a proposal on how to handle a green issue and send it to Brats Green Pow Wow 2005, Star Metro, Menara Star, 15, Jalan 16/11, Section 16, 46350 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

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