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Rafflesia is the most magnificent and largest flower in the world. In Southeast Asia, the species becoming endangered due to anthropogenic activities such as logging, conversion of forest into large-scale agricultural areas, urbanization and unsustainable ecotourism. This paper has specifically highlighted the efforts that have been taken by the Kelantan State Forestry Department (KFD) in ensuring the sustainability and survival of this gigantic flower in its natural habitat. A survey by Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) shows that many populations of Rafflesia were situated in the forest reserves under the administration of KFD, such as in Lojing, Mt. Chamah, Mt. Basor and Mt. Stong. A lot of initiatives have been implemented by KFD such as organising scientific expeditions and the establishment of the High Conservation Value Forest (HCVF). In July 2011, the State Government of Kelantan declared an area of 404 ha (1,000 acres) bordering Sg. Berok Forest Reserve in Lojing Highlands as the Rafflesia Preservation Area. This recognition by the state government resulted from collaboration efforts of UMK, KFD and South Kelantan Development Authority (KESEDAR). To date, KFD has established a total of two HCVFs in Kelantan and a new area of 50 ha in Compartment 1, Lojing Forest Reserve has also been dedicated for the protection of Rafflesia. This paper was also briefly discussed several issues and challenges in conserving Rafflesia in Kelantan such as the expansion of large-scale agricultural plantation, participation of local community, tourism and income generation, international and internal funds for conservation works, and provide an integrated tourism and management plans. Hopefully, this effort will lead to the establishment of a centre of excellence in nature conservation, ecotourism and scientific research of Rafflesia in Kelantan.

Araceae or aroid is familiarly known as keladi to the locals. The purpose of this study is to assess the diversity and ecology of Araceae in the Water Catchment Area of Ulu Sat, Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia. The random sampling method was applied. A total of 26 species from 13 genera of Araceae were recorded from the water catchment area of Ulu Sat, Machang, Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia. This represents about 18.6% out of an estimated 140 species and 46.2% of the 28 genera of Araceae reported for Peninsular Malaysia. The result also shows that 24 species or 92.3% of the collection are the common Araceae species found in lowland dipterocarp forest in Peninsular Malaysia. However, the collection include the species recently recorded, Aglaonema cochinchinense Engl. and the endemic species, Alocasia puber (Hassk.) Schott for Peninsular Malaysia. The paper will also discuss the distribution and ecology of some important Araceae collected from this area.

Natural hot springs are a common occurrence in Malaysia. These natural hot springs occur when water seeps into the earth and is heated by magma and pressure causes the water to rise again as a heated pool or hot springs. Some locals believe that these natural hot springs have curative effects and can cure skin ailments such as rashes, pimples and fungi infections. Whether this is true or not remains to be scientifically proven, but these places have become a magnet for tourists and those seeking healing. Some of Malaysia’s natural hot springs have developed into modern tourists’ attractions with shops, rest houses, restaurants and changing rooms built nearby to accommodate visitors who are interested by this natural phenomenon and the best example is the Poring Hot Springs, in Ranau, Sabah. Consequently, the objective of this paper is to briefly highlight the potential of Lojing’s hot springs as nature tourism attraction for the state of Kelantan. This paper provides a broad insight into the demand for services and facilities, location and characteristics of Lojing’s geothermal and natural mineral water resources, the opportunities available to expand and establish new facilities and an indication of the success of Sabah’s developments with the potential to be replicated in Lojing. Based on the content analysis done using Leximancer, it is apparent that Lojing’s hot spring requires intervention in terms of strategies that aimed at increasing tourist satisfaction. It is suggested that the theme “leisure” to be concentrated as the pull factor for Lojing hot spring-based tourism.