Report: MNS Selangor Branch at 73 - Exploring Science & Nature
Report by Members: Darawati Hussain, HY Leong, Lim Yuet Choon, P Thomas Simon,
Christine Leow, Yvonne and Wan Sze Teachers: Sakinah binti Semaon, Haslinda binti
Hashim and Izzatus Sakinah Students: Tee Xiao Jin and Nour Qisstina Binti Norazli
Photos by: Darawati Hussain, HY Leong, Ivan Ho, Ong Chun How, Yee Chun Wah and
Ashley Chow
On 25 June 2026, the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) Selangor Branch commemorated
its 73rd anniversary with a guided visit to the Biomedical Museum, Institute for Medical
Research (IMR), Jalan Pahang. The visit brought together MNS Selangor Branch
members with 60 students and teachers from MNS School Nature Clubs (Kelab Pencinta
Alam, KPA) for an educational exploration of Malaysia’s biomedical heritage.
As part of its commitment to environmental education and promoting appreciation of
Malaysia’s scientific heritage, the Branch collaborated with the Biomedical Museum to
organise two guided sessions for 80 participants (40 per session). Due to the presence of
several human exhibits, participation was limited to those aged 13 years and above.
The morning session comprised 20 MNS Selangor Branch members, four teachers and 16
students from SMK Bukit Gading, SMK Sierramas, SMK Bandar Baru Sungai Buloh and
SMK Ideal Heights. The afternoon session was attended by eight teachers and 32
students from SMK Seri Ampang, SMK (P) Methodist Kuala Lumpur, SMK Maxwell, SMK
La Salle Sentul, SMK Bandar Baru Sentul, SMK Setapak Indah, SMK Danau Kota and
SMK Yaacob Latif.
The visit was especially meaningful as the IMR hosted the 6th MNS Annual General
Meeting on 27 June 1953, during which the Selangor Branch was established. Returning
to this historic institution provided a symbolic connection to the Branch’s beginnings.
Member Darawati Hussain reflected on the significance of the IMR’s heritage setting:
"The IMR facilities are housed in heritage buildings and built in 1900. The sight of this
facility surrounded (by) tall trees by the busy Jalan Tun Razak amongst steel skyscrapers
struck me and immediately you sense the history and dedication and work that was carried
out in these facilities.”
Housed in a beautifully preserved 1928 heritage building, the Biomedical Museum has
been showcasing Malaysia’s biomedical history to the public since 1983.
Participants were welcomed by HY Leong (Facilitator, MNS Selangor Branch Committee)
and Mohd Hazilas Bin Mat Hashim (Assistant Curator, IMR). Following a safety briefing
and group photographs, participants were divided into four groups—Nyamuk (Mosquito),
Maggot, Lintah (Leech) and Snake—for their guided tour.
The museum’s exhibits introduced participants to Malaysia’s medical history, pioneering
research, public health achievements and the role of animals in healthcare. The displays
provided new insights for first-time visitors while also bringing back memories for returning
visitors.
Member Lim Yuet Choon recalled her previous visit to the museum:
"It brought back memories of when I was in secondary school 39 years ago. I visited the
museum and saw the baby specimen. It is still here today. The displays are now more
informative, with more information and posters.”
Participants were particularly interested in the exhibits on historical and current medical
treatments, including the use of maggots and leeches in healing wounds.
"Good venue to learn about historical medical treatments and its use in current medical
treatments," said P Thomas Simon.
"(I) found the whole trip very educational and informative," said Christine Leow. "I learnt a
lot on usage of maggots & leeches for healing.”
"I did't know that leech and maggot can use for diabetes treatment," said Kochi Kojiro.
“Impressive!”
The museum also highlighted the contributions of distinguished scientists, including the
late Dr Wu Lien-Teh and the late Dr Lim Boo Liat, an MNS Honorary Member. For Yvonne,
learning about IMR’s history provided a deeper appreciation of Malaysia’s scientific
development.
"Learning about the history of the IMR and pioneers such as Dr Wu also gave me a new
appreciation of the country’s medical research development," recalled Yvonne.
Teachers and students found the visit an enriching learning experience, particularly in
understanding the relationship between biodiversity, animals and medicine.
Teacher Sakinah binti Semaon shared: "Very interesting to know that we can use (a)
variety of animals, even maggot, to cure diseases.”
Teacher Haslinda binti Hashim similarly gained new knowledge from the exhibits: "I gained
new knowledge that some animals can be used in medical treatment, such as maggots
and leeches, which have benefits in certain medical conditions.”
The museum’s preserved specimens and historical collections also captivated students,
offering them an opportunity to observe wildlife and medical exhibits up close.
Student Tee Xiao Jin shared: "Saw a lot of taxidermy and it was really cool and saw a lot of
medical equipment from the past but my favourite was the foetus showcase with the
conjoined twins and the one eyed baby. I also saw a lot of types of bats, birds, snakes and
mammals that I did not know existed.”
Student Nour Qisstina Binti Norazli similarly enjoyed discovering the museum’s collections:
"I enjoyed it so much, I love seeing endangered animals that I've never seen with my own
eyes, and I also just now know that you can use maggots and leeches to heal.”
Following the guided tour, morning participants had time to explore the museum
independently.
"The signboards and displays were easy to follow and visually attractive and provided
much information which was unknown to me," observed Darawati Hussain.
The first-floor galleries featuring snakes, bats, birds and other wildlife were especially
appreciated by MNS members.
"As a birder, I enjoyed the birds gallery as I was able to see up close many birds which are
usually seen far away through my bins," observed Wan Sze. "I am surprised that many of
the birds are actually bigger than I thought.”
P Thomas Simon also valued the museum’s natural history collections: "The displays on
birds and mammals are good references of what's available in the natural environment.
History of IMR is provided in its proper context.”
Teacher Izzatus Sakinah highlighted the value of seeing authentic specimens and
historical equipment: "It was really great and interesting because we got to see the real
specimens of snakes, bats, tigers, birds and even humans that we barely know. We also
got to see the equipments used for medical purpose.”
Participants also expressed appreciation for the hospitality and knowledge shared by the
Biomedical Museum staff and guides.
"It is not such a big museum so the time for the tour was perfect not too long not too short
and one can then take time to explore later," said Darawati. "The staff at hand were very
friendly and well versed with the topics and extremely patient with the very inquisitive
group at hand.”
Yvonne likewise found the visit meaningful: "Although it was only a 2-hour visit, it was a
meaningful introduction to Malaysia’s biomedical history. I was especially impressed by the
early research instruments like old microscopes and laboratory equipment, as well as the
preserved specimens in formalin, including organs and foetuses.”
Reflecting on the experience, Yvonne added: "It was brief, but insightful, and I feel there is
still much more to explore. I would like to visit again in the future to explore more in detail.”
The visit successfully brought together MNS members, teachers and students in
appreciating the connections between nature, science, history and medicine. Through the Biomedical Museum’s collections, participants gained a deeper understanding of
Malaysia’s scientific heritage and the importance of research in advancing public health.
Acknowledgement
This report incorporated feedback shared by participants through a post-event feedback
form.
The MNS Selangor Branch extends its sincere appreciation to Dr Cheong Yoon Ling, Head
of the Biomedical Museum; and the museum guides—Mr Mohd Hazilas bin Mat Hashim,
Mr Mohd Aiman, Ms Alina, Mrs Azura, Mrs Santhi, Mrs Aina and Mr Khairul Haffiz—for
their collaboration and support in making this programme a success.
The Branch also extends its appreciation to the Selangor State Education Department,
Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur Education Department, Ministry of Education Malaysia,
MNS School Nature Club (KPA) Officer Ms Nursyereen binti Mohd Nasir, KPA Selangor
State Education Coordinator for Secondary Schools Mrs Rohaidah binti Naharuddin, and
KPA Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur Education Coordinator for Secondary Schools Mrs
Nor Amizah binti Abd Jamil for their support in making this programme a success.
