About Us
Merisuli, Sabah
/ TRLC /
Treeplanting at TRLC-Merisuli (Adrihani/TRCRC)
Our Vision
To conserve and preserve threatened tropical rainforest plant species, and to support other organizations in cultivating and maintaining stable forest ecosystems
Our Mission
Spreading awareness in the environmental cause through education and public outreach.
Finding solutions in forest conservation through sustainable development and management
Introduction
Tropical Rainforest Conservation and Research Centre (TRCRC) was established in 2012 to restore tropical rainforests and address the critical rate of biodiversity loss in Malaysia. TRCRC’s Mission is two-fold: to preserve tropical rainforest plant species and lead landscape-wide protection and reforestation projects throughout the country.
TRCRC plans to reconnect forest fragments through the reforestation of degraded patches using native trees sourced from nurseries as well as seedlings from rescued threatened plants. It serves two important national conservation policies: ex-situ conservation for the preservation of plant species and genetic diversity under the National Biodiversity plan, and the Heart of Borneo and Central Forest Spine initiatives, to support Malaysia’s commitments towards conservation.
With a dedicated team and through strategic partnerships, TRCRC has since grown and expanded its portfolio with the goal of making a bigger impact in forest conservation.
Dipterocarpus grandiflorus, an Endangered species under IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in Elmina Rainforest Conservation Nursery (Lucy/TRCRC)
TRCRC Ground Team (G-Team) working on transplanting seedlings at Tropical Rainforest Living Collection, Banun, Gerik, Perak (Lucy/TRCRC)
Our Core Work
In order to safeguard tropical rainforest plant species and ensure a stable ecosystem, TRCRC aims to:
1) Establish multiple ex-situ Tropical Rainforest Living Collections (TRLCs) and plant nurseries throughout Malaysia, where we germinate, propagate, and eventually reintroduce rare and endangered plant species back into its native habitats
2) Lead landscape-wide protection and restoration projects throughout the country.
Dr. Dzaeman Dzulkifli
Executive Director
Dzaeman leads national efforts in rainforest restoration and biodiversity conservation. With a PhD in rainforest restoration, he drives initiatives on sustainable land use, seed systems, and climate action, working with governments, communities, and global partners to protect Malaysia’s endangered forest ecosystems.
Teng Yu He
Project Manager
Teng is a Project Manager at TRCRC, supporting initiatives that strengthen seed value chain and restoration networks with Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs). Coming from a background of geoscience, plus years of experience in science and technology policy making, her work focuses on building ecosystem enablers for community-rooted pathways, where people, knowledge, and forests can grow together.
Adrihani binti Abd Rashid
Stakeholder Engagement and Project Development Executive
Adrihani is a communications and conservation practitioner committed to community-led forest restoration. She centres local leadership, amplifies Indigenous ecological knowledge, and supports sustainable livelihood pathways that enable communities to lead lasting conservation of their forest landscapes.
Benjamin Loh
Grant Coordinator
Benjamin is a sustainability and environmental conservation professional with over 15 years of experience in biodiversity conservation, ESG, and sustainable development. At TRCRC, Benjamin supports programme and project development, stakeholder engagement, and provides technical advisory support. His work focuses on strengthening project design, ensuring donor and grant alignment, and translating sustainability frameworks into practical outcomes. He brings extensive experience working across government, industry, and civil society to advance conservation and research objectives.
Intan Syafiqah binti Mohd Hamezan
Conservation and Project Coordinator
Intan, graduating MSc. in Environmental Science - uniquely bridges hands-on fieldwork with urban ecological strategy. She leads collaborative urban rewilding, partnering deep ecological knowledge from Orang Asli communities and various stakeholders with creative design. Focused on arboriculture, she advocates planting the right native trees in the right places with creative methods to be explored and experimented.
Angela Moris
Programme Coordinator
Originally from Kuching, she is a UPM graduate with a fisheries and agriculture background whose indigenous Bidayuh roots shaped her passion for forest conservation. She works with diverse communities, oversees youth and outreach programmes, and believes empowering young voices inspires courage and growth beyond comfort zones.
Nur Atikah Binti Ahmad Puat
Human Resource & Administration Manager
Atikah is the HR & Admin Manager with over 10 years of experience in HR, administration, and quality systems. She keeps operations running smoothly behind the scenes, always aiming to make work life a little easier and more pleasant for everyone because a workplace is a lot like a good cup of teh tarik, it’s all about getting the mix just right.
Nurin Hazwani binti Sollahunddin
Finance Executive
Nurin is a UiTM graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Accountancy. She began her career in Kuala Lumpur’s corporate sector before transitioning to the NGO TRCRC. Over two years, she gained exposure to conservation activities while primarily supporting finance and accounting operations with the Head of Finance and related duties.
Charmaine Sze
Senior Communications Coordinator
Charmaine puts her marketing skills to use in conservation as Senior Communications Coordinator for TRCRC’s Seed to Tree project, highlighting the importance of the right trees in the right places and genetic diversity. Much like Malaysian food, it’s not just about the ingredients. Even nasi lemak is better with variety.
Hanisah binti Abdul Hamid
Project Executive
Hanisah Hamid is a Conservation Biology graduate from Universiti Malaysia Sabah with a strong passion for nature and environmental conservation. She currently supports TRCRC in conservation programs, fieldwork, specimen curation, and public engagement initiatives. She is committed to protecting tropical ecosystems and strengthening conservation efforts for vulnerable plant species.
Syed Danial bin Syed Abu Bakar
Project Executive
Syed, a Biodiversity Management (UiTM) graduate, built his expertise from nursery operations to drone mapping and data-driven biodiversity assessments. He has contributed to study design, analysis, and visualization, and now supports the Seed to Tree project with practical conservation insights. He is also a certified TGBS Assessor.
Fatin Nur Asyiqin binti Shahruddin
Project Executive
Asyiqin holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biodiversity Management from UiTM Jengka Pahang, currently supporting the EUBC Project. Have a growing interest in illustrating wildlife, contributing support wherever needed within TRCRC and hope to see greater global awareness for conservation efforts through reforestation.
Umie Naylisa Mohd Asmadi
Communication Executive
Naylisa is a Communications Executive for the Seed to Tree Project, bridging science, storytelling, and conservation. She holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Plant Science from UNIMAS, specialising in aquatic plants. At TRCRC, she supports programmes, education, and outreach, documents fieldwork, conducts research, illustrates botanicals, and is a certified TGBS Assessor.
Nur Ain Aiman Abd Rahim
Technical Executive
Ain holds a BSc in Natural Resources Sciences and an MSc in Environmental Biology, with expertise in tree health assessment using both drone technology and on-ground visual analysis. She contributes technical expertise to the Seed to Tree project, supporting conservation efforts through practical, data-driven ecological insights
Pheona Tay
Communication Executive
Pheona is a communications and conservation practitioner passionate about stories that celebrate communities and nature. With journalism and tourism experience, she bridges science and creative storytelling, committed to communication for sustainable, regenerative and forest-led community initiatives.
Nur Afiqah binti Yunus
Project Site Executive
With a background in Biodiversity Management and Conservation from UMT, Afiqah works in restoration through nursery operations. She assists with seed collection and monitoring, driven by the belief that resilient forests begin with careful nurturing and management in the nursery.
Amru-Izz bin Abdul Razak
Project Executive
Amru is a landscape architecture graduate with a strong interest in conservation and environmental stewardship. An all-rounder by practice, they are experienced in landscape planning and design, community event coordination, and hands-on site work, bringing a practical, people-centred, and nature-driven approach to creating resilient environments.
Wak Mukhlis
Nursery Caretakers
Wak Mukhlis, 54, from Medan, serves as a dedicated nursery caretaker at TRCRC. He enjoys caring for plants and learning about forest species, including planting techniques and managing fungal issues. With growing knowledge and experience, he hopes to pass down what he has learned about trees to his children and grandchildren.
Haida Binti Hassan
Nursery Caretakers
Serving as a steward of the plants, she oversees daily plant care from propagation to program-ready, ensuring they thrive in a controlled environment. She assists with seed collection, workshops, CSR and Youth programs. Though her background is corporate, she remains passionate about tree conservation and is active in planting initiatives.
Zuhairani Binti Idris
Nursery Caretakers
Zuhairani from Pahang is a nursery caretaker at TRCR. She oversees seedling transplanting and daily nursery upkeep. She enjoys the calm, rhythmic pace of her work, tending to plants with care and attention. Her dedication helps maintain a healthy, organized nursery that supports TRCRC conservation and restoration goals.
Khairul Hisham Bin Hashim
Nursery Caretakers
Khairul, works as a nursery caretaker at TRCRC, managing tree relocation, compost preparation, and overall nursery upkeep. His daily hands-on approach ensures plants are healthy and organized. Dedicated and meticulous, Khairul plays a key role in maintaining an efficient nursery that supports TRCRC’s conservation and restoration projects.
David Hidayat
Nursery Caretakers
David Hidayat, 48, from Medan, joined TRCRC to deepen his knowledge in plant cultivation and currently serves as a nursery caretaker. With previous experience in oil palm plantations, he now enjoys watering and planting trees. He hopes the hands-on experience gained here will prepare him to open his own nursery in Indonesia.
Board Of Trustees
YABhg Tun Jeanne Abdullah
Chairman
David Dzulkifli
Member
Datuk Ali Bin Tan Sri Kadir
Past Member
James Kingham
Past Member
Venugopal Nambiar
Past Member
NurNadira Atira binti Abdullah Salleh
Technical Executive
Nadira first became involved in forest restoration and conservation efforts while completing her Degree Final Year Project at Segaliud Lokan Forest Reserve. With a background in Forest Plantation & Agroforestry at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), she further developed her passion for forestry at Seed Section at Forest Research Centre (FRC), Sandakan before finding her base at TRCRC. Her keen interest in forest and seeds are what keeps her going in the conservation and restoration effort of the ERT tree species at TRLC-Merisuli.
Hasniar binti Mohd Amir
Technical Executive
Hasniar graduated from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), where she holds a Bachelor Degree in Tropical Forestry. Her interest in restoring and conserving the forest increases, especially in aspects that relate to community forestry. She is concerned but at the same time is excited to learn more as well as to help improve the livelihood of those living in the countryside. On top of that, she is now pursuing her Master Degree in Social Forestry in order to improve the skills to support TRCRC’s effort through programs related to community in the future. She is also committed in data handling and data analysis to facilitate the restoration effort in Merisuli Forest Reserve.
Celesia Sinpa @ Christopher
Technical Executive
Celesia had the opportunity to be one of the participants in TRCRC Sabah’s education program, Environmental Volunteering Program (ENVOP) back in 2019. Here she develops an interest in the ex-situ conservation effort where the tree was processed from seedlings until they were planted in the wild. After completing her studies in International Tropical Forestry at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), she had chosen TRCRC as her stepping stone in the conservation and restoration world. She now joins the TRCRC Sabah as a Program Executive to support their effort in conserving and restoring the Merisuli Forest Reserve.
Rasit bin Abdul
Assistant Supervisor, Technical
With over 27 years of experience and knowledge in forest restoration and conservation, his extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in identifying trees inside and outside of TRCRC is undeniably remarkable. Therefore, he hopes that with these skills, he could teach and encourage the younger generation to better appreciate nature.
Wahirin bin Maris
Skilled Field and Nursery Staff
Having had research and field work experience, Wahirin joined TRCRC to support the conservation and restoration project in TRLC Merisuli Sabah. As a ground staff, he is involved in nursery activities, seed collecting and developing the nursery to achieve TRCRC’s objective.
Ruzaimeh bin Jumuk
Skilled Field and Nursery Staff
Born and raised as a Dusun in Ranau, Sabah, Ruzaimeh or better known as Jay has joined TRCRC in 2022 to join his brothers in conserving the forest after being motivated by his brothers’ works here. Watching them, Jay also hopes that he could contribute to forest preservation by working hard in the field alongside his colleagues in growing and maintaining the seedlings they had planted in the forest.
Nur Hidayat binti Kamsah
Senior Executive (Admin cum Finance)
Graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Conservation of Biology from Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Nur Hidayat Kamsah officially joined TRCRC to gain and apply her knowledge on conservation biology to the TRLC Merisuli, Sabah. As an executive, her work is mainly assisting in tasks related to the TRLC Merisuli, Sabah project. She treasures what nature has to offer and aspires to make a difference in the conservation of rainforests.
Masnona Lorintie
Senior Nursery Assistant
Starting as a hobby for gardening then gaining work experience on the forest restoration project in Lahad Datu, Masnona is eager to apply her skills in nursery tasks in TRLC Merisuli. As a Senior Nursery Assistant, she is involved in seed sowing, transplanting and maintaining the nursery
Norfdilah Awang
Junior Executive
Hailing from Kampung Buang Sayang, Kinabatangan, Dilah used to work as a shop clerk, an assistant of a computer teacher, and also had experiences working in the tourism industry. After hearing about TRCRC from her uncle Wahid, she joins the organisation as a ground team member to learn the works of how to conserve tropical tree species. An avid reader, Dila believes strongly in TRCRC’s conservation work and hopes to influence the tourism industry with the knowledge gained
Wahid bin Othman
Senior Executive (Site Supervisor )
Originating from Kota Kinabatangan, Sabah, Wahid joined TRCRC as the supervisor of the technical support team. He has over 20 years of hands-on experience in the field during his previous job with rainforest rehabilitation project. Wahid is currently based in the TRLC Merisuli, Sabah project to supervise and lead the seed collection team and replanting operations. His personal vision is to contribute towards the success of the TRLC Merisuli project.
Amis @ Salleh Bin Osman
Skilled Field and Nursery Staff
With 20 years and more hands-on experiences in both forest conservation field and electricity repair, Salleh or fondly called Uncle Amis by his colleagues, joined TRCRC in 2022 as one of field staff and occasionally helped drive the staff around. A cheerful and friendly person, Uncle Amis is beloved by all people around him and constantly uses his knowledge and experience in helping out in the field by planting and maintaining seedlings and also in maintaining camp buildings’ electricity systems such as the gallery and volunteer dorm.
Mhd. Touchry bin Maili
Skilled Field and Nursery Staff
Touchry is a field man that worked on a rainforest restoration project in Danum Valley before joining TRCRC. As a ground staff, his job scope includes nursery maintenance work, being part of the seed collection team and handling machine including heavy machinery.
Jaidi bin Samad
Skilled Field and Nursery Staff
As one of the important field staff at TRCRC since 2020, Jaidi has been helping his colleagues in conserving Merisuli forest such as planting more seedlings into the forest and maintaining them so they can grow big and strong for the future. He always hopes that the knowledge and experience he gained from here can be used for others out there.
Jilih binti Ejang
Skilled Field and Nursery Staff
New to forest conservation, Jilih joined TRCRC in 2022 after being encouraged by her friend in search of better employment. However, after joining in, her motivation slowly turned to inspiration to preserve the forest. Looking after the seedlings since its birth (seed plot seeding) to its maturity (to be planted in the forest) has endeared the forest to her. She hopes that her work here will continue to benefit the forest and its future.
Yusni binti Jeffrydin
Skilled Field and Nursery Staff
Yusni has been in the forest conservation field for more than 10 years and these experiences have cemented her love for nature. She joined TRCRC in 2018 in the hopes that she can help in taking care of the forest and environment better by applying her know-how in helping her nursery colleagues nurture seedlings that will turn to one of her beloved forests someday.
Hasmawie bin Jumuk
Skilled Field and Nursery Staff
Born and raised in Ranau, Sabah, twenty-eight years old Hasmawie Jumuk has been working in the forest conservation and restoration industry for years under TRCRC. As a field staff, he has shared his skills and helped his fellow colleagues in making sure that the forest could stay safe as ever.
Mohd Luftinol bin Maili
Skilled Field and Nursery Staff
Nicknamed Ilup, Mohd Luftinol Maili, is a Dusun Ranau man, coming to TRCRC with no prior experience in the conservation field, with a dream to find a better job opportunity. Three years in, he has not only accumulated field skills, but also love for the environment, vowing to help nature be nature again.
Lucy Wong Zi Ni
Project Manager
Lucy holds an ASEAN MBA in Sustainability Management and a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, and is a certified Global Biodiversity Standard (TGBS) Assessor. She has led ex-situ conservation and restoration planning across a 500-hectare living collection and developed community-based seed and seedling supply models with Indigenous partners in the Belum–Temenggor Forest Complex, Perak. An active conservation communicator, she leads storytelling initiatives, training programmes, and publications, including Senoi Serog, an Indigenous storybook on Temiar ecological forest taboos. Lucy is committed to bridging science, policy, and practice to achieve inclusive conservation outcomes.
Hairul Abdullah
Site Supervisor
Commonly known as Pak Jebat. He is a conservation practitioner with a strong interest in biodiversity research, wildlife monitoring, and community engagement. His work focuses on forest restoration, camera trap surveys, and environmental education, particularly within Malaysia’s tropical forest landscapes. He is also actively involved in translating scientific findings into accessible stories and visuals by illustration to raise public awareness about nature conservation
Dr. Maria Wang Mei Hua
Technical Lead
Maria manages the technical team of the Seed to Tree Project alongside advising research at TRLC Banun. Prior to joining TRCRC, Maria obtained her PhD from the University of Sheffield studying the sustainability and inclusivity of the rubber plantation industry. For her Master’s degree, she studied the diversity and population genetics of cempedak and its wild relatives. Maria is a certified Global Biodiversity Standard (TGBS) Assessor, and committed to practical and inclusive conservation efforts.
Nurul Nabilah Huda binti Mohd Hisham
Technical Executive
Nabilah Huda, a plant taxonomist with a Master of Science by research from UNIMAS specializing in systematic studies of genus Nepenthes, returned to Peninsular Malaysia after nine years in Sarawak to deepen her forest knowledge. She is now a Technical Executive for the Seed to Tree Project, broadening her skills, knowledge, and perspectives in botany and conservation while supporting climate-resilient forest restoration.
Muhammad Amirul Mukminin bin Rozaili
Restoration Executive
Muhammad Amirul Mukminin Rozaili is a conservation practitioner with a background in Biodiversity Management working in tropical forest restoration. His work focuses on tree planting, survival monitoring, and adaptive management to strengthen ecological connectivity within the Amanjaya Forest Reserve.
Irdina Aisyah Abdullah
Office, Administration and Purchasing Executive
Irdina is academically trained in Marine Science, with experience in environmental management, marine ecosystems and EIA review. She has worked with government agencies, consultants and industry stakeholders. Currently, she serves as an Office, Administration and Purchasing Executive, overseeing administration, procurement, staff welfare, and official correspondence with government authorities.
Mior Mohamed Zuhayr bin Ghazali
Nursery Executive
Mior holds a degree in Plant Science from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS). He previously worked in a commercial nursery before being involved in forest nursery and conservation. Mior enjoys working outdoors, particularly forest fieldwork, and works closely with indigenous communities
Omar bin Pura
Ground Team
Omar is the eldest and a natural leader of the G-Team. Prior to joining TRCRC, he tapped rubber in his village to support his family of 8 children. Omar enjoys the cooling effects of being under the forest canopy and is grateful for the opportunity at TRCRC, to help preserve and restore the cherished forest around his village. With a soothing voice like the river, it is no wonder that Omar can occasionally be heard crooning to the full moon around the campfire in the cool nights of Banun. He loves entertaining guests and even sings for them when he is in the mood
Azman bin Talib
Ground Team
Azman developed his interest in conservation from his prior experience working on tiger monitoring with Rimba. He enjoys the work with TRCRC as it fits his interest to learn additional knowledge about trees and how to take care of them. For him, tropical rainforest conservation, particularly tree-planting, is important because with more land being cleared for development, more seedlings need to be grown in the nursery for forest restoration. During his free time, Azman enjoys fishing and spending time with his toddler, family and friends, in his clean and beautiful village of Kg. Semelor.
Rahmat Bin Ismail
Ground Team
Prior to working with TRCRC, Rahmat worked with the Management and Ecology of Malaysian Elephants (MEME). He is most agile in tree climbing and exceptional with his slingshot skills. In his free time, Rahmat collects rattan and other forest produce. Always with a smile to share, Rahmat is happily married and blessed with 3 kids. His biggest joy of going to the forest is to find new trees and learn more of them from his elders.
Kamarudin A/L Raman
Ground Team
Kamarudin, fondly known as Din, is the youngest member of our G-Team. He was born in Kampong Post Kemar and currently lives in Kampung Semelor with his father. His Temiar name is Rayot. This is Din's first job. Din enjoys the calming scenery of the forest and his most favourite part of the job is planting trees in the forest. Din can play the guitar and keyboard, which he learnt while studying in boarding school. In his free time, Din listens to music and composes his own music and lyrics
Sidek bin Dayak
Ground Team
Sidek is the only Jahai member in the Gteam, happily married to a Temiar lady from Kampung Semelor, and blessed with three young kids. He is known as the multi-skilled man - diving, fishing, harvesting Tualang honey, hunting and fret not, he knows trees relatively better too, just that he often interprets them in Jahai language! With that he leveraged on his forest skills and is known to develop several side income, which keeps him occupied during the weekend. He is also fondly known as Cikgu Jai (“Pisang” in Jahai) among the Gteam and always helpful to have him around in seed collection trips.