Layar Liar Malaysia documentary aims to promote ecotourism

PETALING JAYA - A new documentary series born from the collaboration of Yayasan Sime Darby and Nurista Media called Layar Liar Malaysia has been launched recently with the aim to create and increase awareness of Malaysia’s rich natural heritage in a time when the importance of biodiversity education in sustaining life on earth is crucial.

The event held in Menara Sime Darby was attended by a few council members from Yayasan Sime Darby and Jabatan Perlindungan Hidupan Liar and Taman Negara Semenanjung Malaysia (PERHILITAN).

According to the producers who are husband-and-wife Harun Rahman and Lara Ariffin, the documentary aims to educate the Malaysians and the youth in this country all about wildlife preservation .

“We think the students in primary and secondary schools should be educated about wildlife preservation, just like the kids in Australia where every kid in the country are aware of this topic," said Lara. She also mentioned that there is a lack of awareness from the Malaysians about their own country’s heritage and wildlife.

“The reality is that many Malaysians don’t know much about wildlife protection, and if they don’t know then how are they going to love and protect,” she said.

As the documentary discovers the wildlife and nature in 18 locations in Malaysia, Harun agrees that the country is very suitable for ecotourism.

“I think people forget that Malaysia has got so many things in one place - we have the sea, the jungles, mangroves and fountains, ” he said.

“I recommend you to spend time and go to Perlis, it’s such a beautiful place that looks very different from what normal Malaysians think of, it’s like you’re going to a different country, ” he added.

Out of all the episodes available for public viewing so far, they shared that some episodes that are close to their hearts are the episode featuring the clouded leopards and the Orang Asli from Royal Belum.

Both the producers expressed their hope that the series will be a long-term project that will be used by people as a reference point and at the same time, encourage ecotourism in Malaysia.

Layar Liar Malaysia is an online documentary series of 52 episodes in Bahasa Malaysia with English subtitles on three categories – Malaysia’s wildlife, nature locations, and individuals involved in environmental protection and biodiversity conservation initiatives.

Catch up the latest episodes of Layar Liar Malaysia on their Youtube channel and Facebook account.