A rare find at Cameron Highlands has been cause for much excitement of late, as a specimen of Aphyllorchis Montana had been found in full bloom. The leafless orchid species is butter yellow with brown specks and commonly grows up to 1.2m. The find has orchid enthusiasts excited as the mountain species only flower once every two, three years. Talks are in place to get authorities protecting the site from further development in the future.

The palm oil sectors financial woes are far from over as Sarawak planters are facing tough sales and operational conditionsfollowing the drastic drop in crude palm oil prices. Being a late entrant in the palm oil industry, the state only makes up 28% of the combined matured area of the nation¡¯s palm oil. Analysts believe that with CPO prices hovering arounf RM1,450 to RM1,500, planters in the state would find themselves in dire straits. Ironically, palm oil stocks have hit a new peak in the country as slowing export growth outpaced production cuts.

Malaysia has been lauded by the United Nations Pandemic Influenza Contingency as a model for comprehensive preparedness in the face of a pandemic. According to its senior planning advisor, Malaysia was picked as a good example as relevant parties formed a cohesive battle unit to fight the pandemic during times of danger. He was also committed in increasing public awareness on the risks involved during outbreaks.

Tea tree oil may be the solution for the fungal infection woes that has been plaguing Sultan Ismail Hospital in Johor. The hospital has been troubled by fungal infections for a year which seems to have been caused by the wet ground it has been built upon. The treatment will be administered by Sistem Awasan Taraf Hospital Sdn Bhd and would cost only a fraction of what would normally be a thorough disinfection of the building.