Malaysian Lecturer Quits Job to Become A Tourist Guide

By Kamaliza Kamaruddin KUALA TERENGGANU (Terengganu,Malaysia), July 3 (Bernama) -- For Mohamad Khairul Abu Bakar, 32, his myriad experiences in the jungles of Terengganu were what pushed him to quit his job as a lecturer and get involved with tourism. Among Mohamad Khairul’s many thrilling exploits are noteworthy accomplishments such as his discovery a 16,000-year-old-human skeleton, and his pioneering exploration of a new cavern within Bewah Cave at Tasik Kenyir (Kenyir Lake) last year. The challenges and satisfaction felt as a tourist guide and as a member of the Terengganu Muzeum Corporation have driven Mohamad Khairul to quit his job as the lecturer of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT). There are no regrets about quitting the lecturer's post, says the man who hails from Gong Badak, Kuala Terengganu. EARLY START His trysts with the jungles started when he was in primary school. Mohamad Khairul daringly ventured alone into the jungles when he was just a 15-year-old. Mohamad Khairul who is the secretary for Terengganu's Natural Environment Tourist Guide Association (Tenaga) also says that their association shares a close rapport with the authorities of Terengganu tourism. Among the activities organised by Tenaga are mountain climbing, camping and other endurance feats. "We at Tenaga want to ensure the safety of those who enter the jungles and wish all to adhere to safety regulations as outlined by the authorities. We are also responsible of ensuring that no breaches are made against the flora and fauna in the jungles of Terengganu," he tells Bernama. Mohamad Khairul who has been guiding tourists, advises the travellers to cultivate high hygiene practices and to conserve the environment during their stay in the jungles. ENCOURAGE MORE TO BE TOURIST GUIDES This father of a 4-year-old daughter shares a dream of setting up a training camp for environmental tourist guides that can double-up as a one-stop centre for all endurance activities. A proposal to set up the training camp, which plays a pivotal role of promoting tourism in Terengganu, has been submitted to Terengganu's Chief Minister Ahmad Said by Tenaga. Terengganu has 30 natural environment tourist guides registered with the Tourism Ministry, till date. Mohamad Khairul explains that those who wish to be environmental tourist guides need to attend a basic course conducted by the Tourism Ministry in collaboration with other agencies including the National Park and Wildlife Protection Department (Perhilitan) as well as the Forestry Department. The applicants should also be physically and mentally fit, he says. "The most important requirement is that they have the license issued by the Tourism Ministry," he adds. -- BERNAMA