New Braille guide lets visually impaired Malaysians explore endangered forest trees

Visually impaired Malaysians can now study endangered forest trees through a newly published tactile and Braille volume created by the Forest Research Institute Malaysia and International Islamic University Malaysia. Titled Sentuhan Rimba, the guide covers seven threatened species, detailing seed morphology, botanical information and practical uses, with raised illustrations derived from actual seed specimens provided by FRIM.

At the Kuala Lumpur launch, blind IIUM students explored the institute's Dipterocarp Arboretum using touch and scent to identify plant features. FRIM director-general Ismail Parlan emphasized the importance of inclusive access to forest heritage and expressed readiness to continue the Touch2Read series. Participants, including student Farhan Azkalwafa Sufyan, highlighted how tactile learning enhances their ability to recognize trees. Commemorative posters were presented to partners such as KL Braille Resources, SMK Pendidikan Khas Setapak, the Malaysian Association for the Blind, the National Library of Malaysia and Bank Islam Malaysia.