To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Institute of Foresters Malaysia or Institut Rimbawan Malaysia (IRIM) which fell on 3 February 1999, a dinner was held on 23 April 1999 at the Grand Ballroom, Grand Continental Hotel, Kuala Lumpur which was attended by some 70 IRIM members and invited guests.  The guest-of-honour was the Secretary General of the Ministry of Primary Industries Malaysia, Y.Bhg. Datuk Haron Siraj.

After a brief introduction to the occasion by the Master of Ceremony, Gan Boon Keong, the President, Haron Abu Hassan, delivered his welcoming remarks. He thanked the guest-of-honour for having taken the time to attend the Dinner and joining IRIM in celebrating the auspicious occasion.  He also thanked all IRIM members for the continued support to IRIM and its activities, and expressed his gratitude to the organising committee for a splendid job done in organising the various activities to mark and celebrate IRIM’s 20th anniversary.  The guests and members were then invited to enjoy the buffet spread of local Malaysian dishes, with traditional kueh-mueh and western desserts.

The sumptuous dinner was followed by the highlight of the day - the launching of IRIM Homepage on the Internet.  The President then accompanied the guest-of-honour, Y.Bhg. Datuk Haron Siraj, who officially launched the IRIM Homepage to the applause from all present.  As a show of appreciation, Y.Bhg. Datuk Haron Siraj was presented with a small token by the President.  The M.C. then surfed through the homepage, highlighting the different information available.

It is apt here to let known that the IRIM Homepage was entirely conceived, designed and developed by IRIM members at the Forestry Department Headquarters, Peninsular Malaysia, and can be viewed at:-

 http://www.forestry.gov.my/IRIM

IRIM also took the opportunity to officially start the IRIM Kosovo Fund, where the funds collected at the Dinner and later on at all IRIM-organised activities would be handed over to the Tabung Barisan Bertindak KOSOVO for the needy Kosovo refugees.  The response was indeed encouraging with a total of RM1,460 collected in a short span of time at the Dinner, and later on the next day at the IRIM-FDPM Seminar and IRIM’s Annual General Meeting.

Throughout the night, lively entertainment was provided by a local band.  Karaoke hits by the guest-of-honour, the President, the D.G. of Forestry and the D.G. of MTIB further lifted the mood of all present.  It is undeniable that the IRIM 20th Anniversary Dinner was enjoyed by all and fond memories will surely linger on for many years to come.