ADMINISTRATION 
I. FUNCTION 
To conduct research into the regional flora and to provide a taxonomic 
service in support of technological activities concerning Malaysian plant life; 
to conduct research into tropical horticulture. 
II. STAFF 
2. There has been no change in establishment. 
III. LABOUR 
3. The Gardens labour force was raised to 80 during the year, an 
increase of 4 over the previous year. Two deaths have unfortunately to be 
recorded, one while on duty tree felling, the other in a road accident. In both 
instances it was possible to take on to strength the next of kin in order to 
minimise hardship to the families. The current labour force was made up of 
the following grades: Overseer II, 1; Head Mandore, 4; Mandore, 6; 
Gardener (Nurseryman), 16; Labourer, 41; Mechanic II, 1; Tree Climber, 1; 
Mason II, 1; Carpenter II, 1; Sign-writer II, 2; Driver, Motorcythe Operator, 
6 . 
4. The Istana Negara Domain labour force had 59 on strength at the 
end of the year. The Nature Reserves had nine men, and the herbarium, one 
man and three women. Health was generally good. Administrative matters 
continue to take up a disproportionate amount of the horticultural officers’ 
time. None of the whole labour force was involved in incidents during the 
civil disturbances of July and September, though a certain amount of work 
time was lost due to a number of labourers living in troubled areas. One 
retiring member of the labour force was given state decoration for long and 
faithful service: Che Sumiah binte Pijah, Specimen Mounter, in the Herba- 
rium, Long Service Medal, after 39 years service. 
IV. WATCHMEN 
5. A complement of 18 was employed, an increase of five over the 
strength previously. Nine were employed on monthly terms, and nine on 
daily rates. These men gave good and conscientious service during the year, 
maintaining continuous patrolling of the Gardens during opening hours, and 
guard duty at night. 
V. STUDY AWARDS 
6. Miss Chang Kiaw Lan, Botanist, who was awarded a scholarship by 
the United Kingdom Government under the Commonwealth Scholarship and 
Fellowship Scheme at Cambridge University commencing in October 1962, 
continued her studies there on taxonomic mycology throughout the year. 
