TAIB bin ALI was 51 years old when he passed away recently of cancer. He was a member of NSS for many years, Committee member of the NSS RAMBLERS' Sub-group, and former Chairman of the SIGLAP CC VENTURERS' CLUB. An avid nature photographer, his favourite subjects were Slipper Orchids, Rafflesia, Wild Ginger and Hoya. He has thousands of colour slides, many of rare or unknown botanical species. He also collected topographical maps of this region.

Taib was well known for his uncanny trekking skills and direction finding in the forest - a walking compass. He conquered all the known high peaks in Borneo, Sumatra and Java. He worked as a site supervisor for a local construction company. Most of his leave and vacations were spent trekking and scaling unknown peaks in West Malaysia's main range like G. Swettenham, G. Cabang, G. Ulu Sepat, G. Gerah, G. Batu Putih, G. Yong Blar, G. Yong Yap, Bubu, G. Korbu, G. Hijau, G. Chamar, G. Anak Noring, G. Benom, G. Tapis etc. Among the high and challenging mountains in this region that he scaled are: G. Kinabalu (Sabah), G. Kerinci(Sumatra), G. Tahan (West Malaysia) and G. Mulu (Sarawak). He was probably one of Singapore's best trekkers.

Soft spoken, a dedicated volunteer and a role model, he was a cheerful man who loved the outdoors and loved sharing it with others. He is dearly missed by his fellow climbing kakis, close friends and trekking companions. He is survived by his wife and a son.