SHAH ALAM, July 13 — The designation of the Forest Research Institute Malaysia, Selangor Forest Park (FRIM-FPS) as a Unesco World Heritage Site is expected to significantly elevate the country’s tourism profile and stimulate an environmentally based economy.
Bukit Lanjan state assemblyman Pua Pei Ling said the recognition aligns well with the goals of Visit Selangor Year 2025 and Visit Malaysia Year 2026, further enhancing the state's appeal to both domestic and international tourists.
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Bukit Lanjan state assemblyman Pua Pei Ling speaks to the press during Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporated), or MBI's, pre-Ramadan food basket distribution programme, at Pangsapuri Idaman, Damansara Damai on March 9, 2024. — Picture by MOHD KHAIRUL HELMY MOHD DIN/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
“Located within the Bukit Lanjan constituency, FRIM spans 544 hectares and serves as a key centre for research, education, and conservation of tropical rainforests.
“This site represents one of the earliest large-scale ecological restoration projects in the world, reflecting Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental governance,” she said in a statement today.
Pua added that the recognition further strengthens FRIM’s role in the fields of ecology, botany, and forestry research, while serving as a testament to Malaysia’s contribution to global biodiversity conservation efforts.
She also called on the public to appreciate and safeguard this green treasure as a natural heritage and invaluable source of knowledge for future generations.
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Tanjong Sepat state assemblyman cum state executive councillor for housing and culture Datuk Borhan Aman Shah speaks during Media Selangor's 'Skop: Selangor Kan Ada!' programme at the State Secretariat Building in Shah Alam, on July 10, 2025. — Picture by REMY ARIFIN /MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
Meanwhile, state executive councillor for housing and culture Datuk Borhan Aman Shah described the recognition as a major boost to Selangor’s image as a destination for nature-based and educational tourism.
He said the achievement also positions the state as a potential international leader in green heritage conservation.
FRIM was officially recognised as a Unesco World Heritage Site during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris, France, from July 6 to July 16, chaired by Bulgaria's Prof Nikolay Nenov.
The site is a restored tropical forest developed on a former tin mining area and now serves as a key global reference point for ecosystem rehabilitation.
In addition to FRIM-FPS, Malaysia is home to five other Unesco World Heritage Sites recognised for their natural and historical value. They include:
- The Kinabalu Park, Sabah (2000)
- The Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak (2000)
- The Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca – Melaka and George Town, Penang (2008)
- The Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley, Perak (2012)
- The Archaeological Heritage of Niah National Park Caves Complex, Sarawak (2024)
