The Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) recently celebrated the official declaration of its main campus in Kepong as one of the country's natural heritage sites. The ceremony was officiated by former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Haji Ahmad Badawi, who also unveiled the Warisan Plaque that was installed at the entrance of the FRIM Museum and Research Gallery.
The award by the Department of National Heritage under the Ministry of Information, Communication and Culture, is a recognition of FRIM as a place of importance and for the protection of its forest for continued research as well as for the enjoyment of future generations. This declaration protects and conserves FRIM's status as a natural heritage site under the National Heritage Act of 2005.
FRIM is the largest man-made forest in the world, and has the potential to serve as a model of reforestation, forest management and forest protection for the world. Some 80 years ago, the FRIM grounds were little more than abandoned tin mining pits, with some vegetable gardens and shrubby forest. Since 1926, pioneer foresters and scientists began planting various tree species and they nurtured the forest back to life. Today, besides being a centre for forest research, and thanks to its proximity to Kuala Lumpur, FRIM is a popular recreational and ecotourism destination among visitors who enjoy the outdoors. Besides the nature trails, arboreta, cycling tracks, museum, and other facilities, the highlight of FRIM is certainly the canopy walkway, a 150m-long bridge suspended 30 meters above the ground.
Spurred by the national recognition, FRIM Director General Dato' Dr Abd. Latif Mohmod, has set his sights on making FRIM a world heritage site in the future. "We will work towards that, by coming up first with a comprehensive conservation management plan for the area," he said.
In aiming for world class recognition, Abd Latif stressed that there is a need to promote, encourage but more importantly, demonstrate world class mentality and environmentally responsible behaviour.
"We have to start with ourselves; that is why FRIM aims to be a fully environmentally-friendly institute next year. Effective 1 January 2011, we will ban the use of disposable polystyrene and plastic bags particularly for food packing in the campus.
"FRIM staff may use recycle bags and food containers. Canteen and other food operators will also have to comply. No more use of polystyrene plates and cups, which are not only bad for the environment but for our health as well," he said.
Abd Latif said FRIM researchers have developed various environmentally-friendly food packages using agriculture wastes such as oil palm empty fruit bunch, which will be used at the institute.
"We will also check and advise our visitors to ensure they bring out the polystyrene and plastics that they bring into the campus. We will be strict to ensure cleanliness of the environment. It may be difficult at first for people to accept because we don't like inconvenience but gradually, it will be a habit to be responsible for our environment," he said.
At the ceremony, Abdullah, who was accompanied by wife, Tun Jeanne Abdullah, also launched FRIM's publication entitled "FRIM Tapak Warisan Semula Jadi Negara. "
The 194-page book provides an insight into the history of FRIM, its struggle to protect its forest against encroachment of development, its natural uniqueness as well as its biodiversity richness, amongst others.
For information, please contact FRIM Media Officer Ms Toh An Nee at 03-62797458 or 012-2506897, or email annee@frim.gov.my or visit the FRIM website at www.frim.gov.my.
About Tourism Malaysia India
Malaysia welcomed 589,838 Indian tourists in the year 2009; and has set an ambitious target of 6,50,000 visitors from India for 2010 - a growth of 10% over 2009. Tourism Malaysia also aims at increasing the length of stay from the present levels of 6.5 days to 7.5 days.
Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board popularly known as Tourism Malaysia was established to promote Malaysia as a top-of-mind tourist destination showcasing Malaysia's unique wonders, attractions and cultures; develop domestic tourism and enhance Malaysia's share of the market for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE). Tourism Malaysia's objective is to promote Malaysia as an outstanding tourist destination and make the tourism industry a major contributor to the socio-economic development of the nation. In India, Tourism Malaysia offices are conveniently located in cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai.
Website: www.malaysiajao.com
