The Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) Selangor Forest Park has officially been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In a statement issued today, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture announced that the designation was confirmed during the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, held at the organisation’s headquarters in Paris yesterday.
According to the ministry, the listing was approved by all 21 member states of the World Heritage Committee, following a rigorous nomination process that began in 2013.
“FRIM Selangor Forest Park is a unique and exemplary site that represents one of the earliest large-scale tropical forest ecosystem restoration initiatives. It was established through the reforestation of a former tin mining area,” the statement noted.
“This initiative has become an international model for ecological restoration, successfully recreating a tropical rainforest ecosystem with high species diversity and rich biodiversity, closely resembling natural conditions.”
The ministry emphasised that the inscription reaffirms Malaysia’s long-standing commitment to preserving and safeguarding natural and cultural heritage sites of Outstanding Universal Value, while also enhancing Malaysia’s visibility and standing on the global stage.
“The ministry is confident that this prestigious recognition will elevate FRIM Selangor Forest Park as a prominent ecotourism attraction in Selangor,” it added.
“In support of Visit Malaysia 2026 and Visit Selangor Year 2025, this milestone is expected to attract more international visitors and deliver significant economic benefits, particularly for local communities.”
With this latest addition, Malaysia now boasts six UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
- Kinabalu Park, Sabah (inscribed in 2000)
- Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak (2000)
- Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca – Melaka and George Town (2008)
- Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley, Perak (2012)
- Archaeological Heritage of the Niah Caves Complex, Sarawak (2024)
- FRIM Selangor Forest Park, Selangor (2025)
Globally, a total of 1,223 sites have been inscribed under the 1972 Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage.
About The Author
