Paris: The Forest Research Institute Malaysia’s (FRIM) Selangor Forest Park has been officially listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the announcement was made during the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, held from July 6 to 16 at the Paris headquarters of UNESCO. The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) stated that the listing was determined by the 21 member states of the World Heritage Committee, following a nomination process that started in 2013.

MOTAC highlighted that FRIM Selangor Forest Park represents one of the earliest large-scale tropical forest ecosystem restoration projects, achieved through the replanting of trees in a former tin mining area. This initiative has established an international benchmark by creating an ecosystem that closely resembles a natural tropical rainforest, with a rich diversity of tree species and overall biodiversity.

According to MOTAC, the inscription of the forest park underscores Malaysia’s commitment to protecting and conserving sites of outstanding universal value, while enhancing the country’s global visibility. The ministry expressed confidence that this recognition will add significant value to FRIM Selangor Forest Park as a key tourism product in Selangor, aligning with Visit Malaysia 2026 and Visit Selangor Year 2025. This achievement is anticipated to boost international tourist arrivals and contribute to Malaysia’s economy, benefiting local communities.

With this latest addition, Malaysia now boasts six UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The previous sites include Kinabalu Park (2000), Gunung Mulu National Park (2000), the Historic Cities of the Strait of Malacca-Melaka and George Town (2008), the Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley (2012), and the Archaeological Heritage of the Niah National Park Caves Complex (2024).

Globally, a total of 1,223 sites have been inscribed under the 1972 Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage.