Rejoice, Kepong folk!
The Forest Research Institute of Malaysia or FRIM has just obtained UNESCO World Heritage Site status, becoming the sixth in Malaysia!
FRIM now joins the ranks of UNESCO-recognized natural wonders in Malaysia like Kinabalu Park and Gunung Mulu National Park (although UNESCO classifies it as a cultural heritage).
Once a barren area cleared for farming and mining in the 1920s, it was earmarked by the British colonial government as a revolutionary experiment in reforestation and habitat rehabilitation.
Over the following decades after Independence, it has successfully proven that degraded land can be rehabilitated into biodiverse rainforests. Nowadays, it is as forestry research hub and a well-visited park, earning it a place in the UNESCO’s famous list.
It remains to be seen whether the park will be able to handle an anticipated influx of visitors and its impact on the park’s ecosystem, but hopefully, the worst effects of overtourism will be mitigated with reasonable visitor restrictions and upgraded facilities.
Curious about the other Malaysian sites recognized by UNESCO? Then check out this list of Malaysia’s Six UNESCO World-Heritage Sites!
If you’re looking further afield, there’s also 8 of Japan’s Coolest National Parks to explore!
Links
FRIM – FRIM HISTORY
https://www.frim.gov.my/about-us/history-of-frim/
MalayMail – FRIM’s reforested tin‑mine wins Unesco World Heritage status
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/07/12/frims-reforested-tinmine-wins-unesco-world-heritage-status/183675
