Frim hopes to attain Unesco world heritage site status by 2020

KUALA LUMPUR: The Forest Research Institute of Malaysia ( Frim) is optimistic of attaining the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation ( Unesco) world heritage site status by 2020 and sustainable forest conservation goals.

FRIM director- general Datuk Dr Abd Latif Mahmod said various efforts were being made towards that purpose, including the preparing of documentations, conservation management plans and upgrading of forest facilities.

“These efforts have started since 2008, especially the process of documentation in order to obtain recognition as the largest oldest man-made forest and man-made forest of creativity at the latest by 2020.

“So far FRIM is ready with the documentation and this recognition is important to ensure that FRIM’s forests are protected from any threats,” he said after becoming a guest of the Bernama News Channel’s Nine11 programme at Wisma Bernama here yesterday.

Abd Latif said FRIM was also working to improve some of the existing facilities to ensure its development was maintained and to attract local and international visitors, including upgrading works on the nearly 25-year- old canopy walkway.

He said FRIM placed priority on the safety of its visitors and the newly extended 500-metre canopy walkway was expected to be reopened by the end of next year.

Abd Latif said, in conjunction with the 32nd anniversary of FRIM on Oct 1, FRIM hoped to have more people to love the environment by stepping up more environmentalrelated campaigns and activities besides interacting with the community on forest conservation efforts. — Bernama