| An Introduction of Cutting-Edge Approaches Taken by ANMC 21 Member Cities. |
(2) From Kuala Lumpur: Forest Research Institute Malaysia （FRIM） - Malaysia's interesting tourist spot
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Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) is one of the leading institutions in tropical forestry research in the world. Founded in 1929, the former Forest Research Institute became a fully-fledged statutory body under the Ministry of Primary Industries in 1985. Presently, FRIM is under the purview of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. The Institute sits on a 485.2-ha site adjacent to the Bukit Lagong Forest Reserve in the Kepong municipality, 16 km northwest of Kuala Lumpur. The Institute was awarded the MS ISO 9001:2000 certification in December 2007 and gazetted as a natural heritage in 2009 under the National Heritage Act 2005. It is helmed by Dato’ Dr Abdul Latif b. Mohmod as its Director General.
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FRIM's research activities are organised under the following divisions:
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Forestry & Environment Division |
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Forest Biodiversity Division |
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Forest Products Division |
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Biotechnology Division |
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Medicinal Plants Division |
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Research Planning & Corporate Division |
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The results of FRIM's research are published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and also transferred to relevant government agencies involved in overseeing and managing forests, as well as forest-related industries.
FRIM and its researchers have acquired a sound track record over the years winning innumerable awards for their work. The awards included those for research on rubber wood utilisation at the International Cologne Furniture Fair (1995); and for its oil palm fibre extractor at the 25th Geneva International Invention Exhibition (1997). FRIM was also awarded the Nikkei Asia Prize 2009 for contribution to environmental protection in the region and the Mahathir Science Award 2009 in recognition of its contribution to the research and development of Malaysia’s rubberwood industry.
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FRIM is also one of the top tour destinations in the country, offering visitors not only a place for appreciation of peace, tranquillity and scenic beauty (photo 1) but also adventure with its various attractions and activities. Among others, there are nature trails, mountain bike trail (photo 2), nature education centre, museum and research gallery, camping and picnic sites, botanic gardens and arboreta. One of the main attractions is its Canopy Walkway (photo 3), a bridge spanning 150 metres and suspended 30 metres above the ground between trees. Originally constructed for research purposes, the bridge has been opened to the public since 1993 for recreation and environmental education. Over 250,000 people have since visited the Canopy Walkway with nearly 29,000 in 2009 alone. Many dignitaries from countries around the world have also visited the Canopy Walkway and it has now become a-must-experience for tourists to Kuala Lumpur. For anyone visiting Malaysia, how about a walk through the forest in the city?
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