THE Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) is set to celebrate its 40th anniversary this October, reaffirming its commitment to leading the way in tropical forestry research and natural resource-based innovation.
Established as a beacon of environmental sustainability, FRIM's ongoing mission is to advance the field of forest conservation and contribute to the global knowledge on biodiversity.
Datuk Dr. Ismail Parlan, the Director-General of FRIM, stated that the 40th anniversary is not only a milestone to celebrate the institute's achievements but also a symbol of its continued dedication to driving progress with a global vision for environmental sustainability.
"This anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on our successes and to look ahead with renewed commitment to the future of forest research," he said in a statement to Bernama.
The institute's journey, he continued, is grounded in a dedication to advancing knowledge and promoting sustainability on a global scale.
“FRIM hopes to gain full support from all Malaysians as we work towards achieving UNESCO World Heritage Site status, which will benefit future generations and contribute to environmental preservation," Dr. Ismail added.
“Our 40th anniversary highlights FRIM’s legacy and sets the direction for its future as a reputable, sustainable, and internationally recognized research institution."
As part of the year-long celebrations, FRIM has planned a series of activities running from March through December, with the grand finale set for October 4, 2025, at its headquarters in Jalan Jelutong, Kepong.
“The celebrations aim to highlight FRIM's contributions to the country and the environment, raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation, and enhance FRIM’s brand as a global research institution,” he said.
Among the planned events are lectures on biodiversity, with a special focus on forest orchids, the FRIM Merdeka Run in August, and the celebration of 100 years of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in December.
On the day of the grand celebration, members of the public, students, researchers, and NGOs will be invited to participate in various activities, including pocket talks, nature trail tours, and exhibitions.
Reflecting on the history of FRIM, Dr. Ismail recalled the institute's origins as the Forest Research Institute (IPP), which was established in 1926 and later rebranded as FRIM on October 1, 1985.
Since its inception, FRIM has garnered numerous accolades for its contributions to research, development, commercialization, and innovation that have benefitted the nation.
“Among our greatest achievements is receiving the Mahathir Science Award in 2009, which recognized our contributions to research and the development of Malaysia's rubber industry,” Dr. Ismail said.
“We were also honoured with the UNESCO Sultan Qaboos Award on November 17, 2021, at the 41st UNESCO General Conference in Paris for our efforts in monitoring and conserving endangered species vital to the country.”
Dr. Ismail explained that this prestigious award acknowledged FRIM’s role in producing important conservation publications such as the Red List of Malaysian Plants and documenting traditional knowledge of the Orang Asli and local communities.
FRIM's dedication to preserving the country’s rich biodiversity is also evident in its long-running projects, including the documentation of the traditional knowledge of the Orang Asli regarding medicinal and aromatic plants in Peninsular Malaysia, which began during the Ninth Malaysia Plan (2007) and continues today.
“This project not only focuses on documenting the uses of plants but also involves bioprospecting activities to validate traditional medicinal properties and identify the therapeutic potential of selected plant species,” he added.
As FRIM celebrates four decades of research excellence, its future remains focused on deepening its commitment to sustainable innovation, forest conservation, and the preservation of Malaysia’s unique biodiversity, with a global outlook for the years to come. – April 9, 2025
