Malaysia: Government to have Taman Negara listed as world heritage site

ISKANDAR TAJUDDIN New Straits Times 29 Oct 14;

JERANTUT: The government will intensify its effort to have Taman Negara listed as world heritage site under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco), said Deputy Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Sri Dr James Dawos Mamit.

He said the government had already submitted the application to Unesco for the listing of Taman Negara - which comprises the world's oldest tropical jungle in Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan - as one of the world's heritage site.

At the same time, he said various agencies and institutions had also conducted researches that could help support Malaysia's effort to get Taman Negara listed.

"We will ensure that Taman Negara fulfil all the requirements that will enable it to be included in the list," he said adding that Taman Negara is also a leading eco-tourism product in the region.

On the protection of Taman Negara from encroachment, he said 13 foreigners were arrested in the protected area.

He said special operations in Taman Negara, previously known as Ops Jelai, have now codenamed as 1Malaysia Biodiversity Enforcement Network (1MBEON).

"The 13 foreigners were arrested during five 1MBEON operations held from February this year. Since 2002, we have arrested 152 foreigners who encroached Taman Negara," he said when officially launched the 1MBEON at Kuala Tahan near here today.

He said 1MBEON involved the cooperation between the Wildlife and National Parks Department man Negara and the Armed Forces.