FRIM director-general Dr Abd Latif Mohmod said he would make their intentions known to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) this June.

He said there were lots of stringent guidelines and processes they had to meet to be eligible for the title.

They have earmarked two possible areas for the Unesco title; the first is the oldest and biggest man-made forest in the world and the second is forestry park of endangered species.

“We have gathered all the necessary data and are in the midst of getting assistance from the consultants for this purpose,” he added.

He said he had requested for the scientists in FRIM to compile the necessary data in 2008.

Latif said this was the biggest gift he could give to the country as FRIM was public property.

“FRIM is a focal point internationally and everyone is watching us because we have never dropped from the fifth spot as the tropical forest research institution in the world,” he added, during his visit to the Star Media Hub in Bukit Jelutong recently.

FRIM is currently home to 15 million plants as well as trees which are more than 86 years old.

Present to receive them were The Star executive editor Brian Martin, technical services senior general manager Mohamed Hassan Mohamed Ali as well as technical services deputy general manager Wan Zuhairi Wan Yaakub.

Latif’s visit was in conjunction with International Day of Forests.