GOMBAK, June 16 — The Gombak-Hulu Langat Geopark is moving into the next stage of its bid for UNESCO Global Geopark status, with the site to undergo an evaluation in October, said Tourism Selangor chief executive officer Chua Yee Ling.
According to Chua, 2026 is a crucial year for the site, which received national geopark status in 2022 and is advancing to the UNESCO application and evaluation stage.
“This year is a very critical year… After four years, it will undergo an evaluation session at the end of the year, in October,” she told reporters after accompanying Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah on a visit to the Forest Research Institute Malaysia Selangor Forest Park (FRIM-FPS), in conjunction with the Gagasan Rumpun Selangor (GRS) 2.0 programme here today.
Also present were state executive councillor for women empowerment and welfare Anfaal Saari, who is also Taman Templer assemblyman; Yayasan Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporation), or MBI, head Ahmad Azri Zainal Nor; Bukit Lanjan assemblyman Pua Pei Ling; and senior FRIM officers.
Chua said once the geopark receives the go-ahead for the evaluation, Selangor will start the application for UNESCO Global Geopark status.
In an exclusive interview with Media Selangor last December, Chua revealed Tourism Selangor’s three-year push to nominate the Gombak-Hulu Langat Geopark as a UNESCO Global Geopark.
She said then that the state government had allocated RM2 million under the 2026 Selangor Budget to support the nomination, while the federal government has given its full cooperation.
On GRS 2.0, Chua said tourism sites are included in the Raja Muda’s itinerary for each district due to His Highness’ interest in and concern for Selangor’s tourism development, especially ecotourism and edutourism.
“Today, we have chosen FRIM-FPS as one of the locations for the Gombak district (leg of GRS 2.0).
“FRIM-FPS is the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Selangor, and it is also located in the Gombak-Hulu Langat Geopark area, which is preparing its application for UNESCO Global Geopark status.”
Chua said FRIM-FPS’ guided tourism package, during which nature guides lead visitors on a two-hour journey through the tropical forest, has become increasingly popular as visitors seek more meaningful nature-based experiences.
She added that the site is not open to walk-ins, and visitors must make prior bookings.
“This is a very attractive package and it is becoming more popular as people now enjoy visiting natural places.
“FRIM is not just a place where people come to take pictures for Instagram; after the guided tour, they gain knowledge and new exposure to tropical forests.”
Chua said the approach aligns with Selangor’s efforts to promote tourism experiences that combine conservation, education, and appreciation for nature.
