29-05-2025
Record bid for Sandakan's First Historical Tree Trail
Teo (right) briefing the minister on the MPR – First Historical Tree Trail in Malaysia project at the English Tea House in Sandakan. Also present are the Ministry's Permanent Secretary Datuk Josie Lai (second left) and Deputy Permanent Secretary I Alesia Sion (left).
SANDAKAN (May 29): Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew has expressed full support for the proposed 'Malaysia Book of Records – First Historical Tree Trail in Malaysia' recognition for Sandakan.
She said the recognition will definitely accentuate Sandakan's position as a popular travel destination on the world tourism map.
'There is no dearth of tourism hotspots in Sandakan, once known as The Little Hong Kong of Borneo.
Today, it is acknowledged as the Nature City, and renowned as the 'Gateway to Borneo's Wildlife'.
'The number of historical trees found in the vicinity of the Agnes Keith House is amazing,' Liew said after touring the area during her recent visit to the district.
Briefing the minister, President of the Sandakan Tourism Association, Teo Chee Kim said the 'Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) – First Historical Tree Trail in Malaysia' proposal is a joint initiative by the Sandakan Tourism Association and Sandakan Heritage Trail.
'We are working on this endeavour in collaboration with MBR, the Sabah Forestry Department, and Sandakan Municipal Council, among other stakeholders, to make the recognition status a reality.
'The Sabah Forestry Department in particular has rendered assistance in identifying the historical trees, some of which are more than 100 years old,' he said.
Meanwhile, Teo in a presentation highlighted the key tourism attractions in Sandakan, namely the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Agnes Keith House Museum,
Turtle Islands Park, Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, Lankayan Island Diving Resort and Gomantong Cave.
