MBR for First Historical Tree Tail in Malaysia proposal supported

Teo (right) briefing the Minister on the MBR – 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 from left), and Deputy Permanent Secretary I, Alesia Sion (left).

30 May 2025

SANDAKAN: The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Seri Christina Liew, has expressed her full support for the proposed recognition of the "Malaysia Book of Records – First Historical Tree Trail in Malaysia" for Sandakan.

She stated that this recognition would undoubtedly enhance Sandakan’s status as a prominent travel destination on the global tourism map.

“There is no shortage of tourism hotspots in Sandakan, once known as The Little Hong Kong of Borneo. Today, it is celebrated as the Nature City and is renowned as the 'Gateway to Borneo’s Wildlife’,” she said, following a tour of the area during her recent visit to the district.

Briefing the Minister, the President of the Sandakan Tourism Association, Teo Chee Kim, explained that the "Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) – First Historical Tree Trail in Malaysia" initiative is a collaborative effort between the Sandakan Tourism Association and the Sandakan Heritage Trail.

“We are working on this project in partnership with MBR, the Sabah Forestry Department, Sandakan Municipal Council, and other stakeholders to turn this recognition into reality. The Sabah Forestry Department has been particularly helpful in identifying the historical trees, some of which are over 100 years old,” he said.

In a presentation, Teo also highlighted Sandakan’s key tourism attractions, including 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.