And it looks like we’ll be adding one more thing to that list: the national tree of Malaysia.
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir recently declared that the merbau (Malacca teak) tree is officially Malaysia’s national tree.
Merbau was chosen “as a symbol of national pride” and “to show the government’s commitment towards sustainability”, the Malay Mail reported.
“I would like to take the opportunity to announce that the Merbau tree (Malacca teak) has been chosen as our National Tree. With its hardy nature, I believe that all Malaysians, can take the Merbau as a symbol of national pride,” Tun M said the “Hutan Kita: Journey Through Our Rainforest” exhibition.
“I hereby reaffirm Malaysia’s commitment to maintain at least 50 per cent of our land area under forest cover in accordance with our commitment made at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992.”
The nonagenarian is confident that the ‘Hutan Kita’ Exhibition will be a catalyst in increasing awareness about our forest.
“It is our forest and therefore we are responsible for it.”
The exhibition “Hutan Kita: Journey Through Our Rainforest” will be happening at KL Tower from now until 22 September.