Malaysia's Famous Rainforests In National Geographic Channel Next Year

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 28 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's world-renowned rainforests such as Kuala Gandah, Pahang Elephant Sanctuary, Taman Negara and Tasik Kenyir will be aired worldwide in the National Geographic Channel next year, said Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen.

She said the documentary, 'The Malaysian Journey: Hutan', hosted by Hollywood star and martial artist Jason Scott Lee would play a major role in Tourism Malaysia's continued efforts to promote the country's eco-tourism sector.

"We are the world's oldest rainforest and many tourists fly to our country because we have lots of jungle, either in East or West Malaysia," she said at the launch of the documentary with Lee, here today.

The filming of the one-hour documentary, produced in partnership between FOX International Channels and the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, was completed last weekend.

The two parties have been working together since seven years ago, and have produced several successful programmes, together with the National Film Development Corporation (Finas).

They include 'Megastructures: Smart Tunnel', 'Fight Masters: Silat', 'The Untold Truth of SuperMokh', and 'A Leader's Legacy: Tun Abdul Razak'.

Meanwhile, Lee said, he was "very excited" to explore Malaysia's famous rainforests and highlight the importance of conservation and eco-tourism.

"I have also experienced staying in a village and learnt about diversity of cultures here," he said.

In 2007, Lee, who is a fervent environmentalist and conservationist, hosted and presented the first installment of Malaysian Journey which documented silat sessions from a local master, life with the Rungus tribe in Sabah, as well as living with fishermen in Langkawi.

-- BERNAMA