The Belum-Temengor Forest Complex: A Comprehensive Review of The Floral Diversity, Ecology, Indigenous Community and Ecotourism

Authors

  • Hemaharshni Nagarajan Faculty of Earth Science, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), Jeli Campus, 17600 Jeli, Kelantan, MALAYSIA.
  • Iman Batrisyia Manarus Maddin Faculty of Earth Science, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), Jeli Campus, 17600 Jeli, Kelantan, MALAYSIA.
  • Ainnur Fateha A Hamid Faculty of Earth Science, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), Jeli Campus, 17600 Jeli, Kelantan, MALAYSIA.
  • Jayaraj Vijaya Kumaran Faculty of Earth Science, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), Jeli Campus, 17600 Jeli, Kelantan, MALAYSIA.
  • Wan Juliana Wan Ahmad Institute of Climate Change, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, MALAYSIA.
  • Ahmad Fitri Zohari Department of Biological Science and Biotechnology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, MALAYSIA.
  • Sreeramanan Subramaniam School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), 11800, Gelugor, Pulau Pinang, MALAYSIA.
  • Visweswara Rao Pasupuleti Centre for International Relations and Research Collaborations, REVA University, Rukmini Knowledge Park, Kattigenahalli, Yelahanka, Bangalore 560064, Karnataka, INDIA.
  • Mohammed Abdus Salam Department of Environmental Science and Disaster Management, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, BANGLADESH.
  • Jaya Seelan Sathiya Seelan Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, MALAYSIA.
  • Muneeb M. Musthafa Department of Biosystems Technology, Faculty of Technology, South Eastern University of Sri Lanka, University Park, Oluvil, SRI LANKA.
  • Komala Thirumalai Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Quest International University, 30250 Ipoh, Perak, MALAYSIA.
  • Ju Neng Liew Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, MALAYSIA.
  • Zubir Ismail Perak State Park Corporation (PSPC), 30010 Ipoh, Perak, MALAYSIA.
  • Ching Fong Lau Perak State Park Corporation (PSPC), 30010 Ipoh, Perak, MALAYSIA.
  • Siti-Munirah Mat Yunoh Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), 68100, Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA.
  • Nivaarani Arumugam Faculty of Earth Science, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), Jeli Campus, 17600 Jeli, Kelantan, MALAYSIA.
  • Nurul Wahida Abdullah Faculty of Earth Science, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), Jeli Campus, 17600 Jeli, Kelantan, MALAYSIA.
  • Suganthi Appalasamy Institute of Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture (IFFSA), Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), Jeli Campus, 17600 Jeli, Kelantan, MALAYSIA.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22452/mjs.vol45no1.8

Abstract

The Belum-Temengor Forest Complex (BTFC) is a recognised biodiversity nexus, home to numerous endemic and threatened species. This forest complex includes diverse ecosystems, ranging from lowland dipterocarp forests to highland areas, which are pivotal in ecological balance and local climate processes. The forest has been designated as an Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) Rank 1 due to its unique environmental value, highlighting the need for rigorous protection and conservation measures. The current study provided a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature on the BTFC, covering vital aspects such as floral composition, focusing on several important species, ecological role, ecotourism, and the interrelationships among the Orang Asli community within this forest complex. The findings revealed that the diverse floral species composition within the forest complex significantly enhances the ecotourism potential and supports the socio-economic development of the Orang Asli communities. Additionally, the current study highlighted the crucial ecological role of the forest and addressed several threats, including deforestation and habitat loss.

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Published

31-03-2026

How to Cite

Nagarajan, H., Manarus Maddin, I. B., A Hamid, A. F. ., Vijaya Kumaran, J., Wan Ahmad, W. J. ., Zohari, A. F. ., Subramaniam, S., Pasupuleti, V. R., Salam, M. A. ., Sathiya Seelan, J. S. ., M. Musthafa, M. ., Thirumalai, K. ., Liew , J. N., Ismail, Z. ., Lau , C. F., Mat Yunoh, S.-M. ., Arumugam, N. ., Abdullah, N. W. ., & Appalasamy, S. . (2026). The Belum-Temengor Forest Complex: A Comprehensive Review of The Floral Diversity, Ecology, Indigenous Community and Ecotourism. Malaysian Journal of Science (MJS), 45(1), 64–102. https://doi.org/10.22452/mjs.vol45no1.8

Issue

Vol 45 No 1 (2026): March 2026

Section

Review Articles

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