Malaysia’s a diverse and colourful country full of culture, ethnicity and tradition. One of the most memorable ranks first Malaysia had was when Petronas Twin Tower, commercially well-known as KLCC, was the tallest building in the world before Taipei 101 existed in 2004. After that, Malaysia began fading from the scene, and it has been a long time since we have anything that achieved first place.
However, we can’t look down at Malaysia. Did you know? We have so much to be proud of, and the list gets longer as the days pass by!
Richard Ker (@richardker) on Twitter has shared a fascinating thread about some of Malaysia’s underrated ranked firsts we have to know!
The highest fire station in the world
The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) will have a fire station at 3,382.2 metres above sea level located on top of Mount Kinabalu in Sabah soon.
The Merbok Mangrove, Kedah
The mangrove forest in Kedah has the highest number of authentic mangrove plants within a specific spot in the world.
Interestingly, it has 39 real mangrove plants. And it’s more than half of the total worldwide.
Research conducted by experts in 2015 confirmed that this is true.
Malaysia’s KL SMART Tunnel
This tunnel is the world’s first dual-purpose stormwater diversion and motorway tunnel. Moreover, the tunnel is 9.7 km long with a double-decking motorway of 3 km. Many Malaysians didn’t know about this, although it has been operating since 2007.
The world’s first full feature animal documentary in Sabah
‘Saudin the Orang Utan Whisperer‘ was the first full-feature animal documentary. It was shot in Sabah in 1920. The creators, Martin and Osa Johnson, a Hollywood filmmaker duo, came to Sabah in 1920 and 1935.
Many might not know, but Sabah was formerly known as North Borneo.
MasterCard and Tabung Haji launched the world’s first non-banking Islamic debit card
The cooperation of both companies launched the world’s first non-banking Islamic debit card in 2014.
The advantage of this card is that Muslims use it for their pilgrimage and minor pilgrimage in Makkah and Madinah.
Not only that, but this card is also for daily use.
Malaysia is the first to issue biometric passports
Malaysia was the first country in the world to issue biometric passports in March 1998. IRIS Corporation developed this system. Today, more than 150 countries are utilising this technology.
Marry Brown is the largest halal fast food chain in the world
Although we see McDonald’s more often, did you know Marrybrown has 500 locations in Malaysia? And this fast-food franchise is available in more than 15 countries.
Additional information, Marrybrown was founded by Dato Lawrence Liew and Datin Nancy Liew in Johor Bahru in 1981.
First orang utan sanctuary
Barbara Harrison, in 1964 founded the first orang utan sanctuary in the world.
The sanctuary’s name is Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre in Sandakan, Sabah. It was to rehabilitate orphaned and confiscated orangutans.
There’s a similar sanctuary built in Indonesia in 1980.
The world’s first Airport in a Forest
There’s a forest in an airport in KL’s International Airport.
Malaysia’s KLIA Jungle Boardwalk has become a must-visit spot when you’re at the airport.
Notably, KLIA was launched in 1998. It was considered among the most distinguished structures in the world.
The steepest funicular tunnel in the world
Penang Hill’s funicular tunnel is the steepest in the world angled at 27.9!
The system was constructed between 1906 and 1923. Now, it is one of the most popular destinations among tourists and locals in Penang.
Wow! This thread shows we have a lot to be proud of as Malaysian! Hence, Malaysia’s more than what meets the eye!
Source: Twitter Richard Ker