PROTECTING KINTA VALLEY GEOPARK

 

IPOH: Kinta Valley Geopark was declared a national geopark on October 2018, which opens opportunity to Perak State government in view of increasing number of tourists visiting the geopark in the state.

 

 

Kinta Valley Geopark is one of the state’s tourism product which is unique and new, which covers an area of 1.952 ha including Kinta District and Kampar.  The area covers 18 locations of the geopark sites recognised by the Mineral & GeoScience Department (JMG).

The 18 locations are –

·        Gunung Panjang – Tambun Cave

·        Gunung Datok

·        Gunung Rapat – Kek Lok Tong, Sam Poh Tong

·        Lata Ulu Chepor

·        Gunung Kanthan

·        Gunung Lang

·        Ulu Kinta Amenity Forest

·        Lubuk Timah Hot Spring

·        Naga Mas Cave

·        Sungai Chelik Waterfall

·        Jeram Papan

·        Gua Kandu

·        Gua Tempurung

·        Kampar River Jeram

·        Sungai Salu Waterfall

·        Batu Berangkai Waterfall

·        Gunung Korbu

 

The state government had engaged Perak State Parks Corporation (PTNPk) to act as a coordinator to implement and monitor programmes, held at the Kinta Valley Geopark.

Besides, there are several government agencies employed to help implement campaign for the Geopark, whereby Tourism Perak is selected as the committee to promote Kinta Valley Geopark as one of the tourism products in the State.

 

 

State Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Nolee Ashilin Mohammed Radzi cited an article published in Sinar Harian (February 5 – 7, 2021), which reported there were authorities complaining that there were quarry activities taking place at 30 locations surrounding the limestone caves in the Kinta Valley.

“However, a further check on the quarry activities by state government, it was found that the 30 locations of the limestone caves complained of, are not listed in the Kinta Valley Geopark vicinity.

She further clarified in a zoom press conference with the press members that the 18 locations designated by Kinta Valley Geopark were not involved with any activities of quarry as complaint by the groups, and the state government would continue to protect the geopark to stay as a ‘tourist attraction’ of the state.

 

 

“In addition, the state government has also taken into consideration the element of safety measures, to ensure the safety of tourists visiting the geopark site.

“Currently, the state government has undertaken minimal development at the geopark sites where developments only include putting up sign board direction, information board and landmark symbols, at the geopark sites.

“Apart from this, we will try to avoid any extreme development which will destroy the natural environment at the geopark sites”, she said.