IPOH: Two geosites in the Kinta Valley National Geopark, Gunung Kanthan and Ulu Kinta Eco Forest Park located at Hulu Kinta sub-district face risks of destruction if they do not receive proper attention.
Therefore several environmental non-governmental organisations (NGOs) such as Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM), Persatuan Aktivis Sahabat Alam (KUASA), Pertubuhan Alam Sekitar Sejahtera Malaysia (GRASS Malaysia), Green Earth Movement Society, Persatuan Jurupandu Geopark Warisan Alam Semulajadi Perak ( GEONAT), Persatuan Pembela Alam Semulajadi and Samudera Perak (NOAS) and Kinta Valley Watch, have urged the state authorities to intervene in conserving and preserving both geosites.
The spokesman representing the NGOs, Meor Razak Meor Abdul Rahman said both geosites face risk of destruction as they lack attention compared to other geosites in the Kinta Valley national geopark.
"We are worried that the Gunung Kanthan geosite will be destroyed as there is information that the state authorities have extended the land lease of the area last year to a company that produces cement.
"The extension of the land lease is disappointing and goes against the 2020 Ipoh Local Plan," he said in a statement here.
According to him, in the 2020 Ipoh Local Plan, the Ipoh City Council suggested to state authorities not to approve any more quarrying activities in the local authority's administration area.
Meor Razak added that the Ulu Kinta Eco Forest Park geosite is now abandoned, disorganised and not utilised according to its function and objective since its establishment over 20 years ago.
"Several existing basic amenities have been abandoned and unmanaged including camping sites, toilets, open halls, wakaf and parking lots. The forest and trees have not been managed, with foreign species having dominated the local ecosystem," he explained.
Meor Razak said the national geopark recognition could be revoked if no conservation efforts are made by state authorities to maintain the two geosites.
For the record, the Kinta Valley Geopark covers the entire Kinta, Kampar and Batu Gajah districts spanning an estimated 1,952 square kilometres and has 18 geosites located outside areas where quarrying activities are conducted.
The 18 geosites are Gunung Panjang Gua Tambun, Gunung Datok, Gunung Rapat (part of it are geosites such as Kek Lok Tong and Sam Poh Tong), Lata Ulu Chepor, Gunung Kanthan, Gunung Lang, Hutan Lipur Ulu Kinta, Gunung Tasek, Mata Air Panas Lubuk Timah; Gua Naga Mas, Air Terjun Sungai Chelik, Jeram Papan, Gua Kandu, Gua Tempurung, Jeram Sungai Kampar, Air Terjun Sungai Salu, Air Terjun Batu Berangkai and Gunung Korbu.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Thu May 27 2021
Meor Razak says the national geopark recognition could be revoked if no conservation efforts are made by state authorities to maintain the two geosites. Image via visitperak.com.my
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.