Kinta Valley Geopark: 19 Locations of Geosites Acknowledged
A total of 19 geosite locations have been acknowledged by the Minerals and Geoscience Department (JMG), encouraging the development of a geotourism route or geotrail to attract local and international tourists.
Mayor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin @ Md. Daud explained that the Kinta Valley Geopark (GLK), with a size of 1,952 square kilometres, is a unique tourism product covering Kinta district and Kampar district.
“The locations of geosites listed under the GLK involve Gunung Panjang, Gua Tambun and Gunung Datok among others.
“It also includes 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, Gunung Korbu and the latest, Gua Matsoorat,” he stated.
He said so during his speech in a webinar programme on Kinta Valley Geopark held online yesterday (October 16).
Present during the live broadcast was Executive Councillor for Housing, Local Government and Tourism, Dato’ Nolee Ashilin binti Dato’ Mohammed Radzi.
According to Rumaizi, among the main challenges faced in the effort of boosting GLK is the safety aspect that needs to be prioritised by the state government to ensure tourists feel safe when visiting the geosites.
Another challenge is the activities of quarries.
“It is unlike other geoparks which are located in a natural setting away from the development zone,” he highlighted.
“Thus, it becomes the responsibility of the state government to preserve the nature-oriented product in the middle of the city, which has various economic activities, by implementing a mineral policy with a focus on elements of conservation and preservation.
He added that plans of integrated and sustainable development have to be carried out well to prevent visual pollution at locations of geosites from activities of quarries and extreme developments.
He explained that conservation programmes and sustainable developments should be drafted continuously via exhibition, discussion, seminar and interactive publicity in order to promote the Kinta Valley to local and international audiences. It also ensures that the heritage value could be passed down to the next generation.
Rosli Mansor
=============================
Get your local news fast. Download the Ipoh Echo App on your mobile. Available on both Google Playstore and Apple Appstore.
