BY: Zaki Saleh
Photo: Perak State Secretary’s Office
LENGGONG: The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, and the Raja Permaisuri Perak, Tuanku Zara Salim, graciously attended the Inauguration Ceremony of Lenggong Geopark and inaugurated the Lenggong Geopark Gallery at Dataran Kota Tampan.
Also in attendance were the Raja Muda Perak, Raja Jaafar ibni Almarhum Raja Muda Musa; the Raja Puan Besar Perak, Raja Nazhatul Shima binti Almarhum Sultan Idris A’fifullah Shah, and the Raja DiHilir Perak, Raja Iskandar Dzurkarnain ibni Almarhum Sultan Idris A’fifullah Shah.
In his speech, the Chief Minister, Dato’ Seri Saarani Mohamad, emphasized the significance of Lenggong’s recognition as the 2nd National Geopark for the state of Perak after the Kinta Valley Geopark on December 16, 2021.
This recognition is significant due to its unique features being acknowledged internationally.
He stressed that this recognition comes with the responsibility for all to continue preserving the geological heritage, natural resources, and cultural and historical heritage stored within Lenggong Geopark.
The Lenggong Valley was the first area inhabited by humans in Southeast Asia over 1.83 million years ago, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012.
Covering an area of 2,068 square kilometres, Lenggong Geopark lists 27 site products, 8 sites, 9 geo-archaeological sites, and 18 cultural and historical sites that can be developed as tourism and research products.
To date, the geopark has 30 local geo guides, a Lenggong Geopark Gallery, and a Community Information Center.
A school module for primary schools in Lenggong has also been introduced.
The Lenggong Geopark Gallery was officially opened on December 16 last year to provide internationally accredited geological border information.
