By Zaki MS
IPOH – Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and environmental groups are urging the state authorities to commit to preserving and maintaining Gunung Kanthan as a geosite within the Kinta Valley National Geopark.
Spokesperson for the group, Meor Razak Meor Abdul Rahman, said Gunung Kanthan is currently at risk of destruction due to quarrying activities to supply raw materials to a nearby cement manufacturer.
He said parts of Gunung Kanthan in Zones A and B are currently undergoing quarrying and rock extraction activities.
“Concern has also arisen following the extension of the land ownership or lease period to the operator in 2020, as well as proposals to expand the quarrying area to cover the entire Gunung Kanthan.
“Zones C and D are home to several endemic flora and fauna species categorised as critically endangered (CR) and of critical conservation value.
“Among the flora species are Meiogye kanthanensis, Gymnostachyum kanthanensis and Vatica kanthanensis.
“Fauna species include the prehistoric spider Liphistius kanthanensis and the gecko Cyrtodactylus guakanthanensis,” he said in a statement.
Meor Razak said the extension of the lease for the area was also alleged to be inconsistent with the land-use zoning under the Ipoh Local Plan 2035 (Replacement).
He said it was also contrary to the Ipoh Local Plan 2020, which stated that the Ipoh City Council (MBI) would propose that no new quarrying activities be approved within its administrative area.
In view of this, the group hopes the state authorities will take the call seriously to preserve Gunung Kanthan’s status as a geosite.
They also hope the recognition of the Kinta Valley National Geopark can be maintained and not compromised by development or quarrying activities.
The call was supported by 10 organisations and individuals, including Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM), KUASA, Greenpeace Malaysia, PEKA, MNS Perak, Sahabat Ekologi Perak and Kinta Valley Watch.
