After being closed for more than a decade, the Ampang Lookout Point has reopened as Puncak Ampang Look-Out Point (Puncak Alop).
Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the revamped ecotourism destination offered an additional option for tourists visiting the state.
“This development also creates opportunities for small traders to generate income, especially with the provision of business premises and a more organised hawker area,” he said at a press conference after launching Puncak Alop.
The redevelopment is a joint venture between Selangor government and Pearl Holiday Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd.
It included slope stabilisation works by the company.
State local government and tourism committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim said Phase One, which was completed this year, involved an investment of RM10mil.
“Overall the project, which began last year and is expected to be completed by 2027, will involve a total investment of about RM25mil.
“By 2027, we are also expecting the development of an observation tower, which will become another iconic attraction at Puncak Alop and further strengthen its position as one of the leading tourist destinations in Selangor,” he said.
Ng added that the company has obtained an operating licence for Puncak Alop, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance being a priority.
The site covers 18.6ha.
Amirudin said the next phase of development would include a campsite and caravan site.
“It will also include a hall or a multipurpose area that can be used by the public for community activities,” he added.
When asked about the previously proposed Selangor State Arboretum and Forest Excellence Centre mooted at this location during the state assembly sitting in 2015, Amirudin said the idea had been discussed between 2015 and 2016.
However, he said the project required a substantial investment by the Forestry Department.
“It can still be developed in future, depending on its suitability and access,” he said.
Amirudin said the state now saw greater potential in another forested area linked to Kuala Kubu Baru and Fraser’s Hill through the Fraser’s Hill Forest Complex, which forms part of the Central Forest Spine corridor, connecting Selangor with Pahang and Perak.
He said a tiger habitat had also been identified there, making it a more suitable location for biodiversity research and conservation.
“That area has habitats and biodiversity assets of higher value for study and attention.”
As for Puncak Alop, Amirudin said the focus would be on tourism, as the hilltop site formed part of the Hulu Langat-Gombak Geopark alignment.
He said geopark areas were suitable for limited and controlled tourism activities, citing Batu Caves and Kuang as examples.
“It is a tourism area with strong attractions and valuable assets, making it better suited for tourism than a research area or forest excellence centre.”
Despite its name, Puncak Alop is under the jurisdiction of Kajang Municipal Council rather than the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council, he added.
The launch was also attended by state investment, trade and mobility committee chairman Ng Sze Han, Hulu Langat MP Mohd Sany Hamzan and Dusun Tua assemblyman Datuk Johan Abdul Aziz.
