IPOH: Tasek Cermin (Mirror Lake), a unique geological formation located near the Sam Poh Tong cave temple in Gunong Rapat, here, is once again in danger of being destroyed by quarrying activities.
Malaysian Karst Society president Philip C.K. Leong said he was amazed to find quarrying activities being carried out near it.
Tasek Cermin is a wang (an open space surrounded by towering limestone cliffs) and is only accessible either by climbing over the limestone cliffs and descending into the open area, or through a cave tunnel.
Beside it is another wang with an unnamed lake, which is accessible by another tunnel.
 |
SCENIC SIGHT: As the name implies, Tasek Cermin is a clear reflective pool. At the right time of the day, the limestone hills are reflected in the water. — Photo courtesy of Malaysian Karst Society |
The lake is also known as Minex Pond, named after the Minex Mine operating nearby, to Malaysian Nature Society members who have made trips there to enjoy the scenic view, and study the landscape and vegetation there over the years.
“As the name implies, Tasek Cermin is a clear reflective pool as at the right time of the day, the surrounding limestone hills are reflected in the water.
“These natural wangs with lakes are rare in the world. In Thailand, all known wangs are protected as national parks and are popular attractions, such as the Princess Pool in Krabi,” said Leong in an interview yesterday.
He said Tasek Cermin and the adjoining wang were the unique heritage of Perak.
Leong said that when Tasek Cermin was nearly destroyed by quarrying activities 14 years ago, the then state director of Lands and Mines, Datuk Ismail Shah Bodin, was asked to investigate after he (Leong) appealed to the Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Nazrin Shah, to save it.
 |
ENTRANCEWAY: One way to access to Tasek Cermin is through this cave tunnel. |
Subsequently, Ismail ordered that no quarry operations be conducted on the southern face of the quarry where Tasek Cermin was located.
Leong said he had submitted a request for him and his committee to meet Raja Nazrin Shah to seek his help to save Tasek Cermin.
