NGOs urge Perak govt to fully commit towards preservation of two geoparks in Kinta Valley

IPOH: Seven non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Perak are urging the state government to give full commitment towards the preservation of two geoparks in the Kinta Valley.

In a statement, the NCOs' representative, Meor Razak Meor Abdul Rahman (pic), said that Gunung Kanthan and Hulu Kinta Eco Park were currently facing the risk of destruction if not given any immediate attention and preservation efforts.

"We are worried that Gunung Kanthan Geopark will be destroyed as the state government extended the land lease to a cement company last year.

"The extension of the lease contradicts the Ipoh Public Plan 2020 (Rancangan Tempatan Ipoh 2020) by the Ipoh City Council, which recommended the state administration not to approve any more quarry activities within the areas administered by the council," he said on Tuesday (May 26).

Meor said several critically-endangered endemic flora and fauna species were growing in Gunung Kanthan.

He added the Hulu Kinta Eco Park, located at Bukit Kinta forest reserve, is the only all-natural geopark in the Kinta Valley.

He said basic amenities such as campsites, toilets, open hall and parking sports at the geopark were poorly maintained.

"Invasive plants are dominating surrounding areas in the park as it is not being taken care of properly. We urge the state government to do something before it is too late," he said.

When contacted, Perak Forestry Department director Datuk Mohamed Zin Yusop said they were conducting minor maintenance at the ecopark.

He said Gunung Kanthan was not under their supervision and claimed that facilities there were being vandalised.