KUALA PERLIS: The Wang Kelian, Perlis – The Forgotten Valley (Wang Kelian, Perlis – Lembah Yang Kian Hilang) documentation project is seen as capable of contributing to the development and boosting of the ecotourism industry in the state, said the Regent of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail.
The project, which includes a book and a documentary (both titled Wang Kelian, Perlis – The Forgotten Valley), is to raise awareness and appreciation of the biological diversity and nature of Wang Kelian and Kaki Bukit, which are also part of the Perlis state park.
It is implemented with strong support from Think City, the Habitat Foundation and the Perlis Forestry Department.
“Through this project, the beauty of nature, the uniqueness of biological diversity and the distinctiveness of the local historical heritage of Wang Kelian, Kaki Bukit and the Perlis state park can be expressed in the form of book publications, exhibitions and even documentary films,” said Tuanku Syed Faizuddin when officiating the Wang Kelian, Perlis – The Forgotten Valley yesterday.
Also present was Raja Puan Muda of Perlis Tuanku Hajjah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil.
Tuanku Syed Faizuddin said these places have various types of plants, animals and micro-organisms which are unique and rarely found in other states.
“Through ecotourism, local communities can generate income through economic activity; for example, becoming a tourist guide, running a food and beverage business and so on,” he said.
Meanwhile, wildlife photographer and author of the book, Peter Ong, 47, said that the book was presented in simple language and contained many pictures to make it easier for people to understand wildlife and the environment.
“We hope that this book fosters people’s interest in learning about nature and wildlife,” he said.
The wildlife videographer and director of the documentary, Myles Storey, 25, from Sabah, said it was quite challenging to produce a compact documentary which contained elements of wildlife, geography and culture.
“We went down to the filming location in Wang Kelian without a script and the storyline was put together spontaneously as a result of interviews with the local community,” said the University of the West of England wildlife film graduate. — Bernama
