‘Limestone foothills development must follow set guidelines’

Conservation concerns: Issues raised about a restaurant within a limestone cave in Gombak, Selangor include concerns regarding safety, operation permits and conservation and sustainability of the geological site, among others. — SHAARI CHEMAT/The Star

PUTRAJAYA: Any development in the foothills of limestone ranges must adhere to the “Guideline for Determination of Hazard Zone at Limestone Area” issued by the Department of Minerals and Geoscience (JMG), says director-general Datuk Zamri Ramli.

This was to establish safety zones in the vicinity, he said.

In the context of geopark development, he said the well-being of the residents and the economic empowerment of the local community are essential elements that can enhance the value of a geopark.

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“However, these value-added activities must align with the concept of geopark development, which involves three key elements: conservation, education and sustainable development,” he emphasised in a statement yesterday, as reported by Bernama.

The statement addressed the presence of Restoran Gua Lepak, situated within a limestone cave in Bolton Industrial Park, Gombak, Selangor, which has garnered attention in local media reports on multiple occasions.

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Issues raised encompass concerns regarding visitor safety, the potential for geological disasters, on-site fossil preservation, restaurant operation permits, risks of vandalism, disruption to endemic biodiversity, as well as conservation and sustainability of the geological site, which is an integral part of the Gombak-Hulu Langat Geopark.

Zamri said that JMG has not received any applications from business owners or local authorities to review the technical aspects of proposed business activities or any activities already conducted within the cave.

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“According to the procedures practised in physical development, developers must submit proposals to the local authority, which in turn must seek JMG’s technical reviews for the development proposal application,” he explained.

He added that JMG highly recommends that the National Geopark Development Plan 2021–2030 and the National Geopark Implementation Plan, which were adopted during the 42nd National Physical Planning Council Meeting, be incorporated into every geopark development.