Structural modifications made to cave at cultural village, says Perak MB

IPOH: Structural modifications were made to the limestone hill cave at Qing Xin Ling Leisure and Cultural Village where a man was killed by a falling rock, says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad (pic)

The Perak Mentri Besar said it was dangerous to conduct modifications on formations at limestone hills.

"We cannot disturb the natural stalagmites and stalactites," he said in a press conference after launching the state subsistence and emergency aid initiative for Perak-born undergraduates at his office on Wednesday (April 17).

He said that the venue operator had put up safety nets, but "this means the mitigation effort was not enough for safety.".

"The Land and Mines Department has issued a secular to all local authorities, premises operators and relevant agencies to ensure that mitigation efforts must be of standard and not just to fulfil conditions.

"There can be no compromise when it comes to safety," he said.

A 44-year-old man was killed after a rock fell on his head at the popular tourist spot in Taman Saikat last week (April 8).

The premises have since been closed down for checks and police investigation.

Taman Saikat residents held a press conference on Tuesday evening calling for the premises to be shut down for good.

On this, Saarani said they would consider this if recommended by the state's limestone foothills and caves committee.

"There are many factors to be considered, including businesses that will be affected – but lives are more important.

"The committee will go through all aspects, including legal and land issues," he said.

Saarani also urged local councils, operators and tourists to be careful when visiting locations near limestone hills.