IPOH: The Perak state executive council has given its consent to the proposal of recognising the site of ancient coral fossil discoveries in Kampung Changkat Tualang, Kampar as a geosite within the Kinta Valley Geopark.
Perak Minerals and Geoscience Department director Nizarulikram Abdul Rahim confirmed that the agreement was finalised in June.
The area will encompass two geosites - Lombong Batu and Lombong Bakap in Kampung Changkat Tualang, Kampar - which are set to be gazetted.
"However, the gazetting process will require some time before the area is officially declared a reserve for geological-based tourism and related activities," he revealed to Bernama.
The media reported on June 22 that researchers from the Perak Natural Heritage Geopark Tourist Guides Association (Geonat) found various species of ancient coral fossils in the area, believed to be 300 million years old.
Following these findings, state communications, multimedia and non-governmental organisations committee chairman Mohd Azlan Helmi confirmed that the Perak government would declare the area another geosite in the state.
Nizarulikram further detailed that the area, with its scientific, aesthetic, historical, and cultural value, can be developed into a geological-based tourism attraction (geotourism).
His team will conduct geosite mapping activities in partnership with the Perak State Parks Corporation in 2025.
"The process of gazetting the two geosites involves several activities including boundary measurements, proposed permitted activities, and the appointment of site administrators.
"The total area of both geosites is 27.92ha and the marine origin fossils discovered include gastropoda (snails), rugosa (corals), and crinoids (marine invertebrates) that are approximately 300 million years old," he said.
Nizarulikram emphasised the importance of gazetting to prevent encroachment on the area. Once gazetted, certain regulations must be observed by the community.
"The gazetting will involve a written statement detailing its purpose, such as for tourism areas or activities related to ecology and geology. The local residents can then benefit by organising specific tourism packages in the area,” he said.
Among potential ecological activities are kayaking on the lake, fishing, and visiting limestone pinnacle outcrops, where marine fossils like snails and corals can be found.
Moreover, if the area is designated as a geopark site, it will add a new attraction to the existing Kinta Valley Geopark as there are no other geopark sites based on marine fossils.
"We also aim to make this place a geosite within the Kinta Valley Geopark because the discovery of these marine fossils is a first for the area.
"Previous geosites mostly contained fossils such as elephant teeth and tiger skulls in Gua Naga Mas, but this is the first to feature marine fossils," he added. – Bernama
