'Lenggong Geopark development will not affect world heritage site'

Development of the Lenggong Geopark in Perak will not affect Lenggong Valley which is a Unesco world heritage site.

Energy and Natural Resources Minister Shamsul Anuar Nasarah (above) said the development of the Lenggong Geopark, recognised as a world heritage site by Unesco in 2012,  would complement and strengthen it. 

According to the Lenggong MP, his team had submitted an application for RM4.3 million to the Finance Ministry under the 12th Malaysia Plan for development work such as preservation and conservation of all related things.

"We want to undertake a comprehensive development of the downstream and infrastructure so that the Lenggong Geopark gets recognition at the national level and also globally.

"I am confident that the schedule is perfect. I believe Lenggong will be recognised as a National Geopark by mid-2021 and globally as Lenggong Geopark by 2025," he said at a press conference, after opening the Lenggong Geopark Aspiration Seminar themed "Promoting Geoparks for Sustainable Regional Development", at the Putra World Trade Centre today.

Shamsul said for a start, a gallery would be built at a cost of RM2 million, while the gallery at Kota Tampuan would be furnished with more information on the geology, archaeology, history and culture of Lenggong Valley.

He said the Lenggong Geopark was developed after the Kinta Geopark in Ipoh, and geoparks in Langkawi and Jerai in Kedah, and also the one in Perlis.

Earlier, in his speech, Shamsul said the development of the geopark did not hinder activities involving natural resources such as mining and logging, but these need to be closely monitored and controlled by the authorities.

"This development will also have an impact on the local economy involving goods or services offered by homestay, food and transport operators, tour guides and handicraft producers," he added.

- Bernama