THE Klang Gates Quartz Ridge is documented as the longest quartz formation in the world, spanning more than 14km long and 200m wide.
From afar, the rugged and long, protruding ridge looks like the back fin of a sleeping dragon. It is not surprising that locals call it the Dragon Back Ridge or Dragon Backbone.
It is the location of the Klang Gates Dam, which was built to store water for Kuala Lumpur and the Klang Valley.
The reservoir is surrounded by the limestone valley walls, which are covered with forest and houses a variety of vegetation unique to this location.
Located just 20 minutes outside of Kuala Lumpur, the quartz hill and green surroundings have been a temporary escape for nature lovers from the hectic city life.
At the base of the ridge is the suburban neighbourhood of Taman Melawati.
There were fears that the tranquil and peace would not last. When the original plan for the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) was announced, the Quartz Ridge had been included as a tunnel would be dug under it.
Taman Melawati Residents Association chairman Azhari Abd Taharim, 60, said if the original plan for the ECRL had been approved, one of the last green lungs left in the Klang Valley would be gone.
“Can you imagine they actually wanted to dig a tunnel under the mountain to link Gombak and Bentong?
“They would clear the jungles around the ridge and reservoir, destroying the rich flora and fauna. The entire catchment area would be affected.”
He said if the ECRL tunnel project had gone ahead, the surrounding areas would be transformed into a commercial hub.
“Please, Taman Melawati doesn’t need another mall.
“The ECRL will destroy the jungles and what comes next will be commercial areas and apartments along the ECRL route. All the greenery will be gone.”
Azhari said he was happy that the new ECRL alignment would leave the Quartz Ridge untouched.
However, the reality is that developers love to build expensive condominiums and apartments on hilly areas.
“Even though there is no longer a threat from the ECRL, the area is still not safe from greedy developers.
“As you know, they love to build residential homes on hilltops.
“They must have set their eyes on the ridge, especially the areas surrounding Bukit Tabur, when the original plan for the ECRL was announced.
“On our part, we will fight to preserve this green lung.”
Geologist and Society of Eco Greater Melawati chairman Dr Dhileepan Nair, 62, said the Quartz Ridge was a one-of-a-kind geological site in the world.
“In terms of geological importance, the quartz ridge is internationally recognised as a world-class geological site.
“It consists of 100 per cent pure quartz. It is the single largest pure quartz ridge in the world.”
The ridge is rich in vegetation unique to the location. There are five species of plants that only exist here.
They are the Aleisanthia rupestris found on exposed rocks on the ridge, the Ilex praetermissa tree, the Borreria pilulifera herb, the Eulalia milsumii grass and the Henckelia primulina herb.
A unique resident of the ridge is the serow, a mountain goat species that the locals call “kambing gurun”. However, sightings are rare.
“This is why the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge must be protected.
“It has many varieties of vegetation and wildlife that are rare and precious.
“We are not against development, but we must preserve our natural heritage.
“The ridge is one of the last remaining green lungs in the Klang Valley and we should appreciate and protect it.”
Bukit Tabur, a famous hiking location, is part of the ridge.
It has been a haunt for local and foreign hikers looking for a beautiful view of the city, the Klang Gates Dam and the beautiful sunset.
Kampung Taman Warisan head Azelan Jamaludin, 57, will usually come across hikers who pass by his village.
He has helped many hikers who sought guidance and advice on their journey to the top.
Azelan, who has been living in the area for more than 30 years, is the unofficial “groundskeeper” of Bukit Tabur, advising visitors not to litter when they enter the area.
As a nature lover, he wants the area to remain pristine. But deep down, he fears oncoming developments.
“I am a nature lover. That is why I chose to stay here.
“I help hikers and I want them to maintain the cleanliness.
“Most of them do not listen, which is sad. I have heard of developments that could threaten the ridge and eventually, Bukit Tabur.
“On my part, what I can do is to protect the environment and show people what a beautiful place it is so that they will have second thoughts about destroying this wonderful area.
“When you are here, you get really close to nature.
“At night, I can hear the cacophonous cries of monkeys.
“The air will be filled with a rich chorus of nocturnal insects.
“If they come and destroy the ridge, we will lose this magical place.”