IPOH: Gunung Kanthan may not be listed under Kinta Valley National Geopark in the future, should the cement manufacturer invade the untouched zones, which are also home to several endangered species of flora and fauna.
Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) research field officer Meor Razak Meor Abdul Rahman expressed his disappointment over the court's decision to evict a century-old Buddhist monastery in Gunung Kanthan.
He was commenting on the Court of Appeal recent decision granting permission for Associated Pan Malaysia Cement (APMC) to evict the monastery, located inside Gunung Kanthan, Chemor, here.
"Gunung Kanthan is one of the 19 Kinta Valley geological sites. So when the court is in favour of the cement manufacturer, we feel disappointed as our efforts to preserve the area can't be achieved.
"When the limestone hill was announced as the Kinta Valley Geopark, it should be preserved for the benefit of the people and for the state heritage. But now, it is pointless," he said when contacted by the New Straits Times.
So far, there are 19 locations of geosites under the Kinta Valley Geopark which have unique history, limestone formations and landscapes as well as endemic flora and fauna.
Tasik Cermin or Mirror Lake, a hidden gem in Gunung Rapat here will be part of the Kinta Valley National Geopark. The lake will be the 19th site to be included in the state's geopark list.
The other sites 18 sites are Gua Tambun, Gunung Datok, Gunung Rapat, Lata Ulu Chepor, Gunung Kanthan, Gunung Lang, Hutan Lipur Ulu Kinta, Gunung Tasek, Mata Air Panas Lubuk Timah, Gua Naga Mas, Air Terjun Sungai Chelik, Jeram Papan, Gua Kandu, Gua Tempurung, Jeram Sungai Kampar, Air Terjun Sungai Salu, Air Terjun Batu Berangkai and Gunung Korbu.
Meor Razak stressed that if the state government was serious about preserving the state heritage, they should defend the limestone hill.
"The state government should negotiate with the cement manufacturer on how the latter could defend or preserve the untouched areas as it has a high value of biodiversity.
"We already know that there are endangered flora and fauna species in Gunung Kanthan such as Liphistius Kanthan (Trapdoor Spider).
"Not all endemic species can be conserved via ex-situ (relocation of endangered or rare species from their natural habitats). We must look at other factors such as the characteristics of the soil and the topography," he said.
Meor Razak said the status of Kinta Valley National Geopark on Gunung Kanthan was definitely facing risk should the cement manufacturer invade the untouched area.
"It is definitely a big loss to the state as Gunung Kanthan is one of the four most important karsts (limestone areas) in Perak for conservation," he added.
Meor Razak said Gunung Kanthan has four zones which are Zones A and B that are being extracted; and Zones C and D, which host various endangered species of flora and fauna that remain untouched.
"Now they are extracting Zone A and B. We are afraid that they will touch Zone C and D. As such, it is important for the state government to interfere in this issue so that we will have a win-win solution," he said.
Yesterday, it was reported that a century-old Buddhist monastery in Gunung Kanthan is not giving up hope and will continue its fight to stay and preserve the place.
Malaysia Dhamma Sakyamuni Monastery (Caves Monastery) abbot Dr Chiong Sai Tin said that there were between 15 to 20 monks staying in the cave and they would fight until a win-win solution was reached.