IPOH: Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, today graced the declaration of Lembah Kinta, with the size of 1,952 sqkm as the National Geopark geology site.
It was held at the Gunung Lang recreational park, here.
With the declaration, Lembah Kinta, which spans across the Kinta and Kampar districts, as well as the municipalities of Ipoh, Batu Gajah and Kampar, would be part of a sustainable development with importance given to environmental interests.
It will also give a boost to eco-tourism and geo-tourism activities as well as the world-class education and researches.
Gracing the event were Raja Permaisuri of Perak, Tuanku Zara Salim, Raja Muda, Raja Jaafar Raja Muda Musa; Raja Dihilir, Raja Iskandar Dzulkarnain Sultan Idris Shah and Raja Puan Muda, Tuanku Soraya Sultan Abdul Halim.
Also present were Water, Land and Natural Resources Minister Dr Xavier Jayakumar and secretary-general Datuk Dr Tan Yew Chong, State Secretary Zainal Azman Abu Seman and state tourism, arts and culture chairman Tan Kar Hing.
Tan, in his speech earlier, said Lembah Kinta Geopark was now placed under the jurisdiction of Perak State Park Corporation to ensure the conservation and rehabilitation efforts on the national heritage.
He said Lembah Kinta is widely known for its flora and fauna; unique limestone hills with rich history in mining; as well as diversed and scenic natural landscapes, making it a suitable site to introduce geo-tourism packages to attract both the domestic and foreign visitors.
He said the state government has established Perak Tourism Action Council which among others responsible in protecting and rehabilitating tourist sites; while ensuring that they were carried out more effectively and systematically.
Meanwhile, Xavier said the Federal Government had allocated RM10.7 million in the 11th Malaysia Plan (11MP) for the Geopark Development Potential Assessment project for the purpose of the National Resources’ preservation and conservation.
He said RM276,000 of the amount was channeled to Perak Mineral and Geoscience Department last year and this year for the implementation of holistic and in depth studies and researches in the geology.