(ANN/THE STAR) – Malaysian authorities have confirmed that no applications have been made by the operators of a food court to operate in a limestone cave in Gombak, Selangor.
The Minerals and Geosciences Department (JMG) director-general Datuk Zamri Ramli stated that the department had not received any requests to review the technical aspects of proposed business activities or any activities already conducted within the cave.
He explained that applicants must follow procedures practiced in physical planning proposals, which require submission to the local authority for the area.
The local authority must then request technical reviews from JMG, one of the State Technical Agencies.
Zamri emphasised that any development in the limestone hill area must adhere to JMG’s “Guideline for Determination of Hazard Zone at Limestone Area” to ensure safety zones around the limestone hill.
The existence of the Gua Lepak food court within the limestone cave has been highlighted in local media several times.
Concerns raised include the safety of visitors, the risk of geological disasters, conservation of fossils on-site, the status of the restaurant’s operational legitimacy, vandalism risks, disruption of endemic biodiversity, as well as preservation and sustainability issues related to the geosite, which is part of the Gombak-Hulu Langat Geopark (GHLGp).
In the context of geopark development, Zamri continued, community wellbeing and generating local economic activities are essential elements that can add value to a geopark.
However, such value-added activities must align with the concept of geopark development, which involves three key elements: conservation, education, and sustainable development.
JMG strongly recommends using the National Geopark Development Plan 2021-2030 and the National Geopark Implementation Plan, decided upon for adoption at the 42nd National Physical Planning Council Meeting, for every geopark development.
StarMetro previously highlighted the encroachment by the operator of Gua Lepak food court, found to be operating within the 400-million-year-old cave.
