Dept: Limestone foothills development must adhere to set guidelines

PUTRAJAYA: Any development in the foothills of limestone ranges must adhere to the “Guideline for Determination of Hazard Zone at Limestone Area” issued by the Department of Minerals and Geoscience (JMG) to establish safety zones in the vicinity.

JMG director-general Datuk Zamri Ramli said in the context of geopark development, the well-being of the residents and economic empowerment of the local community are essential elements that can enhance the value of a geopark.

“However, these value-added activities must align with the concept of geopark development, which involves three key elements: conservation, education, and sustainable development,” he said in a statement yesterday.

The statement addressed the presence of Restoran Gua Lepak, situated within a limestone cave in Bolton Industrial Park, Gombak, Selangor which has garnered attention in local media reports on multiple occasions.

Issues raised encompass concerns regarding visitor safety; the potential for geological disasters; on-site fossil preservation; restaurant operation permits; risks of vandalism; disruption to endemic biodiversity; as well as conservation and sustainability of the geological site, which is an integral part of the Gombak-Hulu Langat Geopark.

Zamri further clarified that JMG has not received any applications from business owners or local authorities to review the technical aspects of proposed business activities or any activities already conducted within the cave.

“According to the procedures practised in physical development, developers must submit proposals to the local authority, which in turn must seek JMG’s technical reviews for the development proposal application, as we are one of the State Technical Agencies,” he explained.