IPOH, July 17 (Bernama) -- The public is advised to refrain from engaging in recreational and tourism activities at the porphyritic granite area in Gunung Bujang Melaka, near Kampar, until the safety level in the area is assured.
State Tourism, Industry, Investment and Corridor Development Committee chairman Loh Sze Yee said the advice is a precautionary measure concerning the safety of the bridge structures in the area.
He said the area in question is privately owned and not under the supervision of any relevant government department or agency.
“We have met with the landowners who have taken note of the safety concerns raised by the state government, which could pose risks to visitors.
“If anything happens, it will be the responsibility of the individuals themselves, including the landowner, as the granite location is on private land,” he said when contacted by Bernama.
Loh said his office also identified an advertisement on social media offering packages for activities such as hiking and kayaking in the area.
“The public is requested to temporarily cease recreational activities and climbing in this area so that the landowners can carry out upgrade works.
“In addition, the entire area is surrounded by reserve land, requiring permission for access from other landowners,” he said.
Loh said Tourism Perak recently visited the area, attended by representatives from the Kampar district council, Perak Department of Minerals and Geoscience, Perak Land and Mines Office and Dr Goh Thian Lai, Senior Lecturer in Geomechanics and Geological Engineering at UKM.
“In the meeting, the landowners agreed with the state government's suggestion to upgrade and improve the bridge structures before opening them to the public.
“The private owners managing the area will inform us once the upgrades are completed so that we can assess whether they meet the required safety standards,” he said.
-- BERNAMA
