Latest news with #MineralsandGeoscienceDepartment
Daily Express
14 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Developing sustainable and inclusive geoparks
Published on: Friday, May 30, 2025 Published on: Fri, May 30, 2025 By: Sisca Humphrey Text Size: 'Together, PPGN and PLGN outline comprehensive strategies for planning, conservation, management, education and community participation, which is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),' Jenneth said. Kota Kinabalu: Malaysia is actively implementing the National Geopark Development Plan 2021–2030 (PPGN) as a key strategy to develop sustainable and inclusive geoparks across the country, said Minerals and Geoscience Department Deputy Director Jenneth Liliana Cyril. She said the implementation of PPGN plays a crucial role in ensuring geoparks in Malaysia serve not only as protected geological areas but also as catalysts for economic development, environmental education and local community wellbeing. 'Malaysia has made notable progress in geopark development, beginning with Langkawi's recognition as a Unesco Global Geopark (UGGp) in 2007, followed by Kinabalu Geopark being recognised as the country's second UGGp in 2023,' she said at the Malaysian Geopark Network Conference here. She noted that several other areas, including Jerai, Lembah Kinta, Labuan, Lenggong, Sarawak Delta, Stong, Gombak-Hulu Langat, Kenyir, Perlis and Lipis have been designated as National Geoparks. Moving forward to 2030, key targets include elevating Lenggong, Sarawak Delta and Gombak-Hulu Langat to UGGp status and recognising Melaka and Jelebu as new National Geoparks. 'The implementation of the National Geopark Development Plan is supported by the State Geopark Local Plan (PLGN), which will be adopted by state and local authorities once an area has received national geopark recognition. 'Together, PPGN and PLGN outline comprehensive strategies for planning, conservation, management, education and community participation, which is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),' Jenneth said. Advertisement She stressed that the real strength of geoparks lies in community involvement. 'Through the implementation of the Plan, local communities are empowered to engage in eco-tourism, small-scale heritage-based enterprises, conservation work and educational activities,' she added. These efforts, she said, contribute significantly to rural development and the economic empowerment of local populations. Janet reaffirmed JMG's commitment to working closely with State Governments, local authorities and international partners to ensure the effective and sustainable implementation of the Plan. She hoped Malaysia's geoparks will continue to grow as internationally recognised and locally treasured spaces that balance nature, heritage and people. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Perlis to look into controversial cafe in Kangar limestone cave
The interior of Gua Cenderawasih has been painted. — Photos: Bernama A special meeting involving key agencies will be convened to deliberate on the proposed development inside the Cenderawasih Cave in Perlis Geopark, following public concern over environmental sustainability. Yesterday, Perlis Mentri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli said the meeting involving several key agencies would be held about the proposed cafe within the cave in Bukit Lagi, Kangar. Earlier, Bernama reported that no official application had been received for technical review of the proposed cafe. Gua Cenderawasih lies within Perlis Geopark and features unique limestone formations. Under current planning procedures, any development involving geological sites must be referred to Minerals and Geoscience Department (JMG) by the local authority as part of the One-Stop Centre (OSC) process. JMG in a media statement, noted that development around limestone hills must comply with its published 'Guidelines for Determining Hazard Zones Around Limestone Hills' to ensure public safety. As the national agency overseeing geopark development, JMG said it remained committed to conserving geological resources and providing technical guidance on managing high-value geosites. The Perlis government had also earlier announced that the cafe project was suspended while it reviewed the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) guidelines on geosite conservation. The cafe proposal has drawn opposition from several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) who warn that it can damage geological features that are hundreds of millions of years old. JMG advised that any geopark-related development should follow the National Geopark Development Plan (PPGN) 2021-2030 and the National Geopark Implementation Plan (PLGN). It also raised concerns about the potential risks posed by commercial facilities to the site's conservation value. Gua Cenderawasih features unique limestone formations, fossil-rich rock and rare geological structures dating back over 480 million years. JMG warned that actions like painting cave walls, building permanent structures or covering natural formations could degrade the site's scientific and aesthetic significance.
Malaysiakini
22-04-2025
- General
- Malaysiakini
No seabed tin mining in Manjung, says Saarani
No seabed tin mining activity is taking place along the coastal area or the estuary of Sungai Batu in the Manjung district, according to Menteri Besar Saarani Mohamad. He said the Minerals and Geoscience Department has confirmed that no Mining Operation Scheme Approval Letter has been issued for mining activities in the area.
The Star
22-04-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Perak govt denies seabed mining activities along coastal area
IPOH: The state government has denied allegations of seabed tin mining activities along the coastal area of the Sungai Batu estuary in the Manjung District, which is said to have affected the livelihood of fishermen. During the winding-up session of the Perak State Assembly on Tuesday (April 22), Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad clarified that checks with the relevant agencies confirmed that no approval has been granted for any mining activities in the area. 'The Minerals and Geoscience Department confirmed that no Mining Operation Scheme Approval Letter has been issued. 'Any mining activity can only be carried out after obtaining approval,' he said. Saarani said that although an application (mining) has been submitted to the department, the application is still under evaluation, and no operational approval has been granted so far. According to Saarani, the only activity currently taking place is a silica sand mining by a developer with a valid approval. 'The sand mining site is located five kilometres away from the turtle landing area at Pantai Pasir Panjang,' he noted. He further explained that under the amended Manjung District Local Plan 2030, the coastal area in question has been designated as a Level 3 Environmentally Sensitive Coastal Zone in relation to marine ecosystem conservation and is prohibited from any form of mining activity. 'A decision was made to reject any mining applications or license renewals in the area, in line with the state government's commitment to protect the environment and the interests of the fishing community. 'The State Government remains committed to monitoring the area and will take immediate action to halt any unapproved mining activities if detected,' he added. In February this year, more than 1,500 fishermen who rely on coastal resources for their livelihood had urged the relevant authorities to revoke the approval granted for a seabed tin mining project scheduled to be carried out along the coastal area of the district.
