The launch of Gombak-Hulu Langat (GHL) Geopark as the first national geopark in Selangor is expected to attract tourists.
Geopark are areas with geological heritage of international significance.
Gua Damai Extreme Park founder Mustapha Al-Bakri Omar said the launch of the geopark by Tourism Selangor would greatly boost the popularity of geosites especially among thrill-seekers.
“There’s been an increase in demand for extreme sports and the announcement of the first geopark (in the state) will greatly promote the attraction here.
“Gua Damai is one of the geosites of GHL Geopark and we offer various activities including rock climbing, abseiling, base jumping and paintball here,” he said.
“There are regular rock climbers from Singapore who come to Gua Damai to scale the rocks.
“I believe GHL Geopark as a national geopark will encourage more people to visit the caves here.”
On Nov 16, Tourism Selangor launched GHL Geopark as the first national geopark in the state.
Comprising almost 112,955ha, it spans across the Gombak and Hulu Langat districts.
The geopark features 31 geosites with 20 sites recognised as eco- and geo-tourism areas due to their natural and geological landscapes.
It was launched by Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah at Gua Damai Extreme Park in Batu Caves, Gombak.
Natural Resources and Environment Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, who was also present, said GHL Geopark was the only geopark situated within an urban area in Malaysia.
“This is unlike most other geoparks that are primarily located in rural regions.
“The recognition of GHL as a national geopark is another significant achievement for the country, particularly Selangor.
“This is the nation’s seventh geopark under the Geopark Development Programme by the Federal Government,” he said.
Nik Nazmi added that the government aimed for every state to have at least one national-level geopark.
“To date, 10 national geoparks have been recognised including GHL Geopark.
“Meanwhile, two geoparks have achieved Unesco Global Geopark (UGGp) recognition – Langkawi and Kinabalu,” he said.
With aspirations for Unesco Global Geopark recognition in 2028, GHL Geopark has been designed to meet international standards while preserving the area’s natural landscapes.
Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the state supported initiatives geared towards sustainable projects and building tourism in line with the First Selangor Plan (RS-1).
“There is a high demand for eco- and geotourism among tourists,” he said.
“The state government is confident that GHL Geopark will be the key component in promoting tourism attractions with natural landscape preserved.”
The launch was also held in conjunction with the annual Gua Damai carnival at the extreme park, where visitors experienced sporting activities including rock climbing, paintball, archery and flying fox.
Also present at the launch were Selangor state secretary Datuk Haris Kasim and state local government and tourism committee chairman Ng Suee Lim.
GHL Geopark is spearheaded by Tourism Selangor and supported by several key government and community partners, including PlanMalaysia, Mineral and Geoscience Department (JMG) along with Kajang, Ampang Jaya and Selayang municipal councils.
