By Nasuha Badrul Huzaini
SHAH ALAM, Dec 6 — The Gombak Quartz Ridge will be nominated as a National Geopark site due to its diverse geological heritage.
State executive councillor for tourism, environment, green technology and Orang Asli affair Hee Loy Sian said the nomination was approved during the 32nd State Executive Council Meeting (MMKN) on September 29.
“PLANMalaysia Selangor is expected to present further details regarding the management of the Geopark site in the next MMKN meeting soon,” he said in response to a query from Bukit Lanjan assemblywoman Elizabeth Wong Keat Ping on the site’s current status.
Previously the Gombak Quartz Ridge, believed to be the longest pure quartz dyke in the world, was pursuing United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) World Heritage Site status.
However, a team of experts determined the quartz ridge was not ready to be nominated for Unesco certification. As such the state government will instead focus on it as a national geopark.
Hee added the evaluation of the Gombak-Hulu Langat Geopark by the National Geopark Committee Panel will be held between April to July 2022.
“This will be followed by the Gombak Quartz Ridge gazettement as a National Geopark within the same year,” he added.