IPOH – A popular tourist spot in Ipoh where a man was killed by a falling rock on April 8 will be temporarily closed to allow experts to check the limestone hill, says Perak state executive council member Loh Sze Yee.
This comes amid a study at various premises near limestone hills in the Malaysian state to ensure they are safe.
Mr Loh, who holds the tourism portfolio, said the state government received a proposal to close down the tourist spot.
“We want to find out from the experts if this is a once-in-a-blue-moon incident or something bigger,” he said.
“We want the experts to check and see what their recommendations are for mitigation works.”
He was speaking to reporters after visiting Qing Xin Ling Leisure & Cultural Village in Taman Saikat, Ipoh, where the victim, a 44-year-old local tourist, was killed on the spot when a rock fell on his head at about 11.30am on April 8. The man from Pangkor, said Mr Loh, had brought his friends to visit the place.
“Our condolences to the victim’s family and we will try to assist in any way we can,” he said.
Regarding the study, Mr Loh said this was being conducted by the state’s limestone foothills and caves committee on various developments, including temples and tourist spots.
He said: “There have been a lot of ecotourism activities in Perak in the past five to 10 years. We want to check all these developments, as some of these may not have been developed according to specifications.
“For example, for the old (cave) temples, they need reports from consultants to determine whether their premises are safe. I will meet the committee to come up with the specifications to ensure all developments are safe for the people.”
Ipoh is famous for its limestone enclaves, he said, but added that these places came with risks, like any other locations.
“Limestone hills are nice to look at and be in. But limestone itself is more hazardous than other (types of) stone or granite,” he said.
Qing Xin Ling operator Cheng Swee Kiat said it was willing to help the victim’s family in getting compensation through public liability insurance. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
