Limestone hill park may be closed, says Perak MB

At risk: An aerial view of Qing Xin Ling Leisure and Cultural Village.

IPOH: After a visitor was killed by a falling rock at the Qing Xin Ling Leisure and Cultural Village recently, the facility may face closure if experts call for it, says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.

The Perak Mentri Besar said the state government will consider closing down the popular tourist spot in Taman Saikat here if it is recommended by the limestone foothills and caves committee.

“There are many factors to be considered, including the businesses of some hawkers, but it must also be stressed that lives are important.

“The committee will meet first to go through all aspects as we also need to take into consideration other things including legal and land matters,” he said at a press conference here yesterday.

Saarani urged all local councils, operators and tourists to be more careful when visiting locations near limestone hills.

On Tuesday evening, Taman Saikat residents called for the permanent closure of the tourist spot after a 44-year-old man from Pulau Pangkor was killed by a falling rock there on April 8.

The premises have since been closed for checks and a police investigation.

Saarani said some renovation works were found to have been conducted in a limestone cave at the facility.

The Land and Mines Department, said Saarani, has issued a circular to all local councils, premises operators and relevant agencies to ensure that mitigation efforts must be of standard and not just to fulfil conditions.