Food court in Gombak cave stirs up concerns

LOCATED in National Gombak-Hulu Langat Geopark (GHL Geopark) within the famous Batu Caves limestone hills is the Gua Lepak food court.

The unconventional dining destination in Taman Industri Bolton, Gombak, has created a buzz on social media ever since it opened in March last year.

Operating from inside a 400-million-year-old cave, the food court has drawn curious patrons eager to experience its unique dining ambience which is located within the cave.

Gua Lepak is a name given by the food court’s proprietor for his business but the cave’s actual name, according to reports and literature, is Swamp Cave.

However, beneath the surface allure of novelty lies a troubling reality, say stakeholders.

These include issues of public safety, legal compliance as well as vandalism of a cave in a recognised national geopark.

As Selangor aims for Unesco certification for the geopark, the presence of Gua Lepak is undermining these aspirations.

GHL was recognised as a national geopark on Nov 14, 2022 by the then Energy and Natural Resources Ministry.

A geopark is a single, unified geographical area where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection and education, encompassing tourism, conservation and sustainable development.

Selangor has 31 designated geosites within the Gombak and Hulu Langat districts.

Various installations have been installed inside the cave’s dining area.

The cave is one of the 20 geosites selected by Tourism Selangor to raise awareness and involve local communities as part of its conservation efforts.

When the cave was taken over by an individual, it was named D’Gua Al Khafi Culture Village – an event space with the cave as a tourist attraction.

The cultural village is today known as Gua Lepak food court.

Safety hazard

During a visit to the Gua Lepak food court, StarMetro found an entire business premises, with multiple floors, had been constructed at the entrance of the cave, which also had ad-hoc extensions.

Upon entering the cave, we found in some areas, stalagmites and stalactites – formations created by minerals gradually precipitating from dripping water over time – had been partially painted or bricked around.

Lights of various hues and fans had been installed, raising concerns of their effect on the bat population.

It has been reported that such lights can affect bats, especially species that use caves for roosting, breeding or as a nursery site.

Bats are highly sensitive to lighting changes in their environment due to their nocturnal nature and rely on dark conditions for various activities.

Stalls and tables placed outside the cave.

In addition to the food court, the management of Gua Lepak is also operating a karaoke lounge and homestay.

The business owners also organise rock climbing and other activities and events outside the cave.

The dining area lacks fire exits and other safety measures.

Many are questioning how the authorities have allowed a cave, within the GHL Geopark, to be transformed into a food court.

Unesco aspiration shaken

Experts interviewed by StarMetro say that Gua Lepak’s operations is jeopardising Selangor’s aspirations to achieve Unesco recognition.

Assoc Prof Dr Tanot Unjah, who heads the Heritage Geology and Landscape programme at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and sits on the committee that evaluated geosites, acknowledged the challenges.

“If we are aiming for Unesco World Heritage status, given the development that is happening in and around Batu Caves, attaining it would be almost impossible,” she said.

“But for Unesco Global Geopark status, we have a chance, but it requires working with the local community.’’

Tanot said this would involve harmonising conservation efforts and fostering sustainable economic development in collaboration with residents and local councils, while also maintaining a delicate balance between preservation and the promotion of tourism.

A homestay and karaoke lounge have been constructed outside Gua Lepak food court.

She emphasised the need for clear delineation by agencies involved, especially in areas like Ampang and some parts of Bukit Antarabanga, that are possibly the most urbanised within the GHL Geopark.

“If a conservation area happens to be near a commercial site, the local council must ensure there is no encroachment as there tend to be a lot of private-owned land there too.”

Tanot added that any encroachment compromising the ecosystem and public safety should not be allowed, citing the example of commercial activities inside caves.

“Hence, operating an eatery inside a cave is a big no no.

“There are some who do it, but we are talking to them.

Mohd Yazid: The operator was issued compounds for the offence of encroaching into the cave and had ceased temporarily.

“The committe has asked them to produce a certificate to show that public safety is not compromised.”

She said some parts of the Batu Caves area, known for endemic species, were being used to dump rubbish.

Another academic on the geopark committee, Assoc Prof Sharina Abdul Halim, said the local authorities and GHL Geopark management were aware of the situation at Gua Lepak.

She added that the committee had carried out on-site visits to educate the owner of Gua Lepak about the geopark and its significance, emphasising the importance of inclusivity and grassroots participation.

“These efforts are essential in our quest to find a balance between conservation and development, in line with the goals of the geopark,” said Sharina.

Environmental activist Lim Teck Wyn said the Selangor government should cease allocating land surrounding the geopark to private individuals.

“The government does not have the authority to distribute land surrounding the geopark.

“I believe the area requires enhanced protection and a comprehensive management plan to safeguard it against encroachment,” he said.

Lim said there were reports of geosites, across the country, being transformed into commercial ventures with little coordination among various stakeholders.

No permission

Sharina: On-site visits were conducted to educate the owner of Gua Lepak about the geopark and its significance.

Former Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) president Datuk Mohd Yazid Sairi, when contacted, confirmed that the cave was state-owned land and no permission had been given for any party to utilise the space.

A business licence was issued to the operator allowing operations to be carried out within its premises, he said, but this did not include the cave.

“The cave itself is state land under the management of Gombak Land Office.

“If they (operator) want to use the cave, they would need to get permission from the owners, in this case, the state via the land office,” he said.

“They would need to get approval in the form of a lease or temporary occupation licence.”

Mohd Yazid said an inspection, led by the land office, was carried out last year following complaints.

The operator was issued compounds for encroaching into the cave and had ceased temporarily.

“However, it is apparent that operations inside the cave have resumed.

Tanot: The cave has a chance to get Unesco Global Geopark status, but that requires working with the local community in the area.

“MPS will take the lead from the land office on the next course of action.

“In the meantime, we can also relook at the licensing for immediate action.”

Mohd Yazid also said the council would check on claims that a homestay business and unapproved rock climbing activities were taking place there.

He acknowledged that businesses, such as Gua Lepak, could jeopardise the area’s geopark status.

“This can cause natural aesthetics of the geosite to be damaged or lost, in the name of profit.”

Mohd Yazid has been promoted to Selangor Deputy Secretary (Management) from March 1.

Meanwhile, a source from Gombak Land Office confirmed that the Gua Lepak food court had encroached onto state land.