ALOR STAR: Approval for quarry projects in the Baling mountain ranges granted by the previous administrations have been deferred to protect the district's eco-tourism attractions.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said the decision involved all existing approvals for limestone, granite and sand quarry projects approved by the previous state administrations.
"Baling is earmarked as an eco-tourism district, Therefore, any project that could impose harm on this plan, which include approvals for limestone quarry, granite quarry, sand quarry projects have been deferred to find alternative sites.
"We are also rejecting new applications, particularly involving tourism attractions along Baling hills range to ensure that they are not affected by economic activities," Sanusi said to a question from Brigadier General (Rtd) Datuk Najmi Ahmad (Perikatan Nasional-Kupang) while debating the state's 2024 Budget in the state assembly sitting at Wisma Darul Aman today.
Sanusi, (PN-Jeneri) said the state government is also carrying out studies to develop eco-tourism sector in Gunung Pulai.
"The study involving Gua Sirih, Gua Badak, Gua Landak, Gua Air in Bukit Wang, Baling is being carried out by Plan Malaysia Kedah is part of the initiative to add value to tourism products in the district.
"The state government is planning to apply for an allocation to develop relevant tourism infrastructures for Baling's eco-tourism sector," he said.
In June, Baling residents and environmental groups reiterated their call for state government to revoke the approval of limestone quarry projects at Gunung Pulai and Gunung Baling which were approved in 2018 and dated back decades ago.
They had expressed hope that hills and caves be turned into an eco-tourism zone, in line with the Baling District Local Plan (RTD) 2020, which earmarked Gunung Baling under a Tourism Zone.
