Vol 2, Issue 1.pub

Vol. 2, Issue 1
January — March 2004
Strictly for members only
The Quarterly Newsletter of the Malaysian Karst Society
The City of Vanishing Hills
lpoh, the City of Hills, features a
captivating landscape: ancient limestone
outcrops juxtaposed against modern highrises; casting shadows and reflecting a
million shades of jade, these hills rival
China's Guilin.
You might have seen promotional
scenes on TV selling Malaysia’s tourist
attractions: the picturesque karst
landscape of Langkawi and the mysterious
chambers of Gua Tempurung. While a
few sites are tooted as tourist
destinations, many more outcrops are
exploited extensively and destroyed for
the manufacturing and construction
industries.
Karsts are irreplaceable
resources. Whatever the solution to
problems of economic use, our priority
must be to strike a balance between
preservation and exploitation in order
keep this natural heritage for posterity.
The Perak State Government claims
that it has significantly reduced the
number of leases given out for quarry
operations.
To date, MKS has been
unable to confirm this as the Department
of Lands and Mines has not come forth
with the information. By this, we surmise
that there are fewer quarry operators but
not fewer hill-blasting operations. In fact,
all attempts to ferret out some statistics
have drawn blanks.
As a constructive move, MKS
organized a talk on sub-surface quarrying
in August, to which relevant government
departments were invited. It was a Friday
afternoon, and to our disappointment,
none of them showed up.
Inside this issue:
In 2004 August, while MKS and Perak
Mineral and Geoscience Department
went on a reconnaissance mission, we
discovered that Tasek Cermin in Gunung
Rapat was threatened.
MKS then
appealed to HRH Raja Nazrin, the Raja
Muda of Perak, who intervened. The
wang was spared, for now. (See last issue
of Karst News.)
The audience with the Raja Muda
included the Director of the Lands and
Mines Department, who promised to call
for a meeting to discuss sustainable
development and conservation of our karst.
However, numerous attempts to contact
him to fix the meeting have proved futile.
A few weeks ago, the rock fall at
Gunung Bercham buried illegal buildings
in the foothills; 2 were killed and 6
others injured. Four hills have since been
identified as dangerous by the City
Authorities; all were previously blasted
by quarries and left un-rehabilitated, as
required by law. Many of us would
remember the rock fall at Gunung
Cheroh in 1973 where 27 lives were
tragically lost - another former quarry
site.
Via Ferrata
2
MKS Events 2004
2
Trip Report
Gua Kelawar
3
Trip Report
Man Fatt Ngam
3
Trip Report
6-mile Tunnel!
4
Rules of Caving
6
Rock fall in Bercham
7
It has become critical to have legal
guidelines for the sustainable
development of our karst. Conservation
is top priority, or we will lose our
heritage and tourist ringgit to the
undisclosed tax revenue and lifethreatening exploitation and short-term
gains.
Ed: More on Page 7, this issue.
Malaysian Karst Society, Syuen Hotel, 88 Jalan Sultan Abdul Jalil, 30300 Ipoh, Perak
Tel: +6(05) 254 2993
This Might be
Your Last
Newsletter
Has your MKS
Membership expired?
Your membership expiry
date is printed below your
address on the mailing slip.
A Renewal / Application
Form is at the back of this
newsletter for your
convenience.
[email protected]
KARST NEWS
Page 2
Via Ferrata
Via Ferrata is Italian for “Iron Road” or
“Iron Way”. A via ferrata is basically a long
climbing route with permanently fixed
cables for protection. Steel ladders are
used on steeper sections to keep the
difficulty of the climbing moderate, and
bridges are often used.
Experience the
excitement,
exposure and
scenic beauty enjoyed
even by climbers without
technical training.
Who can climb a via ferrata? Anyone
who is fit enough to handle rugged trail
hiking. No rock-climbing experience is
needed. Vias are a way to experience the
excitement, exposure and scenic beauty
enjoyed by climbers, without spending the
time and money necessary to become a
skilled and equipped climber.
Where did the idea come from? Vias
have been used in the
Alps for a century or
more.
During the
world wars, they were
used to move troops
easily through high
mountain terrain. Viaclimbing has become a
popular sport in
Europe, with dozens in
existence and more
being built.
Climbing a steel ladders at a Via Ferrata
Via Feratta in Ipoh? Why
not? There are plenty of hills
in Ipoh with potential for via
ferrata installations.
It
certainly
makes climbing
easier, cheaper, and also
relatively safer.
However,
Vias are expensive to install
and with scrap metal at a
premium of late, Via Feratta
built here will need to be
theft-proof.
Karst Calendar
2005
Featuring the
Limestone Hills of
Kinta Valley
by photographer
Cheang Kum Seng.
RM8.50 each
from the MKS office .
MKS Events 2004
It’s been one year since MKS swung into full operation. We have organized various events,
trips, and activities to promote awareness and conservation of our karst features. The
MKS committee has been working hard behind the scene to advocate for the conservation
of our hills.
• Trip to “Iron Hill”, Gunung Rapat 381m, Ipoh
• Talk for Ipoh Rotoract Club
• Talk on Rehabilitation of Ex-quarry Sites
FEB 15
FEB 26
MAR 5
By Ramli Mohd. Osman
• 2nd MKS Annual General Meeting
• Trip to Gua Tambun, Ipoh
• Rock-climbing Workshop
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
By Ramli Mohd. Osman
Trip to Gua Anak Tempurung, Sg. Siput
Talk for Ipoh Rotary Club
Trip to “The Lost World”, wang near Kek Lok Tong, Ipoh
Trip to “The Cathedral”, Gua Kanthan, Chemor
Trip to Gua Naga Mas, Gunung Pua, Gopeng
Talk on “Sub-surface Quarrying – its implication and significance”
By Dr. Yeap Ee Beng
MKS Merdeka Leisure Flight
Featuring the Magnificent Outcrops
Trip to Gua Kandu, Gopeng
Trip to Gua Kelawar, Sg. Siput
Talk for S.M.K. Sam Tet
Trip to Man Fatt Ngam abandoned cave temple, Gopeng
Trip to Six-mile Tunnel, Tambun
MAR 30
APR 4
APR 10 & 11
MAY 1
MAY 27
JUN 6
JUL 4
AUG 1
AUG 14
AUG 31
SEPT 11
OCT 3
OCT 23
NOV 20
DEC 5
The Quarterly Newsletter of the Malaysian Karst Society
Page 3
OUTINGS REPORTED
Gua Kelawar — 3 October 2004
Located in Sungai Siput,
Perak, Gua Kelawar (Bat
Cave) is one of the few
caves where ancient
charcoal drawings could
still be found.
were no barriers nor
signage to remind visitors
not to touch the drawing
even though Gua Kelawar
was gazetted as a state
monument reserve in 1938.
The shower that
Sunday morning did not
dampen the spirit of 20
MKS members. We left
our car in an oil-palm
estate and trekked for 20
minutes to the cave
entrance.
The Jurnal Arkeologi
Malaysia published in 1990,
reported 14 spots in the
cave where charcoal
drawings could be found.
However, we spotted only
one at the entrance.
At the entrance to the
cave, we found some
charcoal
drawings
depicting the lifestyle of
its ancient residents,
probably the works of
Orang Asli in the vicinity
200 hundred years ago.
Unfortunately, the
drawings appeared to be
fading away.
Not
surprisingly there were
graffiti, making it hard to
distinguish vandalism from
ancient artwork. There
Despite its name, we
hardly saw any of the little
flying mammals in the cave.
The volume of guano was
also significantly less,
observed some members
who have been there years
ago.
The chambers of Gua
Kelawar are large.
The
main chamber is about 30m
by 30m and houses some
pretty
magnificent
formations although some
of them have been
vandalized.
“An archaeological study by the
Museums Department in 1986
revealed that Gua Kelawar was
inhabited as far back as the
Hoabinhian period (between 5,000
and 6,000 years ago).
Bones and stone tools from the
period were found together with
pottery artifacts and ceramics from
the 19th Century during excavation
in the cave.” — The Star, “Group:
Preserve cave drawings” - 23rd
November 2004
FOR A LAUGH
Caves were favourite hideouts
for the guerillas. In Malaya, the
Communists and the Malaysian
People’s Anti-Japanese Army
made use of caves to the best
of their advantage. Hiding in
darkness, a guerilla would wait
out for Imperial Japanese
soldiers to show up with their
torches. And when they do, all
the guerillas have to do is just
shoot at the source of light!
Man Fatt Ngam — 20 November 2004
Up in a 220-metre high limestone hill south
of Gopeng town, Man Fatt Ngam is an
abandoned Taoist cave temple. It was
founded in 1890(?) and had since been
moved to Gopeng after the 1969 racial
riots.
The climb was relatively easy, with
concrete steps most of the way. There
were a few chambers with a large main
chamber which supposedly housed 10,000
Buddhas. All that remained was a statuette
of Kuan Yin which sat on the main altar
which was still being worshipped. There
were some formations, but not as
spectacular as the ones we saw in other
caves.
Like most of the caves we visited, there
were trash and graffiti. Some members
decided to get rid of the trash before
leaving the cave.
To learn more about the history of Man
Fatt Ngam, some of us went to the temple
known as Sai Chok Ching Sia in Gopeng
town. According to the temple caretaker,
when the temple was relocated, some of
the statues were left behind simply because
they were too enormous. Sadly, there is no
trace of the statues today.
Altar of the Bodhisattva of
Compassion at Man Fatt Ngam
KARST NEWS
Page 4
Six-mile Tunnel - 5 December 2004
5-star in challenge rating, the Six-mile Tunnel trip in Tambun, Perak was our most
anticipated trip ever! It was so popular that we had to turn away many members who
were late to register. More than half of the 28 members on the trip came from out of
Perak State.
We were lucky that it had not rained much
the few days before the trip, or else the water
level in the tunnel would be too high for us to go
through.
Help! I sinking liaw!
The first obstacle to the tunnel was the
toughest. We had to wade across a lotus pond
the size of a soccer field to gain access to the
entrance. Since the water level was much lower
than it used to be, we practically waded through
mud, holding onto our old rubber tyre tubes.
Three metres from the pond’s edge, a few of us
tried to walk, thinking that there was solid ground.
But we only got sunk waist deep in mud!
There was water flowing from the tunnel
into a pool. Here we took the opportunity to rid
ourselves of mud, embedded in all crevices
imaginable!
Thanks to the low water level, we were
able to go through the tunnel with ease. The
Six-mile Tunnel is in fact merely 700 meters,
but it is still one of the longest in Perak.
There were rocks that were neatly piled up in
some parts of the tunnel. Our trip leader
explained that the tunnel was used for tinmining during pre-war times.
Strange creature encountered at
Six-mile Tunnel!
Straws - these formations are hollow inside
3rd AGM
will be on
26th
March
2005
Washing up at the entrance
After taking a break at the exit of the
tunnel, we continued our journey to the
waterfall beyond. Members Tadjuddin and
Robert cleared the path without a parang, and
Kevin was the anchor who made sure no one
was left behind.
MKS meets EU-MCCI
Excerpt from NST 29th October 2004, “EU-MCCI study to promote eco-tourism”
MKS met the delegates from EU-MCCI (European Union - Malaysian Chamber of
Commerce & Industry) in an informal meeting to discuss promotion of eco-tourism in
Perak on 8th December 2004.
The delegates have identified the Royal Belum Forest, Matang Mangrove Forest and Gua
Tempurung as preliminary sites for research and are gathering information from interest
groups and NGOs.
The project is the first of its kind in Asia under the EU-Asia co-operation programme, Asia
ProEco, an initiative by the European Union for mutual benefit and to promote
understanding between member states and Asia.
Page 5
The Quarterly Newsletter of the Malaysian Karst Society
Coming Trips & Events
Lion Rock, Sg. Siput (North) - 2 January 2005 (Sunday)
The climb is to the top of the prominent limestone outcrop overlooking Sg. Siput. We will
first climb up a vertical steel ladder for about 30m (safety line with harness will be
provided). If you do not have a head for heights, this climb is not for you.
After climbing the steel ladder, we will scramble up roots and rocks to reach the top.
Rock-climbing skills are not required but you should be pretty fit and agile. Not suitable
for children. Cameras and binoculars would be an asset — great view from above.
Meet at
Time
The former Ipoh Garden Plaza, Jalan Tasek
9.00 a.m.
Duration
3 hrs
Essential Gears
Good walking shoes, hat, insect repellant, water, lunch
MKS Trips
Register
at least
one week
in advance
MKS reserves the
right to exclude
members who turn
up without prior
registration.
Challenge rating
Gua Datok, Tambun - 6 February 2005 (Sunday)
This cave is located opposite the Six-mile Tunnel (MKS trip 05/12/04). The cave entrance
is located on a steep slope about 120m above ground. The main chamber is large with
several openings. We will also get to see Picasso’s Chamber, where nature created a
masterpiece on rock.
Meet at
The former Ipoh Garden Plaza, Jalan Tasek
Time
Duration
9.00 a.m.
3 hrs
Essential Gears
Torch light and spare batteries, water, lunch
©K.S. Cheang
Pencil Rock, near Gua Datok
Challenge rating
Cave in Paradise Valley - 6 march 2005 (Sunday)
This cave is relatively unknown and as yet unnamed. Communist graffiti can still be found
in this old hideout. There are two entrances to this cave, one in Paradise Valley, and the
other is accessible via the PLUS Highway facing Gunung Terendum.
If circumstance permits, we shall explore the cave at a higher level (
, 3 hrs)
which is virtually unknown and subsequently without graffiti (except for those made by the
Communists).
Meet at
Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple parking lot
Time
9.00 a.m.
Duration
2 hrs
Essential Gears
Torch light and spare batteries, water, lunch
Challenge rating
Paradise Valley
KARST NEWS
Page 6
Coming Trips ….continued
Trip to
Perlis
State Park.
Register by
31 January
2005
Perlis State Park — 30 April to 2 May (Sat, Sun, Mon, 2 nights)
This is our first trip out of Perak. Perlis has many limestone hills and caves including Gua
Kelam I, Gua Kelam II, and Gua Wang Burma which we shall visit. Members will be
accommodated at the chalets in the park.
On Sunday morning, you might like to visit the open markets at the Malaysian-Thai
border at Wang Kelian. Passports are not necessary for Malaysians. As we will have to
make reservations for the chalet, it is therefore
essential that members register for this trip by
31 January 2005. We will require a nonrefundable deposit of RM100.00 per participant.
Total cost of the trip including meals should be
around RM200.
Participants will need to
arrange their own transport to Perlis. An
itinerary will be posted to those who register
for the trip.
Rules of Caving
1.
Never enter a cave alone. A group of 3 or more persons is
recommended. If one person is injured, one of the uninjured can go
and get help while the other can stay with the injured person.
2.
Every person going into a cave must have more than one source of
light. Always bring spare bulbs and batteries for your torch and (if
possible) a spare torch light. In critical circumstances, remember that
you can always burn your clothes for light as a last resort! Lighters and
hand phones can also produce some light, but should not be depended
on, not even as a secondary light source.
3.
Always have a first aid kit in hand.
4.
Inform people (family, friends, or/and the nearest police station to the
cave) of where you are going and the expected time of return. (Those
who enter the cave with you don’t count.) Give a generous cut-off
time when help should be called.
5.
Do not touch or damage rock formations.
6.
Do not write or draw graffiti on the walls or the rocks.
7.
Do not litter.
8.
Do not smoke in a cave. (Even when nobody is watching.) Cigarette
smoke will tip the balance of the sensitive karst ecology.
9.
Do not urinate in a cave. The stench will remain for a long time, but
worse, you might upset the spirits of the cave.
MKS T-shirt For Sale @ RM20
In conjunction with Perak’s promotion of eco-tourism
The design features a map of major karst outcrops in Perak, printed on good quality
white polyester-cotton T-shirt. Available at the MKS office.
The Quarterly Newsletter of the Malaysian Karst Society
Page 7
Karst News in Brief
BURIED ALIVE! - 2 December 2004
“An avalanche of rocks and soil from a limestone hill killed two men and injured five
others,” reports NST, 3 Dec 2004. The unfortunate incident occurred at Gunung Bercham,
Ipoh, where illegal factories had been operating in sheds at the base of the quarried hillside.
We reprint in full the report from The Star, 8 Dec 2004.
Views and opinions
expressed in this
newsletter do not
necessarily reflect those
of the Society and the
Executive Committee
Photo from NST 3 December 2004
We welcome
contributions photographs,
articles, etc.
Contributions may be subject to
editing style and content at the
Editorial Committee‘s discretion.
Readers Write
New recording of a bat in a Perak cave
By Liz Price
For many years now I have been doing research on identifying cave bats in Peninsular
Malaysia. On 31 July 2004, a few MKS members visited Gua Batu Pencuri in Gunung Lanno,
Perak. This is a cave I had found the previous month. During our visit, I collected one bat
skull I had found. The skull was identified by Dr. Kock of the Seckenburg Musuem in
Germany as a horseshoe bat, Rhinolophus acuminatus. This is actually not a very common bat.
For Sale
2nd-hand PETZL Caving Helmet
First Generation Helmet Combination with Laser Headlamp and Aceto Acetylene (Carbide)
Lamp in good condition. Interested parties may drop into the MKS Office and take a look.
Call 05-2542993 to arrange for an appointment.
Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophos)