Author: Badan Warisan Malaysia (The Heritage of Malaysia Trust)
MEDIA STATEMENT: GUNUNG KANTHAN
MEDIA STATEMENT – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
13 September 2023
Badan Warisan Malaysia (BWM) would like to express our deep concern on the Court of Appeal’s decision involving the forced eviction of the occupants of Dhamma Sakyamuni Monastery at Gunung Kanthan, north of Ipoh in Perak.
This limestone outcrop is on the verge of irreversibly losing its priceless geological, biological, cultural, tourist and recreational values to quarrying for limestone to use in the production of cement by the current owner of the land (Associated Pan Malayan Cement, a subsidiary of YTL) on which Gunung Kanthan is situated. Together with the other limestone outcrops, it forms the distinctive karst landscape surrounding Ipoh.
Gunung Kanthan was identified as one of the four most important karst hills in the Ipoh Local Draft Plan 1997-2020 by Ipoh City Council, and the Malaysian Nature Society Year-long Multi-disciplinary Survey of Kinta Valley Limestone (1991). This natural geological heritage must be protected and preserved for many generations to come because:-
- Biodiversity Conservation : Pristine ecosystems are home to a diverse array of plant and animal species such as population of the serow or kambing gurun as well as other huge trees, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
- Balanced Ecosystem : This heritage geopark plays a role in mitigating climate change and maintaining ecosystem stability which are vital for the survival of all beings.
- Cultural and Historical Significance : It holds cultural and historical importance, offering insights to the evolution and development in both biodiversity and socio economy.
- Tourism and Recreation : Natural heritage sites attract tourists and outdoor enthusiasts, contributing significantly to local economies. It offers beauty and serenity that can have profound effects on mental and emotional well-being.
There were findings in 2014 by the Mineral & Geology Department that showed idle ex-mining land has 6.3 times more limestone subsurface than above ground, this alternative can avoid the exploitation of surface limestone from the limestone hills and the irretrievable irreversible damage to the million years of creation.To date, there have been 3 quarries that are using the subsurface mining method and its feasibility has been proven at the 29th International Congress for Conservation Biology in Kuala Lumpur in 2019 through a study by Petronas University of Technology (commissioned by Lafarge Malaysia). With these crucial findings, BWM believes that it is unfair to sacrifice the natural beauty of these weathered karst formations to the quarry industry.
The Dhamma Sakyamuni Monastery was established over 100 years ago when the founder discovered this wonderful cave, amidst the ancient limestone hills around Ipoh, which goes back millions of years to its formation, to be most conducive for meditation, spiritual cultivation and enlightenment. All these events of the founding of the monastery happened long before the Federation of Malaya became an independent nation in 1957, followed by the formation of Malaysia in 1963.
It is a harsh and cruel reality when these monastic inhabitants of this ancient cave woke up one day and found themselves to be deemed squatters in their own space, because of a much later Malaysian land code of laws imposed upon them, callously disenfranchising them from their own architectural and natural heritage as law-abiding citizens of Malaysia.
BWM calls for all the relevant authorities and agencies to save and protect our natural heritage. The use of sub-surface mining method must be enforced in certain circumstances and these necessary measures must be taken to ensure that the priceless heritage of the Sakyamuni Cave Temple and Monastery as well as Gunung Kanthan with its unique endemic flora and flora is preserved for future generations to appreciate. The eviction of Dhamma Sakyamuni Monastery will pave the way for further destruction of it with its surroundings at Gunung Kanthan. Once destroyed, they will be lost forever.
A recent petition addressed to His Royal Highness Sultan Nazrin Shah (Ruler of the state of Perak), and the Chief Minister of Perak was launched by the Dhamma Sakyamuni Monastery Gunung Kanthan to oppose the project, and has garnered over 28,500 signatures thus far: https://tinyurl.com/ycxree34. More information of the situation is available in the petition’s details.
Lim Wei-Ling, President, Badan Warisan Malaysia & 2023 Council of Badan Warisan Malaysia
Shibori Indigo Dye Workshop – Christmas Napkins
The Japanese word ‘sekka’ is translated as snowflake. Learn the art of Sekka Shibori in this workshop to create captivating snowflake patterns napkins/handkerchiefs with an overview introduction of the indigo plant and how the plant dye was made.
During the workshop, participants will have the opportunity to dye six napkins using the Shibori techniques mentioned. The workshop teacher Yann and her assistant will provide close guidance throughout the process, making it suitable for first-timers. All tools and materials are provided.
Limited slots available for the workshop. First come, first served basis. Click HERE to register!
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BWM Members’ Trip to Genting Tea Estate 2023
Join us for a trip to our Life Member, Dato’ Henry Barlow’s Genting Tea Estate, to visit his private residence and tour a nature reserve!
New members are encouraged to sign up and let us get to know you better. We also look forward to meeting old friends and those who have not yet been able to join us on previous GTE events.
More details in the poster. Limited places available (30 pax)!
Click HERE to register.
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BWM Open Day
We are pleased to announce that Badan Warisan Malaysia will be organising another Open Day session for all members and non-members on Saturday, 9 September from 10:30am to 12 Noon.
We welcome everyone for this opportunity to get to know Badan Warisan Malaysia, our work and our goals, while meeting our Council Members, BWM Members and the team! Sign up to be a new member or as a volunteer – we’d love for you to help, such as giving tours at Rumah Penghulu or the library digitization project.
More details and program tentative are in the poster.
Kindly click HERE to RSVP by 7 September 2023.
Badan Warisan Malaysia 40th Anniversary
Badan Warisan Malaysia is proud to celebrate our 40th Anniversary of conserving Malaysia’s heritage. BWM was established on this date, 2 August 1983 by the late Tan Sri Dato Harun M. Hashim, the late Tan Sri Mubin Sheppard, the late Ar. Chen Voon Fee and Prof. Dr. Ar. Jimmy Cheok-Siang Lim.
We would like to thank all former and current BWM members, and everyone actively involved with our advocacy and educational efforts, and for playing a part in helping to conserve the built heritage of Malaysia throughout the years. We are grateful for your continuous support and your shared love for architecture, history and culture.
We are reminded of our organisation’s objectives that have steered us over the years.
BWM Objectives
1. Create awareness and public support for conservation to ensure the survival of our built heritage.
2. Influence policy to create a conservation-friendly environment.
3. Promote education of built heritage as an expression of our history and identity.
4. Technical resource for conservation expertise and skills.
5. Build a strong and committed Membership.
6. Develop a Financially Independent operating model.
BWM Open Day
We are pleased to announce that Badan Warisan Malaysia will be organising a second Open Day session for all members and non-members on Saturday, 8 July from 10:30am to 12 Noon.
We welcome everyone for this opportunity to get to know Badan Warisan Malaysia, our work and our goals, while meeting our Council Members, BWM Members and the team! Sign up to be a new member or as a volunteer – we’d love for you to help, such as giving tours at Rumah Penghulu or the library digitization project.
More details and program tentative are in the poster.
Kindly click HERE to RSVP by 6 July 2023.
Exhibition Space @ No. 2 Stonor
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Great news for any artists/artisans/illustrators who are looking for a space to exhibit your artworks!
The newly renovated space within our heritage Centre is located in a prime area of the Golden Triangle of Kuala Lumpur, with a large parking area, and is just a 2-minute walk from the MRT Conlay Station.
Kindly submit your proposal to heritage@badanwarisan.org.my or contact us for more details.
Mulberry Paper Making Workshop
Join Cheng Yen Pheng in her workshop and discover the art of mulberry paper making. This is an excellent opportunity to learn a traditional craft and gain new skills while also contributing to a more sustainable future.
Revised details for the postponed workshop (27 May 2023)
Date: Saturday, 10 June 2023
Session 1: 10am – 12pm
Session 2: 2pm – 4pm
Venue: BWM Heritage Centre, No. 2 Jalan Stonor, Kuala Lumpur
Fee (p/p): RM 200 or RM 150 (BWM Members)
Materials are included. Each workshop session minimum number of participants is 5, and the maximum is 10.
Click HERE to register. Limited slots available for the workshop. If you would like to confirm your membership status, kindly email us at membership@badanwarisan.org.my.
Don’t miss this chance to create something beautiful and eco-friendly.
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