EXPLORE OUR URBAN GEOHERITAGE

The half day trip to Klang Gate Ridge on the 12^th of November 2011 was part of the Explore our Urban Geoheritage programme, jointly organized by Young Earth Scientist (YES) Malaysia Chapter, Institute for Environment and development (LESTARI), and Geological Society of Malaysia. The objective of this awareness programme was to familiarize geologist on the present of geoheritage within urban area which need to be protected and necessity to balance development and conservation. The Klang Gate Ridge is under the State park of Selangor is 1.5km long making it the longest and biggest quartz rigde in the country and perhaps in the region. The hiking trip brought together 26 participants from University Kebangsaan Malaysia, Department of Mineral and Geoscience Malaysia (DMGM) and Depart of Heritage. The participants were briefed on the geological formation of the area by the organizer. In addition, they were also provided with leaflets which were sponsored by Trees a local NGO, and by the Department of Mineral and Geoscience. The participants contributed recommendation and suggestion based on their experiences during their visit on this site. This feedback includes; emphasizing more awareness programme for young geologist and local resident on the importance of geological heritage in their town; conservation of The Klang Gate Ridge should be prioritize for maintaining the balance of the environment and for future generation; and the scientific interpretation for the general public need to be improve. In addition the participants suggests that proper road sign that lead to the ridge should be put in place.  LESTARI and DMGM are in the process of proposing this area to be declared as National Heritage to the Department of Heritage.