Public, tourists advised against trespassing onto privately-owned local attractions

Safety features are needed before the public can be allowed to view the Limestone Pinnacles in Kampar, Perak. — RONNIE CHIN/The Star

THE public, especially tourists, are advised not to sneak into government or privately-owned land without permission to view a place of interest.

Perak tourism committee chairman Loh Sze Yee said the numerous incidents of people trespassing onto private land has raised safety concerns.

“Some local attractions including potentially dangerous sites have been getting a lot of social media attention,” he said when met during a visit to the Limestone Pinnacle of Kampar.

The Limestone Pinnacle of Kampar is a stunning natural rock formation comprising massive granite boulders weathered down by erosion over time.

However, the beautiful rock formation is located on private land and is not open to public.

Loh said while some of these locations were a safety hazard, this did not deter people from visiting such sites.

“We are worried for their safety. We advise the public to get permission from landowners, be it the government or private entities, before visiting.”

Loh said landowners had been advised to ensure safety measures were put in place before opening their premises to the public.

“They need to work with the respective government departments to get advice on the required safety precautions and necessary approvals,” he said.

“Landowners are also advised to instal signboards warning people not to encroach into their land.”

On the Limestone Pinnacles of Kampar, Loh said the state was working with several government departments to discuss a plan to ensure the location was safe for visitors.

“The landowners have agreed that safety precautions are needed before the attraction can be opened to the public,” said Loh, adding that landowners were targeting to make the area accessible to the public by the year end.

Representatives from the Mineral and Geoscience Department, Kampar District Council, Tourism Perak and Perak Water Board were present during the site visit.