Lenggong Valley Anniversary: The effects of the overflow felt by the people, now the focus of world archeology
KUALA LUMPUR: A decade ago, Lenggong Valley in Hulu Perak was recognized as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) since 2012, now various spillover effects are felt, especially socio-economic and development of attractions in the district.
For Lenggong Member of Parliament, Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah, various developments are still being carried out with the cooperation of the Perak State Government and the Federal Government, especially in the field of archeology.
“First I would like to congratulate Lenggong as the 10th UNESCO Land Site celebrated today 30 June 2022.
“It is a sign that Lenggong has been recognized by UNESCO as an important archeological center, not only in Perak and Malaysia but also in the world.
“It is a very proud thing. Of course in the 10 years from 2012, there have been many changes to the people and the state of Perak as a result of this recognition,” he explained.
World archeological center
Shamsul Anuar added that apart from being a world ecotourism location, Lenggong is also a research center for archaeologists around the world.
In fact, several international events were held in the district, and it promoted Lenggong as a global archeological center.
“It is clear that after 10 years, the Lenggong brand has become known not only among the people of Perak, Malaysia but also among archaeologists around the world.
“Lenggong, especially Bukit Bunuh, is the earliest human area after Africa. Based on the data obtained, it is an early area in Southeast Asia … first inhabited by humans around 830 years ago. From there human development in this region,” he added. .
Facility upgrades
In terms of facilities, the Lenggong Valley Archaeological Museum is among those given attention by the government.
It saw an increase in domestic and foreign visitors especially for information on human history.
“If we look from the beginning, the facilities and materials placed in the museum are not good, but the government has invested under the Department of Cultural Heritage, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture by upgrading the museum to enable it to be an information center.
“From the data we obtained, there is an increase in visitor attendance, not only in museums. At the same time, there is development in important places such as Bukit Bunuh, and several other places that are a reference to ecological development,” he said, hoping the momentum would continue.
Give birth to entrepreneurs
From a socio -economic point of view, said Shamsul Anuar, various boarding houses and resorts have been developed by local entrepreneurs along the 22,000 square kilometers area.
Even small and medium industrial entrepreneurs (SMEs) are not left behind in producing more souvenir and handicraft products.
“Especially in accommodation services .. there are already many resorts and guest houses providing accommodation (to accommodate) tourists who come. It is done a lot by the local community and industry players.
“I expect that this accommodation will increase from time to time based on the current demand. Not just accommodation, the initiative from Lenggong District Council already has a tourism map.
“Finally we can provide attractive tourism packages. Of course we see many SMEs grow like mushrooms after the rain, by providing food, tourism, souvenirs and handicrafts,” said the Lenggong MP again.
The Lenggong Valley is located about 80 kilometers from Ipoh, Perak and is the main route to Grik and Pengkalan Hulu.
Among the highlights in the area was when the skeletons of the Perak people aged between 10,000 to 11,000 years old were found in the Gunung Runtuh Cave located in Bukit Kepala Gajah in 1991.
Apart from that, Bukit Jawa is also a major attraction which is believed to be a Paleolithic cultural site around 100,000 to 200,000 years ago.
Meanwhile, Kajang Cave has been used since 5,000 to 11,000 years ago as a settlement and burial area involving the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods.
source – Fareez Azman
