THE Terengganu government’s hope of turning Tasik Kenyir into a geopark is expected to be realised next year, state Tourism, Culture and Information Technology Committee deputy chairman Sulaiman Sulong said.

He said the state government is working with several agencies to prepare the necessary documents for the purpose.

He said the effort has been in motion since 2015 with the establishment of the necessary committees, but is delayed due to some technical issues and the local community’s hesitance on the move.

“We hope to get Tasik Kenyir recognised as a national geopark next year, with efforts being made to make it on a par with the Langkawi Geopark and others that have been recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization,” he told reporters after closing a course for tour guides at the Kenyir Natural Research Station near Kuala Berang yesterday.

Also present was Terengganu Minerals and Geosciences Department director Habibah Tahir.

Sulaiman said the state government is committed to getting Tasik Kenyir recognised as a geopark to attract more foreign tourists to the state as well as to preserve its natural environment.

“The people need to understand that declaring Tasik Kenyir as a geopark will not pose a burden to them. Instead, they get to benefit from it through the creation of jobs and economic and tourism activities,” he said. – Bernama, September 15, 2022.