No lewd acts, vandalism: NGO pans Perlis govt on 'cave café'

Summary

• The Perlis Climbing Association (Perlis Climbers) rejects claims that Gua Cenderawasih was heavily affected by vandalism and littering, as claimed by the Perlis government.

• Its secretary, Aizat Zahid, says people around the area clean the place regularly.

• He also voices concerns over the sudden influx of tourists to the cave following the café plan.

The Perlis Climbing Association (Perlis Climbers) dismissed claims that Gua Cenderawasih was heavily affected by vandalism and littering, as claimed by the local authority.

Its secretary, Aizat Zahid, 36, said the claims were inaccurate and could confuse the public in regard to the actual situation of the eco-tourism spot.

“All the time I have visited the cave, I’ve never seen tourists engaged in lewd activities nor indulging in vandalism. There is only the ‘Selamat Datang’ (Welcome) message.

“Even if it was dirty, it is usually caused by the macaques, not people.

“In fact, there are people who come daily, in the mornings and evenings, to clean up the cave. So, the claims that the cave is dirty and neglected are untrue,” he told Malaysiakini.

On May 3, Aizat also urged the state government to halt the construction of a café inside the cave, pending an environmental impact assessment and technical study by geological experts.

He said the move is necessary to better understand the long-term effects on the geological heritage and allow remedial measures if needed.

This came after Kangar Municipal Council (MPK) president Affendi Rajini Kanth said the structure built inside the cave was a temporary one that could be dismantled at any time.

“The temporary structure is also located outside the cave and does not damage the existing ecosystem.

“MPK has also imposed conditions on the café operator, including a prohibition on cooking inside the cave, allowing only for the preparation of beverages,” he said.

On May 1, Perlis Menteri Besar Shukri Ramli was reported as saying that the white paint applied to the walls of Gua Cenderawasih was not to destroy the site’s natural beauty, but to cover up vandalism.

He said the café operator renting the cave area used a removable chalk-based paint to conceal offensive writings that tarnished the site’s appearance and the state’s image.

Influx of visitors

Meanwhile, Aizat voiced concerns over the rise in the number of tourists visiting the cave after the café idea was mooted, saying it could affect the cave’s ecosystem and its natural structure.

“We are worried that if human activity increases, it will increase pressure on its natural structure.

“While the café project has been postponed, the people are swarming the place to check what’s happening,” he added.

Aizat clarified that while he was not opposed to development, it should be based on proper studies conducted by experts and related agencies.

He added that several NGOs and geopark activists have also voiced reservations over the project, which could affect Perlis’ efforts to get Unesco Global Geopark recognition for the cave.

“The cave is a sensitive area. You can’t simply develop the area.

“Plus, many are questioning the need to build a café there when there are empty MPK shop lots located just 10m away,” he added.

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