A coalition of environmental groups today urged the Perak government to protect the limestone hills of Gunung Kanthan from quarrying, warning that the activity is threatening the area’s unique biodiversity.

At a press conference in Ipoh, the groups, led by Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM), said the limestone hills form part of the Kinta Valley National Geopark, where endemic flora and fauna face the risk of extinction as a cement manufacturer extracts raw materials from the area.

“Our biggest concern is...