Gombak-Hulu Langat Geopark Reassessment Strengthens National Geopark Status

AMPANG JAYA, Malaysia, Oct. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Gombak-Hulu Langat Geopark (GHLGP) underwent the 2026 Gombak-Hulu Langat Geopark Reassessment Session, held over five days from 26 to 29 October 2026, as part of the periodic evaluation process conducted every four years to determine the geopark's eligibility to retain its status as a National Geopark. The assessment was led by Prof. Emeritus Dr. Felix Tongkul as Chief Evaluator, with Ms. Madeline Anak George Pau and Mr. Fredolin Javino serving as observers. Throughout the assessment period, the panel reviewed GHLGP's achievements and management effectiveness based on a range of criteria, including geological and biodiversity conservation, sustainable tourism development, education and public awareness programmes, community engagement, geopark governance, and strategic collaborations implemented since its recognition as a National Geopark in 2022.

During the reassessment, the evaluation panel conducted field visits to several key locations within GHLGP to directly assess the effectiveness of geopark programmes and initiatives on the ground. Sites visited included the Gombak Selangor Quartz Ridge (Bukit Tabur), Batu Caves, Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Galeri Ulu Parang, Geopark Community Park, the Air Shaft and Coal Tunnel at Batu Arang, Sungai Tekala Waterfall, Dusun Tua Hot Springs Complex, and Sungai Lalang Hot Springs. In addition to visits to geosites and biosites, the panel also engaged with local communities, Geopark Schools, Geopark Friends and geotourism operators to evaluate the level of community participation and the sustainable development impacts generated through geopark initiatives.

Apart from the field visits, the evaluation panel also conducted engagement sessions with various agencies and stakeholders to assess governance, conservation, education, community development and sustainable tourism initiatives within the geopark area. These sessions involved representatives from Tourism Selangor, the Department of Minerals and Geoscience Malaysia (JMG), the Selangor State Forestry Department, the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ), Selayang Municipal Council (MPS), Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj), the Gombak District and Land Office, the Hulu Langat District and Land Office, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), as well as Geopark Schools, Geopark Friends, local communities and geotourism operators.

The reassessment programme comprised technical presentations, dialogue sessions with government agencies, higher learning institutions, local communities and tourism industry players, as well as field inspections of key geosites and geotourism products within the geopark, which spans more than 112,000 hectares across the districts of Gombak and Hulu Langat. Key assessment components included geopark governance and management, geological and biodiversity conservation, community participation, educational programmes, geotourism development, and strategic partnerships supporting sustainable regional development. The reassessment serves as an important platform to evaluate progress made over the past four years while reinforcing GHLGP's position as a model for sustainable geopark development in Malaysia and enhancing its readiness for international recognition.

As part of the programme, Tourism Selangor also launched the official song and music video, "Pesona Gombak Hulu Langat Geopark", performed by Layla Sania, as a creative platform to showcase the unique geological heritage, biodiversity and cultural assets of GHLGP to a wider audience. The music video was produced with the support of Canon Marketing Malaysia, which provided technical expertise and professional filming equipment. During the same event, Tourism Selangor and Canon Marketing Malaysia also signed a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) to strengthen efforts in promotion, documentation and natural heritage conservation through the creation of creative content, photography and videography talent development initiatives, and public awareness programmes.

GHLGP is the first National Geopark in Selangor, encompassing a diverse range of geological, biodiversity and cultural heritage assets of significant value. Through this reassessment process, GHLGP aims not only to retain its National Geopark status but also to strengthen preparations towards its nomination as a UNESCO Global Geopark by 2028, in line with the Selangor State Government's aspiration to position the state as a world-class geotourism destination.

SOURCE Tourism Selangor