A special meeting involving key agencies will be convened to deliberate on the proposed development inside the Cenderawasih Cave in Perlis Geopark, following public concern over environmental sustainability.

Yesterday, Perlis Mentri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli said the meeting involving several key agencies would be held about the proposed cafe within the cave in Bukit Lagi, Kangar.

Earlier, Bernama reported that no official application had been received for technical review of the proposed cafe.

Gua Cenderawasih lies within Perlis Geopark and features unique limestone formations.

Under current planning procedures, any development involving geological sites must be referred to Minerals and Geoscience Department (JMG) by the local authority as part of the One-Stop Centre (OSC) process.

JMG in a media statement, noted that development around limestone hills must comply with its published “Guidelines for Determining Hazard Zones Around Limestone Hills” to ensure public safety.

As the national agency overseeing geopark development, JMG said it remained committed to conserving geological resources and providing technical guidance on managing high-value geosites.

The Perlis government had also earlier announced that the cafe project was suspended while it reviewed the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) guidelines on geosite conservation.

The cafe proposal has drawn opposition from several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) who warn that it can damage geological features that are hundreds of millions of years old.

JMG advised that any geopark-related development should follow the National Geopark Development Plan (PPGN) 2021-2030 and the National Geopark Implementation Plan (PLGN).

It also raised concerns about the potential risks posed by commercial facilities to the site’s conservation value.

Gua Cenderawasih features unique limestone formations, fossil-rich rock and rare geological structures dating back over 480 million years.

JMG warned that actions like painting cave walls, building permanent structures or covering natural formations could degrade the site’s scientific and aesthetic significance.