Terengganu: The Terengganu state government has allocated RM3.78 million from 2024 to this year for various development programmes and projects at Kenyir Geopark in Hulu Terengganu.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, State Tourism, Culture, Environment and Climate Change Committee chairman Datuk Razali Idris stated that the allocation, channelled through the Hulu Terengganu District Office, aims to maintain the area's National Geopark status while paving the way for future recognition as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Global Geopark.

Razali detailed that the allocation covers geoheritage conservation efforts, the development of geotourism products, the provision of geopark facilities, public awareness and education programmes, as well as capacity building initiatives for the local community. He shared this information while responding to a question from Hilmi Harun (PAS-Manir) during the oral question-and-answer session at the Terengganu State Legislative Assembly.

The state government has implemented several strategic measures to ensure Kenyir Geopark continues to be managed sustainably and meets the criteria of an international-standard geopark. Among these measures is the conservation of geosites and heritage sites with high scientific value, including Gua Bewah, Gua Taat and the Batu Bersurat, to preserve the state's heritage assets.

Razali also highlighted the significance of the geopark, covering about 244,900 hectares in Hulu Terengganu, which possesses significant geological, biodiversity, cultural and geo-archaeological heritage value. Kenyir Geopark comprises 15 geosites, 10 biosites, 11 cultural sites and one geo-archaeological site, which are important assets for Terengganu.

In response to a supplementary question from Hilmi on indicators of the area's development success, Razali noted that visitor arrivals at Kenyir Geopark rose to 454,765 in 2024 from 218,157 in 2023, marking an increase of 108.5 per cent.