GEORGE TOWN: Penang Gerakan is urging the Kedah government to commission a feasibility study for the drawing up of a Special Area Plan for the Bujang Valley.
Gerakan Tanjung division vice-chairman, H’ng Khoon Leng said a Special Area Plan for the Bujang Valley was crucial to doing a full inventory of all historical structures and artefacts in Kedah, especially in the valley.
“The new Kedah government should learn from the failure of the Penang government in protecting its hills such as the balding of Bukit Relau, wanton hill slope development and the infamous destruction of Kampung Buah Pala,” he told a press conference, here, yesterday.
H’ng was commented on the blatant destruction of Candi 11 in the Bujang Valley, the site of the oldest kingdom in Southeast Asia, believed to be more than 1,000 years old.
He said the Kedah government could be complacent about the conservation of its heritage as the state lacked heritage and historical tourism promotion, adding that the destruction of the candi (ancient tomb temples) in the Bujang Valley could be a great loss to the people.
“The Bujang Valley is said to be the oldest civilisation in Southeast Asia, therefore a full research and study should be carried out to ensure heritage sites are well-preserved.
“Besides that, there should be more emphasis on historical and heritage studies in the national education system. Without in-depth education, the young generation may not be able to appreciate and preserve our heritage,” he said.
H’ng said the National Heritage Department and Kedah government should ensure gazetting of historical sites be done immediately. — Bernama