Ancient sandstone on show in Langkawi

LANGKAWI: Sandstone from Gunung Macinchang, which dates back to some 550 million years, is among the attractions at this year's Langkawi Geopark Carnival. Sales and exhibition committee secretariat member Norlia Mat Saad said visitors would also be able to find the island's limestone and marble on display as well as information and photographs of the geopark at the event.

“We have received encouraging response from visitors and tourists on the two-day exhibition held at Dataran Lang here since it began yesterday,” she said. She said besides the sandstone and other displays, the event also saw 26 government department booths and 22 sales booths being set up, adding that a quiz on the geopark was also held for the public. The carnival was organised by the Langkawi Development Authority (Lada).

Lada public relations officer Ramizi Hassan said the carnival was held in conjunction with Langkawi's fourth anniversary as part of Unesco's Global Geoparks Network since 2007. “The carnival aims to cultivate an appreciation for nature among the people and instill in them values on how to preserve our cultural heritage,” he said. Ramizi said 20 activities had also been planned for the carnival, including a kenduri (feast) for the people, wayang kulit (shadow puppet show) in Pulau Tuba, a guided walk in Kilim, a sales exhibition at Dataran Lang, a “geohunt” at the Pekan Rabu Complex, a lecture at the Al Hana Kuah Mosque, folk games, futsal, and beach volleyball at Taman Lagenda.

There will also be children's cultural shows, a scooter convoy, a Most Beautiful Motor contest and a cooking competition to add to the merriment. Ramizi said he hoped the activities would help boost the Langkawi Geopark among tourists, which is the first in South-East Asia. The geopark covers much of Langkawi, from Kilim River to Gunung Macinchang. 

- Bernama