KUALA LUMPUR: The uniqueness of the Lenggong Valley archaeology site must be protected in order to maintain its recognition as a Unesco World Heritage Site.
Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz said that if the site was not well protected, the Unesco recognition, which was obtained in June 30 last year, could be retracted. “The Unesco recognition was hard to obtain.
“It took us about five years to receive it after applying for it. It is prestigious, adds economic value and is a dream of all countries,” he said in his speech at the awards presentation reception for the best design for a visitor centre for the Lenggong Valley archaeology site yesterday.
Lenggong Valley is a unique outdoor museum and features one of the first human civilisations in South-East Asia. It is the fourth site in Malaysia to receive the Unesco recognition after Malacca and George Town, the Kinabalu Park and Mulu National Park.
The Perak Man, that was found in Gua Gunung Runtuh, was one of the oldest and most complete human skeletal remains in South-East Asia that was dated 10,000 to 11,000 years old.
Nazri said that any development at the site must be implemented carefully to protect the “outstanding universal values”. He said the cooperation between the Federal and Perak Governments was towards the same goals – its protection and promotion.
At a press conference later, Nazri said the building of the visitor centre would commence when the allocation was granted. On the competition, he said 100 architects went for a site visit to Lenggong Valley and 66 entries were submitted.
Nazri also congratulated the National Heritage Department for winning five awards for the Unburying The Past documentary during The Archaeology Channel International Film and Video Festival.
-thestar online.
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