SELANGOR, 29 OCTOBER 2026 – Gombak-Hulu Langat Geopark (GHLGP) underwent the 2026 Gombak-Hulu Langat Geopark Reassessment, held over five days from 26 to 29 October 2026, as part of the periodic evaluation process conducted every four years to determine the geopark’s eligibility to retain its status as a National Geopark.
The reassessment was led by Prof. Emeritus Dr. Felix Tongkul as Head of the Evaluation Panel, accompanied by Madeline Anak George Pau and Fredolin Javino as observers. Throughout the evaluation period, the panel reviewed GHLGP’s achievements and management effectiveness across various criteria, including the conservation of geological and biodiversity heritage, sustainable tourism development, education and public awareness programmes, community engagement, geopark governance, and strategic collaborations implemented since its recognition as a National Geopark in 2022.
As part of the assessment, the evaluation panel conducted field visits to several key locations within GHLGP to directly assess the effectiveness of geopark programmes and initiatives on the ground. Sites visited included Gombak Selangor Quartz Ridge (Bukit Tabur), Batu Caves, the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), the Ulu Parang Gallery, Geopark Community Park, the Air Shaft and Coal Tunnel in Batu Arang, Sungai Tekala Waterfall, Dusun Tua Hot Springs Complex, and Sungai Lalang Hot Springs.
In addition to visits to geoheritage and biodiversity sites, the panel engaged with local communities, Geopark Schools, Geopark Friends, and geotourism operators to evaluate the level of community participation and the sustainable development impacts generated through the implementation of geopark initiatives.
The reassessment programme also included technical presentations, dialogue sessions with government agencies, higher learning institutions, local communities, and tourism industry stakeholders, as well as field visits to major geosites and geotourism products within the geopark area, which spans more than 112,000 hectares across the districts of Gombak and Hulu Langat.
Among the key components assessed were geopark governance and management, conservation of geological and biodiversity heritage, community engagement, educational programmes, geotourism development, and strategic partnership networks that support sustainable development within the geopark. The reassessment serves as an important platform to evaluate the effectiveness of initiatives implemented over the past four years, while strengthening GHLGP’s position as a model for sustainable geopark development in Malaysia and enhancing its readiness for international recognition.
As part of the programme, Tourism Selangor also launched the official song and music video, “Pesona Gombak Hulu Langat Geopark,” performed by Layla Sania, as a creative platform to promote the unique geological, biodiversity, and cultural heritage of GHLGP to a wider audience.
The music video was produced with the support of Canon Marketing Malaysia, which provided technical expertise and professional filming equipment. During the same event, Tourism Selangor and Canon Marketing Malaysia signed a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) to strengthen efforts in promoting, documenting, and conserving natural heritage through creative content production, photography and videography talent development, and public awareness programmes.
GHLGP is the first National Geopark in Selangor, encompassing a diverse range of high-value geological, biodiversity, and cultural heritage assets. Through this reassessment process, GHLGP aims not only to retain its National Geopark status but also to strengthen its preparation for nomination as a UNESCO Global Geopark by 2028, in line with the Selangor State Government’s aspiration to position the state as a world-class geotourism destination.
—ENDS—