Safety Aspects and Geohazards Management in Geoparks: Some Case Studies from Malaysia
Abd Rasid Jaapar, James Bachat, Mohamad Faruq Syahmi Md Aripin, Che Aziz Ali, Azizan Ali and Mohd Syarizal Zakaria

1Geomapping Technology Sdn Bhd, Selangor, Malaysia
2Geoscience Consult Sdn Bhd, Selangor, Malaysia
3Borneo Geoscience Sdn Bhd, Sarawak, Malaysia
4Department of Mineral and Geoscience, Kedah, Pulau Pinang and Perlis
5National Committee for Geopark Development, Malaysia
6Institute of Geology Malaysia

Abstract

Abstract: Malaysia now has two (2) UNESCO Global Geopark, nine (9) National Geoparks and several other Aspiring Geoparks. Some of the features of the National Geopark are karstic landscape with mining and quarrying as major economic activities, then and now. Kinta Valley National Geopark for example, has more than 50 limestone hills and almost 600 caves. Major geological hazards are landslides (mainly rock fall), subsidence (mainly sinkhole) and cave stability. The Department of Mineral and Geoscience Malaysia has published Guideline on Demarcation of Safety Zones in the Vicinity of Limestone Hills in 2013. Safety of limestone cliffs are paramount important as several landslides and rockfall cases in the past has killed people and destroyed houses and other properties. Jerai Geopark which is one of the National Geoparks experienced large-scale multiple debris flow on 20 August 2021 where four (4) people killed and two (2) are still missing. Major attraction areas including chalets were destroyed completely and most of the downstream covered with debris flood and/or mud flood. This paper will discuss the work carried out at several geoparks including geological hazards mapping, characterization, analysis and modelling. Post-disaster and disaster preparedness activities including installation of Early Warning System (EWS), Community-Based or Community-Led Disaster Risk Management will also be presented.

Keywords: Keywords: geological hazards, geopark, rockfall, debris flow

Topic: Geohazard