This is an official statement issued by YTL Cement regarding matters concerning the eviction of the Green Temple in Kanthan.
In the past week, many of you would have likely come across news reports and social media posts discussing the ongoing dispute between our company and the Green Temple (who call themselves Dhamma Sakyamuni Caves Monastery) on Gunung Kanthan.
While we value the principles of freedom of speech and the right to express opinions openly, it is disheartening to witness certain parties distorting the narrative and presenting misinformation to sway public opinion. Falsehoods have been disseminated in recently published reports and postings. We cannot continue to stay silent while enduring constant attacks without sharing our perspective.
The sanctity of law must be respected. We aspire to live in a mature and democratic society – one that is governed by law and not by emotions and mob rule.
Almarhum Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, Malaysia’s first Prime Minister inaugurated the Kanthan Plant in 1963
Our Kanthan Plant holds significant historical importance, being the first cement plant inaugurated by our beloved first Prime Minister, Almarhum Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, in 1963. The Kanthan quarry (comprising Areas A, B, C, D) was entrusted to APMC by the State for cement production, to support the development of the newly established Malaysia. The Kanthan Plant has been a cornerstone in our nation’s progress, contributing to the modernisation, infrastructure, and housing requirements.
Given this context, we believe it is imperative to provide you, our valued colleagues, with the facts of the matter.
In 2020, after all attempts to amicably resolve this issue had failed, we had no other choice but to assert our legal rights against the Green Temple in accordance with Order 89 of the Rules of Court 2012 for two main reasons:​
- TrespassingÂ
APMC is the rightful owner of the land. The temple is encroaching our land and ignoring our legal rights as the registered owners and beneficiary of the land. Over the years, they have also brazenly extended their structure without consent.​ Although the illegal occupants were first instructed to vacate in April 2013, they adamantly refused to comply. Efforts to achieve a mutually agreeable resolution were not successful. Ultimately, we had no choice but to seek legal redress in 2020. - Disregard for safety and security​Â
Limestone structures are known to be unstable and highly reactive to water or weak acid (such as rainwater) and they dissolve easily. The occurrence of limestone collapses constitutes natural geological disasters, and they are notoriously difficult to predict. In Perak alone, approximately 20 instances of natural limestone collapses have been recorded. The most devastating incident took place in 1973, when a limestone cliff in Gunung Cheroh crumbled, claiming the lives of 42 individuals. A geological report has conclusively stated that Gunung Kanthan is unfit for human habitation. Similar features as the collapsed Gunung Cheroh can be seen in Area C cave as well as indications of rockfalls. There is clear evidence that previous failures took place 100 to 200 years ago and the next failure can happen anytime. The volume of the rockfall may be up to 50,000 m3, equivalent to 20 Olympic sized pools.
Similar characteristics to the collapsed Gunung Cheroh observed in Area C cave
Evidence of rockfall
Fractures on the cave ceiling with water seeping through
In October 2022, our bid to remove the monastery was rejected by the High Court. Subsequently, in September 2023, the Court of Appeal overturned the decision and APMC was granted permission to remove the Green Temple.
News reports have repeatedly reported on the temple’s claims on its heritage and the urgent need to protect Gunung Kanthan’s biodiversity. We want to set the record straight and give you the facts.
Unsubstantiated Claims on Temple’s Heritage
There is no proof supporting the Green Temple’s claim of a 100-year existence at our quarry. In actuality, official records indicate that the Green Temple was registered with the Registrar of Society (ROS) only in 2007.
If the Green Temple truly has a century-long history, one must question why it hasn’t been designated as a heritage site alongside other cave temples like Perak Tong Cave Temple in Ipoh, Sam Poh Tong Temple in Gunung Rapat, Lin Seng Tong Cave Temple in Ipoh, Kwan Yin Tong Cave Temple in Gunung Rapat, and Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple in Ipoh, just to name a few.
We have always maintained a harmonious coexistence with the local community.
We are Voluntarily Conserving the Kanthan Geosite
Since 2014, we have taken a proactive stance in the preservation of Area D, home to Gua Kanthan. With the help of experts, we have mapped in great detail the Kanthan Geosite that contains the geoheritage and biodiversity that represents the whole of Gunung Kanthan. We are the first and only company doing conservation at an active mining site.
Claims have been made regarding the unique presence of endemic flora and fauna in Area C, purportedly not found elsewhere. Further research by experts have found that Areas D and C exhibit nearly identical limestone biodiversity species. Additionally, there is evidence that our renowned Kanthan trapdoor spider can also be found in Gua Tempurung.
The importance of balanced development and conservation
There must be a balance between economic development and conserving our country’s important heritage for the future generations.
Our conservation efforts have involved cooperation with both local and international experts in conducting research on flora and fauna. We also have plans to establish a dedicated research center in the future.
Kanthan Geosite boundary that contains the geoheritage and biodiversity that represents the whole of Gunung Kanthan
In the coming month, we are embarking on a collaborative initiative with the Ministry of Higher Education to establish a University-Industry Consortium for Tropical Karst Landscape Research. This five-year endeavour aims to map tropical karsts that warrant preservation, those suitable for educational and tourism purposes, as well as areas conducive for development. This strategic research will be important in making informed decisions about the responsible management of these unique landscapes.
Our primary concerns in this matter have always been respecting the sanctity of law and safety. Regrettably, this matter has been manipulated and exploited for personal interests.
Your support and understanding are highly valued. We will continue to keep you updated on this matter.
Ong Ping Ping
Director of Communications
