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507744
Tue, 10/09/2018 - 06:53
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Prehistoric Animal Fossil Site in Gopeng Cave Closed for Three Months

GOPENG, Oct 9 (Bernama) -- The Gua Naga Mas here will be temporarily closed from Tuesday to carry out research works on a vertebrate fossil, believed to be that of an ancient tiger embedded in the ceiling of the cave. Perak state Tourism,Arts and Culture Committee chairman Tan Kar Hing said as the cave was a place of worship for Buddhists, they had discussed with the Buddhists Association here to close the cave.  They have agreed to shut off the site for at least three months so research studies can be conducted. The studies will be carried out by a group of archaeologists and geologists from various government agencies and departments including public university lecturers. The closure is also to avoid any damage to or theft of the fossil bones. “A technical committee will be set up under the Kinta Valley National Geopark Advisory Council to determine the identity of the fossil and the state government’s future plans for the fossil,” he told a press conference after a working visit to the cave here Monday. According to Tan, the fossil dating back between 2.5 million and 11,000 years ago, was discovered by a group of researchers in 1992.  The 98cm-long fossil is exposed on the cave ceiling, which is around seven metres above the limestone cave floor. -- BERNAMA     

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