IPOH: A one-of-a-kind quarry eco park is now open to the public.

       The Tasik Cermin Eco Park is located near the popular Tasik Cermin in Gunung Rapat, where there would be several attractions, including two of the "mirror lakes".

       Perak Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Nolee Ashilin Mohammed Radzi said one of the lakes is accessed through a 200m watery tunnel, while the other is by land.

       Nolee Ashilin said there would be more facilities to be developed there within three years, including a glamping site, floating platforms, rock and tin ore gallery, petting zoo and facilities for eco-activities like rock climbing.

       "The park is located at one of our 19 Kinta Valley Geopark geo-sites.

       "It has a low-carbon concept that uses environmentally-friendly materials, which is in line with the Ipoh City Council's strategic plan," she said during a press conference after a soft-launch of the eco park here on Saturday (Feb 26).

       Nolee Ashilin said the eco park was developed with the advice from the Mineral and Geoscience Department to ensure there would be minimal impact to the surrounding area and safety.

       "Everything is done according to the guidelines. Former quarries that are not safe will be left as it is," she said.

       On Pulau Sembilan, which was famous for its "blue tears" plankton phenomenon, Nolee Ashilin said it was still not allowed to be opened for landing.

       She said tourists can only visit the island from the water.

       "We want to fully rehabilitate the island before opening it to tourists again," she said, adding that there was no time frame set for its full rehabilitation.

       The island is part of a cluster of nine islands off Perak and was closed in April 2017 after authorities found that the area had been damaged by tourists.

       On the rising cases of Covid-19, Nolee Ashilin believes that it will have an impact on the tourism industry in the state.

       "People are more wary now to go out during the holidays, especially those with small children who have not been vaccinated.

       "I expect there will be fewer tourists compared to the holidays in December," she said.

       Also present was Ipoh mayor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin.