IPOH: There are claims of Tasik Cermin or Mirror Lake, a hidden gem in Gunung Rapat, near here, is under severe threat of quarrying activities.

Photos of the hidden lake surrounded by limestone karst towers have lately been making their rounds among nature groups but for the wrong reasons – pollution.

However, State Tourism, Arts and Culture Committee chairman Tan Kar Hing said all 36 licensed quarry operators in the vicinity were working within their boundaries.

“I have checked this with both the Lands and Mines Office as well as with the Perak Minerals and Geoscience Department,” he said.

Tan, however, admitted that he had seen some photos online showing the lake seemingly affected.

“I will re-confirm this by visiting the lake soon with experts,” he said.

He added that during a visit to the lake in October, it looked serene.

The only access to the lake, he said, was to trek pass a quarry before walking through a 50m-long tunnel to reach the lake.

“The quarry operator ceased work about a year ago, and thus the state government plans to develop the area,” he said.

Tan noted that there was another quarry near the lake.

“If we (state government) could develop the place into a new tourism product, we will be further empowered to ensure the place is well taken care of,” he said, adding that plans to develop the place were still under discussion.

Tan also said that with basic infrastructure such as a platform at the lake and an access route constructed by the Ipoh City Council already in place, it would be easier to get things done.

“The lake may be ideal for boating and other water activities as well as for avid photographers to capture the beauty of the entire area,” he added.

The lake is part of the newly proclaimed Kinta Valley as a National Geopark.

Kinta Valley covers about 1,950sq km, encompassing both the Kinta and Kampar districts.