The geological rock garden, better known as UTP GRG, was opened today by Perak Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Saarani Mohamad.
At the event, he also launched four books on geology published by UTP: UTP Geological Rock Garden: Malaysia’s Geological Rock Treasures, Immersive Reality Book: Earth Fossil Explorer, Immersive Reality Book: Rocks and Minerals, and Petrographic Atlas of Miocene Carbonates, Central Luconia, Sarawak.
A highlight of the book launch was the Immersive Reality Book series which have been recognised as Malaysia’s first immersive virtual reality book produced by a university.
Also present at the event were Perak State Secretary Dato' Ahmad Suaidi Abdul Rahim, Perak Education, Higher Education, Youth and Sports Committee Chairman Khairudin Abu Hanipah, Orang Besar Jajahan Perak Tengah Orang Kaya Kaya Panglima Bukit Gantang Seri Amar Diraja Dato' Dr. Hj. Ahmad Ruslan Mohd Ridzuan, Perak Tengah District Officer Mohd Zaki Abdul Rahman, UTP Vice Chancellor Professor Ts. Dato’ Dr Mohamed Ibrahim Abdul Mutalib, Perak State and Perak Tengah Head of Departments and UTP community.
Encompassing an area of 44,550 square meters, the UTP GRG features a 1.18km pathway connecting visitors to five thematic geological periods surrounding the UTP lake.
Exploring five thematic geological sections, visitors traverse a timeline spanning from 540 million years ago to the present day.
These sections offer insights into the formation of the solar system and Early Earth. The Paleozoic period (541-252 million years ago) highlights the explosion of early lifeforms, while the Mesozoic period (521-66 million years ago) is characterised by the dominance of dinosaurs, fuelled by abundant plant life.
At the close of the Mesozoic period, approximately 66 million years ago, a "mass extinction event" unfolds, witnessing Earth's devastation due to a large-scale meteorite impact that leads to the extinction of dinosaurs.
The subsequent Cenozoic period, stretching from 59 million years ago to the present, unveils the emergence of primitive mammals, the development of Malaysia's hydrocarbon petroleum system in sedimentary basins, and the evolution of human civilization.
A collection of 27 rock types, representing Igneous, Sedimentary, and Metamorphic rocks arranged according to their age, has been sourced from diverse locations across Malaysia.
The UTP GRG proudly features unique rock specimens, including the meteorite impact rock called "suevite," obtained from Lenggong Valley, Perak, and sponsored by Jabatan Warisan Malaysia in collaboration with Galeri Arkeologi Lenggong Perak.
Apart from the geological park, there is also the virtual reality digital data to facilitate users in studying the showcased rocks in the GRG.
Complementing these geological exhibits are captivating models, including life-sized dinosaurs and primitive mammals, providing visitors a realistic and an immersive experience.
The garden provides a unique outdoor learning space for nature enthusiasts, students, researchers, and anyone interested on Earth's geological history.
In addition, it showcases rock types that are associated with Malaysia’s sedimentary basins petroleum system, and a subsea completion unit donated by PETRONAS and operating exploration & production companies in Malaysia, offering a glimpse into the world of oil and gas exploration.
The garden stands as a testament to UTP's dedication to advancing geoscience education. The integration of practical knowledge from the GRG into the university’s geoscience curriculum provides students with a distinctive and hands-on learning experience. This prepares them for impactful contributions to the industry and offering prospective students to valuable insights for future career opportunities.
As one of the prominent tourist destinations for Visit Perak Year 2024, the UTP GRG is established as an educational tourism platform for the public. This initiative, along with UTP’s other iconic landmarks such as the Chancellor Complex, Information Resource Centre, and the An-Nur Mosque, aligns with UTP's dedication to fostering knowledge and contributing to the tourism landscape of Perak.
In celebrating Malaysia’s rich geological heritage, UTP is dedicated to fostering awareness among the public on the importance of geoscience in the development and progress of human civilisation and their contribution to Malaysia economy. Through the GRG, UTP reinforces its commitment to environmental conservation, further aligning with its mission towards sustainable futures.
UTP invites the public for a journey of exploration at the GRG. Admission is free, and everyone is encouraged to witness the geological marvels showcased. The GRG not only offers an opportunity to learn but also to appreciate and connect with Malaysia's rich geological heritage.
