IPOH, Aug. 15 -- One of the last 12 remaining limestone hills in the Kinta Valley National Geopark, Gunung Kanthan is surrounded by lush greenery that is home to some endangered species of flora and fauna like the bent-toed geckos, snow-white orchids and tiny snails.

However, what makes this hill which is estimated to be about five million years old unique is the Dhamma Sakyamuni Caves Monastery.

Built amid the karst formation inside the caves, the century-old monastery is home to about 15 monks and a place for prayer and meditation.

But the cave monastery's very existence is now under threat from a company attempting to expand their quarry activities near the cave.

Over the years, about 80 per cent of the Gunung Kanthan has already b...