IPOH, Feb. 17 -- The Perak government will conduct an in-depth study of the state's limestone hills and caves to preserve their heritage, history, archaeology and geological values.

This came after Gua Mat Surat - one of the oldest limestone caves here and which features large stalagmites and stalactites as well as aboriginal drawings - was vandalised with graffiti and turned into illegal worship site.

State Tourism, Arts and Culture Committee chairman Tan Kar Hing said that the state government already approved the study in principle.

"We have been informed that there are at least 35 limestone hills and caves around Kinta district alone. We also have a few in Manjung and Pengkalan Hulu districts.

"At the moment, there is no special o...