New rules for hill resorts’ development
1610/2002 The Star By SHAHANAAZ HABIB

KUALA LUMPUR: The Government has spelt out specific guidelines for any future development at the six popular hill resorts in the country, stressing that these must be strictly adhered to to protect the environment and minimise the risk of landslides.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said that from now on, local authorities and the private sector would not be able to give excuses that they were not sure of the guidelines.

“Such arguments will not be accepted anymore. You have to follow the guidelines,” he said after chairing the 58th National Land Council meeting yesterday.

He said Fraser’s Hill would be categorised as a low-density development tourist resort and a good place to relax and breathe in clean fresh air; Genting Highlands as a city-of-entertainment resort while Cameron Highlands would be known as an agro-tourist and cultural heritage resort.

“Cameron Highlands is famous for its farms which produce quality vegetables, fruits and flowers for both the local and export market so it especially attracts agro-tourism,” Abdullah said.

Gunung Jerai and Bukit Larut would be classified as flora and fauna habitat resorts while Penang Hill would be preserved as a cultural heritage tourist resort, he said.

“As such any development plans would be approved only if they meet their respective objectives,” he said.

Abdullah said the categories were based on recommendations made by a consultant the Government had appointed to undertake a study of the six resorts.

He said the guidelines were to address all problems that arose from development.

“Landslides are certainly one of the problems. We want to be very strict in this implementation and the authorities must monitor and enforce the guidelines,” Abdullah said, adding that the problem of poor supervision and lack of enforcement should not happen any more.

The council also had proposals on the rehabilitation of some areas, which had suffered due to an over-cutting of trees, polluted rivers and lakes.

Abdullah said the relevant authorities and private sector would be directed to implement these proposals.

He said the Government would also take over abandoned land for aquaculture cultivation.

“We have left the landowners alone to give them an opportunity to develop their land but if they do not do so, then we do not want to see the land left idle,” he added.

Abdullah also said the Mentris Besar and Chief Ministers were told at the meeting yesterday that all states should co-operate fully with the Federal Government to facilitate the process of acquiring land for development projects.

He said a number of projects under the Seventh Malaysia Plan could not be carried out due to delays in land acquisition.

“The shortfall is very high. So the states have up to the end of this year to sort out all problems with regards to acquiring land.

“So from next year onwards, projects can be done quickly. This way, we can fulfil all our targets under the Eighth Malaysia Plan,” Abdullah said.