Malaysia

After 139 landslides in a day, Fraser’s Hill development again under scrutiny

Stop-work order issued to 15-storey resort project only ‘for show’, says conservationist

Updated 3 years ago · Published on 05 Jan 2021 7:00AM

After 139 landslides in a day, Fraser’s Hill development again under scrutiny
Rocks and fallen trees block a landslide-hit section of the main road leading up to Fraser’s Hill. – PAWBF pic, January 5, 2021

by Arjun Mohanakrishnan

KUALA LUMPUR – Fraser’s Hill suffered at least 30 landslides following torrential rains over the weekend, with its main road blocked by boulders and fallen trees.

Bukit Fraser Nature and Heritage Society president Nik Jassmin Hew told The Vibes that the 30 comprised “major and minor landslides, with some unaccounted for”.

However, today, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Datuk Shamsul Anuar Nasarah was reported as saying that 139 landslides were detected along the road leading up to Fraser’s Hill, with 60 of them blocking roads.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia geohazard risk management cluster head Mohd Hariri Arifin said the area, already wrought by dormant landslides, is at risk of overdevelopment. 

He said new development projects could result in hill-cutting at a gradient that may trigger fresh landslides.

“For now, Fraser’s has enough development. If we keep developing it, we may have to widen the roads, which may be detrimental.”

He said he is not against development, but such projects must be done in a sustainable manner.

Fraser’s Hill has many dormant landslides, he said, and those that hit on Sunday could have originated from one.

He urged experts, including geologists, to map out the dormant landslides and avoid developing these areas.

Downpours over the weekend resulted in a series of landslides along the road up Fraser’s Hill. – PAWBF pic, January 5, 2021
Downpours over the weekend resulted in a series of landslides along the road up Fraser’s Hill. – PAWBF pic, January 5, 2021

Raub MP Tengku Zulpuri Shah Raja Puji said Sunday’s landslides could have been caused by the felling of trees at the top of the hill.

As for the development of a 15-storey resort there, he referred The Vibes to a statement he made previously.

He has said for projects of that size, the developers must meet the requirements listed in an environmental impact assessment (EIA) report.

It is understood that an EIA may not be required for the resort project in question, as it only involves the tearing down of an existing structure to build a new one.

However, the concern is over its height and size.

A disaster ‘waiting to happen’

Nik Jassmin did not hold back when asked about the latest landslides.

“The landslides were (a disaster) waiting to happen. Soil erosion on Fraser’s Hill this year is happening more than usual.”

Many heavy vehicles ply the two routes up Fraser’s Hill, she said, and they scrape against the hillside.

“Along with the vibrations that these vehicles cause, the soil gives way.

“Also, we have to take into account that this is a water catchment area, and the water must flow a certain way.

“But when you take away the trees, there are no obstacles to the water flow.”

The latest landslides on Fraser’s Hill may have been caused by the felling of trees, says Raub MP Tengku Zulpuri Shah Raja Puji. – PAWBF pic, January 5, 2021
The latest landslides on Fraser’s Hill may have been caused by the felling of trees, says Raub MP Tengku Zulpuri Shah Raja Puji. – PAWBF pic, January 5, 2021

She referred to the 15-storey resort project, saying a building of that size may prove detrimental to the environment.

“There has been a stop-work order on the development, but it is all for show. They (the developer) were never asked to scale down the building, but asked to change the aesthetic of it to keep to the ‘Little England’ vibes of the area.”

The Vibes has reached out to the developer, Ikhasas Group, for comment. 

Police on Sunday confirmed that a total of 13 vehicles were trapped between two landslides along Jalan Raub-Bukit Fraser about 1.30pm.

Raub district police chief Kama Azural Mohamed said the landslides occurred at Km2 and Km4 of the stretch.

“No casualties were reported. A number of people have been brought back to Fraser’s Hill with the help of police and villagers, after they walked across the area blocked by the landslides.”

Police have contacted the Public Works Department and the road care team from Kuala Kubu Baru to clear the stretch.

It was reported that the landslides also disconnected vital water piping to Fraser’s Hill, resulting in a supply disruption. – The Vibes, January 5, 2021

An excavator clearing boulders, earth and trees blocking the road up Fraser’s Hill. – PAWBF pic, January 5, 2021
An excavator clearing boulders, earth and trees blocking the road up Fraser’s Hill. – PAWBF pic, January 5, 2021

Related News

Malaysia / 2mth

Cameron landslide: SAM wants authorities hauled up for over-development in sensitive areas

Malaysia / 2mth

One dead, four feared buried in landslide at Cameron Highlands

Malaysia / 2mth

Taman Wawasan landslide: Probe must consider various factors, not just rainfall, says IEM

Malaysia / 3mth

Area unsafe, mayor says following landslide

Malaysia / 4mth

Road to Orang Asli villages cut off by landslide partially open

World / 10mth

Ecuador landslide death toll rises to 50

Spotlight

Events

UK alumni lauded for stellar achievements as British Council observes 75 years in Malaysia

Malaysia

Don’t let politicians, activists stir up hatred against KK Mart, PBK tells cops

By The Vibes Team

Malaysia

7.7 mil people registered in Padu, 2.5 mil cyberattacks, but not one success: Rafizi

By Stephen Then

Malaysia

Farewell Aunty Bersih, you will be missed

By Ian McIntyre

Malaysia

Couple make two trips to workshop to find trapped kitten in car

Malaysia

KK Mart founder, director charged with wounding religious feelings of others over 'Allah' socks

By The Vibes Team

You may be interested

Malaysia

Anwar receives courtesy call from Indian External Affairs Minister

Malaysia

Review of taxation structure, SARA among focus of parliament today

Malaysia

Muhyiddin files for leave to review Court of Appeal ruling reinstating power abuse charges

Malaysia

Padu: No need for excessive information unrelated to one’s financial status, says Abang Jo

By The Vibes Team

Malaysia

Unfair for government to deny rakyat subsidies based on Padu registration, says SUPP youth

By Stephen Then

Malaysia

Water bombing carried out to douse massive Sarawak forest fires

By Stephen Then

Malaysia

Nuzul Al-Quran: PM calls on Muslims to analyse, interpret the Quran

Malaysia

Blanket of red as tens of thousands of jellyfish washed ashore at KK beach

By The Vibes Team