GEORGE TOWN – Penang Hill being recognised as a biosphere reserve by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) is a cause for celebration for Penangites.
However, civil society groups hope that it will not turn into a case like Tasik Chini.
Friends of the Earth Malaysia president Meenakshi Raman said that with this recognition, it is hoped that Penang Hill will be protected.
“It is refreshing news and we are happy that the Energy and Natural Resources Ministry (KeTSA), together with Penang Hill Corporation, the state and other agencies were involved.
“However, we will have to ensure that (the status) is not only in name but (the hill will be) properly preserved and protected.”
She said that during discussions with other civil society groups on Penang Hill’s Special Area Plan (SAP) 2020, there were certain aspects that raised concern, such as how it is going to be managed.
“Many of us were opposed to the cable car because, the more people you allow, the more disturbance and incursions there are into its sensitive ecosystem.
“What we propose is to maintain the carrying capacity under the previous plan (SAP 2016) and not allow the cable car, which will create more demand to go up the hill.
“The overarching priority should be the protection of the environment. We don’t want this to be like the Tasik Chini biosphere reserve, which is in a pathetic state now – Penang Hill should not go that way.”
Environmental activist Rexy Prakash Chacko echoed similar sentiments, saying Penang folk should be cautiously optimistic, also citing Tasik Chini, which is listed under the Unesco Man and Biosphere Programme (MAB) but has succumbed to water pollution and land-clearing in its vicinity.
“When Penang Hill does open up to tourism again in the near future, with this listing already inscribed, the authorities need to be more sensitive to the risks of over-tourism and any form of infrastructure development on the hill that may not be in harmony with the objective of the listing.
“Habitat destruction is a serious threat to the hills of Penang, with quarrying, uncontrolled and unsustainable agriculture, creeping residential development and mega transportation projects being various manifestations of this threat.
“Hence, there needs to be active management to prevent these risks from encroaching into the designated Penang Hill Unesco MAB area.”
At the same time, he also celebrated the listing, calling it a step in the right direction towards the protection and active management of Penang Hill and its ecosystems.
“The past year has been a difficult one for business and tourism on Penang Hill, with the numerous lockdowns and restrictions.
“An immediate effect of this listing would be additional interest in Penang Hill among researchers and scientists, who will be drawn to study the rich flora and fauna of the hill.
“Ecotourists will also want to experience the destination, which, in turn, will draw ecotourism revenue for businesses on the hill.
“I believe and hope that the Penang Hill MAB listing will actively involve them in sustainable trail (biking and hiking) usage, and even in research and monitoring activities, especially since hikers and cyclists are sometimes the first when it comes to noticing any disturbances or clearing activities on the hills.
“This will provide a vital information link to ensure that any activity that threatens the integrity of the Penang Hill Unesco MAB is identified and stopped right from the get-go.”
Penang Hill resident and veteran activist Ahmad Chik expressed his delight at the announcement, saying it is much welcomed as it has great cultural value and will make the hill a more valuable site as a tourism destination for high-quality tourists.
However, Citizen Awareness Chant Group (Chant) adviser Yan Lee remains unfazed by the announcement, requesting that the Penang government reveal if the cable car plan is still in the works and if high-rise buildings are allowed to be built just outside the buffer zone.
He hopes that the biosphere reserve will be maintained so that the hill will not turn into a “Disneyland”.
On Wednesday, KeTSA Minister Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan delivered the good news at the meeting of the International Coordinating Council of the 33rd Session of the International Coordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere Programme (ICC MAB).
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow yesterday held a press conference to announce follow-up actions to the designation, which includes the setting up of a management unit to handle natural resources and conservation.
The biosphere reserve includes three main ecosystems, namely forested, coastal and marine areas covering Penang Hill to its foothill at Penang Botanic Gardens, the Penang National Park at Teluk Bahang, the Teluk Bahang Dam, the Ayer Itam Dam and the Penang Marine Park off the coast of the national park.
The biosphere reserve covers a total land area of 12,681ha, which is about 25% of Penang island. – The Vibes, September 17, 2021
Additional reporting by Qistina Nadia Dzulqarnain
