KUALA LUMPUR – With a steady decline in visitors in the last few years, plans are underway to “save” one of Malaysia’s beloved hill resorts – Fraser’s Hill.
However, the ambitions of the Raub District Council and by extension, the Pahang government, have created more concerns.
What with the plans for more resorts, a cable car system, and even a PR1MA affordable housing project – questions arise if the plans are to save the hill resort or destroy it.
The Raub Draft District Local Plan 2035 proposals to turn Fraser’s Hill into a major tourist destination may not have had much thought into it, especially when the plans have a detrimental impact on the hill’s unique features and natural environment.
The plans are in reaction to a steady decline in visitors in the last few years – from 127,612 in 2017 to 103,649 in 2018; 101,899 in 2019; and just 59,000 tourists last year during the various easing of lockdowns.
The unique grey stone buildings and mock-Tudor architecture is synonymous with Fraser’s Hill, which used to be a getaway for British colonial officers and plantation managers who wanted to escape the hot climate of the lowlands. The buildings on the hill were designed to replicate cottages and houses in England, which is why Fraser’s Hill has been dubbed as “Little England”.
The Maybank Lodge bungalow and the Jelai Resort were demolished last year to make way for a resort and spa; and developers have also acquired other colonial bungalows not protected under the National Heritage Act 2005. Which begs the question, why destroy only to rebuild?
Some recommendations in the 2035 plan to showcase, conserve, and maintain Fraser’s Hill’s natural environment are welcome – such as charging rental for the use of the council’s properties and services including camp sites and caravan sites; imposing event management fees; and entry fees for places of interest like the proposed canopy walk, petting zoo, flower park, and zipline; in addition to maintenance (conservation) fees (similar to that incurred by visitors to Kinabalu Park, Sabah, and Malaysia’s marine parks).
Collections from these are expected to rake in RM3 million from 200,000 visitors annually – according to preliminary calculations.
However, other plans include a RM9.2 million Fraser’s Hill National Park development, a RM6.8 million Fraser’s Hill Heritage and Appreciation Trail, a RM7 million Tree Top Walk, and Bird Watching and Feeding Tower, a RM20 million Flora City project, and a RM8.2 million Floria Park.
More proposed projects include an al-fresco concept café, a mini-incinerator, clean and green public transportation plan, a cable car service connecting the Gap and Fraser’s Hill, and the upgrading of sidewalks. There are also proposals for an English Village-style gateway (arch) with landscaping to welcome visitors to the highlands.
These are in addition to a 15-storey hotel and a PR1MA housing complex.
Conservation efforts lack details
Fraser’s Hill Nature and Heritage Association (PAWBF) chairman Nik Jassmin Hew said there are some good suggestions in the draft plan, like the proposal to gazette and list 32 important heritage sites in Pahang – including several in Fraser’s Hill – in the National Heritage Register under the Heritage Act.
However, she said it is unclear how some of these proposals will be implemented, citing the proposal to turn Fraser’s Hill into a national park – including charging conservation fees for its upkeep.
“It is not clear how the funds collected specifically for park conservation will be managed, there are no specific details other than proposals for the Raub District Council to collect the fees as revenue. We need to clarify this with the council,” she said.
There was very limited time given for us to read through the plan, but thankfully the council has given an additional month (up till November 21) for us to come up with objections and suggestions, said Nik Jassmin.
The association has raised concerns over the proposed construction of the Raub Municipal Council Fraser’s Hill branch building in the middle of the golf course. This shows the council’s lack of understanding of the historical significance of the golf course, which is the oldest operational golf course in the country, said Nik Jassmin.
PAWBF disagreed with the proposed rebranding of Fraser’s Hill as Kota Flora (Flower Fort) because Fraser’s Hill already has a brand – “Little England” – which can be complemented as a flower destination. The association is also concerned if the mass planting of flowers will require the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides.
Fraser’s Hill is a favourite spot for nature lovers – especially birdwatchers – and the use of pesticides may affect the insect species in the area, which may then lead to the decline of birds who feed on these insects.”
There are also questions about the location of Floria Park and its effect on Fraser’s Hill’s Pine Tree Forest that is synonymous with the highland, she said. Although not endemic to the tropical forest around Fraser’s Hill, these trees are a part of the hill’s heritage. These were planted to give the hill station a feel of a temperate destination – and has over the years given Fraser’s Hill its unique backdrop.
Nik Jassmin said: “The proposed building of a cable car to connect the Gap and main section of Fraser’s Hill also needs to be studied carefully to prevent encroachment into animal habitats, feeding grounds, or movement corridors. Proper environmental impact assessments must be done to ensure that the planned developments and attractions do not destroy the very features that make Fraser’s Hill unique and appealing internationally – especially to nature enthusiasts.”
Nik Jassmin said the tree top walk, and the bird watching and feeding platform are all impressive, but this has to be subject to detailed studies as well, with input from experts in the field to ensure that the mass baiting and feeding of birds do not have a detrimental effect. The tree top walk might work better as a viewing platform, she added.
The association opined that the proposed gateway or arch into Fraser’s Hill (costing RM15 million) is not necessary, adding that the money for this can be set aside for other things.
PAWBF also questioned the need for the proposed affordable PR1MA housing as most people who live in Fraser’s Hill are employees of agencies, hotels, and businesses in Fraser’s Hill. “Many are not long-term residents; hence, it does not make sense to construct high density PR1MA housing in Fraser’s Hill as there is no demand for this,” said Nik Jassmin, adding that many people do not live there for the long term, especially if they have families, as there are no secondary schools.
Increasing the population density might also pressure the natural environment and current infrastructure – as noted recently when the highland became congested with traffic following the reopening of borders a few weeks ago, she said, adding that the main focus should be on protecting the hill’s environment and natural heritage as this is its main draw.
The association is compiling its objections, suggestions, and queries to be presented to the council before the extended closing date on November 21, 2021. – The Vibes, October 31, 2021
Fraser’s Hill Nature and Heritage Association (PAWBF) will be having an online discussion on Fraser’s Hill’s development plans on Tuesday (November 2) at 3.30pm. Details of the forum can be found here
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