Balancing act: Protecting Fraser’s Hill’s environment, charm – Pt 2

Read part one: Balancing act: Protecting Fraser’s Hill’s environment, charm – Pt 1

ARCHITECTURAL and Built Heritage historian Ar. Nadge Ariffin said Fraser’s Hill encapsulates a unique colonial-era British hill station. It was a place of retreat for senior colonial officers and planters of that time and was designed to give them a feeling of home, thus the designs mimic that which you will find in England – like mock Tudor design and grey stone cottages with a fireplace.

“These buildings incorporate features you would find in a British countryside cottage like a fireplace. You won’t find these in lowland colonial houses which incorporate a mixture of western and eastern architecture,” he said.

“We know these as mock-Tudor designs which feature black or brown framing over white walls or black framing over brown walls etc. The designs used available local materials, and the framing is cosmetic (cleverly made to look like the real thing) as opposed to its structural use in the actual Tudor design in Europe,” Nadge added.

He said, since Fraser’s Hill was closer to Kuala Lumpur, it was treated as an exclusive retreat point for high-ranking officers in the government. They utilised structures built by the Public Works Department, while Chinese tycoons built their version of an English home on the hill. Similar designs can be seen in other hill stations in Malaysia like Bukit Larut in Taiping and regional hill stations in Myanmar and India, he added.

Threat to natural heritage

The main grouse is not against development in Fraser’s Hill which is essential to the survival of this hill station, but against unchecked development like the 15-storey resort on the site of the demolished Maybank Lodge.

Professor Datuk Dr Latiff Mohamed, a research fellow in Botany and Conservation Biology at Langkawi Research Centre, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, prepared a proposal to support listing Fraser’s Hill’s natural environment as a natural heritage two years ago. But a meeting to pursue this effort has yet to be called because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I prepared this proposal two years ago and suggested that non-governmental organisations or institutions submit it to the state authorities – as this involves land matters. It has not gone anywhere (since then), except my files,” he said.

In his proposal, he underlines the wealth of information offered by the built and natural heritage in Fraser’s Hill. It is an area rich in architecture, built heritage and history with its unique colonial bungalows, rest houses and landscape.

Latiff also listed flora and fauna endemic to the area and Peninsular Malaysia which can be found in the forest complex in which Fraser’s Hill is located in.

It is also a popular stop for migratory birds and is a favourite spot amongst local and international birdwatchers, he notes in his proposal.

Naturalists are concerned that the 15-storey resort and spa development will set a precedence for development in the ecologically sensitive Fraser's Hill forest complex. The area is already under threat from agriculture, logging and mining activities.

Survival of Fraser’s Hill

PAWBF chairman Nik Jassmin Hew said abandoned and decaying buildings, including the government Gap rest house at the foothills, are giving the hill station an aura of a ghost town. 

Fraser’s Hill has the right attractions, which with some creativity could boost the hill as a tourism product. The number of residents of the hill station has declined over the years, especially among youth. Job opportunities, however, are no longer a concern.

There are many jobs on offer, but no takers. These vacancies are in the hospitality sector, although the MCO has put employers in a difficult position.  

Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (C) Bukit Fraser which had been operating since 1938 closed at the end of 2018 as there were no new enrolments.

This school is famed for hosting former Singapore prime minister Lee Kuan Yew, who attended this school to learn Mandarin while on vacation in Fraser’s Hill. Likewise, only three students enrolled for classes at SJK (T) Bukit Fraser in 2018. But enrollment for the SJK(T) has recently increased and they no longer face a shortage of students. There are no high schools here.

If you are planning to drive up, don’t forget to fill your tank as there are no petrol stations in Fraser’s Hill.

The older residents of Fraser’s Hill have either passed on or moved out of the hills to live with their children who have moved to larger towns. This indicates a dire need for a balanced development plan for Fraser’s Hill which population has dwindled from the recorded 1,000 in 2013.

There is nothing unique about Fraser’s Hill if you take away the charm of its built heritage and natural environment. But to ensure these survive, there needs to be a reason for the communities who call this place home to want to stay.

Therein, lies the need for a balance, and careful planning and execution. One that will bring in much-needed income and job opportunities for the sake of Fraser’s Hill’s survival, while being mindful of its rich natural environment and distinct character of the place – an English countryside experience in the tropical hills of Malaysia. – The Vibes, February 28, 2021