KUALA LUMPUR – Efforts to save Fraser’s Hill from massive development seem to have hit a roadblock, as environmental activists appear to be in conflict over the best way to prevent the destruction of the hill resort.
If a public discussion conducted by the Fraser’s Hill Nature and Heritage Association (PAWBF) yesterday is anything to go by, the Raub District Council will see a smooth path ahead as it is facing a fragmented opposition – each intent on having it their way.
The discussion began with PAWBF chairman Nik Jassmin Hew outlining the organisation’s major concerns with the Raub Draft District Local Plan 2035, which contains proposals to turn Fraser’s Hill into a major tourist destination.
A divide in opinions soon presented itself when a separate non-governmental organisation voiced its opposition to the route chosen by PAWBF.
Anand Krishnan – a Heritage of Malaysia Trust council member – accused PAWBF of “barking up the wrong tree”, claiming that the suggested method of negotiating for a solution that appeases all parties is “a wrong approach”.
“By writing objections and pleas against the draft structure plan, we are falling into their (the government’s) modus operandi because this allows the menteri besar to say all has been done according to the flow,” he said.
As an alternative, Anand proposed for the draft plan to be rejected in its entirety, and for activists to then collectively lobby for the revival of Fraser’s Hill under a special area plan (SAP).
“Once that is done, we can make an appointment to talk with the person who makes the final decisions – the menteri besar – who is just a normal person and not a demigod.
“He can override everybody and he has the power to designate any area as a special area,” Anand said, adding that development works can still be conducted – albeit under different layers of control afforded by the SAP.
“The only way forward for Fraser’s Hill, is if it is able to exist as a special place in Malaysia.
“If we allow Fraser’s Hill to remain under the draft structure plan, then it is gone.”
In response, Nik Jassmin pointed out that the Bukit Fraser Special Plan is already in the works, with the contents of the draft acting as a framework for the SAP.
“PAWBF celebrates the draft plan acknowledging the importance of heritage and nature. A sort of balance is needed since both Fraser’s Hill and our society have evolved over time.
“We have to consider the different types of crowds who visit Fraser’s Hill – there are nature-lovers who prioritise preserving the natural state of the land, and there are the weekend crowds who want better facilities and attractions,” Nik Jassmin explained.
However, Anand remained firm in his stand, arguing: “Negotiating means you are in the wrong place. If you try to find a balance, then you will lose Fraser’s Hill.”
Lim Take Bane – a fellow Heritage of Malaysia Trust council member – voiced his support for Anand, citing previous similar diplomatic efforts undertaken by the organisation that eventually proved futile.
Justifying his scepticism, Lim alluded to the Federal Hill issue where developments will still be undertaken despite the Malaysian Nature Society and Heritage of Malaysia Trust submitting proposals to turn the area into an urban park.
“Once we open the doors for large-scale development projects in Fraser’s Hill to cater to the crowd, the whole place will die,” he asserted.
Nonetheless, PAWBF will be publishing its report on the matter soon, and those who are in support of their fight will be able to sign the document.
“The more people agree with our report, the higher our chances are for our concerns to be heard.” – The Vibes, November 3, 2021
