Adnan: Hillside development governed by greed
By Simon Khoo
Thursday February 5, 2009

Kuantan: Lack of staff and equipment is hampering efforts by local councils to check hillside development, said Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob.

He said there were adequate rules and regulations to take offenders to court.

“The problem is that Pahang is a huge state and the local councils lack staff to carry out enforcement activities. The root problem, however, is greed. Precarious: File photo of a landslide at Cameron Highlands, Pahang.

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“Developers want to make profits while the people, particularly landowners, want to build fortress-like homes on hillsides to enjoy the view,” he said here recently.

Adnan said if one were to drive past Bukit Tinggi and Genting Highlands, one would notice houses perched precariously on the hillsides.

Since it was private land, the local councils could only advice the landowners to take precautionary measures, he said.

“We cannot trespass on their land and demolish the houses, but I hope the local councils will be stringent in approving building or extension permits for such places.

“The Federal Government can assist in monitoring development on hillsides and clearing of land, which was against the guidelines,” he said, adding that the Cameron Highlands councils had been told to strictly evaluate plans submitted by landowners.

Adnan said the state followed strict rulings on hillside development as contracts and building plans were endorsed by executive councillors during their weekly meetings.

He said the technical department committees evaluated all proposals and made recommendations before the landowners could start work. -- The Star.