Pahang to attract more tourists with better packages
By Roslina Mohamad
Wednesday May 5, 2010
KUANTAN: Pahang, which registered 10 million tourist arrivals last year, has targeted to attract 13.6 million tourists this year by offering better and suitable tour packages featuring the state's popular destinations and activities.
State Tourism, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Datuk Shafiq Fauzan Sharif said there were efforts to upgrade current packages and design new ones to meet the needs of individuals and families.
"It will be a complete package including food, lodging, activities and places to go and it will be a concerted effort by the state government and industry players," he told reporters after chairing a dialogue with members of the Malaysian Association of Hotels Pahang chapter here yesterday.
The packages, he said, would include the state's 10 best tourism icons - Cameron Highlands, Genting Highlands, Fraser's Hill, Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Centre, Kuala Lipis (historical and heritage town), Taman Negara, Tioman Island, Rompin (billfish sports fishing), Pekan (royal town) and Cherating (surfing paradise).
He also said Fraser's Hill was given a facelift recently costing RM24mil while RM500,000 had been set aside to develop Sungei Lembing, once dubbed the El Dorado of the East where the largest, longest and deepest subterranean mine in the world was once located. -- The Star
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Our hill resorts need cleaning up
Our hill resorts need cleaning up
Wednesday April 14, 2010
I AM happy to read that there is a freeze on development in Fraser’s Hill.
I spent two days and one night there two weeks ago and came away feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. However, I noticed garbage on the way up the hill and also around Fraser’s.
Another thing I couldn’t help but notice was that some of the bungalows were dirty and rundown. There was also a resort there that looked utterly decrepit.
The English translation on some of the information provided for foreign tourists was atrocious, to say the least!
I have also been to Cameron Highlands and yes, garbage was everywhere too.
That draws me to the letter “Poor tourists are simply too dirty for comfort (The Star, April 13). As the writer points out in his letter, you don’t find rubbish in high class neighbourhoods in our country.
I stay in a new development area in Cheras and I see rubbish piled up everywhere. When I go to places like Tropicana and Damansara, for example, I find them so well kept. Why is this so?
IRENAWATI ZAINODDIN,
Cheras.
Wednesday April 14, 2010
I AM happy to read that there is a freeze on development in Fraser’s Hill.
I spent two days and one night there two weeks ago and came away feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. However, I noticed garbage on the way up the hill and also around Fraser’s.
Another thing I couldn’t help but notice was that some of the bungalows were dirty and rundown. There was also a resort there that looked utterly decrepit.
The English translation on some of the information provided for foreign tourists was atrocious, to say the least!
I have also been to Cameron Highlands and yes, garbage was everywhere too.
That draws me to the letter “Poor tourists are simply too dirty for comfort (The Star, April 13). As the writer points out in his letter, you don’t find rubbish in high class neighbourhoods in our country.
I stay in a new development area in Cheras and I see rubbish piled up everywhere. When I go to places like Tropicana and Damansara, for example, I find them so well kept. Why is this so?
IRENAWATI ZAINODDIN,
Cheras.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Fraser's Hill Development Halted
Pahang state exco rules out any new development in Fraser’s Hill
By Roslina Mohamad
Tuesday April 13, 2010
KUANTAN: No new land will be opened for development in Bukit Fraser, a popular highland resort in the state. The decision, made three weeks ago by the state executive council, is effective immediately.
Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob said the move was necessary to protect and preserve the natural setting of the highland, also known as "Little England".
However, the state government would still allow development that would add value to the current products, buildings or facilities, he added.
"We may entertain requests that will add value, such as a farm or hotel operators who plan to renovate or upgrade their premises," he told reporters after witnessing the signing of a memorandum of understanding at Bukit Gambang Resort here yesterday.
The MoU, between Bukit Fraser Development Corporation (the state’s tourism agency) and 20 tourism-related associations, is aimed at fostering better ties and networking.
Adnan, citing many examples where over-development could spoil the environment, said the state government would not want the same thing to happen to Bukit Fraser.
"Only 10% of Bukit Fraser has been developed and the rest of the highland will remain untouched," he added.
On developments in Cameron Highlands, another popular highland resort in the state, Adnan said the situation was still under control.
Conceding that there was land encroachment, and noting the poor sanitary and waste disposal system, he said the state government was working to overcome the problems.
"We are doing something about it. We can still mitigate the destruction that has occured in Cameron Highlands. It is not that serious," Adnan said.
On the second access route to Bukit Fraser that has yet to be opened to the public due to road defects and ongoing repair work over the past 11 years, Adnan clarified that it was not abandoned.
The works department was in the midst of repairing the route, he added. -- The Star
By Roslina Mohamad
Tuesday April 13, 2010
KUANTAN: No new land will be opened for development in Bukit Fraser, a popular highland resort in the state. The decision, made three weeks ago by the state executive council, is effective immediately.
Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob said the move was necessary to protect and preserve the natural setting of the highland, also known as "Little England".
However, the state government would still allow development that would add value to the current products, buildings or facilities, he added.
"We may entertain requests that will add value, such as a farm or hotel operators who plan to renovate or upgrade their premises," he told reporters after witnessing the signing of a memorandum of understanding at Bukit Gambang Resort here yesterday.
Old world charm: Fraser’s Hill’s clock tower, the town’s landmark is reminiscent of little village squares found in the English countryside.
The MoU, between Bukit Fraser Development Corporation (the state’s tourism agency) and 20 tourism-related associations, is aimed at fostering better ties and networking.
Adnan, citing many examples where over-development could spoil the environment, said the state government would not want the same thing to happen to Bukit Fraser.
"Only 10% of Bukit Fraser has been developed and the rest of the highland will remain untouched," he added.
On developments in Cameron Highlands, another popular highland resort in the state, Adnan said the situation was still under control.
Conceding that there was land encroachment, and noting the poor sanitary and waste disposal system, he said the state government was working to overcome the problems.
"We are doing something about it. We can still mitigate the destruction that has occured in Cameron Highlands. It is not that serious," Adnan said.
On the second access route to Bukit Fraser that has yet to be opened to the public due to road defects and ongoing repair work over the past 11 years, Adnan clarified that it was not abandoned.
The works department was in the midst of repairing the route, he added. -- The Star
Thursday, April 01, 2010
Flower Show in Chelsea
Local flora set to bloom at the Chelsea Flower Show this May
By Sheila Stanley
Thursday April 1, 2010
KUALA LUMPUR: A tropical Malaysia-themed garden is set to bloom at the Chelsea Flower Show in London this May.
The 220-sq metre garden, designed by award-winning botanical design firm Amphibian Designs, is inspired by lush rainforest and traditional Malaysian village garden plants.
The main person behind all this is 28-year-old ethnobotanist James Wong, an up-and-coming television star in Britain, who co-founded Amphibian Designs with partner David Cubero.
"We’d like to pair traditional Malaysian materials like sustainable coconut wood and white limestone with native species like pitcher plants," he said while on a recent trip to Malaysia to film the BBC2 documentary special James Wong’s Malaysian Garden.
While in the country, Wong took the opportunity to scout around for local plants that would survive the more temperate English climate.
One of the places he visited was Cameron Highlands, where in YG Park nursery he came across the Rose grape (medinilla magnifica) plant and the elephant ear taro (alocasia macrorrhizos).
He also shopped for some cultural items to be included in the garden.
"I picked up a tepak sirih while in Kuching – I think it’ll lend a unique feel to the garden," he said.
Intended as a showcase to highlight Malaysian flora and natural habitats, the Malaysian garden in Chelsea is part of Tourism Malaysia’s ongoing promotion to sell Malaysian parks and gardens abroad.
Born to a Sarawakian-Chinese father and an English mother, Wong studied primarily in Singapore and moved to Britain for his university years.
He studied business in the beginning but realised his life’s passion was plants and decided to do ethnobotany.
He completed his MSc in Ethnobotany at the University of Bath and trained at the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew.
His research resulted in him living in Ecuador for 18 months, learning how the Ecuadorians use their plants and picking up Spanish.
Wong ventured into television not because of the glamour but because he thought it would be the best way for him to do ethnobotany without spending the next seven years of his life "working towards a PhD in a remote part of the world and studying a subject that only the professors that marked my paper would ever read".
Wong has an infectious passion for plants and people, which doesn’t stop when the cameras stop rolling.
The Malaysian garden at the Chelsea Flower Show will be opened by Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen.
For an update on the garden, visit http://mygarden.rhs.org.uk/members/James-Wong.aspx
-- The Star
By Sheila Stanley
Thursday April 1, 2010
KUALA LUMPUR: A tropical Malaysia-themed garden is set to bloom at the Chelsea Flower Show in London this May.
The 220-sq metre garden, designed by award-winning botanical design firm Amphibian Designs, is inspired by lush rainforest and traditional Malaysian village garden plants.
The main person behind all this is 28-year-old ethnobotanist James Wong, an up-and-coming television star in Britain, who co-founded Amphibian Designs with partner David Cubero.
"We’d like to pair traditional Malaysian materials like sustainable coconut wood and white limestone with native species like pitcher plants," he said while on a recent trip to Malaysia to film the BBC2 documentary special James Wong’s Malaysian Garden.
While in the country, Wong took the opportunity to scout around for local plants that would survive the more temperate English climate.
Floral pursuit: Wong posing with the Rose grape (medinilla magnifica) plant at the YG Park nursery in Cameron Highlands recently.
One of the places he visited was Cameron Highlands, where in YG Park nursery he came across the Rose grape (medinilla magnifica) plant and the elephant ear taro (alocasia macrorrhizos).
He also shopped for some cultural items to be included in the garden.
"I picked up a tepak sirih while in Kuching – I think it’ll lend a unique feel to the garden," he said.
Intended as a showcase to highlight Malaysian flora and natural habitats, the Malaysian garden in Chelsea is part of Tourism Malaysia’s ongoing promotion to sell Malaysian parks and gardens abroad.
Born to a Sarawakian-Chinese father and an English mother, Wong studied primarily in Singapore and moved to Britain for his university years.
He studied business in the beginning but realised his life’s passion was plants and decided to do ethnobotany.
He completed his MSc in Ethnobotany at the University of Bath and trained at the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew.
His research resulted in him living in Ecuador for 18 months, learning how the Ecuadorians use their plants and picking up Spanish.
Wong ventured into television not because of the glamour but because he thought it would be the best way for him to do ethnobotany without spending the next seven years of his life "working towards a PhD in a remote part of the world and studying a subject that only the professors that marked my paper would ever read".
Wong has an infectious passion for plants and people, which doesn’t stop when the cameras stop rolling.
The Malaysian garden at the Chelsea Flower Show will be opened by Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen.
For an update on the garden, visit http://mygarden.rhs.org.uk/members/James-Wong.aspx
-- The Star
Monday, March 29, 2010
Blue Valley estate workers go three months without salaries
Estate workers go three months without salaries
Monday March 29, 2010
WORKERS at Blue Valley Tea Estate in Cameron Highlands have not been paid their salaries for the past three months, highlighted Tamil Nesan.
It quoted Blue Valley MIC branch chief S. Cheran as saying that the matter was brought to their attention and a report had been submitted to the Human Resources Ministry.
He said the workers received many benefits when the estate was managed by the National Land Finance Cooperative Society, but the benefits were reduced and salaries were paid late when it was sold to a private company.
Production of tea leaves had stopped temporarily and the workers were assigned to do outdoor work, he said, adding that the workers were also facing various health and housing problems. -- The Star Compilation
Monday March 29, 2010
WORKERS at Blue Valley Tea Estate in Cameron Highlands have not been paid their salaries for the past three months, highlighted Tamil Nesan.
It quoted Blue Valley MIC branch chief S. Cheran as saying that the matter was brought to their attention and a report had been submitted to the Human Resources Ministry.
He said the workers received many benefits when the estate was managed by the National Land Finance Cooperative Society, but the benefits were reduced and salaries were paid late when it was sold to a private company.
Production of tea leaves had stopped temporarily and the workers were assigned to do outdoor work, he said, adding that the workers were also facing various health and housing problems. -- The Star Compilation
Saturday, March 27, 2010
REACH Cameron Highlands
REACH-ing out
Saturday March 27, 2010
Cameron Highlands has been experiencing accelerated growth, especially over the past two decades that, while beneficial to the local economy, is threatening the area with environmental degradation.
Part of this can be attributed to poor planning and enforcement.
Landslides, silted rivers and dams, constant water disruptions and poor water quality have become common issues in this picturesque highland retreat.
Alarmed by the rapidly deteriorating environment, especially the declining water quality and deforestation, a group of Cameron Highlands residents decided to form Regional Environmental Awareness Cameron Highlands or REACH in 2001.
Giving Mother Nature a hand: REACH volunteers planting tree saplings to counter deforestation in Cameron Highlands
"It all began back in 2000 when laboratory testings confirmed the presence of E. coli, a bacterium that’s a health hazard, in our treated drinking water," says REACH president Ramakrishnan Ramasamy, 45.
"As there were farms located above the water catchment areas, we collected water samples and did further tests. We were shocked to find that not only did they show presence of animal faeces, there was human waste as well due to the lack of proper sanitation by farm workers!
"The authorities promised to shut down the 68 farms but till now, nothing much has been done. We have no problems with farming but we are concerned when the farms are located above the water catchment areas," he adds.
REACH reports that 97% of Earth’s water is salty or otherwise undrinkable and almost 3% is locked away in ice caps and glaciers or deep underground. It is estimated that only 0.003% is actually available for use. Mountain areas are the main sources for fresh water, and so must be protected.
REACH is also worried about recent findings that show the presence of DDT in the rivers, a synthetic pesticide for controlling malaria that is banned in most developed countries.
"As DDT is banned in Malaysia, we suspect that it is smuggled from neighbouring countries and mixed into local pesticides. It has a half-life of up to 100 years, which is very detrimental to the environment and our health in the long run. We will publish a full report when we have compiled more facts," says Ramakrishnan.
Besides highlighting the water issues in Cameron Highlands, REACH’s other two core concerns are reforestation and recycling.
"We are working with the foresty department, corporate companies and organisations on an on-going project to reforest a 17ha site at Hulu Bertam Forest Reserve, Gunung Brinchang.
"Planting endemic tree saplings ensures that the original biodiversity of the area is retained," explains Ramakrishnan.
Their recycling project has also gained momentum due to overwhelming response from the community.
"We have set up many collection centres all across town and we have a compactor site where recyclables are compacted to facilitate easier transportation to factories in Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur," reveals Ramakrishnan.
Many hotels and schools in Cameron Highlands are already involved in the programme, encouraging recycling via buy-back schemes and creating awareness through talks.
REACH published Wild Orchids Of Cameron Highlands last year, a coffeetable book featuring the 630 wild orchid species of Cameron Highlands.
"Our committee took eight years to work on this book. Plans are also afoot to set up a wild orchid sanctuary to house wild orchids confiscated from poachers," he says.
REACH is run by a group of volunteers with funds from membership, donations, small grants, reforestation activities and sales of souvenirs. Visit www.reach.org.my to become a volunteer or for more details.
Saturday March 27, 2010
Cameron Highlands has been experiencing accelerated growth, especially over the past two decades that, while beneficial to the local economy, is threatening the area with environmental degradation.
Part of this can be attributed to poor planning and enforcement.
Landslides, silted rivers and dams, constant water disruptions and poor water quality have become common issues in this picturesque highland retreat.
Alarmed by the rapidly deteriorating environment, especially the declining water quality and deforestation, a group of Cameron Highlands residents decided to form Regional Environmental Awareness Cameron Highlands or REACH in 2001.
Giving Mother Nature a hand: REACH volunteers planting tree saplings to counter deforestation in Cameron Highlands
"It all began back in 2000 when laboratory testings confirmed the presence of E. coli, a bacterium that’s a health hazard, in our treated drinking water," says REACH president Ramakrishnan Ramasamy, 45.
"As there were farms located above the water catchment areas, we collected water samples and did further tests. We were shocked to find that not only did they show presence of animal faeces, there was human waste as well due to the lack of proper sanitation by farm workers!
"The authorities promised to shut down the 68 farms but till now, nothing much has been done. We have no problems with farming but we are concerned when the farms are located above the water catchment areas," he adds.
REACH reports that 97% of Earth’s water is salty or otherwise undrinkable and almost 3% is locked away in ice caps and glaciers or deep underground. It is estimated that only 0.003% is actually available for use. Mountain areas are the main sources for fresh water, and so must be protected.
REACH is also worried about recent findings that show the presence of DDT in the rivers, a synthetic pesticide for controlling malaria that is banned in most developed countries.
"As DDT is banned in Malaysia, we suspect that it is smuggled from neighbouring countries and mixed into local pesticides. It has a half-life of up to 100 years, which is very detrimental to the environment and our health in the long run. We will publish a full report when we have compiled more facts," says Ramakrishnan.
Besides highlighting the water issues in Cameron Highlands, REACH’s other two core concerns are reforestation and recycling.
"We are working with the foresty department, corporate companies and organisations on an on-going project to reforest a 17ha site at Hulu Bertam Forest Reserve, Gunung Brinchang.
"Planting endemic tree saplings ensures that the original biodiversity of the area is retained," explains Ramakrishnan.
Their recycling project has also gained momentum due to overwhelming response from the community.
"We have set up many collection centres all across town and we have a compactor site where recyclables are compacted to facilitate easier transportation to factories in Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur," reveals Ramakrishnan.
Many hotels and schools in Cameron Highlands are already involved in the programme, encouraging recycling via buy-back schemes and creating awareness through talks.
REACH published Wild Orchids Of Cameron Highlands last year, a coffeetable book featuring the 630 wild orchid species of Cameron Highlands.
"Our committee took eight years to work on this book. Plans are also afoot to set up a wild orchid sanctuary to house wild orchids confiscated from poachers," he says.
REACH is run by a group of volunteers with funds from membership, donations, small grants, reforestation activities and sales of souvenirs. Visit www.reach.org.my to become a volunteer or for more details.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Jim Thompson Thai Silk King
And yet another conspiracy story about Jim Thompson, the Thai Silk King. Nobody knows for sure what happened to him and probably never will considering that there is just isn't enough evidence about what transpired on that day. Still there will be people who just loves a good mystery and will come with a conspiracy theory of their own. And so we have another angle to the disappearance of Jim Thompson!
Looking for the Silk King
By Foong Thim Leng
Tuesday March 23, 2010
New theories emerge about Jim Thompson's disappearance over 40 years ago.
IT has been 43 years since Thai Silk King Jim Thompson went missing in the jungles of Cameron Highlands but the hills are still buzzing with tales of what could have happened to him.
Some of the theories on Thompson's disappearance contain conspiracies fit for a spy movie, while others are too ludicrous to believe.
Recently, a mundane story came out of Cameron Highlands that Thompson's disappearance was a simple road accident.
"An alternative story says the culprit was driving a timber lorry and the body was disposed of at a sawmill," he said in an interview.
Rivers said he first heard of the intriguing Thompson case when he came to the highlands over 20 years ago.
"The story is so famous that in London alone, there are about 20 bars and restaurants serving Thai dishes and food from Asian countries named after Jim Thompson.
"Even the Strawberry Park Resort in Cameron Highlands has the Jim Thompson Terrace, a restaurant with a Jim Thompson hamburger as one of the items on its menu," he said.
Today, tourists are still queuing up daily to visit the Jim Thompson Thai House (Museum) in Rama Road 1, Bangkok, although many do not know that Cameron Highlands is in Malaysia.
As the story goes, Thompson had come to the highlands with his close Thai friend Mrs Connie Mangskau less than a week after his 61st birthday in 1967 to spend an Easter weekend with friends, Dr T.G. and Mrs Helen Ling of Singapore at their holiday bungalow, Moonlight Cottage, located above the golf course in Tanah Rata.
He and his friends attended church service on Easter Sunday which fell on March 26 that year and then had a picnic before returning to the bungalow. Thompson was last seen standing at the verandah. Despite a massive search that followed, he was never found.
Tales of his disappearance then spread like wildfire.
"Pundits pontificated that Thompson was a CIA agent embroiled in Thai politics, because of his wartime service in the OSS (Office of Strategic Services).
"He was also labelled a man of mystery, a soldier of fortune and even a spy, becoming a double agent working for the Chinese communists. Conversely, they whisked him away to settle the war in Vietnam or to revive the silk trade in China.
"His wartime service was exaggerated to turn him into a skilled jungle fighter who had been behind Japanese lines in Burma or directed the Thai underground.
"That is all nonsense," said Rivers who has carried out research on Thompson.
Rivers said the case attracted a host of practitioners of the occult arts, including mediums, clairvoyants, bomoh, soothsayers, astrologers and palmists.
One of them, Peter Hurkos, was a private investigator said to be a telepathy expert from Los Angeles, hired by the Thompson family.
His credentials were that he had assisted the police in search of the mysterious killer in the Boston Strangler case.
It was also said that he had crushed the scepticism of a non-believer in Boston by telling a young policeman correctly that he had been making love to his wife on the kitchen table a few hours ago.
His spiel was that Thompson had been drugged unconscious, abducted and flown off to Cambodia.
But when he was told that there was no landing strip, the story was amended to include an equally impossible boat ride to a neighbouring state for the plane trip.
Beside Hurkos, a swamp of mediums and mystic psychics swept through the jungle and came out with an assortment of sinister possibilities.
Retired Deputy Supt Ismail Hashim, 85, who was the OCPD in Cameron Highlands then, said he logged 118 such people but many others came later.
"They were of all races and nationalities and many had come all the way from Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia. Some even posted in their predictions.
"For days, the hills were alive with the sound of incantations, gongs and firecrackers to ward off evil spirits.
Strawberry Park Resort resident manager Lim Wai Ming said the story circulating in Ringlet was that on his death bed, an elderly farmer confessed to his family to ease his conscience that he had once knocked down and killed a European man and buried him in an unmarked grave.
However, the cliff-hanger was that he died before he could gasp out where the body was buried.
Long-time resident of the highlands Capt Philip J. Rivers said it was a credible story.
Rivers is a master mariner, lecturer in nautical studies, and a former insurance fraud investigator. He is also the author of the book, ‘1421' Voyages: Fact and Fantasy, published by the Perak Academy.
"In 1967, it was rumoured that a lorry had struck Thompson on the road but this was not reported to the police.
"It was said that the driver in his panic placed the body on to the back of his vehicle, drove off and buried the body in the outskirts of a vegetable patch.
"The stories were that Thompson was either eaten by a tiger, leopard or a wild boar, gulped down by a python or swallowed by quicksand.
"Others argued that the orang asli had accidentally killed him with a dart from a blow pipe, some said he had fallen into an animal trap," said Ismail.
He said a ridiculous tale featured Thompson in a cannibal feast but the most amusing of all was that a tribal "princess" kept him imprisoned as a "love slave".
Rivers said there were quarters who claimed that the police were slow in their investigations and had only done a "cosmetic search" for Thompson because of the conspiracy theories.
"From what I have learnt, the police had done a thorough search for Thompson, and Ismail had been on the scene immediately on the evening after receiving a report," said Rivers.
"Practically all police units, including the Special Branch, CID, Police Field Force, orang asli from Senoi Praaq and the Jubah teams had swept the jungle and the highlands during investigations.
"Experts on secret societies were also sent up to check whether Thompson could have been kidnapped. A woman inspector, Tan Ai Bee, was sent to stay with the women at Moonlight Cottage on the pretext of offering protection to determine whether Thompson's disappearance had something to do with domestic matters," said Rivers.
Others involved in the search included a British Military Police sergeant and a small detachment, convalescents from the British Military Hospital, local residents, missionaries, students from the American School, tourists and golfers, two Dayak Rangers with a tracker dog and two Danish friends of Thompson from Bangkok.
Even former adviser to the Malayan Aborigine Department, the famous Richard Noone, hired by the Thai Silk Company, failed to locate Thompson after a search with orang asli despite his extensive knowledge of Cameron Highlands both before the war and during the Emergency.
Noone's final observation was that "Mr Thompson was not in the jungle, dead or alive as he would certainly be found by now."
"The possibilities have narrowed to Thompson accidentally meeting his death and his remains lay undetected somewhere in the Cameron Highlands," said Rivers.
Rivers will be giving a talk entitled He Never Left The Hills – The Real Search For Jim Thompson, organised by the Perak Academy at Syuen Hotel, Ipoh, at 7.30pm on Friday. For reservations, contact 05-547 8949/016-551 8172. -- The Star.
Looking for the Silk King
By Foong Thim Leng
Tuesday March 23, 2010
New theories emerge about Jim Thompson's disappearance over 40 years ago.
IT has been 43 years since Thai Silk King Jim Thompson went missing in the jungles of Cameron Highlands but the hills are still buzzing with tales of what could have happened to him.
Some of the theories on Thompson's disappearance contain conspiracies fit for a spy movie, while others are too ludicrous to believe.
Recently, a mundane story came out of Cameron Highlands that Thompson's disappearance was a simple road accident.
"An alternative story says the culprit was driving a timber lorry and the body was disposed of at a sawmill," he said in an interview.
Rivers said he first heard of the intriguing Thompson case when he came to the highlands over 20 years ago.
"The story is so famous that in London alone, there are about 20 bars and restaurants serving Thai dishes and food from Asian countries named after Jim Thompson.
"Even the Strawberry Park Resort in Cameron Highlands has the Jim Thompson Terrace, a restaurant with a Jim Thompson hamburger as one of the items on its menu," he said.
Today, tourists are still queuing up daily to visit the Jim Thompson Thai House (Museum) in Rama Road 1, Bangkok, although many do not know that Cameron Highlands is in Malaysia.
Captain Philip J. Rivers at the verandah of Moonlight Cottage where Jim Thompson was last seen in 1967.
As the story goes, Thompson had come to the highlands with his close Thai friend Mrs Connie Mangskau less than a week after his 61st birthday in 1967 to spend an Easter weekend with friends, Dr T.G. and Mrs Helen Ling of Singapore at their holiday bungalow, Moonlight Cottage, located above the golf course in Tanah Rata.
He and his friends attended church service on Easter Sunday which fell on March 26 that year and then had a picnic before returning to the bungalow. Thompson was last seen standing at the verandah. Despite a massive search that followed, he was never found.
Tales of his disappearance then spread like wildfire.
"Pundits pontificated that Thompson was a CIA agent embroiled in Thai politics, because of his wartime service in the OSS (Office of Strategic Services).
"He was also labelled a man of mystery, a soldier of fortune and even a spy, becoming a double agent working for the Chinese communists. Conversely, they whisked him away to settle the war in Vietnam or to revive the silk trade in China.
"His wartime service was exaggerated to turn him into a skilled jungle fighter who had been behind Japanese lines in Burma or directed the Thai underground.
"That is all nonsense," said Rivers who has carried out research on Thompson.
Rivers said the case attracted a host of practitioners of the occult arts, including mediums, clairvoyants, bomoh, soothsayers, astrologers and palmists.
One of them, Peter Hurkos, was a private investigator said to be a telepathy expert from Los Angeles, hired by the Thompson family.
His credentials were that he had assisted the police in search of the mysterious killer in the Boston Strangler case.
It was also said that he had crushed the scepticism of a non-believer in Boston by telling a young policeman correctly that he had been making love to his wife on the kitchen table a few hours ago.
His spiel was that Thompson had been drugged unconscious, abducted and flown off to Cambodia.
Jim Thompson pondering over one of his silk designs at a tropical garden in Bangkok in 1965.
But when he was told that there was no landing strip, the story was amended to include an equally impossible boat ride to a neighbouring state for the plane trip.
Beside Hurkos, a swamp of mediums and mystic psychics swept through the jungle and came out with an assortment of sinister possibilities.
Retired Deputy Supt Ismail Hashim, 85, who was the OCPD in Cameron Highlands then, said he logged 118 such people but many others came later.
"They were of all races and nationalities and many had come all the way from Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia. Some even posted in their predictions.
"For days, the hills were alive with the sound of incantations, gongs and firecrackers to ward off evil spirits.
Strawberry Park Resort resident manager Lim Wai Ming said the story circulating in Ringlet was that on his death bed, an elderly farmer confessed to his family to ease his conscience that he had once knocked down and killed a European man and buried him in an unmarked grave.
However, the cliff-hanger was that he died before he could gasp out where the body was buried.
Long-time resident of the highlands Capt Philip J. Rivers said it was a credible story.
Rivers is a master mariner, lecturer in nautical studies, and a former insurance fraud investigator. He is also the author of the book, ‘1421' Voyages: Fact and Fantasy, published by the Perak Academy.
"In 1967, it was rumoured that a lorry had struck Thompson on the road but this was not reported to the police.
"It was said that the driver in his panic placed the body on to the back of his vehicle, drove off and buried the body in the outskirts of a vegetable patch.
"The stories were that Thompson was either eaten by a tiger, leopard or a wild boar, gulped down by a python or swallowed by quicksand.
"Others argued that the orang asli had accidentally killed him with a dart from a blow pipe, some said he had fallen into an animal trap," said Ismail.
He said a ridiculous tale featured Thompson in a cannibal feast but the most amusing of all was that a tribal "princess" kept him imprisoned as a "love slave".
Rivers said there were quarters who claimed that the police were slow in their investigations and had only done a "cosmetic search" for Thompson because of the conspiracy theories.
"From what I have learnt, the police had done a thorough search for Thompson, and Ismail had been on the scene immediately on the evening after receiving a report," said Rivers.
"Practically all police units, including the Special Branch, CID, Police Field Force, orang asli from Senoi Praaq and the Jubah teams had swept the jungle and the highlands during investigations.
"Experts on secret societies were also sent up to check whether Thompson could have been kidnapped. A woman inspector, Tan Ai Bee, was sent to stay with the women at Moonlight Cottage on the pretext of offering protection to determine whether Thompson's disappearance had something to do with domestic matters," said Rivers.
Others involved in the search included a British Military Police sergeant and a small detachment, convalescents from the British Military Hospital, local residents, missionaries, students from the American School, tourists and golfers, two Dayak Rangers with a tracker dog and two Danish friends of Thompson from Bangkok.
Even former adviser to the Malayan Aborigine Department, the famous Richard Noone, hired by the Thai Silk Company, failed to locate Thompson after a search with orang asli despite his extensive knowledge of Cameron Highlands both before the war and during the Emergency.
Noone's final observation was that "Mr Thompson was not in the jungle, dead or alive as he would certainly be found by now."
"The possibilities have narrowed to Thompson accidentally meeting his death and his remains lay undetected somewhere in the Cameron Highlands," said Rivers.
Rivers will be giving a talk entitled He Never Left The Hills – The Real Search For Jim Thompson, organised by the Perak Academy at Syuen Hotel, Ipoh, at 7.30pm on Friday. For reservations, contact 05-547 8949/016-551 8172. -- The Star.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Strawberry Farm in Genting Highlands
Strawberry lure at Genting
Story and photos by Nik Naizi Husin
Thursday February 25, 2010
Bentong: Genting Highlands has new attractions for the droves of tourists who visit its theme parks and casino. It is now also home to strawberry and orchid farms.
Genting Strawberry Leisure Farms chief executive K.C. Chung said his farm was conceptualised a year ago to diversify the tourism products in Genting Highlands.
“Cameron Highlands is famous for its strawberries and people travel there to visit its many big farms.
“Although our farm is just a little over 2ha, we optimised the use of space with the help of friends who are experts in farming besides my own experience.
“The local tourism industry can keep growing if the players are creative in coming up with new ideas,” he said.
He said that Genting Highlands appealed to visitors for its cool climate and theme park and now the strawberry farm as well.
“At my farm, visitors can pick strawberries, vegetables and mushrooms by themselves,” he said.
There are several types of mushrooms growing at the farm.
Chung said the farm was crowded during school holidays as admission was free.
Some 3km up the road leading to Awana Genting is an orchid farm.
It is a little hidden and many visitors are unaware of it, but orchid lovers have known about The World of Phalaenopsis for years.
Some 50 species thrive on the 0.4ha there.
It was established by Y.K. Yap, who started collecting and growing orchids as a hobby until he realised he had enough of them to start a small farm. -- The StarMetro
Footnote: I think I saw their farm on the way down from First World Hotel. Maybe next time might give it a visit and look see. Something nearer to KL folks rather than travel so far to Cameron Highlands to see strawberry farm. Then again, Cameron Highlands is more soothing with all the greenery than Genting Highlands, eh? - Jan.
Story and photos by Nik Naizi Husin
Thursday February 25, 2010
Bentong: Genting Highlands has new attractions for the droves of tourists who visit its theme parks and casino. It is now also home to strawberry and orchid farms.
Genting Strawberry Leisure Farms chief executive K.C. Chung said his farm was conceptualised a year ago to diversify the tourism products in Genting Highlands.
“Cameron Highlands is famous for its strawberries and people travel there to visit its many big farms.
Getting ripe: Chung showing the unplucked strawberries at his farm in Genting Highlands recently.
“Although our farm is just a little over 2ha, we optimised the use of space with the help of friends who are experts in farming besides my own experience.
“The local tourism industry can keep growing if the players are creative in coming up with new ideas,” he said.
Full blossoms: Genting Highlands in Pahang is not just known for its theme park and casino as it is attracting tourists to an orchid farm and a strawberry farm in its locality.
He said that Genting Highlands appealed to visitors for its cool climate and theme park and now the strawberry farm as well.
“At my farm, visitors can pick strawberries, vegetables and mushrooms by themselves,” he said.
There are several types of mushrooms growing at the farm.
Chung said the farm was crowded during school holidays as admission was free.
For leisure: An attraction at the farm is this bamboo hut.
Some 3km up the road leading to Awana Genting is an orchid farm.
It is a little hidden and many visitors are unaware of it, but orchid lovers have known about The World of Phalaenopsis for years.
Some 50 species thrive on the 0.4ha there.
It was established by Y.K. Yap, who started collecting and growing orchids as a hobby until he realised he had enough of them to start a small farm. -- The StarMetro
Optimum land use; The rows of the strawberry plants at the farm.
Footnote: I think I saw their farm on the way down from First World Hotel. Maybe next time might give it a visit and look see. Something nearer to KL folks rather than travel so far to Cameron Highlands to see strawberry farm. Then again, Cameron Highlands is more soothing with all the greenery than Genting Highlands, eh? - Jan.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Vegetables to cost more during CNY
Shortage of supply may raise prices of greens
By Foong Thim Leng
Wednesday January 20, 2010
Cameron Highlands: Prices of vegetables with names that symbolise good tidings are expected to go up during Chinese New Year because of higher demand and lower supply.
Supply of the vegetables is expected to be lower because farms here were recently affected by bad weather, said Cameron Highlands Vegetable Growers Association secretary-general Chay Ee Mong.
These include pak choy (cabbage – which gives the meaning of wealth), sang choy (lettuce – longevity), spring onions (chung – wisdom) and leeks (suan, which rhymes with "counting" in Mandarin).
Chay said demand for local vegetables would also increase as imports from China were expected to cost 30% more because heavy snowfall there resulted in poor harvests.
"We expect imports to be less as China has to feed its own population," he said in an interview.
Chay added that the price of leafy greens such as sawi from the highlands was affected by the big production of the vegetable from lowland farmers.
Vege prices up, pork to cost more due to high demand and low supply
Chinese New Year reunion dinners and other festive meals are going to cost more as prices of popular festive vegetables and pork keep escalating.
Cameron Highlands Vegetable Growers Association secretary-general Chay Ee Mong said prices of pak choy (cabbage), sang choy (lettuce) and suan (leeks) — vegetables that symbolise good tidings — are expected to increase by as much as 30% due to high demand and low supply.
Prices of live pigs have risen by 4% since last October, from RM730 per 100kg to RM760, and the price of pork from RM14 to RM22 per kg during the same period because of a reduction in porkers (adult pigs) by breeders due to disease and culling of old sows.
To stabilise the rising pork prices the Veterinary Services Department has stepped in to relax the import conditions for pork and pork-based products, while the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry will for the first time put pork under the price control list along with sugar and other essential items for Chinese New Year. -- The Star News.
By Foong Thim Leng
Wednesday January 20, 2010
Cameron Highlands: Prices of vegetables with names that symbolise good tidings are expected to go up during Chinese New Year because of higher demand and lower supply.
Supply of the vegetables is expected to be lower because farms here were recently affected by bad weather, said Cameron Highlands Vegetable Growers Association secretary-general Chay Ee Mong.
These include pak choy (cabbage – which gives the meaning of wealth), sang choy (lettuce – longevity), spring onions (chung – wisdom) and leeks (suan, which rhymes with "counting" in Mandarin).
Chay said demand for local vegetables would also increase as imports from China were expected to cost 30% more because heavy snowfall there resulted in poor harvests.
"We expect imports to be less as China has to feed its own population," he said in an interview.
Chay added that the price of leafy greens such as sawi from the highlands was affected by the big production of the vegetable from lowland farmers.
Vege prices up, pork to cost more due to high demand and low supply
Chinese New Year reunion dinners and other festive meals are going to cost more as prices of popular festive vegetables and pork keep escalating.
Cameron Highlands Vegetable Growers Association secretary-general Chay Ee Mong said prices of pak choy (cabbage), sang choy (lettuce) and suan (leeks) — vegetables that symbolise good tidings — are expected to increase by as much as 30% due to high demand and low supply.
Prices of live pigs have risen by 4% since last October, from RM730 per 100kg to RM760, and the price of pork from RM14 to RM22 per kg during the same period because of a reduction in porkers (adult pigs) by breeders due to disease and culling of old sows.
To stabilise the rising pork prices the Veterinary Services Department has stepped in to relax the import conditions for pork and pork-based products, while the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry will for the first time put pork under the price control list along with sugar and other essential items for Chinese New Year. -- The Star News.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Cameron Highlands Enviromental Issues
Cameron Highlands will always have environmental issues as long as there are "tidak apa" people in the government approving project without a care. Perhaps the lack of transparency in approving projects or some other undesirably elements (you know what I mean, the sad state of affairs in this country won't be solved overnight). Cameron Highlands will not be the only affected place, there are so many examples of gross neglect in preserving the environment in every part of Malaysia. Once this blows over, it will just be a footnote in the government. Sheesh...
Stop project in Cameron
Tuesday January 12, 2010
GEORGE TOWN: The Kampung Tersusun (Melayu) Anggerik project in Cameron Highlands should be cancelled to prevent tragedies related to hill development.
Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) president S.M. Mohamed Idris said that although the authorities’ move to issue a stop work order was positive, they should in fact put an end to the project.
"The project should not have been approved by the authorities as it falls under Class 4 (above 35 degrees gradient) slopes.
"There should not be any form of physical development in this environmentally sensitive area," he said.
Mohamed Idris, who is also Consumers’ Association of Penang president, was commenting on The Star’s front page report headline, "Hillside hazard" which said phase one of Kampung Tersusun (Melayu) project had encroached into 'forbidden’ zones. The proposed settlement scheme fell on a hilly terrain within Mentigi Forest Reserve and Gunung Jasar.
Mohamed Idris said that in view of the grave danger and previous tragedies in highland areas, it was vital the proposed development be relocated to a safer location.
"The authorities should also take firm action to ensure that the developers undertake rehabilitation of the exposed slopes," he said in a statement. -- Star News
Bureau urged to do own probe on environmental complaints
Wednesday January 13, 2010
PETALING JAYA: The Public Complaints Bureau's (PCB) over-reliance on feedback from government agencies that it is investigating can undermine its ability to resolve recurring problems of over-development in Cameron Highlands.
"I don't think the bureau is doing a thorough job. It is overly reliant on agencies against which complaints were levelled for clarification.
"It should be more proactive in handling complaints, like analysing all angles of mismanagement," said R. Ramakrishnan, the president of environmental watchdog Regional Environmental Awareness Cameron Highlands (Reach).
He said that from his experience in handling environmental-related complaints filed with PCB, the bureau wrote to the agencies concerned for comments.
"For instance, the slopes on Gunung Jasar clearly fall into the category of environmentally-sensitive area, where no physical development is to be allowed, and this is noted in the Local Plan, a document prepared by the district council itself," he said in response to a Starprobe article on the proposed settlement scheme in Tanah Rata.
The scheme, Kampung Tersusun (Melayu) Anggerik, is to be undertaken by the chairman of the Desa Anggerik Development Committee and claimed on its signboard that it had obtained the work permit from the Land Office.
District officer Datuk Mohamad Noor Abdul Rani, who is in charge of the Land Office, however, has refused to comment on the matter.
Local residents have petitioned for the project to be relocated as the development could destabilise the steep hillside. -- Star News
Contractor erred during earthworks
Thursday January 14, 2010
KUANTAN: The contractor who carried out earthworks in a settlement scheme that apparently encroached into a hilly terrain within the Mentigi Forest Reserve and Gunung Jasar did not put in place mitigation measures.
State Local Government, Environment and Health Committee chairman Datuk Hoh Khai Mun said the contractor, who started earthworks on May 4, did not have measures such as a siltation pond, causing silt to flow into a nearby creek.
"A stop-work order was issued on May 8 last year and no work has been done since as the authorities are not satisfied with the contractor's mitigation steps," he said after a state exco meeting here yesterday.
The Star highlighted the adverse environmental effects following earthworks carried out for the Kampung Tersusun (Melayu) Anggerik project, which is a new settlement in Cameron Highlands.
Silt and uprooted old growth during land clearing had affected the creek's water quality while nearby residents had expressed concern over the site, described as an "environmentally sensitive area".
It was also reported that the project was undertaken by the Desa Anggerik Development Committee chairman and a building plan indicated that there would be 80 lots on a 13ha area.
Hoh said an application for a land clearing permit was submitted to the land and district office about three months earlier by Sabri Saad, a Desa Anggerik committee representative.
He said the Drainage and Irrigation Department had, in its feedback, stated that the DID had no objection to the application as the creek was small.
"A permit was issued on April 17 last year with various conditions and that the department would monitor the progress," Hoh said, adding that the stop-work order was issued following a complaint from the DID.
However, Hoh denied the scheme had encroached into the reserve, adding that it was actually located within a Malay reserve area gazetted on Nov 19, 1998.
He said the creek was also not feeding into Sungai Terla, which was the main source of water for Cameron Highlands, as the site was located downstream from the river and the temporary occupation licences were only for 76 individuals on an 8ha land.
Hoh said he would meet the district officer today.
Stop project in Cameron
Tuesday January 12, 2010
GEORGE TOWN: The Kampung Tersusun (Melayu) Anggerik project in Cameron Highlands should be cancelled to prevent tragedies related to hill development.
Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) president S.M. Mohamed Idris said that although the authorities’ move to issue a stop work order was positive, they should in fact put an end to the project.
"The project should not have been approved by the authorities as it falls under Class 4 (above 35 degrees gradient) slopes.
"There should not be any form of physical development in this environmentally sensitive area," he said.
Mohamed Idris, who is also Consumers’ Association of Penang president, was commenting on The Star’s front page report headline, "Hillside hazard" which said phase one of Kampung Tersusun (Melayu) project had encroached into 'forbidden’ zones. The proposed settlement scheme fell on a hilly terrain within Mentigi Forest Reserve and Gunung Jasar.
Mohamed Idris said that in view of the grave danger and previous tragedies in highland areas, it was vital the proposed development be relocated to a safer location.
"The authorities should also take firm action to ensure that the developers undertake rehabilitation of the exposed slopes," he said in a statement. -- Star News
Bureau urged to do own probe on environmental complaints
Wednesday January 13, 2010
PETALING JAYA: The Public Complaints Bureau's (PCB) over-reliance on feedback from government agencies that it is investigating can undermine its ability to resolve recurring problems of over-development in Cameron Highlands.
"I don't think the bureau is doing a thorough job. It is overly reliant on agencies against which complaints were levelled for clarification.
"It should be more proactive in handling complaints, like analysing all angles of mismanagement," said R. Ramakrishnan, the president of environmental watchdog Regional Environmental Awareness Cameron Highlands (Reach).
He said that from his experience in handling environmental-related complaints filed with PCB, the bureau wrote to the agencies concerned for comments.
"For instance, the slopes on Gunung Jasar clearly fall into the category of environmentally-sensitive area, where no physical development is to be allowed, and this is noted in the Local Plan, a document prepared by the district council itself," he said in response to a Starprobe article on the proposed settlement scheme in Tanah Rata.
The scheme, Kampung Tersusun (Melayu) Anggerik, is to be undertaken by the chairman of the Desa Anggerik Development Committee and claimed on its signboard that it had obtained the work permit from the Land Office.
District officer Datuk Mohamad Noor Abdul Rani, who is in charge of the Land Office, however, has refused to comment on the matter.
Local residents have petitioned for the project to be relocated as the development could destabilise the steep hillside. -- Star News
Contractor erred during earthworks
Thursday January 14, 2010
KUANTAN: The contractor who carried out earthworks in a settlement scheme that apparently encroached into a hilly terrain within the Mentigi Forest Reserve and Gunung Jasar did not put in place mitigation measures.
State Local Government, Environment and Health Committee chairman Datuk Hoh Khai Mun said the contractor, who started earthworks on May 4, did not have measures such as a siltation pond, causing silt to flow into a nearby creek.
"A stop-work order was issued on May 8 last year and no work has been done since as the authorities are not satisfied with the contractor's mitigation steps," he said after a state exco meeting here yesterday.
The Star highlighted the adverse environmental effects following earthworks carried out for the Kampung Tersusun (Melayu) Anggerik project, which is a new settlement in Cameron Highlands.
Silt and uprooted old growth during land clearing had affected the creek's water quality while nearby residents had expressed concern over the site, described as an "environmentally sensitive area".
It was also reported that the project was undertaken by the Desa Anggerik Development Committee chairman and a building plan indicated that there would be 80 lots on a 13ha area.
Hoh said an application for a land clearing permit was submitted to the land and district office about three months earlier by Sabri Saad, a Desa Anggerik committee representative.
He said the Drainage and Irrigation Department had, in its feedback, stated that the DID had no objection to the application as the creek was small.
"A permit was issued on April 17 last year with various conditions and that the department would monitor the progress," Hoh said, adding that the stop-work order was issued following a complaint from the DID.
However, Hoh denied the scheme had encroached into the reserve, adding that it was actually located within a Malay reserve area gazetted on Nov 19, 1998.
He said the creek was also not feeding into Sungai Terla, which was the main source of water for Cameron Highlands, as the site was located downstream from the river and the temporary occupation licences were only for 76 individuals on an 8ha land.
Hoh said he would meet the district officer today.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Hillside hazard and other issues
Cameron Highlands is popular for tourist. But it has a number of enviromental issues. And yet again they are in the limelight for irresponsible development. And this was showcase in the frontpage of the local daily too! Cameron Highlands popularity sure produces it own set of problems. Hopefully the authority will do the needful to keep the enviroment protected or we are going to lose this beautiful highland retreat, not to mention the damage to its biodiversity. Sigh!
Hillside Hazard
11-January-2010
By Hillary Chiew
CAMERON HIGHLANDS: This famous hill resort is no stranger to bad press, environmentally speaking.
From landslides to rising temperatures, from illegal land use to river contamination, the famous hill station is threatened by overdevelopment.
With the scarcity of flat land, development projects have inevitably encroached into forbidden zones. The latest involves a settlement scheme on a hilly terrain within Mentigi Forest Reserve and Gunung Jasar.
Last May 4, bulldozers cut a 500m trail into the forest reserve, uprooting the old growth and silting creeks that feed into Sungai Tela, a major water source of Cameron Highlands.
A signboard declared that the clearing is for phase one of Kampung Tersusun (Melayu) Anggerik undertaken by the chairman of the Desa Anggerik Development Committee. There is no mention of the architect, geotechnical engineer and developer.
But the earthwork stopped abruptly four days later. Sources said a stop-work order was issued by the District Office, signed by its Chief Assistant District Officer Mohd Isa Awang Chik, purportedly following complaints from the Drainage and Irrigation Department over the absence of silt prevention measures during the construction of the access road.
For the last eight months, residents of Carnation Park and their neighbours in Lembah Jasar, who live next to the project and had opposed it, have been left in the dark over the fate of the project. The residents numbering approximately 2,800, are wary that the project might be allowed to resume later.
A resident, who only wanted to be identified as Mrs Chong, said the residents first heard about plans to develop the forest reserve in 2005.
"We collected (signatures for) a petition and submitted it to the Mentri Besar. Then everything went quiet. Right after the March 8 general election (in 2008), word went around that part of the reserve had been degazetted and turned into a Malay reserve, and that temporary land titles had been issued to the Desa Anggerik Committee.
"We are shocked that a human settlement is going to be located on such steep slopes. It will endanger the would-be occupants as well as we who live at the fringe of the hill," she said.
An area of 562ha was gazetted in 1933 as the Mentigi Forest Reserve but a total of 203ha were already excised over the years, with the largest plot being 192ha in 1996.
She said Gunung Jasar is prone to erosion, as evident from the occurrence of several landslides along the TNB pylon; the area was destablished when the transmitter structures were erected. Chong expressed concern that future phases of the housing project will creep into steeper terrains.
She insisted that the petition was not against the creation of a Malay village but was an appeal for the project to be relocated to a safer place.
According to the Local Plan, the project site falls into Class 3 (above 26° gradient) and Class 4 (above 35° gradient) slopes which are environmentally sensitive areas that should not have any form of physical development.
Nevertheless, the project claimed that it had obtained a "work permit" from the Land and District Office, as declared on its signboard.
District officer Datuk Mohamad Noor Abdul Rani, however, refused to be interviewed. He conveyed a message of "no comments" through his personal assistant.
When contacted, Desa Anggerik Committee chairman Usop Yong also declined comment.
"The matter is with the state government. No comments," he said.
Meanwhile, the contractor for the project – Alam Rimba Sdn Bhd – when approached in Tanah Rata in June last year confirmed that a stop-work order was issued in the early days of the project but said the directive came from Kuantan, the state administrative centre.
"The state government instructed that all hill slope projects be stopped temporarily. The rest of it, I don't know. I'm just the contractor," said its director Capt (Rtd) Azman Ahmad.
However, he claimed that the title for the land was approved 15 years ago.
"We discussed with the Land and District Office and the State Govern-ment the shortage of land for the growing population of Malays in Cameron Highlands. Those given the lots are Malays who live in the town, like civil servants, business operators and pensioners. They are low-income earners."
When asked about safety measures, he explained that the cutting of the slope will be limited to a built-up area of around 278sqm in a lot measuring 501sqm to 929sqm.
The building plan obtained indicated that there would be 80 lots on the 13ha site. Overlaying the plan on the Local Plan clearly showed the type of terrain the development will be located on (see graphic).
He said the building plan was drawn up by the Town and Country Planning Department and submitted to the Land and District Office for approval.
He later turned hostile and questioned this reporter's intention. "Is this going to be a positive or negative story? Are you trying to jeopardise a project for the Malays?"
Last July, residents brought their concerns to the attention of the Public Complaints Bureau (PCB).
Following its inspection of the site on Sept 20 by two of its officers, accompanied by a land and district senior officer, state PCB director Azlan Shah Abdul Latif informed Chong (the complainant) that the case was closed as there was no evidence of earthwork that contravened the stop-work order and that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission is investigating the case which it has listed as case No.48793.
The state Malaysian Anti-Corrup-tion Commission has not found any element of corruption in the development of the project in Kampung Tersusun Melayu Angerik.
Pahang MACC Director Datuk Sutinah Sutan said the commission had received complaints and reports from the public alleging corrupt practises.
"We investigated each and every allegation and found that the problem was more towards administrative than corrruption.
"Nonetheless we will continue to keep an eye on the project to ensure there is no hanky panky involved,'' she told The Star.
She appealed to the public to contact or provide the MACC with information if they knew of any corrupt practises that took place either involving the project or any other deals. -- StarProbe.
Water supply affected by overdevelopment
11/1/2010
IT may be the coolest place in Pahang but Cameron Highlands is a water-stressed district in the state.
A resident of Carnation Park, Vasu Karupiah, said that overdevelopment has affected the water catchment areas in the highlands and that illegal vegetable farms are placing tremendous strain on the water supply. The situation is further compounded by the influx of tourists during the holiday seasons.
"During peak season, the flow is controlled, and this housing estate is at the end of the supply line, so we often end up without any water," he lamented.
As Carnation Park, a mixed housing estate comprising four-storey apartments, link-houses, low- to medium-cost flats and bungalows – and 570 households – is close to the Mentigi Forest Reserve which has clear running streams, residents have resorted to siphoning the water off the hills.
They claimed that they had no choice as they could not cope with the frequent water disruptions. A check in the hills showed rubber pipes lining the paths, transferring mountain stream water into huge rubber water containers which are then directed to individual homes.
Other residents said it was a shame that the water supply is getting contaminated as more water catchment areas are contaminated due to soil erosion and the leeching of agro-chemicals from indiscriminate land-clearing and farming practices.
Tung Wan Fee, who used to picnic atop Gunung Jasar, said the highest pylon is perched precariously on the ridge. He expressed concern that any further disturbance could destabilise the slope and cause the pylon to collapse.
Many Kandasamy, a resident of Block B of the SEDC flats located on a hillock, said he learnt that the controversial Kampung Anggerik development project will stretch from Carnation Park to the slopes surrounding the flats.
"We have a water tower here that might collapse if the slope is disturbed. We've not been told what exactly the project entails. How can a housing project on these slopes be approved?" he said, gesturing towards the slopes that are presently covered in thick vegetation. -- StarProbe.
Hillside Hazard
11-January-2010
By Hillary Chiew
CAMERON HIGHLANDS: This famous hill resort is no stranger to bad press, environmentally speaking.
From landslides to rising temperatures, from illegal land use to river contamination, the famous hill station is threatened by overdevelopment.
With the scarcity of flat land, development projects have inevitably encroached into forbidden zones. The latest involves a settlement scheme on a hilly terrain within Mentigi Forest Reserve and Gunung Jasar.
Last May 4, bulldozers cut a 500m trail into the forest reserve, uprooting the old growth and silting creeks that feed into Sungai Tela, a major water source of Cameron Highlands.
A signboard declared that the clearing is for phase one of Kampung Tersusun (Melayu) Anggerik undertaken by the chairman of the Desa Anggerik Development Committee. There is no mention of the architect, geotechnical engineer and developer.
But the earthwork stopped abruptly four days later. Sources said a stop-work order was issued by the District Office, signed by its Chief Assistant District Officer Mohd Isa Awang Chik, purportedly following complaints from the Drainage and Irrigation Department over the absence of silt prevention measures during the construction of the access road.
For the last eight months, residents of Carnation Park and their neighbours in Lembah Jasar, who live next to the project and had opposed it, have been left in the dark over the fate of the project. The residents numbering approximately 2,800, are wary that the project might be allowed to resume later.
A resident, who only wanted to be identified as Mrs Chong, said the residents first heard about plans to develop the forest reserve in 2005.
High tension: The TNB pylon on the ridge of Gunung Jasar, Cameron Highlands has caused landslides on the steep terrain.
"We collected (signatures for) a petition and submitted it to the Mentri Besar. Then everything went quiet. Right after the March 8 general election (in 2008), word went around that part of the reserve had been degazetted and turned into a Malay reserve, and that temporary land titles had been issued to the Desa Anggerik Committee.
"We are shocked that a human settlement is going to be located on such steep slopes. It will endanger the would-be occupants as well as we who live at the fringe of the hill," she said.
An area of 562ha was gazetted in 1933 as the Mentigi Forest Reserve but a total of 203ha were already excised over the years, with the largest plot being 192ha in 1996.
She said Gunung Jasar is prone to erosion, as evident from the occurrence of several landslides along the TNB pylon; the area was destablished when the transmitter structures were erected. Chong expressed concern that future phases of the housing project will creep into steeper terrains.
She insisted that the petition was not against the creation of a Malay village but was an appeal for the project to be relocated to a safer place.
According to the Local Plan, the project site falls into Class 3 (above 26° gradient) and Class 4 (above 35° gradient) slopes which are environmentally sensitive areas that should not have any form of physical development.
Nevertheless, the project claimed that it had obtained a "work permit" from the Land and District Office, as declared on its signboard.
District officer Datuk Mohamad Noor Abdul Rani, however, refused to be interviewed. He conveyed a message of "no comments" through his personal assistant.
When contacted, Desa Anggerik Committee chairman Usop Yong also declined comment.
Who's responsible? The signboard announcing the Phase One development of Kampung Tersusun (Melayu) Anggerik next to the road leading into Carnation Park. It does not state who the architect, geotechnical engineer or developer are.
"The matter is with the state government. No comments," he said.
Meanwhile, the contractor for the project – Alam Rimba Sdn Bhd – when approached in Tanah Rata in June last year confirmed that a stop-work order was issued in the early days of the project but said the directive came from Kuantan, the state administrative centre.
"The state government instructed that all hill slope projects be stopped temporarily. The rest of it, I don't know. I'm just the contractor," said its director Capt (Rtd) Azman Ahmad.
However, he claimed that the title for the land was approved 15 years ago.
"We discussed with the Land and District Office and the State Govern-ment the shortage of land for the growing population of Malays in Cameron Highlands. Those given the lots are Malays who live in the town, like civil servants, business operators and pensioners. They are low-income earners."
When asked about safety measures, he explained that the cutting of the slope will be limited to a built-up area of around 278sqm in a lot measuring 501sqm to 929sqm.
The building plan obtained indicated that there would be 80 lots on the 13ha site. Overlaying the plan on the Local Plan clearly showed the type of terrain the development will be located on (see graphic).
He said the building plan was drawn up by the Town and Country Planning Department and submitted to the Land and District Office for approval.
He later turned hostile and questioned this reporter's intention. "Is this going to be a positive or negative story? Are you trying to jeopardise a project for the Malays?"
Last July, residents brought their concerns to the attention of the Public Complaints Bureau (PCB).
Following its inspection of the site on Sept 20 by two of its officers, accompanied by a land and district senior officer, state PCB director Azlan Shah Abdul Latif informed Chong (the complainant) that the case was closed as there was no evidence of earthwork that contravened the stop-work order and that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission is investigating the case which it has listed as case No.48793.
The state Malaysian Anti-Corrup-tion Commission has not found any element of corruption in the development of the project in Kampung Tersusun Melayu Angerik.
Pahang MACC Director Datuk Sutinah Sutan said the commission had received complaints and reports from the public alleging corrupt practises.
"We investigated each and every allegation and found that the problem was more towards administrative than corrruption.
"Nonetheless we will continue to keep an eye on the project to ensure there is no hanky panky involved,'' she told The Star.
She appealed to the public to contact or provide the MACC with information if they knew of any corrupt practises that took place either involving the project or any other deals. -- StarProbe.
Water supply affected by overdevelopment
11/1/2010
IT may be the coolest place in Pahang but Cameron Highlands is a water-stressed district in the state.
A resident of Carnation Park, Vasu Karupiah, said that overdevelopment has affected the water catchment areas in the highlands and that illegal vegetable farms are placing tremendous strain on the water supply. The situation is further compounded by the influx of tourists during the holiday seasons.
"During peak season, the flow is controlled, and this housing estate is at the end of the supply line, so we often end up without any water," he lamented.
As Carnation Park, a mixed housing estate comprising four-storey apartments, link-houses, low- to medium-cost flats and bungalows – and 570 households – is close to the Mentigi Forest Reserve which has clear running streams, residents have resorted to siphoning the water off the hills.
They claimed that they had no choice as they could not cope with the frequent water disruptions. A check in the hills showed rubber pipes lining the paths, transferring mountain stream water into huge rubber water containers which are then directed to individual homes.
Other residents said it was a shame that the water supply is getting contaminated as more water catchment areas are contaminated due to soil erosion and the leeching of agro-chemicals from indiscriminate land-clearing and farming practices.
Tung Wan Fee, who used to picnic atop Gunung Jasar, said the highest pylon is perched precariously on the ridge. He expressed concern that any further disturbance could destabilise the slope and cause the pylon to collapse.
Many Kandasamy, a resident of Block B of the SEDC flats located on a hillock, said he learnt that the controversial Kampung Anggerik development project will stretch from Carnation Park to the slopes surrounding the flats.
"We have a water tower here that might collapse if the slope is disturbed. We've not been told what exactly the project entails. How can a housing project on these slopes be approved?" he said, gesturing towards the slopes that are presently covered in thick vegetation. -- StarProbe.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Restoran Zainab Sam
FOR good Malay food in the Cameron Highlands, make your way to this outlet. Zainab Sam Abdul Latif started a stall in 1974 and over the years, it expanded into this small restaurant.
At 66, Zainab, who hails from Batu Gajah, Perak, still actively attends to her customers, who declare that she serves the best Malay and Thai-style cuisine in the area.
The restaurant serves fried rice in many styles, such as nasi goreng kampung and nasi goreng Pattaya. Prices start from RM3, depending on the cooking style and the ingredients. If you opt for plain rice, Zainab offers about 20 types of vegetable, meat and fish dishes daily.
There is also good sup tulang or beef bone soup to be found here. What is outstanding is the ikan keli masak sambal. Zainab's nasi lemak with its flavourful rice is also good. - Star Street Food Guide.
Restoran Zainab Sam
(Opposite HSBC Bank)
10 Main Road, Tanah Rata.
Tel: 05-491 1917
Open 6.30am to 10pm.
Days off not fixed.
(That's why it is difficult to try it. So many times I look for this stall and still no luck trying it! Cheers!)
Friday, January 08, 2010
Cameron Highlands Indian farmers facing eviction
Cameron Highlands Indian farmers facing eviction
8/1/2010
Makkal Osai front-paged the plight of 600 Indian families, who have been involved in agriculture for the past 50 years in Cameron Highlands, who are now facing eviction.
Cameron Highlands Indian Farmers Association president P. Viswanathan said that most of the farmers were on temporary occupancy licence (TOL) land.
He said the Government had received reports that their agricultural waste products were being emptied into the rivers resulting in drinking water being contaminated.
They were issued eviction notices by the Land Office.
Viswanathan said the Land Office had said that although the TOL licences were valid until 2015, the Government could take back the land for development if the need arose.
He said many of the farmers had taken agricultural loans.
He added that the Land Office should at least allocate alternative plots of land to those who had been involved in farming for more than 40 years.
Previously, the Government had given alternative land to TOL landowners whose agricultural land was taken up for a road widening project.
He said the Government should consider that most of the affected farmers depended solely on the income from their agricultural business ventures. - Makkal Osai
8/1/2010
Makkal Osai front-paged the plight of 600 Indian families, who have been involved in agriculture for the past 50 years in Cameron Highlands, who are now facing eviction.
Cameron Highlands Indian Farmers Association president P. Viswanathan said that most of the farmers were on temporary occupancy licence (TOL) land.
He said the Government had received reports that their agricultural waste products were being emptied into the rivers resulting in drinking water being contaminated.
They were issued eviction notices by the Land Office.
Viswanathan said the Land Office had said that although the TOL licences were valid until 2015, the Government could take back the land for development if the need arose.
He said many of the farmers had taken agricultural loans.
He added that the Land Office should at least allocate alternative plots of land to those who had been involved in farming for more than 40 years.
Previously, the Government had given alternative land to TOL landowners whose agricultural land was taken up for a road widening project.
He said the Government should consider that most of the affected farmers depended solely on the income from their agricultural business ventures. - Makkal Osai
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Cameron Highlands Farming Issues
Farms encroaching on reserved land taken down
By Ivan Loh
23/Dec/2009
CAMERON HIGHLANDS: Enforcement officers demolished the sheds covering four vegetable farms built in the buffer zone of reserved land near Sungai Terla.
It was not a smooth operation with the farmers screaming and crying aloud as Rela personnel held them aside. Reporters who had gathered there were also yelled at.
The distraught farmers even tore down a bridge across the river to prevent the enforcement personnel from getting to the farms.
District Officer Datuk Mohamad Noor Abdul Rani said action was taken as the plots were too near the riverside, with pesticides and fertilisers seeping into the river.
He said plastic bags and pesticide containers were also dumped near the river.
Mohamad Noor said the ruling was that farms should be at least 10m away from rivers.
"The river is the intake point to a reservoir in Cameron Highlands. Tests conducted on the water quality by the Health Department recently showed that it was unsatisfactory," he told a press conference after the demolition work.
He assured that the water could still be treated and would be safe for consumption, adding that another seven farms there would be monitored by the Pahang Drainage and Irrigation Department until new directives to clear the farms were given.
Mohamad Noor said all 11 farmers have had their Temporary Occupancy Licences revoked for encroaching into the reserved land.
He said the issue only came to their attention following a TV programme that highlighted the pollution caused by the farmers.
"The farmers already know that they will not get any compensation because they have encroached onto reserved land. But they can still appeal to the Pahang government for land to continue farming," he added.
Tanah Rata assemblyman Ho Yip Kap pledged to raise the matter with state officials to help the affected farmers. -- The Star
Chaos as vegetable farms near river are demolished
By Ivan Loh
24/Dec/2009
CAMERON HIGHLANDS: Enforcement officers demolished sheds covering four vegetable plots in the buffer zone of a reserve land near Sungai Terla.
It was not a smooth operation, however. The farmers were screaming and crying aloud as Rela personnel held them down. Reporters who had gathered there were also yelled at.
The farmers even tried to tear down a bridge across the river to prevent the enforcement personnel from getting to the farms.
District Officer Datuk Mohamad Noor Abdul Rani said action was taken as the plots were too near the riverside, with pesticides and fertiliser seeping into the river.
He said plastic bags and pesticide containers were also dumped near the river.
Mohamad Noor said the ruling was that farms should be at least 10m away from rivers. "The river is the intake point to a reservoir in Cameron Highlands. Tests conducted on the water quality by the Health Department recently showed that it was unsatisfactory," he told a press conference after the demolition work.
He gave an assurance that the water could still be treated and would be safe for consumption.
Mohamad Noor said all 11 farmers have had their Temporary Occupancy Licences revoked due to the encroachment into the reserve land.
He said the issue only came to their attention after a TV programme that highlighted the pollution caused by the farmers.
"The farmers already know that they will not get any compensation because they have encroached onto reserve land. But they can still appeal to the Pahang government for land to continue farming," he added.
Tanah Rata assemblyman Ho Yip Kap pledged to raise the matter with state officials to help the affected farmers. -- The Star
By Ivan Loh
23/Dec/2009
CAMERON HIGHLANDS: Enforcement officers demolished the sheds covering four vegetable farms built in the buffer zone of reserved land near Sungai Terla.
It was not a smooth operation with the farmers screaming and crying aloud as Rela personnel held them aside. Reporters who had gathered there were also yelled at.
The distraught farmers even tore down a bridge across the river to prevent the enforcement personnel from getting to the farms.
District Officer Datuk Mohamad Noor Abdul Rani said action was taken as the plots were too near the riverside, with pesticides and fertilisers seeping into the river.
He said plastic bags and pesticide containers were also dumped near the river.
Mohamad Noor said the ruling was that farms should be at least 10m away from rivers.
"The river is the intake point to a reservoir in Cameron Highlands. Tests conducted on the water quality by the Health Department recently showed that it was unsatisfactory," he told a press conference after the demolition work.
He assured that the water could still be treated and would be safe for consumption, adding that another seven farms there would be monitored by the Pahang Drainage and Irrigation Department until new directives to clear the farms were given.
Mohamad Noor said all 11 farmers have had their Temporary Occupancy Licences revoked for encroaching into the reserved land.
He said the issue only came to their attention following a TV programme that highlighted the pollution caused by the farmers.
"The farmers already know that they will not get any compensation because they have encroached onto reserved land. But they can still appeal to the Pahang government for land to continue farming," he added.
Tanah Rata assemblyman Ho Yip Kap pledged to raise the matter with state officials to help the affected farmers. -- The Star
Chaos as vegetable farms near river are demolished
By Ivan Loh
24/Dec/2009
CAMERON HIGHLANDS: Enforcement officers demolished sheds covering four vegetable plots in the buffer zone of a reserve land near Sungai Terla.
It was not a smooth operation, however. The farmers were screaming and crying aloud as Rela personnel held them down. Reporters who had gathered there were also yelled at.
The farmers even tried to tear down a bridge across the river to prevent the enforcement personnel from getting to the farms.
District Officer Datuk Mohamad Noor Abdul Rani said action was taken as the plots were too near the riverside, with pesticides and fertiliser seeping into the river.
Total disarray: A woman crying as Rela members restrain her husband after they were overcome by emotion when their farm in Kuala Terla was demolished by Cameron Highlands district office enforcement officers yesterday. – Saiful Bahri / The Star
He said plastic bags and pesticide containers were also dumped near the river.
Mohamad Noor said the ruling was that farms should be at least 10m away from rivers. "The river is the intake point to a reservoir in Cameron Highlands. Tests conducted on the water quality by the Health Department recently showed that it was unsatisfactory," he told a press conference after the demolition work.
He gave an assurance that the water could still be treated and would be safe for consumption.
Mohamad Noor said all 11 farmers have had their Temporary Occupancy Licences revoked due to the encroachment into the reserve land.
He said the issue only came to their attention after a TV programme that highlighted the pollution caused by the farmers.
"The farmers already know that they will not get any compensation because they have encroached onto reserve land. But they can still appeal to the Pahang government for land to continue farming," he added.
Tanah Rata assemblyman Ho Yip Kap pledged to raise the matter with state officials to help the affected farmers. -- The Star
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Cameron Highlands Tapah route to be widen
It's about time they widen the Tapah route to Cameron Highlands. It is really narrow and winding and it is shorter distance if coming from the south like from Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Johor or Singapore. Sometimes those buses use up both lanes when they turn a corner and it is very difficult to overtake them!
Road to Cameron Highlands to be widened
11/Dec/2009 -- The Star
IPOH: The 45km stretch of road from Tapah to Cameron Highlands will be widened to allow for smoother traffic flow.
Perak state executive council member Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon said the Public Works Department would submit a proposal on the matter to the Government under the 10th Malaysia Plan.
"The present road is too narrow for the increasing number of vehicles using that stretch, especially lorries ferrying vegetables from Cameron Highlands," he said Friday.
Speaking to reporters after visiting his Chenderiang constituency in Tapah, 60km from here, Dr Mah said with the wider road, motorists could have an alternative to the Simpang Pulai-Cameron Highlands route.
To complement the widening of stretch, Dr Mah said the turning after the Tapah toll exit would also be widened.
"Several nasty accidents have occurred at that stretch before and the department has suggested that measures be put in place," he said. -- The Star News.
Paving way to wider road
By Sylvia Looi 16/Dec/2009
THERE are plans to widen the 45km stretch of road from Tapah to Cameron Highlands for a smoother traffic flow.
Perak executive council member Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon said the state Public Works Department (PWD) would submit a proposal on the matter to the Federal Government for the 10th Malaysia Plan.
"The present road is too narrow for the increasing number of vehicles using it, especially lorries ferrying vegetables from Cameron Highlands," he told reporters on Friday after visiting his Chenderiang constituency in Tapah, 60km from here.
Dr Mah said that with the wider road, motorists could have an alternative to the Simpang Pulai-Cameron Highlands route.
To complement the widening, Dr Mah said the turning after the Tapah toll exit would also be ex-panded.
"Several nasty accidents have occurred at that stretch before and PWD has suggested that measures be put in place," he said.
On another matter, Dr Mah said the perennial flash flood problem affecting 1,000 villagers along Jalan Pahang in Tapah would be a thing of the past when the JKR deepened and widened the drains.
"A 1.2m wide box culvert will also be put in place along Sungai Cheroh to ensure better flow of water when it rains," he said.
He added that the project was expected to cost RM300,000.
He added that villagers had been putting up with flash floods for years due to shallow drains. -- The Star News.
Road to Cameron Highlands to be widened
11/Dec/2009 -- The Star
IPOH: The 45km stretch of road from Tapah to Cameron Highlands will be widened to allow for smoother traffic flow.
Perak state executive council member Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon said the Public Works Department would submit a proposal on the matter to the Government under the 10th Malaysia Plan.
"The present road is too narrow for the increasing number of vehicles using that stretch, especially lorries ferrying vegetables from Cameron Highlands," he said Friday.
Speaking to reporters after visiting his Chenderiang constituency in Tapah, 60km from here, Dr Mah said with the wider road, motorists could have an alternative to the Simpang Pulai-Cameron Highlands route.
To complement the widening of stretch, Dr Mah said the turning after the Tapah toll exit would also be widened.
"Several nasty accidents have occurred at that stretch before and the department has suggested that measures be put in place," he said. -- The Star News.
Paving way to wider road
By Sylvia Looi 16/Dec/2009
THERE are plans to widen the 45km stretch of road from Tapah to Cameron Highlands for a smoother traffic flow.
Perak executive council member Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon said the state Public Works Department (PWD) would submit a proposal on the matter to the Federal Government for the 10th Malaysia Plan.
Site of many accidents: Dr Mah (left) inspecting Jalan Chenderiang with PWD officials including Dr Safry (third left).
"The present road is too narrow for the increasing number of vehicles using it, especially lorries ferrying vegetables from Cameron Highlands," he told reporters on Friday after visiting his Chenderiang constituency in Tapah, 60km from here.
Dr Mah said that with the wider road, motorists could have an alternative to the Simpang Pulai-Cameron Highlands route.
To complement the widening, Dr Mah said the turning after the Tapah toll exit would also be ex-panded.
"Several nasty accidents have occurred at that stretch before and PWD has suggested that measures be put in place," he said.
On another matter, Dr Mah said the perennial flash flood problem affecting 1,000 villagers along Jalan Pahang in Tapah would be a thing of the past when the JKR deepened and widened the drains.
"A 1.2m wide box culvert will also be put in place along Sungai Cheroh to ensure better flow of water when it rains," he said.
He added that the project was expected to cost RM300,000.
He added that villagers had been putting up with flash floods for years due to shallow drains. -- The Star News.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
