Cuti-Cuti road in bad shape
Wednesday April 6, 2011
I AM a frequent traveller from and to Cameron Highlands and most of the time I use the road to Tapah.
This road is in a very bad condition on the Perak side. There are so many potholes and depressions along the road that makes driving very difficult.
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Volunteers commended for rescuing tourist lost in Gunung Brinchang
Volunteers commended for rescuing tourist
Monday March 28, 2011
KUANTAN: It was the cooperation between the public and police that saved Lee Wonk-seok, son of the South Korean Ambassador to Malaysia, after he went missing at Gunung Brinchang, Cameron Highlands.
Businessman Ramakrishnan Ramasamy, 45, said he, along with 12 other volunteers and the police managed to locate Lee, in his 20s, in a 12-hour search-and-rescue operation on Tuesday.
“The trek would be tough for outsiders but we are used to it since we are locals. Furthermore, we are always prepared to help search for lost tourists,” he said.
Monday March 28, 2011
KUANTAN: It was the cooperation between the public and police that saved Lee Wonk-seok, son of the South Korean Ambassador to Malaysia, after he went missing at Gunung Brinchang, Cameron Highlands.
Businessman Ramakrishnan Ramasamy, 45, said he, along with 12 other volunteers and the police managed to locate Lee, in his 20s, in a 12-hour search-and-rescue operation on Tuesday.
“The trek would be tough for outsiders but we are used to it since we are locals. Furthermore, we are always prepared to help search for lost tourists,” he said.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Celebration of culture in Cameron Highlands
Celebration of culture in Cameron Highlands
By Nik Naizi Husin
Saturday March 26, 2011
THE orang asli women in Kampung Sungai Ruil in Cameron Highlands, Pahang, are a creative lot.
They became the centre of attention during a competition on forest-based decorative products during an event organised by the Information, Communication and Culture Ministry here recently.
The competition was organised by the ministry to popularise the community’s arts and culture among the public.
Ankle strength: The action at the sepak raga competition
While the women took time off to prepare their ornate decorations, the men and children took part in a variety of activities that reflected their daily lives.
They showed off their axemanship skills in chopping wood using the beliung a traditional hatchet, played sepak raga, target shooting with blowpipe as well as singing.
In closing the event, Deputy Minister Senator Datuk Maglin Dennis D’ Cruz said the programme was a long term project by the ministry in its bid to boost creativity and the tourism industry.
By Nik Naizi Husin
Saturday March 26, 2011
THE orang asli women in Kampung Sungai Ruil in Cameron Highlands, Pahang, are a creative lot.
They became the centre of attention during a competition on forest-based decorative products during an event organised by the Information, Communication and Culture Ministry here recently.
The competition was organised by the ministry to popularise the community’s arts and culture among the public.
Ankle strength: The action at the sepak raga competition
While the women took time off to prepare their ornate decorations, the men and children took part in a variety of activities that reflected their daily lives.
They showed off their axemanship skills in chopping wood using the beliung a traditional hatchet, played sepak raga, target shooting with blowpipe as well as singing.
In closing the event, Deputy Minister Senator Datuk Maglin Dennis D’ Cruz said the programme was a long term project by the ministry in its bid to boost creativity and the tourism industry.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Malaysia Florist sales to be up
Malaysia Florist sales to be up
Yep, with Valentine's Day coming and Chap Goh Mei, Malaysia Florist will have higher demand. Strangely got one or two inquiries for flowers from my website! Unfortunately I don't supply flowers.
Cheers!
Rosy month ahead for florists
Monday January 17, 2011
CAMERON HIGHLANDS: The demand for flowers, especially roses, is expected to triple in February due to the Chinese New Year celebrations on Feb 3 and Valentine's Day on Feb 14.
This is a welcome development for flower growers in Cameron Highlands who are geared up to meet the expected increase in demand, especially flowers for Valentine's Day which will pick up a better price.
Tiew Hui Ree, a florist at the Kea Farm here said the price of roses had increased four-fold ahead of Valentine's Day, with local roses being sold at RM15 a dozen compared with the usual RM5.
The price of carnations had doubled compared with recent years, Tiew, 43, added.
Most of the local roses are sold in Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor.
"The market has experienced a high demand for roses and other flowers since the beginning of this month," she said, adding that the demand was expected to peak a week before Chinese New Year.
Another florist Vaani Supiah, said she is looking forward to the double celebrations as many would just buy without bargaining for a lower price.
She said sales last February were a bit dull because both Chinese New Year and Valentine's Day fell on the same day.
They are now gearing up to face a busy February not only with the expected increase in demand but also with the arrival of tourists to the highland resort due to the long weekend break for the Chinese New Year. — Bernama
Yep, with Valentine's Day coming and Chap Goh Mei, Malaysia Florist will have higher demand. Strangely got one or two inquiries for flowers from my website! Unfortunately I don't supply flowers.
Cheers!
Rosy month ahead for florists
Monday January 17, 2011
CAMERON HIGHLANDS: The demand for flowers, especially roses, is expected to triple in February due to the Chinese New Year celebrations on Feb 3 and Valentine's Day on Feb 14.
This is a welcome development for flower growers in Cameron Highlands who are geared up to meet the expected increase in demand, especially flowers for Valentine's Day which will pick up a better price.
Tiew Hui Ree, a florist at the Kea Farm here said the price of roses had increased four-fold ahead of Valentine's Day, with local roses being sold at RM15 a dozen compared with the usual RM5.
The price of carnations had doubled compared with recent years, Tiew, 43, added.
Most of the local roses are sold in Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor.
"The market has experienced a high demand for roses and other flowers since the beginning of this month," she said, adding that the demand was expected to peak a week before Chinese New Year.
Another florist Vaani Supiah, said she is looking forward to the double celebrations as many would just buy without bargaining for a lower price.
She said sales last February were a bit dull because both Chinese New Year and Valentine's Day fell on the same day.
They are now gearing up to face a busy February not only with the expected increase in demand but also with the arrival of tourists to the highland resort due to the long weekend break for the Chinese New Year. — Bernama
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Cameron Highlands bus crash probe, six months to gather findings
Bus crash: Six months to come up with findings
15/Jan/2011
SERDANG: The independent inquiry board probing the double-decker bus crash in Cameron Highlands has six months to come out with its findings, which may have a nationwide impact.
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Radin Umar Radin Sohadi, who is chairing the board, said the first two months would be spent investigating the technical and legal aspects of the Dec 20 crash, which left 28 people dead.
The next four months would be used for coming out with a structured report concerning all public transport and heavy vehicle operations in Malaysia.
15/Jan/2011
SERDANG: The independent inquiry board probing the double-decker bus crash in Cameron Highlands has six months to come out with its findings, which may have a nationwide impact.
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Radin Umar Radin Sohadi, who is chairing the board, said the first two months would be spent investigating the technical and legal aspects of the Dec 20 crash, which left 28 people dead.
The next four months would be used for coming out with a structured report concerning all public transport and heavy vehicle operations in Malaysia.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Human error blamed in fatal bus crash
Human error blamed in fatal bus crash
Wednesday January 12, 2011
IPOH: An accident involving a high-decked bus that crashed on its way down from Cameron Highlands last month is due to human error and not caused by an oil spill on the road as speculated earlier.
State Infrastructure Committee chairman Datuk Ramly Zahari said police investigations showed human error was the reason for the crash which killed 28 people.
"Claims that the accident was caused by an oil spill on the road are just assumptions," he told reporters after visiting the accident site near here yesterday.
He said although the accident was caused by human error, the state government would improve the physical condition of the road at the accident site.
"We will be asking the state government to approve another RM200,000 to enhance the safety aspect at the road which would include widening a 100m stretch," he said.
"A groove will also be built before the accident site to warn motorists to slow down," Ramly said.
He added that the works would be completed in a month.
Ramly said installing multiple warning signs and solar-powered street lamps were among the measures that had been done immediately after the bus crash. -- The Star
Wednesday January 12, 2011
IPOH: An accident involving a high-decked bus that crashed on its way down from Cameron Highlands last month is due to human error and not caused by an oil spill on the road as speculated earlier.
State Infrastructure Committee chairman Datuk Ramly Zahari said police investigations showed human error was the reason for the crash which killed 28 people.
"Claims that the accident was caused by an oil spill on the road are just assumptions," he told reporters after visiting the accident site near here yesterday.
Safety measure: Ramly (right) and Perak Public Works Department director Datuk Dr Safry Kamal Ahmad inspecting a new road divider that was put up at the accident site Tuesday.
He said although the accident was caused by human error, the state government would improve the physical condition of the road at the accident site.
"We will be asking the state government to approve another RM200,000 to enhance the safety aspect at the road which would include widening a 100m stretch," he said.
"A groove will also be built before the accident site to warn motorists to slow down," Ramly said.
He added that the works would be completed in a month.
Ramly said installing multiple warning signs and solar-powered street lamps were among the measures that had been done immediately after the bus crash. -- The Star
Saturday, January 08, 2011
Rectify Simpang Pulai Cameron Highlands road KM15
Rectify black spot at KM15
Saturday January 8, 2011
I AM a frequent visitor to Cameron Highlands and am saddened by the Dec 20 bus tragedy in which 28 people died, the worst in the country.
The horrific tour bus accident along KM15 of the Simpang Pulai-Cameron Highlands road set many authorities enquiring into the licensing conditions for tour operators and commercial vehicles, the competency of the driver and whether the company complied with the conditions of the permit.
There were calls for a Royal Commission to examine and seek to determine, among other things, whether there was any defect in road design, so it could be improved on.
That stretch of road is a well-known "black spot". The crash occured just 500m from where an express bus plunged into a ravine on Dec 23, 2004, killing 15 people and injuring 17 others.
I would like to point out another "killer stretch", at KM27, a dangerous spot with sharp bends that needs to be rectified before any accident happen.
In view of the coming Chinese New Year and with more tourists planning their holidays up there, prevention is better than cure.
Subsequent to the 2004 crash, the stretch where it occurred was straightened and other road improvements made, but nothing was done at this black spot bend at KM15.
Coming down from Cameron Highlands, this black spot begins on a relatively straight road but with a very steep gradient and continues into a very sharp bend.
Following the 2004 accident, concrete dividers were erected, but these had not reduced the number of accidents on that spot.
This black spot can be improved upon by widening the sharp bend, similar to what was done following the 2004 horror. The authorities should improve this stretch to prevent more lives being lost.
On Dec 27, I saw workers at the black spot putting a fresh layer of paint on the concrete divider even though parts of it were yet to be replaced.
Mohd Al Asri Hasan
Parit, Perak.
Saturday January 8, 2011
I AM a frequent visitor to Cameron Highlands and am saddened by the Dec 20 bus tragedy in which 28 people died, the worst in the country.
The horrific tour bus accident along KM15 of the Simpang Pulai-Cameron Highlands road set many authorities enquiring into the licensing conditions for tour operators and commercial vehicles, the competency of the driver and whether the company complied with the conditions of the permit.
There were calls for a Royal Commission to examine and seek to determine, among other things, whether there was any defect in road design, so it could be improved on.
That stretch of road is a well-known "black spot". The crash occured just 500m from where an express bus plunged into a ravine on Dec 23, 2004, killing 15 people and injuring 17 others.
I would like to point out another "killer stretch", at KM27, a dangerous spot with sharp bends that needs to be rectified before any accident happen.
In view of the coming Chinese New Year and with more tourists planning their holidays up there, prevention is better than cure.
Subsequent to the 2004 crash, the stretch where it occurred was straightened and other road improvements made, but nothing was done at this black spot bend at KM15.
Coming down from Cameron Highlands, this black spot begins on a relatively straight road but with a very steep gradient and continues into a very sharp bend.
Following the 2004 accident, concrete dividers were erected, but these had not reduced the number of accidents on that spot.
This black spot can be improved upon by widening the sharp bend, similar to what was done following the 2004 horror. The authorities should improve this stretch to prevent more lives being lost.
On Dec 27, I saw workers at the black spot putting a fresh layer of paint on the concrete divider even though parts of it were yet to be replaced.
Mohd Al Asri Hasan
Parit, Perak.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Mossy Forest in Batu Gangan Forest Reserve
New route in Sungai Koyan makes destination easily accesible
Story and photos by Nik Naizi Husin
Saturday December 25, 2010
CAMERON HIGHLANDS: Most visitors here are not aware of a mossy forest located in the Batu Gangan Forest Reserve.
This natural attraction, believed to be more than 200,000 years old, is nicknamed 'Lord of the Rings Forest' and 'Fantasy Forest' by local tourist guides.
Tourism Malaysia Pahang had recently organised a familiarisation trip for 60 people comprising travel and tour operators, hoteliers, media as well state tourism officers from Terengganu, Kelantan, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.
The trip also included visits in homestay villages in Kampung Kuala Medang, Lipis and Kampung Sungai Pasu, Raub.
Story and photos by Nik Naizi Husin
Saturday December 25, 2010
CAMERON HIGHLANDS: Most visitors here are not aware of a mossy forest located in the Batu Gangan Forest Reserve.
This natural attraction, believed to be more than 200,000 years old, is nicknamed 'Lord of the Rings Forest' and 'Fantasy Forest' by local tourist guides.
Tourism Malaysia Pahang had recently organised a familiarisation trip for 60 people comprising travel and tour operators, hoteliers, media as well state tourism officers from Terengganu, Kelantan, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.
Challenging trek: The difficulties when trekking in the forest
The trip also included visits in homestay villages in Kampung Kuala Medang, Lipis and Kampung Sungai Pasu, Raub.
Something Humorous, how can forget...?
All systems go
Saturday December 25, 2010
We love Cameron Highlands and have been there a couple of times on family holidays.
The last time we were there, we drove up to see one of the tea plantations. When it was time to go home, my son and I got in the front seat. My wife put my daughter (then four years old) at the back, and when the door slammed shut, I drove off.
As I was driving off, I heard shouting. Looking into the side and rear mirror, I couldn’t see anything. As we drove down from the tea plantation, my eight-year-old suddenly said, “Pa, mummy not in the car!”
Shocked, I turned around, and sure enough, she was nowhere in sight. I quickly made a U-turn and went back up again and there she was walking down the slope.
We did not know whether to be angry or to laugh. It was a mixture of both emotions. What happened was my wife closed the door after putting our little girl in the back and was walking to the other side when I drove off!
We still have a good laugh about the incident. It was still a great holiday despite my leaving my wife behind.
Chor Ming Chong
Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Saturday December 25, 2010
We love Cameron Highlands and have been there a couple of times on family holidays.
The last time we were there, we drove up to see one of the tea plantations. When it was time to go home, my son and I got in the front seat. My wife put my daughter (then four years old) at the back, and when the door slammed shut, I drove off.
As I was driving off, I heard shouting. Looking into the side and rear mirror, I couldn’t see anything. As we drove down from the tea plantation, my eight-year-old suddenly said, “Pa, mummy not in the car!”
Shocked, I turned around, and sure enough, she was nowhere in sight. I quickly made a U-turn and went back up again and there she was walking down the slope.
We did not know whether to be angry or to laugh. It was a mixture of both emotions. What happened was my wife closed the door after putting our little girl in the back and was walking to the other side when I drove off!
We still have a good laugh about the incident. It was still a great holiday despite my leaving my wife behind.
Chor Ming Chong
Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Monday, December 20, 2010
Cameron Highlands Bus Tragedy
27 killed as tour bus overturns in Cameron Highlands (Update 5)
By Chan Li Leen, Ivan Loh, P.Aruna & Kahirul Ashraf Kammed
Published: Monday December 20, 2010 MYT 1:42:00 PM
Updated: Monday December 20, 2010 MYT 9:55:04 PM
IPOH: Twenty-seven passengers of a tour bus were killed after the vehicle hit a divider and overturned on its way down from Cameron Highlands Monday.
Twenty-two died at the scene of the accident and five at the Raja Permaisuri hospital here. Another 10 injured, four of whom are men, were being treated at the hospital. Two of the men were said to be in critical condition.
This is believed to be the worst road accident in the nation's history.
Those killed were two Malaysians and 25 Thai nationals. The bus had 37 passengers onboard, 34 of them Thai tourists.
According to Perak state deputy CPO SAC Datuk Zakaria Yusof, the cause of the accident could have been speeding or brake failure.
By Chan Li Leen, Ivan Loh, P.Aruna & Kahirul Ashraf Kammed
Published: Monday December 20, 2010 MYT 1:42:00 PM
Updated: Monday December 20, 2010 MYT 9:55:04 PM
IPOH: Twenty-seven passengers of a tour bus were killed after the vehicle hit a divider and overturned on its way down from Cameron Highlands Monday.
Twenty-two died at the scene of the accident and five at the Raja Permaisuri hospital here. Another 10 injured, four of whom are men, were being treated at the hospital. Two of the men were said to be in critical condition.
This is believed to be the worst road accident in the nation's history.
Those killed were two Malaysians and 25 Thai nationals. The bus had 37 passengers onboard, 34 of them Thai tourists.
According to Perak state deputy CPO SAC Datuk Zakaria Yusof, the cause of the accident could have been speeding or brake failure.
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
YTL Cameron Highlands Resort Christmas
Walk along jungle trail part of Xmas at Cameron Highlands Resort
Wednesday December 8, 2010
TRADITION plays an important role in any festive season and Christmas is no different. This year, a group of media representatives and celebrities were given the opportunity to join in the celebrations, albeit a bit early, at YTL's Cameron Highlands Resort.
On Nov 20, legendary shoemaker Datuk Jimmy Choo hit the switch to light up the Christmas trees at the hotel and mark the beginning of the Christmas season up in the clouds.
The resort and its surroundings have been festively decorated and, with the flick of the switch, a spectacular display of lights burst into view, creating a magical display in the foggy evening.
YTL Hotels and Resorts executive vice-president Laurent Myter invited those present to sample some of the resort's Christmas delicacies before inviting them to join in the carolling by a crackling fireplace.
Wednesday December 8, 2010
TRADITION plays an important role in any festive season and Christmas is no different. This year, a group of media representatives and celebrities were given the opportunity to join in the celebrations, albeit a bit early, at YTL's Cameron Highlands Resort.
On Nov 20, legendary shoemaker Datuk Jimmy Choo hit the switch to light up the Christmas trees at the hotel and mark the beginning of the Christmas season up in the clouds.
The resort and its surroundings have been festively decorated and, with the flick of the switch, a spectacular display of lights burst into view, creating a magical display in the foggy evening.
All lit up: Visitors to Cameron Highlands will not miss these beautifullly litted X'mas trees at the YTL Resort in conjunction with Christmas.
YTL Hotels and Resorts executive vice-president Laurent Myter invited those present to sample some of the resort's Christmas delicacies before inviting them to join in the carolling by a crackling fireplace.
Thursday, December 02, 2010
Learning about flora and fauna with YTL Cameron Highlands Resort
Learning about flora and fauna in Cameron Highlands
Thursday December 2, 2010
TRADITION plays an important role in any festive season and Christmas is no different. This year, a group of media representatives and celebrities were given the opportunity to join in the celebrations, albeit a bit early, at YTL’s Cameron Highlands Resort.
On Nov 20, legendary shoemaker Datuk Jimmy Choo hit the switch to light up the Christmas trees at the hotel and mark the beginning of the Christmas season up in the clouds.
The resort and its surroundings have been festively decorated and, with the flick of the switch, a spectacular display of lights burst into view, creating a magical display in the foggy evening.
YTL Hotels and Resorts executive vice-president Laurent Myter invited those present to sample some of the resort’s Christmas delicacies before inviting them to join in the carolling by a crackling fireplace.
Thursday December 2, 2010
TRADITION plays an important role in any festive season and Christmas is no different. This year, a group of media representatives and celebrities were given the opportunity to join in the celebrations, albeit a bit early, at YTL’s Cameron Highlands Resort.
On Nov 20, legendary shoemaker Datuk Jimmy Choo hit the switch to light up the Christmas trees at the hotel and mark the beginning of the Christmas season up in the clouds.
The resort and its surroundings have been festively decorated and, with the flick of the switch, a spectacular display of lights burst into view, creating a magical display in the foggy evening.
Informative: Madi explaining about wild flora and fauna to members of the media and guests.
YTL Hotels and Resorts executive vice-president Laurent Myter invited those present to sample some of the resort’s Christmas delicacies before inviting them to join in the carolling by a crackling fireplace.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Step In Farm CH Vegetable Farm
Picking fresh vegetables
By Simon Khoo
Thursday November 11, 2010
VISITORS to Cameron Highlands in Pahang would probably end up plucking strawberries and tea leaves at the plantation and farms here.
But few are aware that there is a plantation along the foothill which offers visitors an opportunity to harvest fresh produce themselves.
The farm, which is aptly named - Step In CH - is managed by farmer Lim Yoke Fan.
By Simon Khoo
Thursday November 11, 2010
VISITORS to Cameron Highlands in Pahang would probably end up plucking strawberries and tea leaves at the plantation and farms here.
But few are aware that there is a plantation along the foothill which offers visitors an opportunity to harvest fresh produce themselves.
Colourful: Some of the cactuses available for sale at the plantation.
The farm, which is aptly named - Step In CH - is managed by farmer Lim Yoke Fan.
Monday, November 08, 2010
Tourism Pahang
Tourism in Pahang set to attract more visitors from Singapore
By Nik Naizi Husin
Monday November 8, 2010
SOME two million Singaporeans visited Pahang last year and the state has targeted an additional one milllion visitors from the island republic this year.
Pahang Tourism, Arts, Heritage, Women's and Family Development Committee chairman Datuk Shafik Fauzan Sharif said he is optimistic that the target would be achieved.
The state tourism agencies, he said, have played their role in promoting Pahang to the world and there would be more efforts from them to boost the industry.
Currently, Pahang's main attractions which including Genting Highlands, Cameron Highlands, Bukit Fraser, Tioman Island, Taman Negara and National Elephant Conservation Centre in Kuala Gandah have been the catalysts for visitation from tourists all over the world.
By Nik Naizi Husin
Monday November 8, 2010
SOME two million Singaporeans visited Pahang last year and the state has targeted an additional one milllion visitors from the island republic this year.
Pahang Tourism, Arts, Heritage, Women's and Family Development Committee chairman Datuk Shafik Fauzan Sharif said he is optimistic that the target would be achieved.
The state tourism agencies, he said, have played their role in promoting Pahang to the world and there would be more efforts from them to boost the industry.
Welcome dance: Traditional dancers from the State Secretary Office, Kuantan, performing the "ulek Mayang" dance to welcome the Singapore travel agents and operators
Currently, Pahang's main attractions which including Genting Highlands, Cameron Highlands, Bukit Fraser, Tioman Island, Taman Negara and National Elephant Conservation Centre in Kuala Gandah have been the catalysts for visitation from tourists all over the world.
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
Waste incinerator in Cameron Highlands
Not all welcome waste incinerator in Cameron Highlands
Tuesday November 2, 2010
FOR years, trash has been tipped over hill slopes at Cameron Highlands, marring the montane landscape and fouling up streams. Now, a waste incinerator has been built to deal with the waste. But not everyone welcomes the plant located on the existing dump in Kampung Raja.
They fear the health and environmental effects, as well as the project cost. Some say information on the project was not forthcoming.
“There was only one briefing for residents sometime in 2008. We had asked for more details then but no news came, and suddenly the plant was being built,” says Ramakrishnan Ramasamy, president of local NGO, Reach.
Suresh Kumar, branch secretary of Parti Sosialis Malaysia, says residents were only told of the positive effects of the incinerator – that there would be no smells and no polluting dump – but not of the risks of foul emissions. He says any possible pollution from the incinerator is especially of concern in Cameron Highlands because of the large farming areas.
Our lamentable track record in operating and maintaining trash incinerators further fuels anti-incinerator sentiments.
“Incinerators built previously were all abandoned due to the high cost of running them. They also had EIAs (Environmental Impact Assessment) then and still ended up as white elephants,” says Suresh.
A recycling scheme started by Reach three years ago has expanded to include five collection centres. Other vendors are also picking up recyclables. Hence, Ramasamy foresees a decline in trash volumes, which will ultimately affect the running of the incinerator. He says the Agricultural Department is also encouraging farmers to compost green waste.
“If all this (recycling and composting) have been given a chance and don’t work, then we can consider incineration. Incinerators should be the last choice,” says Ramasamy.--The StarNews
Tuesday November 2, 2010
FOR years, trash has been tipped over hill slopes at Cameron Highlands, marring the montane landscape and fouling up streams. Now, a waste incinerator has been built to deal with the waste. But not everyone welcomes the plant located on the existing dump in Kampung Raja.
They fear the health and environmental effects, as well as the project cost. Some say information on the project was not forthcoming.
“There was only one briefing for residents sometime in 2008. We had asked for more details then but no news came, and suddenly the plant was being built,” says Ramakrishnan Ramasamy, president of local NGO, Reach.
Suresh Kumar, branch secretary of Parti Sosialis Malaysia, says residents were only told of the positive effects of the incinerator – that there would be no smells and no polluting dump – but not of the risks of foul emissions. He says any possible pollution from the incinerator is especially of concern in Cameron Highlands because of the large farming areas.
Our lamentable track record in operating and maintaining trash incinerators further fuels anti-incinerator sentiments.
“Incinerators built previously were all abandoned due to the high cost of running them. They also had EIAs (Environmental Impact Assessment) then and still ended up as white elephants,” says Suresh.
A recycling scheme started by Reach three years ago has expanded to include five collection centres. Other vendors are also picking up recyclables. Hence, Ramasamy foresees a decline in trash volumes, which will ultimately affect the running of the incinerator. He says the Agricultural Department is also encouraging farmers to compost green waste.
“If all this (recycling and composting) have been given a chance and don’t work, then we can consider incineration. Incinerators should be the last choice,” says Ramasamy.--The StarNews
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