MIC calls for agency to preserve and safeguard Camerons

PETALING JAYA: MIC Youth has called for the setting up of a Cameron Highlands Preservation Authority to resolve various problems besetting Cameron Highlands, particularly illegal clearing of land.

MIC Youth chief C. Sivarraajh said the authority must have the final say on land use in Cameron Highlands and have its own enforcement unit to act against illegal clearing of land.

“This way, the cool climate in Cameron Highlands can be maintained and also ensure that the highland is preserved for future generations,” he said in a statement.

Sivarraajh said the recent disaster in Cameron Highlands reflected a continuing problem and the devastation of the environment by farmers who clear forest land resulting in mud flows, landslides and floods.

“If the fundamental issues causing these disasters are not tackled, then the problems will persist and become unmanageable,” he said.

He said the river system could no longer cope with the heavy discharge of water during a downpour due to the uncontrolled development and the illegal logging in Cameron Highlands.

Sivarraajh said the issues and problems which had caused the environmental damage in Cameron Highlands had been highlighted over the years but nothing had been done.