Palanivel: One million trees for Cameron Highlands

 CAMERON HIGHLANDS: There will be no more high rise buildings like hotels or condominiums in Cameron Highlands, said Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri G. Palanivel.

 "A programme to plant one million trees will be activated. We are discussing with the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro Based Industry and Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water.

"We do not want high rise buildings in Cameron Highlands," he told reporters after meeting non governmental organisations to discuss environmental issues involving Cameron Highlands here.

He said one million trees will be planted in Cameron Highlands, especially hill slopes to reduce soil erosion and avoid landslides.

Palanivel said the programme to plant trees would start in stages for over a three-year period with the cooperation of Persatuan Pencinta Alam Malaysia (MNS), Regional Environmental Awareness Cameron Highlands (Reach) and Pertubuhan Pelindung Khazanah Alam (Peka).

Last week, Ringlet town near here was hit by landslides and a mud flood when water from a nearby river overflowed after a heavy downpour.

In the incident, five people died and five others were injured while 203 residents from 47 families in Kampung Baru and Bertam Valley were evacuated to the Ringlet community hall. - Bernama