IPOH: Heed the decree by Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah to reevaluate approval of projects at Cameron Highlands, says an environmental non-governmental organisation.
Regional Environmental Awareness Cameron Highlands (Reach) president A. Dilip Martin said that His Majesty had in January 2023 decreed that all project approvals at the highlands be reviewed and that it should not be forgotten.
"Development in Cameron Highlands is still uncontrolled, with government agencies continuing to approve land for new development projects despite the fact that some of the approved areas are Rank 1 environmentally sensitive areas.
"These projects would lead to the clearing of land and could pose danger to local residents," he told The Star.
Al-Sultan Abdullah had visited flood-affected areas in Kampung Raja, Cameron Highlands on Jan 7th and decreed that project approvals in Cameron Highlands be reevaluated and approvals to be temporarily suspended if necessary.
His Majesty had then expressed concern about the increasing number of development projects at the highlands and stressed the need for serious attention to avoid any undesirable incidents.
Dilip said Reach greatly appreciates His Majesty's decree and hopes that government agencies in Cameron Highlands will also respect it (the decree).
He said some areas, including in Tringkap, have been categorised as Rank 1 environmentally sensitive areas in the Cameron Highlands Regional Development Plan 2030.
"We are deeply saddened that there have been approvals given to developers in Tringkap.
"We request the state and federal governments to play crucial roles in preserving the environment in Cameron Highlands," he added.
