IPOH: The landslide near Brinchang, Cameron Highlands occurred on land classified as a Tier 1 Environmentally-Sensitive Area, says an environmental non-governmental organisation.
Cameron Highlands Environmental Awareness Association (REACH) president A. Dilip Martin claimed that a farmers’ market project started in June 2024 should be checked for compliance with regulations.
He said that no development, agriculture or logging is allowed in Tier 1 areas, except for low-impact natural tourism, research and education activities.
Dilip said the area was classified as such under the Cameron Highlands District Local Plan 2030.
"Was the proposal for the development of the Permanent Farmers’ Market consisting of 42 business lots by the Pahang Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority in compliance with the established regulations?
"The slope exceeds 35°, and the area is zoned as a forest. How was this project approved?" he asked.
A landslide occurred in Brinchang on Saturday (Sept 21) at about 11am, with uprooted trees and fallen electric poles causing part of Jalan Besar to be partially closed.
A vehicle, which was parked by the side of the road, was hit by a fallen pole but no casualties were reported.
Dilip also questioned whether the Cameron Highlands District Council thoroughly reviewed all aspects of the farmers' market project.
"The conditions for the site clearly state that the land should be used for operational offices and staff quarters, not for business spaces.
"The area being developed also failed to implement slope mitigation, leading to yesterday's landslide, which caused a four-hour traffic jam," he said.
"The Environment Department should have reviewed (the project) and issued a statement rejecting it as it does not comply with the local plan.
"This issue was brought to the attention of the district council before the project began in June this year, yet they remained indifferent, and eventually, a landslide occurred," he added.
Dilip said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission should investigate the project.
He said millions have been spent to prepare the local plan, which was gazetted by the Pahang government, but it was not adhered to.
He also called on the federal government, especially the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry to empower the state Environment Department to take the necessary actions.
