IPOH: The Pahang government needs to drop any proposal to build a railway system at Cameron Highlands, says an environmental non-governmental organisation.
Regional Environmental Awareness Cameron Highlands (Reach) president A. Dilip Martin said he understood that the state, through its statutory body, the Cameron Highlands Development Corporation, was studying a plan to build a system between Blue Valley and Ringlet in the highlands.
"They have been studying it for the past three to six months.
"We stress that Cameron Highlands does not need a railway system, and such a project poses a serious threat to environmental sustainability," he said when contacted.
"Even though the project is currently at the study stage, Reach maintains that the study itself should not proceed.
"What is far more urgent is the existing traffic congestion problem, particularly in Kea Farm, which remains unresolved to this day," he added.
Dilip said the proposed railway project was not included in the Cameron Highlands District Local Plan 2030 (RTDCH 2030).
"We urge the corporation to be more attentive, responsible and compliant with the approved planning framework, instead of advancing new proposals that contradict existing development policies.
"From both economic and practical perspectives, the construction of a railway line is unreasonable and financially wasteful," he said.
"The railway would likely be used only during school holidays, while remaining underutilised on regular days.
"This represents a waste of public funds, which should instead be channelled toward resolving the real problems faced by the people," he added.
Dilip said every proposed project must take into account the views, experiences and voices of native and long-term residents, and should not be decided unilaterally.
"We further call upon universities and academic institutions involved in this study to conduct proper field visits, to see and experience firsthand the real issues faced by Cameron Highlands and to listen to local residents—rather than relying solely on information from parties who are not from Cameron Highlands," he said.
Dilip also said he hoped that the Pahang government, under the leadership of Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, would halt unnecessary development in Cameron Highlands to protect environmental sustainability and the well-being of local residents.
"Cameron Highlands is not Kuala Lumpur. It is a sensitive highland area that functions as a vital water catchment, a national agricultural hub, and a natural heritage site rich in biodiversity and eco-tourism value.
"Excessive development will only increase the risks of soil erosion, mud floods, river pollution, traffic congestion, and irreversible environmental damage," he said.
"Reach wishes to reaffirm that we are not against development.
"However, development must be prudent, sustainable, compliant with RTDCH 2030, environmentally responsible, and inclusive of local community views," he added.
