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With that and the tragic event of Highland Towers no one in the right mind would

have approved a high-rise apartment building on a hilltop and development

projects that clear and flatten the land to house apartments and shop lots.

The fact that most of the jungles of Cameron Highlands have been zoned as a

Permanent Forest Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary does no justice to the jungles

it serves to protect. The overlapping of forested area under the jurisdiction of the

state and forestry has caused the jungles of Cameron Highlands to be a free for

all area.

Article appearing in The Star, August 1, 2003

The lack of research on the biodiversity

of the forest and the wealth it has to

offer to science has labeled themountain forests as short shrubs the

size of a mans arm of no economic

value. The enforcement of laws that

govern the land use is

not fully understood and incorporated

in the planning and administration of

this once beautiful and lush highland

forests.

During peak seasons locals will advice you to stay away from these scenic

places to avoid traffic jams. Do your own cooking as the eateries would be

packed. Be prepared for water cuts and even then bring up enough mineral water

as the quality of the water here is questionable.

Rivers and waterfalls are used as drains and not recommended for swimming or

picnic spots. The strong aroma of fertilizers along the road up to the farming

areas is an indicator of the usage of fertilizers to support the less then fertile soiland the blemish free leaves are a result of pesticides.

The plight of the locals themselves goes unheard. The silent and serene private

apartments turn into a noisy party filled atmosphere during the peak seasons.

Bus loads of tourist book into 3-room apartments units that pack 20-30 people.

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In addition to the noise the overcrowding of car park space and the aftermath of

rubbish is enough to drive the apartment tenants away back to the lowlands.

The prices of these apartments are at par with those in the Klang Valley, this is

due to the inflated demand by people who invest to turn it into holiday

apartments.

The law is once again flouted as the apartments are not service apartments. But

as far as the law goes in Cameron Highlands nobody bothers until it is

highlighted in the media. Until then do what ever it takes to survive and make a

fast buck.

The main concern here is who will champion the cause for Cameron Highlandsbefore all is lost? Having a minister from Cameron Highlands in the office for

State Tourism has not benefited the local industry that has a tourist arrival rate of

about 305,995 (2000 statistics) and is one of the main contributors to the overall

state tourism industry.

The issues faced have been highlighted by individuals and NGOs but nothing

seems to be done. It seems to be of no concern to the authorities because their

livelihood and bread and butter is not being threatened.

In conclusion this phrase from a popular song seems so appropriate Money,

money, money must be sunny in a rich mans world.

Sunny enough to over shadow the gloom of the common man in the street all

the things I could do if I had a little money sing it with me.

ABBA Cameron Highlands

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COME ANDJOIN US IN THENATIONAL DAY

PARADEON

SUNDAY31 AUGUST 7.30 AM

AT THETANAH RATA

PADANG.FOR MORE INFORMATION

CONTACT EN. ZULKIFLI

If you want to report any cases ofenvironmental destruction call the

REACH hotline at:

012-589-8684

NATURE WALK S

Fern identification nature walk

at the Sg. Puah Forest Reserve

If you would like to arrange naturewalks like the one above, please call

the REACH office.

For more information and updates ofREACH projects and activities visit our

web page:

www.reach.org.my

http://www.reach.org.my/http://www.reach.org.my/

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REACH IN THE NEWS

The following are some of the news items concerning Cameron Highlands and REACH thathave appeared in our national English newspapers recently.

The Star 20 July 2003

New Straits Times31 July 2003

New Straits Times

31 July 2003

The Star 1 August 2003

The Star 1 August 2003

The Star 3 August 2003

The Star 10 August 2003 New Straits Times 12 August 2003