The Pahang state government must rectify some pressing issues in its development plans for Cameron Highlands, especially its proposed aerial tram project, says Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM).

Its Cameron Highlands branch secretary, Suresh Kumar, said the issues must be addressed in the Cameron Highlands Draft Local Plan (DRTCH) 2030.

“The state government’s plan to build aerial trams in Cameron Highlands is more of a tourism project; it only offers a temporary solution to the current traffic woes,” he said at a press conference today.

Suresh suggested that the state administration should instead develop Cameron Highlands’ public transport facilities such as the bus service.

“We may have taxi service now, but the availability of public buses is still lacking,” he added.

The aerial tram, expected to cost RM550 million, was unveiled in December last year by Pahang Menteri Besar Adnan Yaakob.

In response, PSM submitted a letter of proposal to amend DRTCH 2030 to the menteri besar twice, with the last letter sent on Jan 18.

Protest walk

Suresh said the menteri besar had not responded to the letters, adding that the affected residents will organise a protest walk in October should their pleas go unheeded.

“On April 13, when the Pahang state legislative assembly recommences, we will be there to petition the menteri besar to give us a rational period of time in which he can help solve our issues.

“If there’s still no response (from Adnan), the petitioners plan to organise the protest walk from Cameron Highlands to Kuantan in October,” he said.

Suresh also highlighted the excessive land clearing of the forest for agriculture by major commercial farmers.

According to DRTCH 2030, some 6,351ha of forest land will be cleared in the next 15 years compared with only 1,001ha cleared between 1998 and 2010.

Suresh said that a further 6,000ha of forest will also be lost to illegal land-clearing operator.

Illegal land clearing was believed to have caused the 2014 flash floods and landslides in Cameron Highlands.

The other issues Suresh highlighted were:

  • the lack of housing and public infrastructure development;
  • insufficient water supply for residents and farmers;
  • the de-gazetting of 100-year-old jungle trekking trails for commercial and tourism developments;
  • the lack of detail in the farmers’ composting system plan; and
  • the delay in granting land rights to long-time farmers.

He urged for a more cohesive collaboration between neighbouring Lojing and Cameron Highlands and a better upkeep of its farmers and residents’ welfare by the Cameron Highlands municipal council.

Also present at the press conference were Cameron Highlands housing, land and stall committee members D Velusamy, V Komaladevi and K Periasamy.