As the Perak government mulls over a RM60 million cable car project in Bukit Larut, Taiping, the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association today strongly opposed the project.

Citing possible environmental degradation and dangers if steep slopes damage cable car pillars, Fomca president N Marimuthu has called for a thorough review and questioned the viability of the project.

"The possible influx of tourist would also result in an increase in solid waste and furthermore, the expected rise in the number of visitors would threaten animals," he said.

n marimuthu 260804"Fomca has been opposing the project since 1997 and following its revival, we are continuing to go against the project. Fomca and World Wildlife Fund have conducted an ecology study to prove that this project will destroy Bukit Larut's ecosystem," said Marimuthu.

"It is the responsibility of the Perak government to ensure that the ecosystem is protected and preserved for the benefit of future generations. Do not destroy a treasure belonging to citizens of Taiping."

Fomca has sent memorandums on the matter to Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin, Raja Muda of Perak Raja Dr Nazrin Shah, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Douglas Uggah Embas and Minister of Energy, Water and Communication Shaziman Abu Mansor.

Gazetted forest reserve since 1910

Marimuthu said the Perak government must also take into consideration the impact the project will have on water catchment areas.

"Bukit Larut has a 21.53 square km water catchment area managed by the Perak Water Board. If the state government continues with the project, it would result in erosion and lanslides. This may also lead to pollution of the water in the catchment areas and disruption of water supply."

The Fomca president said Bukit Larut had been gazetted as a forest reserve since 1910, with 7,130 hectares and this was further reduced to 2,747 hectares in 1962.

"As a forest reserve, it should be used for research and educational purposes and having the cable car project would result in an increase in human activity in Bukit Larut and affect the stability of the ecosystem.

"Furthermore, the world including Malaysia, is being affected by global warming and as such it is vital that we preserve forest areas," he said.

Marimuthu added that the discovery of new animal species like the mountain reed snake and two types of lizards indicated the area's abundance in fauna.

"Fomca is totally against the proposal to continue with the project. If the project fails and damages the ecosystem, the Perak state government will not be able to return Bukit Larut to its original condition. It is our responsibility to ensure the natural resources of our nation are preserved for the future generations."