Study on the Development of Hill Stations Final Report 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS...... i

LIST OF TABLES...... iv

LIST OF FIGURES AND PLATES...... vii

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ...... viii

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...... E-1

LIST OF ACTION PLANS...... A-1

CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND ...... 1-1 1.2 STUDY OBJECTIVES...... 1-1 1.3 STUDY APPROACH...... 1-2 1.4 STUDY AREA ...... 1-3 1.5 CONCEPT OF CARRYING CAPACITY ...... 1-4 1.6 FORMAT OF REPORT ...... 1-5

CHAPTER 2 : CAMERON HIGHLANDS

2.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 2-1 2.2 EXISTING SITUATION...... 2-2 2.2.1 Physical Environment ...... 2-2 2.2.2 Biological Environment...... 2-9 2.2.3 Socio-Economic Environment ...... 2-17 2.2.4 Infrastructure & Utilities ...... 2-31 2.3 STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES, OPPORTUNITIES & THREATS...... 2-35 2.3.1 Strengths ...... 2-35 2.3.2 Weaknesses ...... 2-37 2.3.3 Opportunities ...... 2-41 2.3.4 Threats...... 2-42 2.4 CARRYING CAPACITY...... 2-45 2.5 ACTION PLANS ...... 2-46 2.5.1 Development Focus and Guiding Issues...... 2-46 2.5.2 Tourism Enhancement ...... 2-46 2.5.3 Agriculture...... 2-49 2.5.4 Infrasructure and Environmental Improvements ...... 2-51 2.5.5 Biodiversity Conservation...... 2-53 2.5.6 Administrative ...... 2-56

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CHAPTER 3 : GENTING HIGHLANDS

3.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 3-1 3.2 EXISTING SITUATION...... 3-1 3.2.1 Physical Environment ...... 3-1 3.2.2 Biological Environment...... 3-9 3.2.3 Socio-Economic Environment ...... 3-12 3.2.4 Infrastructure & Utilities ...... 3-20 3.3 STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES, OPPORTUNITIES & THREATS...... 3-23 3.3.1 Strengths ...... 3-23 3.3.2 Weaknesses ...... 3-26 3.3.3 Opportunities ...... 3-27 3.3.4 Threats...... 3-30 3.4 CARRYING CAPACITY...... 3-32 3.5 ACTION PLANS...... 3-33 3.5.1 Development Focus and Guiding Issues...... 3-33 3.5.2 Tourism Enhancement ...... 3-33 3.5.3 Land Use Planning ...... 3-35 3.5.4 Infrastructure and Environmental Improvements ...... 3-35 3.5.5 Biodiversity Conservation...... 3-37 3.5.6 Administrative...... 3-39

CHAPTER 4 : FRASER’S HILL

4.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 4-1 4.2 EXISTING SITUATION...... 4-1 4.2.1 Physical Environment ...... 4-1 4.2.2 Biological Environment...... 4-3 4.2.3 Socio-Economic Environment ...... 4-12 4.2.4 Infrastructure & Utilities ...... 4-19 4.3 STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES, OPPORTUNITIES AND THREATS...... 4-21 4.3.1 Strengths ...... 4-21 4.3.2 Weaknesses ...... 4-23 4.3.3 Opportunities ...... 4-26 4.3.4 Threats...... 4-27 4.4 CARRYING CAPACITY...... 4-30 4.5 ACTION PLANS ...... 4-31 4.5.1 Development Plans and Guiding Issues ...... 4-31 4.5.2 Tourism Enhancement ...... 4-31 4.5.3 Land Use Planning ...... 4-34 4.5.4 Infrastructure and Environmental Improvements ...... 4-35 4.5.5 Biodiversity Conservation...... 4-36 4.5.6 Administrative ...... 4-37

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CHAPTER 5 : LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK

5.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 5-1 5.2 LEGAL ISSUES...... 5-1 5.2.1 Poor Land Use Planning and Management ...... 5-1 5.2.2 Illegal Land Clearing...... 5-5 5.2.3 Soil Erosion and Landslides ...... 5-6 5.2.4 Water Pollution ...... 5-8 5.2.5 Inappropriate Developments ...... 5-10 5.2.6 Loss of Biological Diversity...... 5-12 5.2.7 Logging...... 5-14 5.3 INSTITUTIONAL ISSUES...... 5-17 5.3.1 Lack of Enforcement...... 5-17 5.3.2 Lack of Human and Technical Capacity...... 5-17 5.3.3 Lack of Co-ordination ...... 5-18

APPENDIX I : REFERENCES

APPENDIX II : LIST OF MEETINGS WITH STAKEHOLDERS

APPENDIX III : GUIDELINES FOR THE PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS ON THE HIGHLAND

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LIST OF TABLES

Table 2.1 : Terrain class area by Mukim Table 2.2 : Area of soil erosion risk class by Mukim Table 2.3 : Water catchment areas Table 2.4 : Water quality of rivers in Cameron Highlands Table 2.5 : Water quality of rivers draining Lojing Table 2.6 : Forest Reserves within the Cameron Highlands District Table 2.7 : Water catchment forest within the Cameron Highlands District Table 2.8 : Species richness of the Cameron Highlands flora in comparison with the total highland plant species of Peninsular Malaysia Table 2.9 : Endemism and rarity among plant species found in Cameron Highlands Table 2.10 : Flora species in Cameron Highlands according to specialization Table 2.11 : Threatened and CITES–listed flora species in Cameron Highlands Table 2.12 : Conservation status of vertebrate fauna of Cameron Highlands according to IUCN’s Red List of threatened fauna (IUCN, 2000) Table 2.13 : Vertebrate fauna of Cameron Highlands accorded protection under the protection of Wild Life Act 1972 (applicable to Peninsular Malaysia) Table 2.14 : Population profiles of Pahang & Cameron Highlands, 1970 - 2000 Table 2.15 : Distribution of population in town centers 1991 - 2000 Table 2.16 : Projected population of Cameron Highlands 2000 - 2020 Table 2.17 : Distribution of employment by sector, 1980 - 1991 Table 2.18 : Distribution of monthly household income, 1995 Table 2.19 : Annual usage of land for main crops in Cameron Highlands 1991- 1999 Table 2.20 : Cropping areas of vegetable crops and type of crops, 1996 - 1999 Table 2.21 : Agricultural Development in Lojing, 2001 Table 2.22 : Tourist arrivals in Cameron Highlands Table 2.23 : Distribution of tourists by country of origin, 1999 Table 2.24 : Average length of stay for Cameron Highlands Table 2.25 : Licensed hotels in Cameron Highlands, 1999 Table 2.26 : Distribution of hotel guests and hotel guests nights, Cameron Highlands, 1998 & 1999 Table 2.27 : Existing water supply in Cameron Highlands Table 2.28 : Planning demand Table 2.29 : Projected solid waste generation Table 2.30 : Area of mukim and length of road Table 3.1 : Forest Reserves adjoining Genting Highlands Table 3.2 : Species richness of the flora in Genting Highlands Table 3.3 : Flora in comparison with the total highland plant species of Peninsular Malaysia

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LIST OF TABLES

Table 3.4 : Flora species in Genting Highlands according to specialization Table 3.5 : Threatened and CITES listed flora species in Genting Highlands Table 3.6 : Conservation status of vertebrate fauna in Genting Highlands according to IUCN’s Red List of threatened species (IUCN,2000) Table 3.7 : Vertebrate fauna of Genting Highlands accorded protection of Wildlife Act, 1972 Table 3.8 : Number of employees, Resorts World Berhad , 1996-1999

Table 3.9 : Projected population of Genting Highlands, 2000 - 2020

Table 3.10 : Tourists arrivals in Genting Highlands (1990 – 1999) Table 3.11 : Distribution of tourists by country of origin, 1999 Table 3.12 : Average length of stay for Genting Highlands (1992 – 1999)

Table 3.13 : Licensed hotels in Genting Highlands, 1999 Table 3.14 : Distribution of hotel guests and hotel guests nights Table 3.15 : Projected Water Demand in Genting Highlands Table 3.16 : Composition of solid waste Table 3.17 : Meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions, 1996 - 2000

Table 4.1 : Forests Reserves adjoining Fraser’s Hill Table 4.2 : Important features of prime flora conservation areas in Fraser’s Hill Table 4.3 : Important features of prime flora conservation areas in Fraser’s Hill Table 4.4 : Species richness of the Fraser’s Hill flora in comparison with the total highland plant species of Peninsular Malaysia

Table 4.5 : Endemism and rarity among plant species found in Fraser’s Hill Table 4.6 : Flora species in Fraser’s Hill according to specialization

Table 4.7 : Threatened and CITES listed flora species in Fraser’s Hill

Table 4.8 : Conservation status of vertebrate fauna in Fraser’s Hill according to IUCN’s Red List of threatened species (IUCN,2000) Table 4.9 : Vertebrate fauna of Fraser’s Hill accorded protection of Wildlife Act, 1972 Table 4.10 : Population distribution of Fraser’s Hill , 1991 - 2000 Table 4.11 : Projected population of Fraser’s Hill, 2000 - 2020 Table 4.12 : Distribution of employment by sector, 1991 Table 4.13 : Tourist arrivals in Fraser’s Hill, 1990 - 1991

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LIST OF TABLES

Table 4.14 : Distribution of tourists to Fraser’ Hill by country of origin, 1999

Table 4.15 : Average length of stay for Fraser’s Hill, 1992 - 1999 Table 4.16 : Licensed hotels in Fraser’s Hill, 1999 Table 4.17 : Distribution of hotel guests and hotel guest nights, Fraser’s Hill, 1998 and 1999 Table 4.18 : Projected water demand in Fraser’s Hill

Table 5.1 : Summary of legal recommendations Table 5.2 : Summary of institutional recommendations

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LIST OF FIGURES AND PLATES

Figure 1.1 : Location map of the Hill Stations Figure 2.1a : Land use at Cameron Highlands Figure 2.1b : Land use at Cameron Highlands Figure 2.2a : Topography of Cameron Highlands Figure 2.2b : Topography of Cameron Highlands Figure 2.3 : Proposed development for Kg Raja-Kuala Terla Figure 2.4 : Proposed development for Tringkap – Kea Farm Figure 2.5 : Proposed development for Brinchang Figure 2.6 : Proposed development plan of Tanah Rata Figure 2.7 : Proposed development plan of Habu Figure 2.8 : Proposed development plan of Ringlet – Lembah Bertam Figure 2.9 a : Water catchment areas in Cameron Highlands Figure 2.9 b : Water catchment areas in Cameron Highlands Figure 2.10 : 24-hour mean temperature at Tanah Rata Figure 2.11 : Major tourist attractions in Cameron Highlands Figure 2.12 : Components of tourist expenditure in Malaysia, 1999 Figure 2.13 : Alignment of the Simpang Pulai Kuala Berang Road Figure 3.1 : Land use at Genting Highlands Figure 3.2 : Areas zoned for development Figure 3.3a : Topography of Genting Highlands Figure 3.3b : Topography of Genting Highlands Figure 3.4 : Water catchment areas in Genting Highlands Figure 3.5 : Major tourists attractions in Genting Highlands Figure 4.1 : Landuse at Fraser’s Hill Figure 4.2 : Topography of the Fraser’s Hill Figure 4.3 : Water catchment areas in Fraser’s Hill Figure 4.4 : Major tourist attractions in Fraser’s Hill

Plate 2-1 : Hill cutting for farming at Kuala Terla Plate 2-2 : Siltation in the Sultan Abu Bakar Reservoir at Ringlet Plate 2-3 : Sg. Berok at Lojing laden with silt Plate 2-4 : Municipal solid waste dump near Tanah Rata

Plate 3-1 : Solid waste composting site at Gohtong Jaya Plate 3-2 : The abandoned Samaworld development

Plate 4-1 : Siltation at the Jeriau Waterfall Plate 4-2 : Start of one of the nature trails in Fraser’s Hill Plate 4-3 : The Fraser’s Hill Nature Education Centre

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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

8MP : 8th Malaysia Plan AAGR : Average Annual Growth Rate AFTA : Asean Free Trade Area ALS : Average Length of Stay AN : Ammoniacal Nitrogen AOR : Average Occupancy Rate BOD : Biological Oxygen Demand COD : Chemical Oxygen Demand CITES : Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora DANCED : Danish Cooperation for Environment & Development DO : Dissolved Oxygen DOA : Department of Agriculture DOE : Department of Environment DOF : Department of Forestry DWNP : Department of Wildlife and National Parks FAMA : Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority FHDC : Fraser’s Hill Development Corporation FHNEC : Fraser’s Hill Nature Education Centre FR : Forest Reserve GICC : Genting International Convention Center HDF : Hill Dipterocarp Forest HRR : Highland Resort Road IUCN : International Union for Conservation of Nature JBA : Jabatan Bekalan Air JHEOA : Jabatan Hal Ehwal Orang Asli LDF : Lower Dipterocarp Forest LMF : Lower Mantane Forest MARDI : Malaysia Agricultural Research and Development Institute MDB : Majlis Daerah Bentong MDCH : Majlis Daerah Cameron Highlands MDGM : Majlis Daerah Gua Musang MDHS : Majlis Daerah Hulu Selangor MDR : Majlis Daerah Raub MICE : Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions MLD : Mega Liter per Day MOCAT : Ministry of Culture, Art and Tourism MOSTE : Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment MTPB : Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board NERC : Nature Education and Research Center NSE : North South Expressway PFE : Permanent Forest Estate PKINK : Perbadanan Kemajuan Ihsan Negeri Kelantan REACH : Regional Environmental Awareness for Cameron Highlands RORO : Roll-On Roll-Off

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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

RWB : Resorts World Berhad SWOT : Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threat TOL : Temporary Occupancy License TSS : Total Suspended Solid UDF : Upper Dipterocarp Forest UMF : Upper Montane Forest WCMC : World Conservation Monitoring Center

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Study on the Development of Hill Stations Final Report 1

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION

1. The study on “The Development of the Hill Stations in Peninsula Malaysia was commissioned by the Economic Planning Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department (EPU) in May 2001.

2. The main objective of the study is to formulate guidelines and recommendations for the sustainable development of six hill stations in Peninsular Malaysia namely Cameron Highlands (including Lojing), Fraser's Hill, Genting Highlands, Maxwell Hill, Gunung Jerai and Penang Hill.

3. The reporting has been divided into two parts - Volume I presents the study on Cameron Highlands, Fraser's Hill and Genting Highlands while Volume II will focus on Maxwell Hill, Gunung Jerai and Penang Hill.

4. All the three hill stations addressed in this report, Cameron Highlands, Genting Highlands and Fraser’s Hill are located on the Main Range (Banjaran Titiwangsa)

CAMERON HIGHLANDS & LOJING

Existing Situation

5. The study area extends to Lojing up to Pos Brooke across the Kelantan border, and also takes into account the influence of the orang asli settlements located some distance away, such as Pos Attap to the east of Tanah Rata or Pos Terisu to the west of Teringkap.

6. Cameron Highlands occupies an area of 71200 ha and with a population of about 30,000, is the largest hill station in Malaysia.

7. Cameron Highlands is mountainous, with much of the terrain being steeper than 40 degrees. Lojing is also located in the mountainous areas, where the terrain is characterized by steep slopes and deep ravines, especially at the higher elevations.

8. Cameron Highlands is drained by eight rivers; Sg. Bertam, Sg. Telum and Sg. Lemoi, being the major ones; as well as Sg. Ringlet, Sg Habu, Sg Burong, Sg Tringkap, and Sg Terla. These rivers drain eastward into Sg Pahang. The water quality of the rivers Cameron Highlands has been deteriorating over the years, mainly due to siltation from land clearing for developments, road construction and agriculture.

9. The entire Lojing area up to Pos Blau falls within the Sg Berok catchment that eventually flows into Sg Kelantan. The water is laden with silt due to road construction and agriculture activities.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

10. The major land uses in the district of Cameron Highlands are forest (71%) and agriculture (8%). Agriculture activities are largely concentrated in areas such as Kg. Raja - Kuala Terla, Tringkap - Kea Farm, Habu and Ringlet - Lembah Bertam. Farming activities in Lojing started in the 1980’s but has accelerated recently due to better accessibility.

11. Forests occupy 50,800 ha of the Cameron Highlands district. About 54% of the forests (38,000 ha) in the district have been gazetted as Permanent Forest Reserve (PFE), and the remaining are state land forest. The PFE is made up of 13 forest reserves.

12. The summit regions of G. Berembun, G. Brinchang and G. Perdah support rich flora diversity with high species endemism and are important for flora conservation in Cameron Highlands.

13. The main economic activities in Cameron Highlands are temperate agriculture and tourism. The agriculture produce includes temperate flowers (378 ha, 1999), vegetables (2,720 ha, 1999), fruits (90 ha, 1999) and tea (2309 ha, 1999). The main crops cultivated in Lojing include fruits (mandarin) with about 113 ha and vegetables with 266 ha. Recently, tea was also planted in Lojing on an area of 28 ha.

14. Tourism is an important economic sector in Cameron Highlands. The two principal tourism products here are Nature Tourism and Agro-Tourism.

15. Tourist arrivals in 2000 numbered 305,000 with domestic tourist accounting for 79% of the total. In terms of foreign visitors, Singapore is the main origin market followed by the United Kingdom. Other origin markets are Thailand, Netherlands, Japan, Germany and Australia.

16. The main water supply to Cameron Highlands is from the Sg. Burong intake. Other areas such as Kuala Terla, Kg. Raja, Ringlet and Habu source their own supply from existing streams and the water undergoes semi-treatment process before being supplied to consumers. There have been water shortages occurring during the “dry” season.

17. For the Lojing area, there is no major water abstraction point along Sg Berok or its tributaries. The rivers are however used by most of the Orang Asli communities for drinking, washing and bathing.

18. The volume of solid waste generated in Cameron Highlands is approximately 22 tonnes/day and dumped at a site 3 km away from Tanah Rata, where the waste is accumulated and pushed down a steep slope.

19. The five urban centers in Cameron Highlands, namely Ringlet, Tanah Rata, Brinchang, Kuala Terla and Kg. Raja, are linked by a single well-maintained road. During weekends and school holidays, the number cars and buses

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

coming here tend to cause traffic problems. Insufficient parking spaces especially in Brinchang, causes drivers to park indiscriminately.

20. The Simpang Pulai – Cameron Highlands (Blue Valley) section of the Simpang Pulai - Kuala Berang highway has been competed and will provide another access to Cameron Highlands. When the entire stretch is ready, Cameron Highlands will also be accessible to traffic from Kelantan.

21. There is presently a proposal to construct a road from Kuala Lipis to Lembah Bertam.

Strengths

22. Cameron Highlands has a Local Plan, unlike the other two hill stations. The Local Plan provides direction to future growth and identifies some of the environmental constraints to development.

23. Cameron Highlands is the oldest hill station in Malaysia and rich with heritage from colonial times, making it ideal as a tourist resort.

24. Cameron Highlands offers good tourism products where the natural environment and vegetable, fruit, flower and tea cultivation have provided twin tourism products of nature tourism and agro-tourism with varying appeal to domestic and foreign tourists. This hill station also possesses a reasonably extensive accommodation base with a stock of around 2,000 rooms ranging from 4 star hotels, mid-priced and budget hotels, chalets, apartments and bungalows.

25. The highland forest in Cameron Highlands harbours a rich diversity of plant species due to the existence of extensive forest amounting to about 71% of the total area of the Cameron Highlands district. About 24% of Peninsular Malaysia’s highland plant species are found in Cameron Highlands.

26. There are currently at least 14 nature trails within the forests in Cameron Highlands that could be utilized to highlight interesting biodiversity features. Additionally, the trails could be used for nature education and interpretation to instill appreciation and responsibility of the natural resources of Cameron Highlands among the local community, visitors and tourists.

27. The accessibility to Cameron Highlands will increase with the construction of Simpang Pulai – Kuala Berang road and help to boost the socio-economic sector by providing an alternative transport route and the completion of this road will increase the market for vegetables in the Kelantan side. Tourism too, will set to increase with the added convenience of an additional access.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Weaknesses

28. The approval of many incongruent developments, resulting in building heights that are not in harmony with the surrounding environment.

29. A large proportion of farmers in Cameron Highlands operate on TOLs issued by the State Authority. Since such licences are usually renewed annually, there is no security of tenure and therefore no incentive for farmers to adopt good agricultural practices.

30. There are weaknesses in the Cameron Highlands Local Plan that need to be reviewed before it is gazetted, particularly on housing and agriculture. It appears that the projection for housing is an over-estimate and the densities too high. The provision for the agriculture land needs to be reviewed.

31. There is no proper development master plan for Lojing. This has lead to haphazard development.

32. The lack of enforcement against illegal land clearing and collection of forest produce in Cameron Highlands is a major problem as these activities are the main causes of soil erosion and siltation of rivers. The same problem too exists in Lojing. The problem is severe in Lojing because the Local Authority being Majlis Daerah Gua Musang is located some 80 km away.

33. Environmental degradation from agricultural activities is widespread in Cameron Highlands. The extensive use of pesticides and fertilizers and land clearing on steep slopes for agriculture have lead to the deterioration of water quality.

34. There is a lack of synergy between agriculture and tourism despite both being the major economic activities in Cameron Highlands.

35. There is a lack of quality of tourist attractions coupled with weak tourism infrastructure.

36. Although there is generally a reasonable amount of information relating to the total biodiversity in Cameron Highlands, detailed information for specific areas and the variation in the distribution of biodiversity between place to place is relatively limited.

37. Although there are a good number of nature trails in Cameron Highlands, they are poorly maintained. The nature guiding service is also unsatisfactory.

38. There is a threat of water shortage, as whenever there is a “dry season”, households and commercial areas would have dry taps.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

39. The solid waste management is very poor. Waste is simply pushed off into a valley leading to water pollution.

40. The lack of proper parking areas in Brinchang results in indiscriminate parking during holiday periods and disrupts traffic.

Opportunities

41. The new development corridors as identified in the Local Plan provide the opportunity for development in Cameron Highlands. The potential development areas include the Simpang Pulai - Cameron Highlands - Lojing corridors.

42. The Local Plan development proposals have provided the opportunity for planned infill developments for each of the centres within the MDCH area.

43. The opportunity to further enhance the tourism potential especially in the nature-based and agro-tourism sector has been identified in the statutory plans for Cameron Highlands.

44. Being a secondary MICE destination is another potential strength. Vigorous efforts are being undertaken to actively position and promote Malaysia as a premier MICE destination, which has high-yielding potential.

Threats

45. The indiscriminate clearing by farmers on the hill slopes for agriculture is a major concern as vast land clearing can threaten the water quality leading to a reduction in water supply.

46. With MDCH’s policy of no opening up of new land for agriculture, farmers may try to maximise use of current agriculture land and this might result in unsystematic and indiscriminate agriculture land practices. The policy has also seen farmers migrating to Lojing, to open up new land.

47. Labour shortages in the agricultural sector could arise from competitive employment opportunities from other sectors, notably tourism.

48. The removal of trade barriers through AFTA could adversely affect the competitiveness of temperate farming in this hill station, and given the symbiotic relationship between agriculture and tourism, would eventually weaken the tourism industry as well.

49. The proposed Hill Resort Road (HRR) is a serious threat to the biodiversity and the environment surrounding Cameron Highlands. Habitat destruction

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

50. and loss of species pose a real threat to the integrity of the natural environment of Cameron Highlands.

51. The threat of future landslides is very real in Cameron Highlands if no stringent measures are drawn up on control of opening up of farmland and uncontrolled development.

52. With the new access to Cameron Highlands at Kg. Raja, the Kg. Raja – Tanah Rata main road would become a major thoroughfare, and will pose major traffic problems to the already narrow road.

Carrying Capacity

53. From the three possible constraints that were considered, namely tourism factor, water supply and transport, the tourist carrying capacity has been calculated to 8000 visitors per day or 2.9 million visitors per year.

Action Plans

54. This study recommends 33 action plans to enhance tourism, improve the environmental quality and to promote sustainable development. The main recommendations relate to: (a) better packaging of tourism products (b) improvements in coordination and enforcement (c) water demand management and infrastructure improvements (d) education and community development

The action plans are presented after the Executive Summary.

GENTING HIGHLANDS

Existing Situation

55. The area of study for Genting Highlands is confined between Genting Sempah near the Karak Highway and Bukit Genting Chin Chin to the north. The terrain of Genting Highlands is composed of steep, high mountains with V-shaped valleys and sharp hilltops and ridges.

56. Genting Highlands is the newest hill station to be developed. Since its opening in May 1971, the place has developed into a highly popular and successful holiday resort. Boasting the country’s only casino and supported by an excellent range of recreational facilities and hotels, Genting Highlands has become a major tourist attraction, drawing some 13.4 million holidaymakers in the year 2000. During the “super-peak” periods, daily tourist arrivals reach 100,000.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

57. Genting Highlands is drained by Sg Kedondong, Sg Mengkuang, Sg Pencheras and Sg Bunga Buah on the west; Sg Berdah, Sg Bertam Lumut and Sg Serung Lima on the south and Sg Perting on the north. Sg Pencheras and Sg Mengkuang are tributaries of Sg Batang Kali which forms part of the Sg Selangor river basin. The water quality along Sg Benus was found to be generally good from 1996 to 1999 with most of the parameters within the Class II of the National Water Quality Standards.

58. The Genting Group is the dominant player, owning an area of about 3,965 ha, of which 2,952 ha is located in Pahang and the remaining 1,013 ha in Selangor. The entire area has been approved for development with residential component being the major land use. Other landowners include the Selangor and Pahang State Governments and smaller developers with a total land area of about 1,626 ha. The total area developed by the Genting Group constitute about 4.5% of the total land bank, with the remaining 95.5% is forested. Development is concentrated at the 3,000 ft level (Awana resort) and at the 6,000 ft level (Genting Highlands resort).

59. The development at the hilltop consists of a casino, recreational parks, apartments and hotels, occupying 27 ha. The development at 3,000 ft level includes Awana golf and country club, Horse Ranch, Bandar Goh Tong Jaya, Layang Indah and Sri Noah. Bandar Gohtong Jaya, a residential township, includes commercial, apartments, medical and educational facilities whilst Layang Indah and Sri Noah are residential developments. Other developments include institutions, social facilities, infrastructure and utility stations.

60. 3,785 ha (95.5%) of the 3,965 ha of land belonging to the Genting Group is still under forest cover, comprising mostly virgin forest. The ridge and summit areas of G. Bunga Buah and G. Ulu Kali have been identified as having outstanding potential for flora conservation.

61. The major socio-economic activities in Genting Highlands are entertainment and recreation. Other activities include ginger farming and education centres.

62. The 1999 tourist arrivals numbered 1,888,159, with 1,489,740 or 78.9% being domestic tourist. Tourists from Singapore accounted for the largest foreign arrivals, making up 16% of the total numbers.

63. There were eight hotels with a total of 4,011 rooms in 1999, and a new hotel is currently being constructed; 1,000 rooms are already in operation and by the end of 2001, 3,300 rooms (out of a projected total of 6,300) are expected to be in operation. The development of Tower Two (3,000 rooms) will depend on market demand.

64. The main source of water supply in Genting Highlands comes from Sg Berdah and Sg Bertam Lumut. There are five water intakes located along

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Sg Pencheras and Sg Mengkuang which abstract water to the two existing treatment plants.

65. The sewage treatment system in Genting Highlands is good and modern with a treatment capacity for 1333,000 population equivalent. Other developments in the Genting Highlands, such as Institut Aminuddin Baki and Genting View Resort have their own sewage treatment facilities. Older developments have septic tanks.

66. Resorts World Berhad has six incinerators to manage all their solid waste. Four incinerators are located at the hill top whereas the other two are located at mid way near Gohtong Jaya. Resorts World has introduced a new method for its solid waste management involving recycling, incinerating and composting.

67. Access to Genting Highlands is via a 19 km road from Genting Sempah or via Batang Kali. The alternative is via a cable car system from the mid hill to the summit, known as the “Skyway”. The “Skyway” has a capacity of 2400 passengers per hour.

Strengths

68. A major strength of Genting Highlands is that much of the land is owned and developed by one company, the Genting Group, which up to now has planned the development well.

69. Ease of access from Kuala Lumpur, together with a well-maintained access road to the summit is a major factor in the large visitor volume to Genting Highlands. The recently implemented “Skyway” cable car provides a further convenience for visitors who do not wish to drive up to the summit.

70. The excellent facilities in the resort make Genting Highlands a premier MICE destination. The cooling temperatures and recreational facilities provide for family orientated activities and is very popular for day-trippers.

71. Genting Highland’s has a clearly defined tourism product, entertainment, and this product has been exceptionally well positioned in both the domestic and international market with this hill resort being identified as …”The City of Entertainment.”

72. Genting Highland’s also has an extensive accommodation base with a very good mix of accommodation facilities ranging from 5 star deluxe hotels, mid- priced and budget hotels and apartments.

73. The highland forest of Genting Highlands supports a rich biodiversity of at least 500 species of plants, 20% of which are endemic. The size of the Genting Highlands flora corresponds to nearly 17% of the total highland plant species of Peninsular Malaysia.

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74. Genting Highlands possesses good infrastructure especially in the areas of solid waste management and sewerage system.

Weaknesses

75. Without a development master plan, there is an absence of policies and guidelines to monitor and control development at Genting Highlands which can lead to detrimental effects to the environment.

76. In the context of biodiversity, the lack of long-term security from development for much of the forest in Genting Highlands poses a major weakness.

77. The water-stress at Genting Highlands is the primary limiting factor for development. The water intakes are also susceptible to water quality degradation due to the fact they are downstream of the development at the hilltop.

78. A threat to the water supply of Genting Highlands is the pollution of the rivers that supply water to the intakes. The water quality may deteriorate from Resort World’s massive resort complex as well as other developments within Genting Highlands.

79. While most of the access from Genting Sempah to the summit provides a comfortable drive, the final few kilometers are very steep and difficult for cars to ascend, let alone heavier vehicles. On peak periods, this can turn to be a crawl up, as many vehicles find it difficult to negotiate the steep slopes. This in turn leads to more vehicular exhaust emissions and degrading the air quality.

Opportunities

80. The vast amount of undeveloped land has the potential to be utilised for eco tourism activities. With the rich biodiversity found in the area, selected areas of the highland have the potential to support this type of tourism activity. Capitalising on the forests provides good prospects for nature-based and eco-recreation activities. These could be promoted as a tourism product that will add variety to the selection as well as complement the existing range of tourism products for Genting Highlands.

81. Promotional campaigns such as Cuti-Cuti Malaysia offer promising potential for further expanding the flow of domestic visitors to this already popular hill resort.

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82. The forests in Genting Highlands is largely still intact and prime biodiversity conservation areas have been identified, there are therefore opportunities for setting aside specific areas of forest to be kept permanently in their natural state. This provides some form of guarantee to the long-term status of important forest areas in Genting Highlands.

Threats

83. The lack of a development master plan may result in a haphazard development in Genting Highlands with other developers.

84. Genting Highlands faces competition from other established hill resorts in Malaysia and in neighbouring countries.

85. Development involving unnecessary clearance of large areas of forest could have significant implication on biodiversity.

86. Although currently more than 90% of the Genting Group landbank is still under forest and there are no immediate plans to develop these areas, there is no long-term security for these forests from being subjected to development pressures.

Carrying Capacity

87. From the three possible constraints that were considered, namely tourism factor, water supply and transport, the tourist carrying capacity has been calculated to 46,354 visitors per day or 16.919 million visitors per year.

Action Plans

88. This study recommends 18 actions plans to enhance tourism, improve the environmental quality and to promote sustainable development. The main recommendations relate to: (a) Land use zoning (b) Better coordination and enforcement (c) Water demand management and infrastructure improvements

The action plans are presented after the Executive Summary.

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FRASER’S HILL

Existing Situation

89. The Fraser’s Hill study area comprises of the areas above the 1200m level including The Gap area to the south, the Jeriau Waterfall and the new Fraser’s Hill Golf club to the east.

90. Fraser’s Hill is the least developed of the three hill stations although development here began back in 1919. Fraser’s Hill actually is on seven hills, covering an area of 2,804 ha. Today, about 1,000 people live and work here, maintaining a hill resort with a few scattered bungalows, a few hotels and apartments, golf courses, and some recreational facilities.

91. Fraser’s Hill is the lowest of the three major hill stations on the Main Range. The terrain at Fraser’s Hill is steep, resulting in many of the large developments such as Pine Resort and Silverpark being built on slopes. The Fraser’s Hill Country Club golf course was constructed in the valley between the peaks of Bukit Pokok Pine, Bukit Hulu Sempam and Bukit Jeriau.

92. Fraser’s Hill drains into both Selangor and Pahang. The water quality of the main river, Sg. Terenum, is generally clean, within Class II of the Proposed National Water Quality Standard.

93. Fraser's Hill’s economy is dependent upon tourism. The main supporting sectors are the hotel, restaurants, and retail sectors.

94. The nature trails afford visitors the opportunity to see interesting flora and fauna including birds, where there are in excess of 250 species of birds at Fraser’s Hill. This hill station is a bird sanctuary of international standing. The major annual event attraction in this hill station is The Fraser’s Hill International Bird Race, which has been held annually since 1988.

95. The tourist arrivals in Fraser’s Hill for 1999 numbered 32,154, which is a decline from 57,504 arrivals in 1990. Domestic tourists make up 88% of the total, while Singaporeans head the list of foreign tourist arrivals with 4%. There are seven hotels with a total of 437 rooms in Fraser’s Hill.

96. Fraser’s Hill is a very minor destination for foreign visitors and even for Malaysian visitors it only accounts for about 0.2%, as compared to 9.1% attracted to Genting Highlands and 2.7% who visit Cameron Highlands.

97. Fraser’s Hill obtains its water supply from Sg. Hijau, and previously from Allen’s lake. The existing treatment plant at Jalan Jeriau is being upgraded and another reservoir has been built in addition to the existing one to increase the storage capacity. The supply is sufficient at present.

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98. Sewage treatment systems in Fraser’s Hill consist mainly of septic tanks for the older developments and mechanized sewage treatment plants for the newer developments.

99. The solid waste disposal is similar to that practiced in Cameron Highlands, where there is no proper landfill site and the waste is thrown over hillside.

100. Access to the hilltop has been made more convenient with the opening of the second access from the Gap to the hill top. At the hill top, the roads are quite narrow and on weekends and public holidays, the number of cars to this hill station increases and causes traffic problems.

Strengths

101. The rugged terrain, cool climate and the sporadic distribution of the low- density development units have blended to create a balanced harmony between the built and physical environment.

102. The existing recreational facilities and activities, particularly, nature trails, bird watching, golf courses, horse riding and fishing have been instrumental in attracting visitors to the resort.

103. Extensive areas of forest are intact in about 90% of the land within the Fraser’s Hill municipality area. The high visibility of the forest is in fact a major asset for this hill station as the forests provide refuge for an abundance of biodiversity accounting for 18% of Peninsular Malaysia’s highland flora.

104. There are nine nature trails in Fraser’s Hill, each differing from the others in terms of its biodiversity features, difficulty of terrain and time taken to complete the trail. The trails are interesting as they transverse the different forest types found in Fraser’s Hill.

105. The Fraser’s Hill Nature Education Centre (FHNEC) has been established through a collaborative effort of the FHDC and WWF Malaysia. The Centre runs nature education programmes both for the local population as well as for organized groups and visitors to Fraser’s Hill.

Weaknesses

106. The facilities provided cater mainly for the local population but not for the visitors or tourists. Besides the children’s playground, the museum and mini zoo are poorly maintained and has closed down. The nature trails have not been well-maintained and there is also a lack of experienced and knowledgeable tour/nature guides, which further dampens the quality of the visitor experience.

WWF Malaysia E-12 December 2001

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

107. Incongruent development exists in Fraser’s Hill particularly high rise density apartments, where building height exceeds the tree line and impairs the natural beauty of the environment. The absence of development plans and guideline controls has contributed to this problem.

108. There seem to be a general lack of attention given to the management and enforcement of biodiversity matters such as illegal collection of wild flora and fauna.

109. Private vehicle usage is dominant, which at weekends and public holidays strains parking capacity. There are also problems arising from the inadequacy of public bus services from/to Kuala Kubu Bahru and a lack of bus service within the hill resort itself.

110. The sewerage system at Fraser’s Hill is old and outdated, utilizing septic tanks, except for the newer developments such as Silverpark Apartments, where mechanized systems are used.

111. The management of solid waste is not been carried out in an environmentally friendly manner, as solid waste is presently disposed off in an open dump down a hillside.

Opportunities

112. Opportunities for development pressure will now be more evident with recent opening of the new 12 km access link from near the existing Gap access to the Pines Resort in Fraser’s Hill.

113. Fraser’s Hill has excellent potential to develop nature tourism due to its rich biodiversity which is well known both locally and internationally. The nature trails offer great potential as an attractive nature tourism product.

Threats

114. Continuous and aggressive promotion of Fraser's Hill might also see the problem of labour force shortage at a later stage due to its small resident population.

115. There have been complaints about collection of wild flora and fauna (which includes mainly pitcher plants, orchids, herbs with medicinal values, butterflies and other insects as well as birds) from the forest in Fraser’s Hill.

116. Unguided development in recent years has resulted in some serious consequences that threaten the biodiversity of Fraser’s Hill.

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117. A possible threat to sustainable development in Fraser’s Hill could arise if the proposed Hill Resort Road (HRR), which would traverse along the mountainous terrain of the Main Range, was constructed.

118. Abolishing the alternating ascending and descending traffic control at the Gap will now add to the convenience of visitors driving up, and there is a likelihood of increase in vehicular traffic and congestion in the town centre.

Carrying Capacity

119. From the three possible constraints that were considered, namely tourism factor, water supply and transport, the tourist carrying capacity has been calculated to be 530 visitors per day or about 193,400 visitors per year.

Action Plans

120. This study recommends 29 actions plans to enhance tourism, improve the environmental quality and to promote sustainable development. The main recommendations relate to: (a) improvements of tourism facilities (b) better packaging of tourism products (c) improvements in coordination and enforcement (d) water demand management and infrastructure improvements (e) education and community development

The action plans are presented after the Executive Summary.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

LEGAL & INSTITUTIONAL ISSUES

121. The present laws are generally adequate for development control in the Hill Stations, but further fine-tuning and adjustments are required to properly ensure that future planning and developments are in line with the sustainability concept.

122. The recommendations in this study relate to the amendment of existing laws, gazzettement of affected and protected areas, statutory plans, guidelines and by-laws. The list of action plans related to legal and institutional issues are presented in the list of action plans after the Executive Summary.

123. There is a need to delegate powers to more agencies to help control the pollution or soil erosion that is occurring in the hill stations. Similarly, powers from the relevant authority for example, the local authority or district officer can be delegated to others to help in the enforcement of the respective laws.

124. The delegation of powers to agencies and the EMU will not be sufficient without the manpower in terms of officers as well as professional technical support. The lack of qualified professionals will hamper the effective management of the land use and development in general in the hill stations.

125. The lack of coordination among the relevant agencies remains a scourge to effective management and implementation of policies. Relevant agencies need to be aware of not only their own roles and responsibilities but of others such that they can be an effective network. Both Federal and State governments have formed committees to address the issue of lack of co- ordination.

WWF Malaysia E-15 December 2001

LIST OF ACTION PLANS

Study on the Development of Hill Stations Final Report 1

LIST OF ACTION PLANS

ACTION PLANS FOR CAMERON HIGHLANDS & LOJING

Action Plan : CH-AP1 Stakeholder Action : UPEN Pahang & UPEN Kelantan Cameron Highlands and Lojing must only focus on the three tourism themes, namely agro-tourism, nature-tourism and cultural-heritage tourism. Other types of new tourism development such as theme parks and golf courses should not be permitted. Pahang and Kelantan State Governments should issue directive in this regard. This directive should eventually apply to Kinta Highlands as well.

Action Plan : CH-AP2 Stakeholder Action : Ministry of Culture, Arts & Tourism Strengthen the synergy between agriculture and tourism. Agro-tourism, including agro-environmental tourism, in which visitors stay at farms and take part in agricultural activities, should be strongly encouraged as a means of promoting sustainable tourism. Examples of good synergy between agriculture and tourism are the tea estates. The tea estates have forged commendable links and many tourists visit the tea gardens and also undertake tours of the processing factories. For most of the other crops, e.g., vegetables, fruits and flowers, the links need to be enhanced and innovative home stay programmes developed. The provision of accommodation to visitors who pay for staying on farms, helps improve farmers’ incomes and for urban residents the contact with nature and with the people who live there is a vital experience. MOCAT should form “Committee on Strengthening of Agriculture – Tourism Synergy at Cameron Highlands and Lojing“comprising relevant government agencies, tourism industry and the agriculture sector.

Action Plan : CH-AP3 Stakeholder Action : Ministry of Culture, Arts & Tourism As a follow up to Action Plan CH-AP2, MOCAT should initiate an agro-tourism development programme in Ringlet/Lembah Bertam. The programme shall include the provision of home stay facilities inline with the guidelines of the National Rural Tourism Master Plan shall be initiated. This programme should also be replicated in other locations such as Kampung Raja and Tringkap.

Action Plan : CH-AP4 Stakeholder Action : Department of Forestry The Department of Forestry should, with the support from the private sector, introduce a Nature Tourism Development programme that would encompass, inter-alia, the upgrading of existing nature trails, development of new trails, the

WWF Malaysia A-1 December 2001

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LIST OF ACTION PLANS

organization of climbing expeditions, and the promotion of camping and other forms of “soft” adventure, recreational fishing and caving.

Action Plan : CH-AP5 Stakeholder Action : Ministry of Culture, Arts & Tourism, Majlis Daerah Cameron Highlands, Jabatan Hal Ehwal Orang Asli, Ministry of Education MOCAT in association with MDCH, JHEOA, Ministry of Education and the private sector should develop cultural-heritage tourism. A one-stop Cameron Highlands Heritage Centre should be developed in Tanah Rata with an Orang Asli Interpretive Museum, a Tea House/ Tea Museum and Nature Education Centre. An existing heritage building such as the Convent in Tanah Rata might be suitable for such a centre.

Action Plan : CH-AP6 Stakeholder Action : Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board MTPB should produce high quality promotional material with emphasis on products on offer including pamphlets and brochures, dos and don’ts guides, pocket checklists, information guides etc. The current promotional material is deemed inadequate to capture the imagination of the potential tourists.

Action Plan : CH-AP7 Stakeholder Action : Ministry of Culture, Arts & Tourism A Tourism Masterplan must be formulated for the Cameron Highlands – Lojing and Kinta Highlands triangle. The three locations can complement one another and take away considerable tourist pressure off Cameron Highlands. The Masterplan must give adequate consideration to protect the fragile highland environment.

Action Plan : CH-AP8 Stakeholder Action : Pejabat Daerah Cameron Highlands, Pejabat Tanah & Galian Cameron Highlands Prohibit the opening up of new agricultural areas in Cameron Highlands. Cameron Highlands is already facing serious environmental problems due to agriculture such as silting of rivers and reservoirs, landslides and unsightly bare slopes.

Action Plan : CH-AP9 Stakeholder Action : UPEN Pahang, Pejabat Daerah Cameron Highlands, Pejabat Tanah & Galian Cameron Highlands Revamp the agricultural land tenure system at Cameron Highlands. Farmers must be given longer land leases on the condition that farming practices are improved.

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Action Plan : CH-AP10 Stakeholder Action : Department of Agriculture, Pejabat Tanah & Galian Cameron Highlands The integration of small size farms should be strongly encouraged and incentives provided for those framers who integrate their farms. Incentives could be in terms of longer lease of land, continuous provision of advanced agriculture courses and research, consultancy and advisory services. Other incentives might possibly increase the land tenure lease to five years to those practicing systematic agriculture practice. There is an on-going programme by the DOA where incentives, consultancy and advisory services as well as the requisite training are provided for farmers in this district. Elements of this Action Plan not already covered by this programme can be integrated into it.

Action Plan : CH-AP11 Stakeholder Action : Ministry of Science Technology & Environment, Department of Agriculture, Majlis Daerah Cameron Highlands & Gua Musang, Department of Environment The existing Cabinet committee on development for highland areas chaired by the MOSTE Secretary General should implement and enforce more systematic agriculture practices in both Cameron Highlands and Lojing. This committee will be responsible for maintaining among others, environmental checks, usage of lands, pesticides and fertilizers. Alternatively, a sub-committee led by the DOA can be formed within the Cabinet committee to carry out this plan.

Action Plan : CH-AP12 Stakeholder Action : UPEN Kelantan Create a new district or sub-district of Lojing. The creation of this sub-district and the eventually establishment of an administrative centre at Lojing would help the authorities to support and monitor development activities at Lojing.

Action Plan : CH-AP13 Stakeholder Action : Economic Planning Unit, UPEN Kelantan & UPEN Perak A Comprehensive Master Development Plan for Lojing should be formulated. The current development plans appear simplistic, do not give due attention to the difficult terrain conditions and ignore environmental and market conditions. Although at present, there is already an Indicative Plan for Lojing, a comprehensive Masterplan is needed to ensure that the agricultural and tourism development plans by the Kelantan State Government are sustainable and mistakes made at Cameron Highlands are not repeated. This action plan could be combined with CH-AP7.

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Action Plan : CH-AP14 Stakeholder Action : Federal Agriculture & Marketing Authority FAMA should develop cold room storage at Kg. Raja and Tringkap for vegetables and other agricultural produce. The cold storage will serve more as a tool for produce transit rather than for curbing price instability. Networking with hypermarkets and supermarkets should be initiated here, an example being the cold-chain market concept. A storage capacity of 10 MT will be adequate and should be compartmentalized such that partial usage of the cold storage is possible.

Action Plan : CH-AP15 Stakeholder Action : Department of Agriculture DOA should establish a farm certification system. Monetary incentives can be provided to farmers to adopt good farming practices. The farms can be rated into 3 classes from most environmentally friendly (Class 1) to least environmentally friendly (Class 3). Class 1 farms can then be given a subsidy per annum per acre of farm by Jabatan Pertanian, Class 2 farms to paid a lesser amount, with none for Class 3 farms. Examples of best practices include terracing on steep slopes, using organic fertilizers to proper amounts, proper waste disposal and so on. Farm produce from here can then also be labelled as Class 1 for environmentally friendly as an advertisement to consumers who care.

Action Plan : CH-AP16 Stakeholder Action : Department of Water Supply Formulate a Water Resources Management Plan for Cameron Highlands. The plan, in addition to identifying demands and new sources of water, must address water demand management, catchment protection and public education.

Action Plan : CH-AP17 Stakeholder Action : Majlis Daerah Cameron Highlands MDCH should not permit any development activities in water catchment areas. Immediate steps shall be taken to identify illegal farming in water catchment areas and prosecute the offenders.

Action Plan : CH-AP18* Stakeholder Action : Majlis Daerah Cameron Highlands MDCH should make water conservation measures mandatory for all new facilities in Cameron Highlands. Half flush toilets and auto-shut off taps must be installed as a condition of building plan approval. All existing hotels shall be given a grace period of three years to implement these measures. Water demand management will help alleviate the water stress problem.

* denotes Action Plans common to all three hill stations

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Action Plan : CH-AP19* Stakeholder Action : Majlis Daerah Cameron Highlands MDCH should ensure that all hotels implement environmental management systems (EMS) (ISO14001 or equivalent) as a condition of business licence. MDCH could give monetary incentives in the form of reduction in the annual quit rent and/or assessments according to hotels’ level of implementation of these measures. All hotels shall be given a grace period of three years to implement the EMS.

Action Plan : CH-AP20 Stakeholder Action : Majlis Daerah Cameron Highlands Upgrade the solid waste management system at Cameron Highlands. Systems similar to those used at Genting Highlands (sorting, composting and incineration) could be utilized. An area of approximately 1 ha will be required and could possibly be sited near the existing dumping site near Tanah Rata. The present road leading to Tanah Rata has to be re-aligned to allow for the present dump area to be increased. A detailed study has to be carried out to fine tune the location and design.

Action Plan : CH-AP21 Stakeholder Action : Majlis Daerah Cameron Highlands Improve the current waste recycling scheme. Although there is a recycling program at present, the response is poor. A long-term program to educate the people on the benefits of recycling can be initiated to increase their awareness. The Government offices and hotels can start by having recycling bins in the office for paper, aluminum cans and bottles, along with posters and talks citing the benefits of recycling. It is then hoped that in a long run, the people will carry the recycling habit back to their homes. Alam Flora should designate one day of the week to collect recyclable waste from the residents. On the designated day, all waste to be recycled will be left outside their premises for a special collection. A special container marked “Recycling” can be provided to all households for the purpose.

Action Plan : CH-AP22 Stakeholder Action : Majlis Daerah Cameron Highlands Improve the parking situation by constructing a multi-level car park at Brinchang to overcome the parking problem. The site should ideally be right in the centre of town, possibly near the fire station. After that, the road shoulders on the main road shall be declared “No-Parking” zones and enforcement officers will fine those who continue to park there. The construction and operations of the car-park can be privatized.

WWF Malaysia A-5 December 2001

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Action Plan : CH-AP23 Stakeholder Action : Department of Forestry, Department of Wildlife & National Parks The Forestry Department and/or DWNP to implement a programme to control the illegal collection of wild flora and fauna. Possible measures may include the following: • Enforcing a ban on collecting wild flora and fauna; • Putting up signs in multi-languages at strategic locations (e.g. entrance to nature trails) to notify prohibition on wild flora and fauna collection; • Incorporating information on the prohibition in promotional brochures; • Introducing a permit system to allow collection for scientific and research purposes only with conditions such as requiring the listing of all specimens collected and their quantity, usage of sustainable/ proper collection methods and submission of scientific/ research publications produced. • Nurseries propagating materials collected from the wild should also be subjected to a permit system;

Action Plan : CH-AP24 Stakeholder Action : Department of Forestry, Department of Wildlife & National Parks, Majlis Daerah Cameron Highlands, Non-Governmental Organisations The Forestry Department should form a Committee on Cameron Highlands Nature Programmes to guide the planning of nature projects and education programmes. The committee’s members could consist of agencies such as DWNP, MDCH, DOE, academic institutions and conservation-based NGOs.

Action Plan : CH-AP25 Stakeholder Action : Department of Forestry Equip the two existing Nature Education Centres with facilities to support research on nature conservation in Cameron Highlands, in addition to its function for awareness building through environmental education. This effort could be supported by other members of the committee in CH-AP24. The two existing Nature Education Centres in Cameron Highlands could also provide nature oriented training programmes.

Action Plan : CH-AP26 Stakeholder Action : Ministry of Science Technology & Environment, Department of Forestry, Department of Wildlife & National Parks MOSTE with assistance from Forestry Department and DWNP should conduct scientific studies on montane flora and fauna with an aim of highlighting the richness of the biodiversity in this area. This information could be summarized in tourism brochure to inform potential tourists of the vast natural treasures found in the area.

WWF Malaysia A-6 December 2001

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Action Plan : CH-AP27 Stakeholder Action : Department of Wildlife & National Parks DWNP should review and clarify the status of Cameron Highlands as a protected area and implement measures for reinforcing the current protected area designation (i.e. as wildlife sanctuary and protection forest) afforded to Cameron Highlands. This requires defining clearly the boundaries of the protected area and where appropriate, incorporation of additional areas on the basis of their biodiversity significance and ecological sensitivity.

Action Plan : CH-AP28 Stakeholder Action : Majlis Daerah Cameron Highlands The Cameron Highlands Local Plan has to be reviewed on the following sectors: • Land Use proposals within the settlement areas, the density and types of development proposed • Design guidelines, as it has to be consistent and building heights should be restricted to 4 storeys (3 storeys in settlement areas), and the architecture to reflect on the heritage of Cameron Highlands • Development proposals for condominiums and apartments; developments such as service apartments should not be permitted • Assessment on further development activities • The new link between Brinchang and Habu should be reconsidered particularly on the justification for the need of such a link, as the impact on the fragile environment will be detrimental.

Action Plan : CH-AP29* Stakeholder Action : Majlis Daerah Cameron Highlands An Environmental Management Unit should be set up within the MDCH to plan, monitor and implement environmental measures and to undertake environmental awareness and education programmes. This is necessary due to the fragile nature of the environment and the varied and complex environmental issues. This environmental unit must be trained on environmental protection and be given sufficient manpower and clout in order carry out their duties effectively. Promulgation of specific by-laws may be necessary to support the environmental unit. Setting up of the EMU will entail MDCH recruiting additional staff, as the current staff-force will not be able to handle the additional tasks. It is proposed at least one professional staff and one technician are engaged at the initial stages. The EMU will also work closely with the sub-committee proposed in CH-AP11. The duties of the EMU include the following:

• monitor and be alert to any adverse environmental impacts from development projects • management of environmentally sensitive areas • implement environmental protection policies • undertake continuous environmental awareness programmes to educate the local residents on the importance of environmental conservation • enforcement of all matters outside the ambit of the EQA

* denotes Action Plans common to all three hill stations

WWF Malaysia A-7 December 2001

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Action Plan : CH-AP30 Stakeholder Action : Majlis Daerah Cameron Highlands Prohibit all development, including agriculture, on slopes greater than 250 or in areas where the soil loss is greater than 150 tonnes/ha/year. This is necessary for the prevention of landslides.

Action Plan : CH-AP31 Stakeholder Action : Majlis Daerah Cameron Highlands Develop and support implementation of programmes targeted at local community participation in ensuring sustainable development at Cameron Highlands. This may be in the form of Integrated Community Development Programmes (ICDP) which seeks to conserve biodiversity while improving the quality of life of the people whose livelihood depends on those biological resources. The ICDP could include a range of related conservation and development efforts such as community-based natural resource management, community resource conservation and eco-development projects.

Action Plan : CH-AP32* Stakeholder Action : Cabinet Committee, UPEN Pahang & UPEN Kelantan The Cabinet Committee on Highlands and Islands with the assistance of UPEN Pahang and UPEN Kelantan must continuously monitor all development activities at both Cameron Highlands and Lojing.

Action Plan : CH-AP33 Stakeholder Action : Economic Planning Unit Commission a study on the “Impact of AFTA on Vegetable Farming in Cameron Highlands/ Lojing”. This is vital because the large amount of uncertainty surrounding the AFTA and the dependence of Cameron Highlands on vegetable farming. Vegetable prices have experienced decline due to imports from Indonesia and Thailand.

* denotes Action Plans common to all three hill stations

WWF Malaysia A-8 December 2001

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ACTION PLANS FOR GENTING HIGHLANDS

Action Plan : GH-AP1 Stakeholder Action : UPEN Pahang The development of Genting Highlands must focus on Entertainment Tourism, Health Tourism and MICE. Other types of new development such as residential and agriculture should not be permitted. UPEN Pahang should issue directives in this regard.

Action Plan : GH-AP2 Stakeholder Action : Resorts World Bhd., Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board Promote Genting Highlands as a premier MICE destination. With the forthcoming completion of high quality convention and meeting facilities at Genting Highlands, it is proposed that Resort World Bhd, in co-operation with MTPB, vigorously promote this hill resort as a premier MICE destination, in addition to its function as an entertainment centre.

Action Plan : GH-AP3 Stakeholder Action : Resorts World Bhd. Establish a world-class medical facility at Awana. It is recommended that Resort World Bhd, possibly in a joint venture with a renowned international medical centre, develop health tourism, through the establishment of a world-class medical facility at Awana.

Action Plan : GH-AP4 Stakeholder Action : Majlis Daerah Bentong, Majlis Daerah Hulu Selangor Implement a Land Care and Environmental Action Programme designed to upgrade the environment and beautify the Study Area especially the areas allocated to other developers.

Action Plan : GH-AP5 Stakeholder Action : Majlis Daerah Bentong, Majlis Daerah Hulu Selangor Ensure that the design, architecture and management of any approved new tourist facilities should be in keeping with the Highlands character, history and culture and the integrity of the built environment must be maintained and enhanced.

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Action Plan : GH-AP6 Stakeholder Action : Majlis Daerah Bentong, Majlis Daerah Hulu Selangor, Department of Town and Country Planning An overall Development Master Plan or a Local Plan must be developed for Genting Highlands. Majlis Daerah Bentong together with Majlis Daerah Hulu Selangor and Department of Town and Country Planning shall formulate this plan. The plan, in addition to zoning land use, shall also identify conservation areas and infrastructure requirements.

Action Plan : GH-AP7 Stakeholder Action : Pahang State Government, Majlis Daerah Bentong, Genting Group Rehabilitate the abandoned Sama World site. This site has been left bare, is eroding and is an eye-sore to all visitors to Genting Highlands. Land ownership and the financing of the rehabilitation could impose difficulties but an concerted and closely coordinated effort by the Pahang State Government, Majlis Daerah Bentong and the Genting Group should be able to overcome the problem.

Action Plan : GH-AP8* Stakeholder Action : Majlis Daerah Bentong MDB must make water conservation measures mandatory for all new facilities in Genting Highlands. Half flush toilets and auto-shut off taps must be installed as a condition of building plan approval. All existing hotels shall be given a grace period of three years to implement these measures. Water demand management will help minimize water shortages in the future.

Action Plan : GH-AP9 Stakeholder Action : Genting Group Identify new water supply sources for future developments. Water catchments adjacent the present catchment could be tapped and piped here. Existing water catchment areas shall be protected and no development shall be permitted in these areas.

Action Plan : GH-AP10* Stakeholder Action : Majlis Daerah Bentong MDB should ensure that all hotels implement environmental management systems (EMS) (ISO14001 or equivalent) as a condition of business licence. MDCH could give monetary incentives in the form of reduction in the annual quit rent and/or assessments according to hotels’ level of implementation of these measures. All hotels shall be given a grace period of three years to implement the EMS.

* denotes Action Plans common to all three hill stations

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Action Plan : GH-AP11 Stakeholder Action : Resorts World Bhd. Recycling policies to be implemented where the workers at the Resort as well as the other non-Resort residents of the area are to be made aware of the benefits of recycling and waste reduction. Resorts World itself can initiate recycling programmes whereby all residents in the entire study area will be encouraged to participate. Special collections can be made weekly for recyclable wastes only, and this would reduce the burden at the disposal facility.

Action Plan : GH-AP12 Stakeholder Action : Resorts World Bhd. Free shuttle busses services for the resort area should be provided by Resorts World, where its convenience and frequency will hopefully persuade the holidaymakers to leave their cars behind. This service should extend to the adjacent hills where the Amber court apartments are located. The present integrated pedestrian facility must be perpetuated for all new developments in the summit to ensure a convenient walk from one place to the other.

Action Plan : GH-AP13 Stakeholder Action : Genting Group Zoning specific forest areas for conservation purposes. The Genting Group should consider zoning specific forest areas within their landbank which have significant biodiversity values for conservation purposes. This ideally should be done within the context of the Genting Master Zoning Development Plan. Selection of suitable sites must be done critically with particular consideration on the following factors; (a) the forest is still intact and represents to a large degree the vegetation and flora of Genting Highlands; (b) the area is substantially large to ensure stability of the species composition and maintenance of the natural characteristics; (c) compatibility with future development plans in the vicinity of the site.

Action Plan : GH-AP14 Stakeholder Action : Genting Group Designation of forest areas as botanical reserve or nature park. The Genting Group should designate suitable forest areas within its landbank special conservation status such as ‘botanic reserve’ or ‘nature park’. A potential candidate would be the G. Bunga Buah ridge and summit area. This would require demarcation of the boundary limits of the conservation areas. Specific objectives must also be determined so that only activities and development that are compatible with these objectives are allowed in these areas.

WWF Malaysia A-11 December 2001

Study on the Development of Hill Stations Final Report 1

LIST OF ACTION PLANS

Action Plan : GH-AP15 Stakeholder Action : Ministry of Science Technology & Environment, Department of Wildlife & National Parks, Department of Forestry MOSTE with assistance from Forestry Department and DWNP should conduct scientific studies on montane flora and fauna with an aim of highlighting the richness of the biodiversity in this area. This information could be summarized in tourism brochure to inform potential tourists of the vast natural treasures found in the area. Research and academic institutions as well as scientific and conservation- based NGOs could take more initiative to publicise scientific findings through publication of the results of biodiversity related studies undertaken in Genting Highlands. This will help increase scientific interest and appreciation of the biodiversity which could potentially provide the stimulus for conservation of biodiversity significant areas in Genting Highlands.

Action Plan : GH-AP16 Stakeholder Action : Department of Forestry, Genting Group Implementing nature-based activities in their respective establishments. Resort operators in Genting Highlands to consider implementing nature-based activities in their respective establishments. This may include setting up Nature Education or Interpretation Centres, or activities that can be geared towards educating and increasing public awareness on the natural environment in Genting Highlands in general, and biodiversity in particular.

Action Plan : GH-AP17* Stakeholder Action : Majlis Daerah Bentong An Environmental Management Unit should be set up within the MDB to plan, monitor and implement environmental measures and to undertake environmental awareness and education programmes. This is necessary due to the fragile nature of the environment and the varied and complex environmental issues. This environmental unit must be trained on environmental protection and be given sufficient manpower and clout in order carry out their duties effectively. Promulgation of specific by-laws may be necessary to support the environmental unit. Setting up of the EMU will entail MDB recruiting additional staff as the current staff-force will not be able to handle the additional tasks. It is proposed at least one professional staff and one technician are engaged at the initial stages.

The duties of the EMU includes the following :

• monitor and be alert to any adverse environmental impacts from development projects • management of environmentally sensitive areas • implement environmental protection policies • undertake continuous environmental awareness programmes to educate the local residents on the importance of environmental conservation • enforcement of all matters outside the ambit of the EQA

* denotes Action Plans common to all three hill stations

WWF Malaysia A-12 December 2001

Study on the Development of Hill Stations Final Report 1

LIST OF ACTION PLANS

Action Plan : GH-AP18* Stakeholder Action : Cabinet Committee, UPEN Selangor, UPEN Pahang The Cabinet Committee on Highlands and Islands with the assistance of UPEN Pahang and UPEN Selangor must continuously monitor all development activities at Genting Highlands.

* denotes Action Plans common to all three hill stations

WWF Malaysia A-13 December 2001

Study on the Development of Hill Stations Final Report 1

LIST OF ACTION PLANS

ACTION PLANS FOR FRASER’S HILL

Action Plan : FH-AP1 Stakeholder Action : UPEN Pahang The focus of tourism in Fraser’s Hill shall be limited to Nature Tourism. New proposals for other types of tourism shall not be permitted. UPEN Pahang should issue directives in this regard.

Action Plan : FH-AP2 Stakeholder Action : Department of Forestry Implementation of a Nature Tourism Upgrading Programme. It is proposed that the Department of Forestry, with the conservation based NGOs implement a Nature Tourism Upgrading Programme in this hill resort. Components of this programme could encompass: (a) Upgrading of existing nature trails, including marking of scenic points, constructions of bird hides and regular maintenance. (b) Development of a canopy walkway. (c) Organisation of guided walks, guided birdwalks, guided night walks and educational tours, etc. (d) Rental of field equipment such as binoculars, telescopes and waterproofs. (e) Secure Private Sector sponsorship of nature tourism programmes.

Action Plan : FH-AP3 Stakeholder Action : Majlis Daerah Raub Develop additional social and leisure facilities for both the local populace and visitors. Facilities proposed include a small internet/cyber café, a library and community hall.

Action Plan : FH-AP4 Stakeholder Action : Majlis Daerah Raub Designation of a camping ground. MDR should designate an area for a camping ground which would be designed to appeal to school students and youth from the Rakan Muda programme.

Action Plan : FH-AP5 Stakeholder Action : Fraser’s Hill Development Corporation, Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board FHDC and MTPB should produce high quality promotional material on tourist products. FHDC with the assistance of MTPB should produce high quality promotional material on tourist products on offer including pamphlets and brochures, dos and don’ts guides, pocket checklists, information guides etc.

WWF Malaysia A-14 December 2001

Study on the Development of Hill Stations Final Report 1

LIST OF ACTION PLANS

Action Plan : FH-AP6 Stakeholder Action : Fraser’s Hill Development Corporation, Fraser’s Hill Tourist Association, private sector Embark on advertisement and promotional campaigns. FHDC with the cooperation of the Private Sector and the newly formed Fraser’s Hill Tourist Association should undertake well-funded joint advertising and promotional campaigns and market Fraser's Hill with a common image and theme. Target domestic market and priority overseas markets such as India, China, Singapore and UK.

Action Plan : FH-AP7 Stakeholder Action : Fraser’s Hill Development Corporation, Fraser’s Hill Tourist Association Utilize the “off-peak periods” for special holiday packages. The Hospitality Industry, with the assistance of Fraser’s Hill Tourist Association should endeavour to develop the mid-week, off-peak market especially among the “silver-haired” generation to even out visitor flows through attractive packages, price differentials, off peak rates etc. Consideration could also be given to developing health tourism. One of the FHDC bungalows could, for instance, be developed as a health centre with traditional medicine, massage, etc.

Action Plan : FH-AP8 Stakeholder Action : Majlis Daerah Raub, Public Works Department Clear and effective traffic and directional signage to and at major tourist attractions is very important for tourism development. Majlis Daerah Raub, with assistance from JKR, should upgrade traffic and directional signage including the development of directional signage on the North-South Expressway and from the forthcoming Sg. Selangor dam.

Action Plan : FH-AP9 Stakeholder Action : Majlis Daerah Raub Provision of an eco-friendly shuttle bus service. If visitation levels to Fraser’s Hill increase significantly, an eco-friendly shuttle bus service should be initiated to provide internal transportation within the hill station.

Action Plan : FH-AP10 Stakeholder Action : Fraser’s Hill Development Corporation, Hospitality Industry Enhance the accommodation base. As the tourism market changes, the demand for accommodation modes also often changes. The Hospitality Industry therefore should be encouraged to respond to customer - focused needs and preferences in regard to accommodation modes. Budget accommodation is particularly lacking.

WWF Malaysia A-15 December 2001

Study on the Development of Hill Stations Final Report 1

LIST OF ACTION PLANS

Action Plan : FH-AP11 Stakeholder Action : Federal Agriculture & Marketing Authority Development of a Farmer’s Market (Pasar Tani). Raub is a major fruit growing area, producing a wide range of tropical fruits. If visitation levels to Fraser’s Hill increase significantly, FAMA, in cooperation with the private sector, should develop a Farmer’s Market (Pasar Tani) on a weekly basis at this hill station. In addition to fruits, handicraft/souvenirs/medicinal products and other items likely to appeal to foreign and domestic visitors should be traded.

Action Plan : FH-AP12 Stakeholder Action : Fraser’s Hill Development Corporation Maximise usage of Information Communications Technology. FHDC and the travel trade and Fraser’s Hill Tourist Association should maximise usage of Information Communications Technology (ICT) including: (a) Tourism portal for Fraser’s Hill with up-to-date destination information. (b) Centralised booking / ticketing and related services. (c) Touch screen kiosk at strategic locations.

Action Plan : FH-AP13 Stakeholder Action : Majlis Daerah Raub Implement a Land Care and Environmental Action Programme. The Majlis Daerah Raub should implement a Land Care and Environmental Action Programme designed to upgrade the environment and beautify Fraser’s Hill, especially in the town centre.

Action Plan : FH-AP14 Stakeholder Action : Majlis Daerah Raub The Majlis Daerah Raub should ensure that the design, architecture and management of any approved new tourist facilities should be in keeping with the hill station’s character, history and culture and the integrity of the built environment must be maintained and enhanced.

Action Plan : FH-AP15 Stakeholder Action : Majlis Daerah Raub, Department of Town & Country Planning An overall development Master Plan or a Local Plan must be developed for Fraser’s Hill. MDR together with DTCP must formulate this plan. The plan, in addition to zoning land use, must also identify conservation areas and infrastructure requirements. The master plan or local plan shall also include specific guidelines on building design, as well as determine types and densities of buildings that are permissible.

WWF Malaysia A-16 December 2001

Study on the Development of Hill Stations Final Report 1

LIST OF ACTION PLANS

Action Plan : FH-AP16* Stakeholder Action : Majlis Daerah Raub MDR must make water conservation measures mandatory for all new facilities in Fraser’s Hill. Half flush toilets and auto-shut off taps must be installed as a condition of building plan approval. All existing hotels shall be given a grace period of three years to implement these measures. Water demand management will help minimize water shortages in the future.

Action Plan : FH-AP17* Stakeholder Action : Majlis Daerah Raub MDR must ensure that all hotels implement environmental management systems (EMS) (ISO14001 or equivalent) as a condition of business licence. MDR could give monetary incentives in the form of reduction in the annual quit rent and/or assessments according to hotels’ level of implementation of these measures. All hotels shall be given a grace period of three years to implement an EMS.

Action Plan : FH-AP18 Stakeholder Action : Majlis Daerah Raub MDR should upgrade the solid waste management system at Fraser’s Hill. Systems similar to those used at Genting Highlands (sorting, composting and incineration) could be utilized. An area of approximately 1 ha will be required and could possibly be sited near the existing dumping site near the existing dump. A detailed study has to be carried out to fine tune the location and design.

Action Plan : FH-AP19 Stakeholder Action : Majlis Daerah Raub MDR should initiate the practice of waste separation in Fraser’s Hill. Long-term campaign can be initiated by MDR to educate the people on the benefits of waste separation. As the number of businesses and residents in Fraser’s Hill is relatively small, everyone can be made to participate in this practice.

Action Plan : FH-AP20 Stakeholder Action : Majlis Daerah Raub One way traffic. As a short-term measure, the main ring road around Fraser’s Hill can be turned into a one-way traffic.

* denotes Action Plans common to all three hill stations

WWF Malaysia A-17 December 2001

Study on the Development of Hill Stations Final Report 1

LIST OF ACTION PLANS

Action Plan : FH-AP21 Stakeholder Action : Majlis Daerah Raub Rehabilitate the catchment area upstream of the Jeriau waterfall. The golf course upstream has been one of the sources of sedimentation. Remedial action such as placing vegetation cover or geotextiles and gabions over the exposed spots has to be implemented. At areas where the replanted vegetation has not been effective in controlling soil loss, the suitability of the type of vegetation used should be reconsidered with respect to the soil conditions and type.

Action Plan : FH-AP22 Stakeholder Action : Majlis Daerah Raub Zone biodiversity conservation areas for specific use. The MDR should zone biodiversity conservation areas for specific use that is consistent with the conservation objectives and afford permanent protection using appropriate legal mechanisms. Such zoning should ideally be carried out within the context of the proposed Local Plan.

Action Plan : FH-AP23 Stakeholder Action : Department of Forestry, Department of Wildlife & National Parks Implement measures for controlling illegal collection of wild flora and fauna. Department of Forestry, in collaboration with DWNP, academic and research institutions, and conservation-based NGOs should implement measures for controlling illegal collection of wild flora and fauna. Possible measures may include the following: (a) Enforcing a ban on collecting wild flora and fauna; (b) Putting up signs in multi-languages at strategic locations (e.g. entrance to nature trails) to notify prohibition on wild flora and fauna collection; (c) Incorporating information on the prohibition in promotional brochures; (d) Introducing a permit system to allow collection for scientific and research purposes only with conditions such as requiring the listing of all specimens collected and their quantity, usage of sustainable / proper collection methods and submission of scientific / research publications produced.

Action Plan : FH-AP24 Stakeholder Action : Majlis Daerah Raub, Department of Forestry, Department of Wildlife & National Parks, Fraser’s Hill Development Corporation, Form an Advisory and Planning Committee to guide the planning of nature projects and education programmes. The committee should be lead by MDR with support from FHDC and other members consisting of agencies with related expertise in nature education such as Forestry Department, DWNP, DOE, DID, academic institutions and conservation-based NGOs.

WWF Malaysia A-18 December 2001

Study on the Development of Hill Stations Final Report 1

LIST OF ACTION PLANS

Action Plan : FH-AP25 Stakeholder Action : Department of Forestry Initiate a fund to support implementation of nature education programmes. Any financial returns derived from the programmes should be channeled back into the fund. This effort should be lead by MDR with support from other members of the Advisory and Planning Committee.

Action Plan : FH-AP26 Stakeholder Action : Majlis Daerah Raub, Fraser’s Hill Development Corporation, World Wide Fund Malaysia Utilize the FHNEC for providing nature oriented training programmes to personnel engaged in the operation and management of Fraser’s Hill. The MDR jointly with FHDC and WWFM could take the lead in this effort with assistance provided by other members of the Advisory and Planning Committee.

Action Plan : FH-AP27* Stakeholder Action : Majlis Daerah Raub Set up an Environmental Management Unit within MDR. An Environmental Management Unit within MDR should be set to oversee the environmental well- being of the area. This is necessary due to the fragile nature of the environment and the varied and complex environmental issues. This environmental unit must be trained on environmental protection and be given sufficient manpower and clout in order carry out their duties effectively. Promulgation of specific by-laws may be necessary to support the environmental unit. The personnel shall work closely with other organisations there such as the Department of Environment, Department of Forestry and Department of Wildlife and National Parks. Setting up of the EMU will entail MDR recruiting additional staff as the current staff-force will not be able to handle the additional tasks. It is proposed at least one professional staff and one technician are engaged at the initial stages. The duties of the EMU include the following:

• monitor and be alert to any adverse environmental impacts from development projects • management of environmentally sensitive areas • implement environmental protection policies • undertake continuous environmental awareness programmes to educate the local residents on the importance of environmental conservation • enforcement of all matters outside the ambit of the EQA

* denotes Action Plans common to all three hill stations

WWF Malaysia A-19 December 2001

Study on the Development of Hill Stations Final Report 1

LIST OF ACTION PLANS

Action Plan : FH-AP28 Stakeholder Action : Majlis Daerah Raub Develop and support implementation of programmes targeted at local community participation in ensuring sustainable development at Fraser’s Hill. This may be in the form of Integrated Community Development Programmes (ICDP) which seeks to conserve biodiversity while improving the quality of life of the people whose livelihood depends on those biological resources. The ICDP could include a range of related conservation and development efforts such as community-based natural resource management, community resource conservation and eco-development projects.

Action Plan : FH-AP29* Stakeholder Action : Cabinet Commitee, UPEN Pahang The Cabinet Committee on Highlands and Islands with the assistance of UPEN Pahang must continuously monitor all development activities at Fraser’s Hill.

* denotes Action Plans common to all three hill stations

WWF Malaysia A-20 December 2001

Study on the Development of Hill Stations Final Report 1

LIST OF ACTION PLANS

ACTION PLANS FOR LEGAL & INSTITUTIONAL ISSUES

Action Plan : LI-AP1* Stakeholder Action : State Government Gazette the remaining sections of the Town and Country Planning (Amendment) Act 2001 [A1129]

Action Plan : LI-AP2 Stakeholder Action : Pahang State Government Gazette the Cameron Highlands Local Plan (section 15 of the TCPA). The Pahang state government should gazette the Cameron Highlands Local Plan to ensure legal backing for the plan.

Action Plan : LI-AP3* Stakeholder Action : Department of Environment Amend the Environmental Quality (Prescribed Activities) (Environmental Impact Assessment Order) 1987 to include any development on hill stations as a prescribed activity (with the exception of building of individual houses). In the interim, administrative EIAs can be requested for all development activities on hill stations.

Action Plan : LI-AP4* Stakeholder Action : Department of Environment Encourage macro EIAs to be conducted for separate developments in the same area to assess the cumulative impacts of the developments concerned. Incremental costs of macro EIAs to be borne by the developers and carried out by their consultants.

Action Plan : LI-AP5* Stakeholder Action : Federal/State Government Amend section 62(1) of the NLC to include a category for the conservation of natural resources.

Action Plan : LI-AP6 Stakeholder Action : Federal/State Government Amend section 67 of the NLC to increase the period of the TOL licenses for 3 – 5 years to provide farmers with greater security of tenure, thereby providing incentives for improved agricultural practices

* denotes Action Plans common to all three hill stations

WWF Malaysia A-21 December 2001

Study on the Development of Hill Stations Final Report 1

LIST OF ACTION PLANS

Action Plan : LI-AP7 Stakeholder Action : Pahang State Government Alienate such lands for agricultural purposes to be leased to the farmers under section 221 for example, for a period of 10 years of more. This would give farmers greater security of tenure.

Action Plan : LI-AP8 Stakeholder Action : Pahang State Government Gazette Fraser’s Hill and Genting Highlands as hill lands (section 3 of the LCA). This does not mean no development in the gazetted areas, but rather more controlled development as conditions are imposed on the clearing of land. This would allow better control by the Land Administrator of actions of owners in the development of their land. The onus is on the owner to show that their activities would not cause siltation and erosion.

Action Plan : LI-AP9* Stakeholder Action : State Government Increase penalties (section 18 of the LCA) in view of the seriousness of impacts (involving loss of lives, livelihood and property) of such occurrences; it is submitted that the current penalties are insufficient to have a deterrent effect. Additionally more prosecutions should be made on such offences and successful prosecutions highlighted in the media.

Action Plan : LI-AP10* Stakeholder Action : Department of Environment Put the burden of proof on the alleged polluter with regard to an offence under section 25 of the EQA

Action Plan : LI-AP11* Stakeholder Action : All Local Authorities Gazettement of outstanding by-laws as well as the formulation of by-laws by the Local Authorities to allow for the enforceability of such by-laws. These include for example by-laws on litter and solid waste disposal.

Action Plan : LI-AP12* Stakeholder Action : Ministry of Culture, Arts & Tourism Environmental requirements to be attached to the license to operate a tourism enterprise to encourage appropriate tourism development (section 7 of the TIA)

* denotes Action Plans common to all three hill stations

WWF Malaysia A-22 December 2001

Study on the Development of Hill Stations Final Report 1

LIST OF ACTION PLANS

Action Plan : LI-AP13 Stakeholder Action : Department of Wildlife & National Parks Clarify and review the status and determine the boundaries of the gazetted reserves or sanctuaries in Cameron Highlands and Fraser’s Hill. This is important as it will ensure that areas that have been gazetted for conservation are better protected and will not be subjected to further land conversions due to lack of awareness of the gazetted area.

Action Plan : LI-AP14* Stakeholder Action : Department of Wildlife & National Parks Explore the addition of plant species lists under the PWA to prevent illegal species collection, which may then have further implications in terms of reviewing the current responsibilities of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks, the authority responsible for the enforcement of this Act

Action Plan : LI-AP15* Stakeholder Action : Department of Forestry Classify and gazette PFEs around the hill stations into functional categories such as soil protection, water catchment, virgin jungle reserve, amenity, education and research forests that are compatible to the functions and sensitivity of the highland ecosystems.

Action Plan : LI-AP16 Stakeholder Action : Department of Forestry Enforce the current “no logging” guideline of forests above 1,000 metres

Action Plan : LI-AP17* Stakeholder Action : Department of Forestry Review the conversion criteria of a higher ‘economic value’ in terms of highland forests; as the ecological functions of such forests are vital us and consider formulating a policy statement to protect such forests in perpetuity (section 11 of the NFA)

Action Plan : LI-AP18* Stakeholder Action : Local Authorities Local authorities should apply for more enforcement officers from the State Secretariat (S.U.K.) Alternatively, to encourage the secondment of officers from the headquarters, who have the requisite technical expertise to ensure effective land use management and at the same time train the officers that are present there.

* denotes Action Plans common to all three hill stations

WWF Malaysia A-23 December 2001

Study on the Development of Hill Stations Final Report 1

LIST OF ACTION PLANS

Action Plan : LI-AP19* Stakeholder Action : Local Authorities Training of officers in the requisite skills will enhance their competence in carrying out their job functions more effectively. The training modules could consist of – • laws relating to highlands • enforcement procedures • environmental legislation

Action Plan : LI-AP20* Stakeholder Action : Local Authorities Engage local communities in understanding the consequences of their actions to the very environment that they rely on for economic and social sustainability. Education and awareness programmes should be conducted. Community Action Groups should be formed to regulate and monitor their own activities. An example could be the recently formed society, REACH (Residents for Environmental Action of Cameron Highlands).

* denotes Action Plans common to all three hill stations

WWF Malaysia A-24 December 2001

1 INTRODUCTION

Study on the Development of Hill Stations Final Report 1

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND

The study on “The Development of the Hill Stations in Peninsula Malaysia was commissioned by the Economic Planning Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department (EPU) in May 2001. The main objective of the study is to formulate guidelines and recommendations for the sustainable development of six hill stations in Peninsular Malaysia namely Cameron Highlands (including Lojing), Fraser's Hill, Genting Highlands, Maxwell Hill, Gunung Jerai and Penang Hill. The study will also complement a parallel study presently being done on the sustainable development of the highlands of Peninsular Malaysia.

Hill stations play an important role in the development of the country, particularly in the tourism and agriculture sectors. The cool climate, fresh air and breathtaking landscapes and lush vegetation serve as major attractions for tourists. The temperate climate provide an ideal setting for a variety of crops, especially vegetables and flowers. The thrill of driving up hill roads and the sights and sounds along the route provide an exhilarating experience to holiday-makers, particularly those from crowded places such as the Klang Valley and Singapore. There are many who have chosen these hill stations to be their homes.

In addition, the hill stations and their surrounding areas also have an important place in the overall environment. The hills are the source of many streams and rivers that supply the majority of the country's population. The hill stations and their environs are the natural habitats to many species of flora and fauna, and each of the individual hill station has its own unique and rich diversity of animal and plants species. The lower temperatures of the hills also mean that the species found here differs from that found in the lowlands and accounts for the high level of endemism occurring within the areas. By virtue to their location on hills, hill stations are often associated with steep slopes. The natural forest in these areas can be easily destroyed if set upon by uncontrolled development. The steep terrain is also prone to landslips and mudslides once it has been removed from its vegetative cover. The occurrence of flash floods at the lower catchment is also a direct result due to the loss of vegetative cover.

As the hill stations are the focal point for development at the highland areas, the formulation of proper development proposals and guidelines are vital to ensure the sustainability of the hill stations. Experience has shown that uncontrolled and ill- planned development can lead to disastrous results - the effects of which are often irreversible. It is also vital to recognize the important roles that the hill stations play, both in the context of economic development as well as in protecting the integrity of the highland environment. The commissioning of this study is therefore appropriate and timely and will hopefully lead to the sustainable development of the hill stations of Peninsular Malaysia.

1.2 STUDY OBJECTIVES

The objective of the study is to formulate guidelines and recommendations for the sustainable development of Hill Stations. The specific objectives are:

WWF Malaysia 1-1 December 2001

Study on the Development of Hill Stations Final Report 1

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Objective 1

Conduct a comprehensive analysis of the existing situation.

Objective 2

Fill critical information gaps regarding development of Hill Stations.

Objective 3

Provide guidelines and recommendations to reduce existing detrimental environmental effects and prevent/reduce adverse effects of future development, and other land use activities.

Objective 4

Provide guidelines and recommendations for tourism development consistent with the ecological integrity of the Hill Stations.

Objective 5

Provide direction on the development of Hill Stations that will maintain ecological values and encourage sustainable tourism and development.

Objective 6

Develop a vision as well as goals for the Hill Stations that integrate ecological, social, economic and development values.

1.3 STUDY APPROACH

The main approach taken in this study is the SWOT wherein the strengths and weaknesses of the hill stations as well as the opportunities available and potential threats were charted out. The SWOT analysis enabled the development of development strategies for each of the hill stations that capitalize on the unique strengths and to avoid unnecessary competition.

The data required was scattered amongst the various departments in different states as well as in various documents, and efforts were made to source information from the relevant departments and to peruse documents that were pertinent to this study. Due to the limited time frame, only secondary data was collected. The information gathered was then reviewed, updated and analysed for gaps.

WWF Malaysia 1-2 December 2001

Study on the Development of Hill Stations Final Report 1

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Consultation with stakeholders, both governmental and non-governmental, was carried out during meetings and on-site discussions. This interaction was beneficial to both parties in that the study team was able to gain better insights into the local conditions and site-specific issues, while the stakeholders were briefed on the study objectives and were also kept abreast on the progress of the study. The list of stakeholders is detailed in Appendix II.

Visits to the hill stations were organized and these greatly helped the study team better understand and appreciate the underlying issues specific to each Hill Station. The interactions with local stakeholders were also essential in filling information gaps that were not found in published sources.

The information collected was then analysed to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each hill station. Specific guidelines and recommendations for development were then formulated to address the issues. The proposals were prioritized for immediate, medium term or long-term action. The study also recommended and outlined the parameters for further detailed studies on unresolved issues.

1.4 STUDY AREA

All the three hill stations addressed in this report, Cameron Highlands, Genting Highlands and Fraser’s Hill are located on the Main Range (Banjaran Besar/Titiwangsa) (Figure 1.1). Political boundaries are not significant in a study such as this as the influence of each Hill Station may extend a great distance from the actual area itself. For example, to analyze the sources of fresh water supply, the entire river catchment areas must be also be looked into. Therefore, it must be made clear that order to portray an accurate picture of each hill station, the area of influence for each sector of the study will vary according to the priorities and issues of concern.

For Cameron Highlands, the area of study extends to Lojing up to Pos Brooke across the Kelantan border where the next development corridor is set to be. The study area also takes into account the influence of the orang asli settlements located some distance away, such as Pos Attap to the east of Tanah Rata or Pos Terisu to the west of Teringkap. Large areas of the tea plantations are located outside the township areas especially to the southeast of Tanah Rata also have a role in the overall development strategy for Cameron Highlands.

Genting Highlands has a more concentrated area as the development activity is confined between Genting Sempah near the Karak Highway and Bukit Genting Chin Chin to the north.

Like Genting Highlands, Fraser’s Hill also has a more concentrated study area with the development here is almost entirely restricted to the limited area within the 1200m level. The Gap area to the south, the Jeriau Waterfall and the new Fraser’s Hill Golf club to the east are located more than 10km from the town centre and also form part of the study.

WWF Malaysia 1-3 December 2001

Study on the Development of Hill Stations Final Report 1

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1.5 CONCEPT OF CARRYING CAPACITY

The concept of carrying capacity is to try and establish in measurable terms the number of visitors and the degree of development that can take place without detrimental effects on resources or a decrease in visitor satisfaction. Both positive and negative effects arise from the impact of tourism. Negative factors become predominant when the number of visitors reaches a particular threshold after which benefits progressively decline. Two aspects are important (WTO, 1984):

(a) The tourism image i.e. the loss of attractive quality.

The capacity or number of visitors that are compatible with the image of the tourist product and the type of environmental experience that the visitor is seeking.

(b) The indigenous environment i.e. damage to the physical, cultural and social environment.

The capacity that can be achieved without physical damage to the environment, without social or economic damage to the local community and culture, or without prejudicing the proper balance between development and conservation.

The approach to carrying capacity standards would be based on:

(a) Preserving areas of unique scientific, historic and cultural value in their entirety if they may be damaged by tourism, even though this may prevent their usage for tourism. (b) Ensuring that there is no irreversible loss or damage to the heritage. (c) Preventing non-essential tourism activities where they are likely to damage the environment and could be equally well provided elsewhere.

The approach would define indicative ranges adapted to specific cases, as precise capacities are unlikely to be established for these criteria.

Among factors that can be considered are :

• the need for conservation • the volume of tourism providing optimum economic benefits • the volume of tourism that can be absorbed without detriment to the community • the availability of public utilities • the availability of transport facilities • climatic characteristics and freedom from pollution • quality of accommodation and attractions

WWF Malaysia 1-4 December 2001

Study on the Development of Hill Stations Final Report 1

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

The emphasis is on management as opposed to planning. If the demand for increased capacity exists, it may be possible to take measures to increase capacity in existing areas of saturation. Where the absolute capacity level is already exceeded it may be necessary to reduce visitor volume. Hence, the planning and management problem is threefold - to decide the critical carrying capacity, to consider whether this can be increased, and how to divert pressure once saturation level has been reached and the capacity cannot be increased further.

The overall capacity is the result of the balance between different criteria. In addition, the values of criteria will vary among tourist types, different resources and different countries. Hence, the absolute capacity of any individual case must be related to its own particular circumstances.

In this report, the carrying capacity will be determined from the tourism aspect and the limitations of water supply and transport. While other aspects of the carrying capacity issues should rightly be considered, the short duration of this study does not permit a more in-depth approach. The criteria used in this report is therefore deemed sufficient to provide at least an indication of the carrying capacity for each of the hill stations.

1.6 FORMAT OF REPORT

There are six Hill Stations identified for the purpose of this study: Cameron Highlands (including Lojing), Fraser's Hill, Genting Highlands, Maxwell Hill (Bukit Larut), Gunung Jerai and Penang Hill. The reporting have been divided into two parts - Volume I presents the study on Cameron Highlands, Fraser's Hill and Genting Highlands while Volume II will focus on Maxwell Hill, Gunung Jerai and Penang Hill.

Following the introductory material in this chapter, the report addresses each Hill Station in an individual chapter all site-specific issues are examined. For each hill station, the existing situation, assessment of the SWOT, vision and development strategies, and action plans are presented. Chapter 5, in turn, addresses the legal and institutional issues pertaining to all three hill stations.

The report has been arranged in the following structure:

Chapter 1 : Introduction Chapter 2 : Cameron Highlands and Lojing Chapter 3 : Genting Highlands Chapter 4 : Fraser’s Hill Chapter 5 : Legal and Institutional Issues

A set of Appendices containing supporting information is found at the end of the report.

WWF Malaysia 1-5 December 2001

2 CAMERON HIGHLAND & LOJING

Study on the Development of Hill Stations Final Report I

CHAPTER 2: CAMERON HIGHLANDS & LOJING

2.1 INTRODUCTION

Cameron Highlands occupying an area of 71,200 ha and with a population of about 30,000 is the largest hill station in Malaysia. The main urban centre is Tanah Rata with supporting service centres at Kg. Raja, Kuala Terla, Tringkap, Kea Farm, Brinchang, Habu, Ringlet and Lembah Bertam. It falls under the jurisdiction of Majlis Daerah Cameron Highlands. (Figure 2.1)

The main economic activities here are temperate agriculture and tourism. Cameron Highlands contributes significantly to the total vegetable production in Malaysia, up to 60% of the local demand (WWF Malaysia, 1998). Tourism is the other major money-earner, with more than 300,000 visitor arrivals in 2000. The development in Cameron Highlands has traditionally been centered on Ringlet, Tanah Rata and Brinchang, but with the present demand for expansion, growth has shifted up north to Kg. Raja where more level ground is available.

With a large land area, population base and diverse economic activities, Cameron Highlands experiences many environmental problems. Many of these, particularly landslides and water shortages, have received considerable attention in the local media. Local residents have complained of rising temperatures, traffic congestion and changes in landscape. On the other hand, Cameron Highlands has plenty to offer in terms of natural resources and physical setting and this has attracted property development and tourism facilities.

Lojing is located across the border in Kelantan and is under the jurisdiction of Majlis Daerah Gua Musang. Farming activities in Lojing started in the 1980’s but has accelerated recently. Now, with the completion of the Simpang Pulai–Lojing–Gua Musang trunk road, as well as the completed road connecting Kg. Raja to Lojing, the vast Lojing area is now being earmarked for major development projects – in particular temperate agriculture and tourism.

Similarly, Lojing is seen by the Kelantan state as an important area to spur economic activities in the state. The mild climate that is similar to Cameron Highlands and the soon to be completed Simpang Pulai to Kuala Berang road are seen as great opportunities for Kelantan to emulate the successes of Cameron Highlands. On the other hand, there have also been some serious environmental problems at Lojing and there are fears that many of the environmental problems experienced at Cameron Highlands will soon emerge at Lojing.

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2.2 EXISTING SITUATION

2.2.1 Physical Environment

2.2.1.1 Land Use

(a) Existing land use at Cameron Highlands

The existing development in Cameron Highlands follows a linear pattern beginning from Ringlet in the south to Kg. Raja in the north. Other main development corridors include the Ringlet - Lembah Bertam and Kuala Terla - Lembah Terisu corridors. Development pressure is mainly at Tanah Rata / Brinchang corridor, followed by Ringlet, Lembah Bertam, Habu and Kg. Raja.

The administrative boundary of Majlis Daerah Cameron Highlands covers Mukim Ulu Telom, Tanah Rata and Ringlet with an area of 3,132 ha.

The major land uses in the district of Cameron Highlands are forest (71%) and agriculture (8%). The forest reserves are largely found along the areas such Tringkap - Kea Farm, Brinchang, Tanah Rata and Ringlet - Lembah Bertam. Agriculture activities are largely concentrated in the following areas, Kg. Raja - Kuala Terla, Tringkap - Kea Farm, Habu and Ringlet - Lembah Bertam.

The housing stock in Cameron Highlands comprise of bungalows (43%), terrace types (20%), semi-detached (18%), apartments / condominiums (12%) and shop houses (5%). The planned housing schemes are located at Tanah Rata - Brinchang corridor. The main commercial centre in Cameron Highlands is the Tanah Rata- Brinchang corridor. This corridor also provides the basic shopping, social amenities and services. The high value of the land has forced developers to pursue high- density type of development such as apartments and condominiums.

New village types of developments are largely found in Kuala Terla and Tringkap. These developments are generally poorly planned and have poor aesthetics. There are several Orang Asli settlements in the Cameron Highlands. Within the MDCH area, the Orang Asli settlement is located at Sg. Ruil.

(b) Committed Development at Cameron Highlands

At the end of 2000, about 100 ha have been approved for development by the Majlis Daerah Cameron Highlands. The developments are in Tanah Rata, Brinchang and Ringlet - Lembah Bertam. The proposed developments are mainly residential and mixed use developments.

Figures 2.2 - 2.7 shows the land use zoning and the acreage up to year 2010 for the respective centres namely Kg. Raja - Kuala Terla, Tringkap - Kea Farm, Tanah Rata, Brinchang, Habu and Ringlet - Lembah Bertam.

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(c) Land Use at Lojing

The development of Lojing is concentrated in the areas around Pos Brooke. Pos Brooke which covers an area of 848 ha is a service centre with a large Orang Asli settlement and supporting social / community services such as schools, clinics, police, surau and quarters for Government staff.

Agricultural activities are carried out by YAKIN and PKINK on the western part of Sigar. Large tracts of land have been alienated to state development agencies which in turn lease small parcels to private entrepreneurs. The state government has formulated an interim development plan for the area that includes the development of about 465 ha for an urban center and tourism facilities.

2.2.1.2 Topography

The district of the Cameron Highlands is mountainous, ranging from about 100m at the river valleys on the eastern boundary to 2031 m on the western boundary. The highest point is G. Brinchang (2031 m), which is the highest point in Peninsular Malaysia accessible by road. Other major peaks in Cameron Highlands are G. Beremban (1840 m), G. Jasar (1704 m), G. Siku (1916 m) and G. Cantik (1802 m). About 75% of the district is above 1000 m. The sub-districts of Tanah Rata and Ringlet are completely above 1000 m while 72% of Hulu Telom is above 1000 m.

The slopes surrounding the town center of Tanah Rata are less than 5 degrees, but increase to 15 to 25 degrees elsewhere. Much of the terrain of Cameron Highlands is steeper than 40 degrees. About 28 % of the land is steeper than 25 degrees and 60 % of the land is steeper than 20 degrees (Table 2.1).

Table 2.1: Terrain Class Area by Mukim Area Hulu Telom Tanah Rata Ringlet Total Terrain Ha % Ha % Ha % Ha % Class 61464 90.2 1996 2.9 4687 6.9 68147 100.0 0 – 50 2900 4.7 343 17.2 490 10.5 3733 5.5 5 – 100 1926 3.1 0 0.0 325 6.9 2251 3.3 10 – 150 4022 6.5 995 49.8 643 13.7 5660 8.3 15 – 200 14435 23.5 225 11.3 1102 23.5 15762 23.1 20 – 250 20560 33.5 250 12.5 978 20.9 21789 32.0 25 – 300 10595 17.2 139 7.0 665 14.2 11399 16.7 > 30 5704 9.3 44 2.2 484 10.3 6232 9.2 No data 1322 2.2 0 0.0 0 0.0 1322 1.9 Total 61464 100.0 1996 100.0 4687 100.0 68147 100.0 Source: Department of Agriculture (2000)

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The rugged terrain and steep slope in this hill station makes it very susceptible to soil erosion. The intensity of erosion in Cameron Highlands was recorded as 1.29 (Roslan & Tew, 1995), the highest compared to other hill stations. Kg Raja was identified as the area with the highest soil erosion risk than the rest of Cameron Highlands because it receives the highest rainfall and has highly erodible soils. In general 81% of land in Cameron Highlands has a high erosion risk, with an erosion risk greater than 150 ton/ha/yr.

The clearing of forest for development in Cameron Highlands has led to an increase in soil erosion. Forest cover in the upper catchment of Cameron Highlands (which comprises the Plau, Telom and Bertam catchments) has dwindled from 95% to 62%, a loss of 10 599 ha between 1947 and 1997. On the other hand, farmland grew tenfold from the same period; from 1.7% (291 ha) of the total area to 17.8% (3 048 ha) (Tan, 2001)(Plate 2-1). The Sultan Abu Bakar Dam at Sg. Bertam has suffered a reduction in operational efficiency due to the accumulation of silt, as a direct result of soil erosion (Plate 2-2).

Table 2.2: Area of Soil Erosion Risk Class by Mukim Mukim Hulu Telom Tanah Rata Ringlet Total Area (ha) 61464.3 90.2% 1995.7 2.9% 4687.2 6.9% 68147.2 100%

Erosion Risk Classes < 10 ton/ha/yr 2899.8 4.7% 343.1 17.2% 489.8 10.4% 3732.7 5.5% 10-50 ton/ha/yr 1926.4 3.1% 0.0 0.0% 324.8 6.9% 2251.2 3.3% 50-100 ton/ha/yr 4022.0 6.5% 994.9 49.9% 643.2 13.7% 5660.1 8.3% 100-150 ton/ha/yr 0.0 0.0% 0.0 0.0% 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0% >150 ton/ha/yr 51293.9 83.5% 657.7 33% 3229.4 80.3% 55181.0 81.0% No data 1322.2 2.2% 0.0 0.0% 0.0 0.0% 1322.2 1.9% Total 61464.3 1995.7 4687.2 68147.2 Source: Pelan Pembangunan Pertanian Kawasan Tanah Tinggi Daerah Cameron Highlands, 2000

Landslides in Cameron Highlands have resulted in the loss of many lives and huge monetary losses. As recent as January 2001, there were two major landslides. In the first, six people were buried alive in Kg Raja, while in the other, the only access road linking to Kg Raja and Blue Valley collapsed, effectively cutting off about 15,000 people and the bulk of the area’s product. The guidelines for the planning and construction of roads on the highlands are detailed in Appendix III.

Lojing is located in the mountainous areas in the southwest corner of Kelantan. The terrain is characterized by steep slopes and deep ravines, especially at the higher elevations. The major mountain peaks of the Main Range around Lojing are G. Yong Belar (2181 m), G. Challi (1923 m), G. Tangga (2015 m), G. Bubu (1974 m), G. Yong Yap (2168 m) and G. Berhid (1931 m). More than 70 % of the Sg. Berok catchment is above 300 m.

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2.2.1.3 River System and Water Quality

Cameron Highlands is drained by three main rivers, namely the Bertam, Telum and Lemoi Rivers (Figure 2.8). Five other rivers make up the drainage for Cameron Highlands, namely Sg. Ringlet, Sg Habu, Sg Burong, Sg Tringkap, and Sg Terla. These rivers drain eastward into Sg Pahang (Table 2.3).

Table 2.3: Water Catchment Areas Mukim Hulu Telom Tanah Rata Ringlet Total Water Ha % Ha % ha % ha % Catchment Areas Terla 3562.9 5.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 3562.9 5.2 Bertam 12934.1 21.0 1995.7 100 4687.2 100 19617.0 28.8 Hulu telom 22298.3 36.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 22298.3 32.7 Hilir telom 30.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 30.5 0.0 Lemoi 11090.5 18.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 11090.5 16.3 Mensun 6857.7 11.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 6857.7 10.1 Wi 4690.3 7.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 4630.3 6.9 61464.3 1001995.7 100 4687.2 100 68087.2 100

Cameron Highlands (as with most parts of the Main Range) forms the headwater of Sg Perak and Sg Pahang. Thus, any negative effects in this area (in terms of land development and management) would produce a chain of events leading downstream to two different states, i.e. Perak and Pahang.

Overall, the water quality of the rivers in Cameron Highlands, especially the TSS content, has been deteriorated over the years. This is mainly due to land clearing for housing development, road construction and agriculture, which cause the rivers to be heavily silted.

Although the water quality analysis of these rivers from 1996 to 1998 (see Table 2.4) generally indicate that the quality of the river to be within Class I and Class II of the Proposed Interim National Water Quality Standard, the concentration of total suspended solid (TSS) has been gradually increasing over the years. For example, at Sg Bertam the concentration of TSS recorded in 1996 was 28 mg/l, which increased to 69 mg/l in 1997 and 141 mg/l in 1998. At Sg Habu, the TSS values were 10 mg/l in 1996, 22mg/l in 1997 but shot up to 416.5 mg/l in 1998.

Suspended solid is the main source of pollution in most of the rivers. Sg Ringlet and Sg Telom were heavily silted with TSS levels reaching as high as 4056 mg/l and 1469 mg/l respectively. However at Sg. Burong, where the water intake is located, the TSS concentration was 49 mg/l, still within the Class II limit.

The entire Lojing area up to Pos Blau falls within the Sg Berok catchment. Sg Berok is a tributary of the Sg. Nenggiri which flows into Sg Galas and eventually into Sg Kelantan and finally into the South China Sea. Sg Berok has a catchment area of 1237 km2 at its confluence with Sg Betis. The catchment area of Sg Nenggiri is

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about 4000 km2. The catchment is bounded on the western side by the Main Range, which extends north-south through the center of Peninsular Malaysia. Sg Berok flows from Gunung Korbu in the west in an easterly direction before turning sharply northwards near Pos Blau to merge with Sg Betis at Kg Kuala Betis. The main tributaries of Sg Berok are Sg Ber (218km2), Sg Belatop (69 km2), Sg Mering (108 km2), Sg Chenderoh (106 km2), Sg Kenyai (49 km2) and Sg Kelahok (78km2). The drainage pattern is mostly dendritic.

The water quality analysis by DOE shows that the water quality indices of all the four rivers draining Lojing falls within a range from 82 to 92 indicating a “clean” status. The main source of pollution in the rivers here is mainly total suspended solid (TSS). The construction of the Simpang Pulai-Lojing-Gua Musang-Kuala Berang has given rise to siltation in these rivers (Plate 2-3). The concentration of the TSS was found to be highest at Sg Berok (Table 2.5).

The use of pesticides in farming may be a cause for concern with regards to water quality. With agriculture being one of the main activities, large quantities are used and may eventually find its way into the streams through the groundwater. However, there is no hard data supporting such fears.

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Table 2.4 : Water Quality of Rivers In Cameron Highlands DO (mg/l) BOD (mg/l) COD (mg/l) SS (mg/l) Rivers 1996 1997 1998 1999 1996 1997 1998 1999 1996 1997 1998 1999 1996 1997 1998 1999 Sg Ringlet 8.8 7.1 6.8 6.9 1.5 3.6 2.1 2.0 16.2 7.0 6.5 21.0 75.0 21.0 54.5 4056.0 Sg Bertam 9.4 8.7 6.6 6.1 0.6 0.1 3.6 3.5 16.5 1.0 19.5 32.0 28.0 69.0 141.0 760.0 Sg Habu 9.6 8.4 7.0 7.4 0.5 0.4 2.5 2.5 12.5 1.0 47.5 23.5 10.0 22.0 285.0 416.5 Sg Burong 9.3 9.1 6.4 6.5 0.6 1.1 1.5 1.5 14.2 2.0 9.0 16.5 5.0 5.0 6.0 49.0 Sg Tringkap 8.4 8.3 6.4 6.8 6.6 22.4 9.5 3.0 19.8 37.0 32.0 28.5 65.5 71.0 72.0 615.0 Sg Terla 9.1 9.3 8.5 7.5 0.7 1.6 1.5 2.0 11.2 5.0 9.1 17.1 17.0 29.0 111.5 133.5 Sg Telom 6.1 9.4 7.0 6.9 2.5 2.9 2.0 2.5 25.2 5.0 15.0 39.5 25.5 32.0 157.5 1469.5 Source: Department of Environment (1996,1997,1998,1999)

Table 2.5: River Water Quality of Rivers Draining Lojing IKAN SS (mg/l) AN (mg/l) BOD (mg/l) DO (mg/l) COD (mg/l) Station 1997 1998 1999 1997 1998 1999 1997 1998 1999 1997 1998 1999 1997 1998 1999 1997 1998 1999 Sg. Berok 83.8 84 84 548 682 244 0.26 0.4 0.04 0.8 0.9 1.65 7.0 7.5 7.04 7.29 18.15 24.53 (upstream) Sg Betis 91.3 82.5 88 82 457 85 <0.45 0.61 0.03 <0.9 <2.5 1.66 7.28 8.1 8.63 11.85 11.85 21.9

Sg Ber 91.9 90.5 87 73 83 76 <0.97 0.10 0.02 0.65 <2.5 1.45 7.43 8.3 8.67 12.1 10.35 25.4

Sg Berok (downstream 90.2 91.5 87 60 59 197 <0.98 0.06 0.03 0.83 <2.5 1.45 7.5 8.35 8.74 20.03 8.7 19.6 ) Sg Belatop 88.1 87.5 82 150 231 217 <0.39 0.39 0.06 <0.57 <2.5 1.63 7.47 8.55 8.23 8.53 5.75 36.5

Class III 150 0.9 6 3-5 50 Source : Laporan Tahunan Jabatan Alam Sekitar Negeri Kelantan (98 & 99) Note : Kategori Indeks Kualiti Air Negara (IKAN)81-100 : Clean 60-80 : Moderately polluted 0-59 : Polluted

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2.2.1.4 Temperature

The difference in elevation of the highlands results in lower temperatures, higher relative humidity and lower solar radiation. Cameron Highlands has a meteorological station with a long-term record of the full range of weather and climate data.

As temperature decreases with increasing altitude, the temperature of any location in the highlands can be estimated by reducing the value measured at a nearby lowland station by a rate which is dependent on the height of the location. Reduction rates of 0.549°C, 0.613°C and 0.711°C per 100m can be used to give reasonable temperature estimates of the minimum, mean and maximum temperatures respectively of a site in the highlands. The average temperature measured at Tanah Rata is about 18°C (Figure 2.10). The mean maximum temperature is around 22oC while the mean minimum temperature is about 15°C. These temperatures do not fluctuate much from month to month.

Figure 2.10: 24-hour Mean Temperature At Tanah Rata

24 Hour Mean Tem perature

19.0

18.5

18.0

17.5 Celcius

17.0

16.5

16.0 JFMAMJJASOND

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2.2.2 Biological Environment

2.2.2.1 Natural Ecosystem and Habitats

Forests form the predominant natural ecosystem within and around Cameron Highlands. The distribution of the different forest types in the Cameron Highlands district is as follows: (a) Lowland Dipterocarp Forest (LDF) and Hill Dipterocarp Forest (HDF) occur at elevation ranging from 100 to 300 m and 300 to 750 m respectively such as the forests in the lower slopes and low lying areas within river valleys including some contained in forest reserves in Ulu Telom; (b) Upper Dipterocarp Forest (UDF) occurs at elevation ranging from 750 to 1,200 m such as the forest areas at Ringlet; (c) Lower Montane Forest (LMF) occurs at elevation ranging from 1,200 to 1,500 m such as the forest areas surrounding Brinchang and Tanah Rata; (d) Upper Montane Forest (UMF) occurs at elevation above 1,500 m such as on mountain peaks and exposed ridges on G. Jasar, G. Perdah and G. Brinchang.

Forests occupy 50,778 ha or 71% of the Cameron Highlands district. This comprises 38,772 ha of forest in the Permanent Forest Estate (PFE) and the remaining in stateland forest (Forestry Department Pahang, 2001). The PFE is made up of 13 forest reserves (Table 2.6). There are five forest reserves that lie adjacent but outside the boundary of the Cameron Highlands district namely Ulu Jelai FR (in Pahang), Bt. Kinta FR and Bt. Tapah FR (in Perak) and Sg. Berok FR (Kelantan).

Table 2.6: Forest Reserves within the Cameron Highlands District Name of Forest Area Forest type Sub- Significant features Reserve (FR) (ha)* district Batu Ganggan FR 914.50 LDF, HDF Ulu Telom Important for water catchment and soil protection Bertam FR 1,105.60 LDF Ulu Telom Rich in dipterocarps Bt. Bujang FR 8,578.90 LDF, HDF Ulu Telom Important for water catchment Bt. Jerut FR 7,940.70 HDF Ulu Telom Important for water catchment and soil protection G. Siku FR 1,060.00 HDF, Ulu Telom Support endemic and rare flora; Montane important water catchment Mentigi FR 990.68 HDF, Ringlet Support endemic and rare flora; Montane important water catchment Ringlet FR 590.00 HDF, Ringlet Important for rare and endangered plant Montane protection and for water catchment Sg. Kial FR 893.00 LDF Ulu Telom Important river reserve for soil protection and catchment Sg. Terla FR 1,926.70 LDF Ulu Telom Important for water catchment Sg. Wi FR 11,417.60 LDF Ulu Telom Rich dipterocarp stand Ulu Bertam FR 739.00 Montane Tanah Rata Support endemic and rare flora; important water catchment Ulu Ichat FR 291.00 Montane Ulu Telom Support endemic and rare flora; important water catchment Ulu Lemoi FR 2,324.00 LDF Ulu Telom Rich in dipterocarps *as of 31/12/2000 Source: EPU (1993); Forestry Department Peninsular Malaysia (2001); Forestry Department Pahang (2001); Mohamad et al (2001)

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2.2.2.2 Legal Status of the Natural Habitats

About 54% of the forests in the Cameron Highlands district have been gazetted as PFE. Some parts of this PFE (for example areas above 1,000 m) are designated as protection forest where logging is prohibited. Six of the forest reserves include compartments classified as ‘water catchment forest’ which fall under the protection forest category (Table 2.7). Surrounding forest areas adjoining the boundary of the Cameron Highlands district have largely been gazetted as forest reserves.

Table 2.7: Water Catchment Forest* within the Cameron Highlands District Name of Forest Reserve (FR) Area (ha) Batu Ganggan FR 29.00 G. Siku FR 253.00 Mentigi FR 99.30 Ringlet FR 234.30 Sg. Terla FR 189.30 Ulu Bertam FR 254.30 TOTAL 1,059.20 *as of 31/12/2000 Source: Forestry Department Pahang (2001)

Historical records suggest that a majority of the land within Cameron Highlands (64,953 ha) is legally a wildlife sanctuary gazetted in 1962 under the Pahang State Government Notification no.492 (Stevens, 1968; Perumal & Chan, 1995; Davison, 1996). It is reported that 3,642 ha of the wildlife sanctuary overlaps with forest reserves following the completion in the gazettement of additional forest reserves in Cameron Highlands in 1983 (Perumal & Chan, 1995; Davison, 1996).

2.2.2.3 Prime Conservation Areas

Current botanical accounts indicate that the summit regions of G. Berembun, G. Brinchang and G. Perdah are floristically outstanding. This is attributed to the fact that summit areas tend to support rich flora diversity with high species endemism (Kiew, 1990) as a consequence of the combined effects of past geological history, phytogeographical relationships, and edaphic as well as climatic factors operating in a particular mountain (Soepadmo, 1986). These three localities are therefore proposed as prime flora conservation areas for Cameron Highlands. However, there is need for further justification of their specific requirements for example, in terms of legal protection and management options. It can be expected that other summit regions in Cameron Highlands are also floristically diverse and therefore would possess similar potential.

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2.2.2.4 Flora Profile

A preliminary checklist of highland plant species by Perumal & Lo (2000) is used in this analysis as it represents the most comprehensive and recent consolidation of floristic information documented to-date. Much of the information compiled in this checklist has its origin from major floristic work of the past. The checklist focuses on plant species occurring above 750 m. It includes highland specialist (or strictly highland species) and species inhabiting both highlands and lowlands. There are four categories of plants: (a) Ferns and Fern Allies, (b) Gymnosperm, (c) Monocotyledon and (d) Dicotyledon. Group (a) constitutes non-seed plants while (b), (c) and (d) are groups of seed plants. (b) consists of non-flowering plants whereas both (c) and (d) are flowering plants.

It is likely that certain species generally known to occur in Peninsular Malaysia’s hill and montane forests, which may actually be found in Cameron Highlands, are excluded. This is because the methodology employed in this analysis does not include means for verifying (such as examination of herbarium specimens and field surveys) the presence of such species in the study area. A possible consequence of this is an underestimate of the total number of species found here. It should be noted that this checklist is still non-exhaustive since much of the floristic work involving highland plant species up till now have focused largely on seed plants whereas non-seed plants have somewhat been neglected. There is also possibility of inaccuracy of information due to taxonomic nomenclature problems.

Species Richness

There are 727 plant species in Cameron Highlands. Dicotyledon make up 53.4% of the total plant species followed by Monocotyledon and Fern and Fern Allies at 34.7% and 11.8% respectively. 23.8% of Peninsular Malaysia’s total highland plant species for the four plant groups considered are known to occur in Cameron Highlands (Table 2.8). The figure implies that of the three hill stations being studied, Cameron Highlands has the highest proportion of Peninsular Malaysia’s highland plant species. This may partly be attributed to the fact that Cameron Highlands is the largest both in its size as a hill station and in the extent of forest coverage compared to Genting Highlands and Fraser’s Hill.

Table 2.8: Species Richness of the Cameron Highlands Flora in Comparison with the Total Highland Plant Species of Peninsular Malaysia

Plant group Cameron Highlands Total in Peninsular Malaysia Ferns and Fern Allies 86 (11.8%) / (2.8%) 346 Gymnosperm 1 (0.1%) / (5.9%) 17 Monocotyledon 252 (34.7%) / (30.9%) 816 Dicotyledon 388 (53.4%) / (20.7%) 1,871 727 (100%) / (23.8%) 3,050 Source: Perumal & Lo (2000)

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Special Features of Species: Endemism, Rarity and Highlands Specialist

The number of endemic species add up to 145 or 19.9% of the total highland plant species recorded in Cameron Highlands (Table 2.9). This includes 12 species of Fern and Fern Allies, 49 species of Monocotyledon and 84 species of Dicotyledon. The highest number of endemic species (32 species) is in the family Orchidaceae (orchids) from the group Monocotyledon. This suggests that Cameron Highlands supports a good percentage of orchid species that are restricted only to Peninsular Malaysia.

In total, 52 species (or 7.2% of the total highland plant species in Cameron Highlands) are rare of which 44 are Dicotyledon (Table 2.9). There are three and five rare species each from the groups Ferns and Fern Allies, and Monocotyledon.

Species that are both ‘endemic and rare’ are those found only in Peninsular Malaysia but not in abundance and at very limited number of sites. There are 16 endemic as well as rare plants (or 2.2% of the total highland plant species in Cameron Highlands) (Table 2.9). Of this, the Dicotyledon group contributes the highest number with 14 species or 87.5% of the total endemic and rare species in Cameron Highlands.

Table 2.9: Endemism and Rarity among Plant Species Found in Cameron Highlands

Plant group of endemic species ber of rare species r of endemic and rare species Ferns and Fern Allies 12 (8.3%) 3 (5.8%) 1 (6.25%) Gymnosperm 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) Monocotyledon 49 (33.8%) 5 (9.6%) 1 (6.25%) Dicotyledon 84 (57.9%) 44 (84.6%) 14 (87.5%) Total 145 (100%) 52 (100%) 16 (100%) Source: Perumal & Lo (2000)

Species that are ‘strictly highland’ or highland specialist’ denotes that they occur exclusively in the highlands. 61.2% of the Cameron Highlands flora comprise strictly highland species with Dicotyledons having the most highland specialist among the four plant groups (Table 2.10).

Table 2.10: Flora Species in Cameron Highlands According to Specialization

Plant group Number of species A B Total Ferns and Fern Allies 73 (84.9%) 13 86 Gymnosperm 0 (0%) 1 1 Monocotyledon 178 (70.6%) 74 252 Dicotyledon 194 (50%) 194 388 TOTAL 445 (61.2%) 282 (38.8%) 727 (100%) Source: Perumal & Lo (2000) Note: A: highland specialist B: species occurring in both highlands and lowlands

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The Tree Fern (Cyathea excavata) is the only species from the group Fern and Fern Allies included in the 1997 IUCN (World Conservation Union) Red List of Threatened Plants. It is considered vulnerable as its population is decreasing due to over-exploitation, extensive habitat destruction, or threats from other environmental disturbance or severe adverse factors. The same species is also listed in CITES. This means that its trade is closely controlled and it requires export permit for international trade.

Six Monocotyledon species are in the IUCN list of which two are endangered (i.e. in immediate danger of extinction as their population are reduced to a critical number or their habitat drastically reduced) and four vulnerable. All six are palm species. 24 Dicotyledon species are in the IUCN and 1998 WCMC (World Conservation Monitoring Centre) World List of Threatened Trees. Among the tree species of Dicotyledon included in the WCMC list, a majority (11 species) is classified as LRcd. These species are at risk of facing greater threats if the required conservation measures are not currently available. Six species are classified as VUD, which means they are vulnerable due to their very small and acutely restricted population.

Table 2.11: Threatened and CITES-listed Flora Species in Cameron Highlands

Plant group Number of species IUCN List WCMC List CITES Appendices E V R VUB VUD LRcd LRnt DD I II III Ferns and Fern - 1 ------1 - Allies Gymnosperm ------Monocotyledon 2 4 ------Dicotyledon 1 - 1 2 6 11 1 2 - - - Note: E: Endangered V: Vulnerable R: Rare DD: Data Deficient VUB: Vulnerable (criterion B) VUD: Vulnerable (criterion D) LRcd: Lower Risk: conservation dependent LRnt: Lower Risk: near threatened

2.2.2.5 Fauna profile

The fauna profile of Cameron Highlands was established via a literature review of published information. Primary sources of information were the Malayan Nature Journal (published by the Malaysian Nature Society), the Journal of Wildlife and Parks (published by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks, Peninsular Malaysia) and various vertebrate field and non-field guide books. For the bird checklist, “A field guide to the birds of West Malaysia and Singapore” by Jeyarajasingam and Pearson (1999) was used as the primary source of information as this is the most recent compilation of bird information to date. In addition to this, several publications in the Malayan Nature Journal and the Journal of Wildlife and Parks, namely that of Berwick (1947), Allen (1957, 1961) and Siti et al. (1985), were used for additional information as was an unpublished report from the Malaysian Nature Society by Bennett and Taylor (2000).

The mammal checklist was compiled from “The wild mammals of Malaya and offshore islands including Singapore” by Medway (1969). This has been the standard reference for the mammalian fauna of Peninsular Malaysia. This was

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supplemented by information from Lim (1973) on his paper on bats from Gunung Brinchang, Cameron Highlands. Information on turtles was extracted from Sharma and Sharma (2000).

The reptile checklist was gleaned from “Snakes of Malaya” by Tweedie (1983) was used along with the publication by Lim (1967) on snakes collected from Gunung Brinchang from 1957-1966. The amphibian checklist was compiled using “The amphibian fauna of Peninsular Malaysia” by Berry (1975). Sly (1976) provided new locality records for amphibians, reptiles and mammals and this was used to supplement information gaps. Likewise, more recent publications by Cox et al. (1998) and Chan-ard et al. (1999) on the reptiles and amphibians of Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia was referred to for new data on distribution and natural history information.

Species Richness

A total of 56 mammal, 199 bird, 43 reptile and 16 amphibian species have been recorded at Cameron Highlands. This amounts to 26%, 31%, 20% and 18% respectively, of the total Peninsular Malaysian fauna for each taxon. However, in comparison to the total highland species currently recorded in Peninsular Malaysia, this hill station has 67% of known highland mammals, 74% of birds, 83% of reptiles and 53% of amphibians.

Species Endemism

Cameron Highlands supports several faunal species that are endemic to Peninsular Malaysia. These are Maxomys inas (Malayan mountain spiny rat) (Medway, 1969), Polyplectron inopinatum (Mountain peacock pheasant), Myiophoneus robinsoni (Malayan whistling thrush) and Arborophila campbelli (Malaysian hill-patridge) (Jeyarajasingam, 1999), Amphiesima sanguinea (Smedley’s keelback), A. inas (Malayan mountain keelback), Collorhabdium williamsoni (Williamson’s reed snake), Lycodon butleri (Butler’s wolf snake), Macrocalamus lateralis (Malayan mountain reed snake) and Macrocalamus tweediei (Tweedie’s reed snake)(Tweedie, 1983; Chan-ard et al., 1999).

Endangered species (2000 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species)

A taxon is listed under the category “Endangered” in the IUCN Red Data List when it is not “Critically Endangered” but is facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future. Cameron Highlands has one endangered species according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN, 2000) and this is the serow (Capricornis sumatrensis).

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Rare or strictly montane species

A rare species is defined as a species that occur at low numbers and it is either highly localized or highly specialized to a habitat or both (Myers, 1979). A strictly montane species is a species that is found only in montane habitats but does not necessarily occur in low numbers. Cameron Highlands harbours one rare vertebrate species (Lygosoma miodactylum) and two strictly montane species (Aetholops alecto and Talpa micrura).

Conservation status of species: 2000 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

The IUCN Red Lists of Threatened Species are widely recognized as the most comprehensive, apolitical global approach for evaluating the conservation status of plant and animal species. The goals of the IUCN Red List Programme are to provide a global index of the state of degeneration of biodiversity and to identify and document those species most in need of conservation attention if global extinction rates are reduced (IUCN, 2000). The threatened species list is divided into eight categories. They are Extinct (EX), Extinct in the Wild (EW), Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN), Vulnerable (VU), Lower Risk (LR), Data Deficient (DD) and Not Evaluated (NE). The Lower Risk category is divided into three subcategories, which are Conservation Dependent (cd), Near Threatened (nt) and Least Concern (lc) (IUCN, 2000).

Definition of ‘Endangered’: A taxon is Endangered when it is not Critically Endangered but is facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future, as defined by any of the criteria listed by IUCN. Definition of ‘Vulnerable’: A taxon is Vulnerable when it is not Critically Endangered or Endangered but is facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the medium-term future, as defined by any of the criteria listed by IUCN. Definition of ‘Lower Risk – near threatened’: A taxon is Lower Risk when it has been evaluated, does not satisfy the criteria for any of the categories of Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable. “Near threatened” is the second subcategory from this category indicating, a taxa which do not qualify for Conservation Dependent (first subcategory for Lower Risk), but which are close to qualifying for Vulnerable.

Cameron Highlands supports one ‘Endangered’ mammal species i.e. the Serow (Capricornis sumatrensis) based on IUCN’s global assessment of faunal species, one ‘Vulnerable’ mammal species i.e. the Malayan porcupine (Hystrix brachyura) and one ‘Lower Risk – near threatened’ species i.e. the Pygmy grey fruit bat (Aetholops alecto) according to IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Fauna (IUCN, 2000).

Amongst the birds occurring at Cameron Highlands, two species are catagorised as Vulnerable and 12 species are listed under the “Lower Risk – near threatened” category (see Table 2.12 for summary).

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Table 2.12: Conservation status of vertebrate fauna of Cameron Highlands according to IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Fauna (IUCN, 2000)

Category Mammals Birds Total Endangered 1 0 1 Vulnerable 1 2 3 Lower Risk – near threatened 1 12 13

Conservation status of species: Protection of Wild Life Act, 1972

Among the diverse vertebrate fauna occurring at Cameron Highlands, numerous species are listed as Protected or Totally Protected according to the Protection of Wild Life Act, 1972 (PWA, 1972). A summary of this is presented in Table 2.13. According to the PWA, 1972, a ‘Totally Protected” species covers both avian and non-avian fauna.

According to the PWA, 1972: "Totally protected wild animal" or "totally protected wild bird" means a wild animal or wild bird described in Schedule One or Schedule Three respectively which shall not be shot, killed or taken or be held in possession by any person except as provided in Part V of this Act (Protection of Wild Life Act, 1972).

Likewise, the following paragraph describes the coverage for ‘protected species’

"Protected wild animal" or "protected wild bird" means a wild animal or wild bird described in Schedule Two and Schedule Five or Schedule Four respectively which may be shot, killed or taken or be held in possession by a licensed hunter, a licensed dealer or other persons as provided in this Act and the conditions prescribed in the license (Protection of Wild Life Act, 1972).

Table 2.13: Vertebrate fauna of Cameron Highlands accorded protection under the Protection of Wild Life Act, 1972 (applicable to Peninsular Malaysia)

Status Mammals Birds Reptiles Total Totally Protected 12 193 0 205 Protected 5 6 1 12

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The “Totally Protected” mammals of Cameron Highlands are:

1. Capricornis sumatrensis (Serow) 2. Cynocephalus variegatus (Colugo / flying lemur) 3. Prionailurus bengalensis (Leopard cat) 4. Panthera pardus (Leopard) 5. Martes flavigula (Yellow-throated marten) 6. Petaurista elegans (Spotted giant flying squirrel) 7. Hylobates syndactylus (Siamang) 8. Ratufa affinis (Giant squirrel) 9. Helarctos malayanus (Malayan sunbear) 10. Paguma larvata (Masked palm civet) 11. Mustela nudipes (Malay weasel) 12. Arctogalidia trivirgata (Small-toothed palm civet)

2.2.3 Socio-Economic Environment

2.2.3.1 Population

The Cameron Highlands’ population has increased from 15,635 in 1970 to 21,502 in 1980, 25,555 in 1991 and 28,050 in 2000 (Table 2.14). It is apparent that the Cameron Highlands population, though increasing, is growing at slower rate. The average growth rate during 1991-2000 period was only at 1.14 percent compared to 3.42 percent during 1970-1980 and 1.58 percent during 1980-1991. Similarly, its contribution to the whole population in the State has also decreased from 3.05 percent in 1970 to 2.28 in 2000.

Table 2.14: Population Profiles of Pahang and Cameron Highlands, 1970 - 2000

No of People AAGR (%) Area 1970- 1980- 1991- 1970 1980 1991 2000 1980 1991 2000 Pahang 503,301 768,801 1,045,003 1,231,176 4.53 2.83 1.84 Cameron 15,635 21,502 25,555 28,050 3.42 1.58 1.14 Highlands % population of 3.05 2.79 2.44 2.28 - - - the State Source: i. Preliminary Count Report, Department of Statistics, Malaysia, (2000) ii. Pengkalan Data Banci, Department of Statistics, Malaysia, (1991) iii. State/District Data Bank, Department of Statistics, (1996) Note: AAGR = Average Annual Growth Rate

There are 26 Orang Asli settlements in Cameron Highlands, with 825 households and a total population of 4,868. There are two major ethnic groups, Semai and Temiar. Most of the settlements are in remote areas and only six villages are classified in sub-urban areas. Sungai Ruil is the only settlement within an urban area.

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Population Distribution by Location

Tanah Rata has the highest population, increasing from 7,110 in 1991 to 8,097 people in 2000. Ringlet has also seen an increase in the number of population in the 1991-2000 periods, with 2,555 in 1991 and 2,605 in 2000.

There were also increases in the population in Kg Raja/Kuala Terla, Brinchang, and Ringlet/Lembah Bertam evolving from the opening up of some new housing developments in these areas. With the opening up of new roads, especially from Gua Musang to Cameron Highlands and Simpang Pulai to Cameron Highlands, Kampung Raja is destined to be a new gateway to Cameron Highlands, and subsequently, a new growth area. The majority of the Cameron Highlands population are in the 15-64 years age group (about 60 %), whilst the 0 - 14 years age group was 37.1 percent and the 65 years and above age group stood at 2.8 percent. The large discrepancy between the male and female population is likely to be due to in migration of labour.

Table 2.15: Distribution of Population in Town Centres, 1991 - 2000

1991 2000 Area Male Female Total Male Female Total Ringlet 1,346 1,029 2,555 1,341 1,264 2,605 Tanah Rata 3,811 3,299 7,110 4,139 3,958 8,097 Source: i. Pengkalan Data Banci Department of Statistics, Malaysia, 1991 ii.Preliminary Count Report for Urban and Rural Areas, Department of Statistics, Malaysia(2000)

Projected Population

Table 2.16 shows the projected population of Cameron Highlands from 2000 - 2020. As experienced in earlier years, the population of Cameron Highlands will still increase but at a slower rate. While it is projected to grow at 1.1 percent during the 2000 - 2010 period, the AAGR will further drop to 1.0 percent in 2010 - 2020 period. It is then projected that by year 2020, the population in Cameron Highlands will reach 34,567, compared to 29,627 in 2005, 31,293 in 2010 and 32,889 in 2015.

Table 2.16: Projected Population of Cameron Highlands, 2000 - 2020

No. of People AAGR (%) Area 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2000-2020 Cameron Highlands 28,050 29,627 31,293 32,889 34,567 1.05 Source: i. Preliminary Count Report, Department of Statistics, 2000 ii. Consultant's Estimate Note: It is assumed that the growth rate will continue to drop in 2000 - 2020 based on previous years growth pattern. It is assumed that the AAGR for 2000-2010 period will be at 1.1 percent and the AAGR for 2010 - 2020 period will further drop to 1.0 percent

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Employment

Table 2.17 shows employment by economic sector in the 1980 - 1991 period. In 1980, there were 9,937 employed in Cameron Highlands and the number has increased to 11,371 with AAGR of 1.23 percent during the same period.

Tourism, agriculture, wholesale and retail as well as services were the main employment providers in Cameron Highlands, totaling some 86 percent during the 1980 - 1991 period. The three employment sectors, which saw rapid growth, were construction, wholesale/retail/restaurants, finance/insurance and services, with AAGR of 9.9 percent, 3.9 percent, 7.7 percent and 5.3 percent respectively. By comparison, the agriculture sector only grew at 0.3 percent during the same period.

Table 2.17: Distribution of Employment by Sector, 1980 - 1991

1980 1991 AAGR Economic Sector 1980-1991 No. % No. % (%)

Agriculture 7,305 73.51 7,523 66.16 0.27

Tourism 522 5.25 610 5.36 1.43

Manufacturing 202 2.03 269 2.37 2.64

Construction 102 1.03 287 2.52 9.86 Transportation, 277 2.79 374 3.29 2.77 Communication/Utilities Wholesale/Retail 307 3.09 467 4.11 3.89

Finance/Insurance 49 0.49 111 0.98 7.72

Government Services 499 5.02 540 4.75 0.72

Other Services 674 6.78 1,190 10.47 5.30

Total 9,937 100 11,371 100 1.23 Source: Department of Statistics, Malaysia

Income Distribution

Table 2.18 shows the monthly household income of Cameron Highlands in 1995. It is apparent that about 46 percent of households earned, on average, monthly income less than RM1,000, while only 22 percent of the households receive an average of over RM 1,500 monthly. The average monthly income generated is RM 1,245 per household.

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Table 2.18: Distribution of Monthly Household Income, 1995

Overall Range of Monthly Household Income (%) Less Than RM 400 6

RM 401 - RM 600 18

RM 601 - RM 1,000 22

RM 1,001 – RM 1,500 32

RM 1,501 – RM 2,000 14

RM 2,000 and Above 8

Total 100

Average Monthly Household Income RM1,245 Source: Cameron Highlands Structure Plan, 1995

Lojing

Across the Kelantan border in Mukim Ulu Nenggiri within the Gua Musang District, there are three major Orang Asli settlements, namely Pos Brooke, Pos Blau and Pos Hendroop. The total number of villages in these three major settlements is 39 while the total number of population was 1,767 (JHEOA, 1997). Ulu Nenggiri itself has a population of 7,750 in 1980 and 11,891 in 1991, with a composition of 6,354 male and 5,537 female. The number of households was 2,349 and the number of living quarters was 2,851 in 1991 compared to only 1,621 in 1980. Lojing is a new and fast developing area in Gua Musang District. There has been a proposal to develop Pos Brooke as an urban centre.

2.2.3.2 Local Economy

(a) Agriculture

Cameron Highlands is the most important temperate agriculture area in the country. The agriculture produce varies from temperate flowers such as roses, carnations and chrysanthemums to vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower, capsicum, asparagus, spring onion, lettuce, poh choy, celery, French beans, sweet pea, carrot and short-term crops such as strawberry. Other crops include chilly and fruits such as orange and tangerine. The land usage for agriculture in Cameron Highlands increased from 4,816 ha in 1991, to 5,633 ha in 1999.

The land usage for vegetables has been consistent over the 1991 - 1999 period, with 2,343 ha in 1991 and 2,792 ha in 1999. The flower produce has also seen consistent usage of land. The land usage for fruits dropped drastically in 1997 with only 8 ha compared to 82 ha in 1995. The decrease in land usage was due to the spread of ‘Greening Disease’, which eliminated most of the orange trees. The situation has since been under control and fruit production resumed in 1999.

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Table 2.19: Land Area of Main Crops in Cameron Highlands, 1991 – 1999

Area (ha) Crops 1991 1993 1995 1997 1999 Fruits 50 89 82 8 90 Tea 2,036 2,159 2,404 2,426 2,309 Vegetables 2,343 2,599 2,873 2,492 2,720 Short Term Crops/Herbs 6 26 64 64 64 Food Produce 0 23 0 0 0 Flowers 381 252 319 378 378 Total 4,816 5,125 5,742 5,368 5,633 Source: Annual Report, Pahang Agriculture Department, (1991, 1993, 1995, 1997 and 1998) Note: The total land usage is based on the land used for agriculture activities in a year. A few of the crops, especially vegetables, are cultivated two or three times a year. The annual land usage is the total of usage from the frequency of the land used for agriculture activities. There are so many changes in land usage area due to replacement crop practice that takes into account the land suitability.

Vegetables

Cameron Highlands has been a vegetable produce centre for decades, growing temperate vegetables to supply markets in Malaysia as well as about 20 percent in Singapore. Table 2.20 shows the production of vegetables in Cameron Highlands from 1996 to 1998. The area for vegetable farms fluctuated during that period with 2,873 ha in 1996, 2,492 ha in 1997 and 2,720 ha in 1999.

In terms of vegetables produced, some vegetables experienced a drop in production during that period, such as spring onions, leaf mustard and garland chrysanthemum.

Some vegetables are unique in the sense that they are cultivated commercially in Cameron Highlands only. The vegetable crops include asparagus, broccoli, spring onion, Chinese parsley, snow pea, butter bean, sweet pea, box thorn, cauliflower, Chinese cabbage, sweet leek, carrot, Chinese radish, spinach, celery, Chinese celery, lettuce, head lettuce, sawi itik, sawi kerinting, Indian lettuce, water cress, tomato and garland chrysanthemum.

There have been cases of price drops of late, especially for certain produce such as cabbage, tomato, capsicum and salad. The Indian Farmer's Association of Cameron Highlands blamed the imports of these vegetables from Thailand, Vietnam, China and Australia for the drop in prices.

Vegetables exported to Singapore have however not experienced the price fluctuation although they need to follow stringent requirements. The monitoring of farm gate prices for vegetables by FAMA has shown that over the last three years, the mean annual prices were stable. However, there were times that the prices of the vegetables dropped below cost of production. It is estimated that revenue from the total annual vegetable production in Cameron Highlands was RM135 million in 1998.

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Table 2.20: Cropping Area of Vegetable Crops and Type of Crops, 1996-1999

1996 1997 1999 Types of Vegetables Area Area Area (ha) % (ha) % (ha) % Round Cabbage 367 12.8 380 15.2 395 14.5 Chinese Cabbage 315 11 350 14.0 367 13.5 Spring Onion 190 6.6 107 4.3 92 3.4 Sweet Pepper 167 5.8 150 6.0 156 5.7 Leaf Mustard 220 7.7 200 8.0 22 0.8 Tomato 337 11.7 350 14.0 398 14.6 Garland Chrysanthemum 179 6.2 150 6.0 120 4.4 Others 1,098 38.2 805 32.3 1,170 43.0 Total 2,873 100 2,492 100.0 2,720 100.0 Source: Cameron Highlands Agriculture Department, (2000)

Flowers

Cameron Highlands is the main cut flower growing area in Malaysia with about 217ha of land or about 28% of the whole growing area for the country. The popular type of flowers cultivated in Cameron Highlands includes roses, chrysanthemums, carnation, dahlias, geraniums, fuchsia, gladioli, and certain varieties of orchids. The two biggest rose nurseries are in villages near Kea Farm and Tringkap. Cactus Valley is the latest tourist attraction in Cameron Highlands, where it offers a wide variety of cactus.

Fruits

The main fruit cultivated is oranges. Other fruits planted in Cameron Highlands include strawberry, which was planted in an area of 20 ha. In 1998, pomello was grown as an experiment by the Agriculture Department in Kg. Raja. However, preliminary investigation indicated that the crop grew at a slower pace, possibly due to unsuitable climate. Persimmon was also tested in 1997 in Sungai Palas, with an area of 4 ha. A preliminary investigation shows it could adapt to the Cameron Highlands setting. By year 1998, the area has increased to 6 ha.

Tea

Tea has been the oldest crop planted in Cameron Highlands. The dominant tea plantation estates in Cameron Highlands are the Boh Tea plantation, the Blue Valley Tea plantation and the Bharat Tea plantation, where these plantations provide employment for some 1,300 workers. The plantation in total produces about 5,000 tonnes of tea for mostly the domestic market. Recently, tea has also been planted in Lojing on an area of 28 ha.

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Farm Size & Income

The Cameron Highlands Structure Plan estimated that more than 89 % of the vegetable farmers operated on land less than 1 ha in size. Generally, land operated under 1 ha does not provide economies of scale. The Structure Plan also revealed that 65 percent of florists cultivated on land under 1 ha.

The Structure Plan also showed that on average, farmers in Cameron Highlands earned about RM10,719 per capita annually. Only about 4.7% reported additional earning from activities outside agriculture. This value was estimated to be around RM6,700 per capita annually.

New Land For Agriculture

The Structure Plan projected that there would be demand for additional 708 ha of land by year 2020. However, recent policy adopted by the Cameron Highlands District Council and supported by the Cameron Highlands Local Plan prohibits any opening up of new land for agriculture activities. This has led to farmers migrating to Lojing to open up new land for agriculture.

Agriculture Development in Lojing

Lojing, which consists mostly of logged-over land, had been slated for temperate fruit and vegetable production in addition to tourism development. Most of the agricultural activities in the area are undertaken by state-owned corporations which lease small parcels of land to individual farmers.

There are plans for the state to venture into the agricultural sector in a more intensive way by collaborating with the Agriculture Ministry. The State Government has envisioned that the area be turned into a permanent food production district known as 'Green Valley'.

Table 2.21 shows the distribution of agriculture development in Lojing, where there are 468 ha of agriculture being used in Lojing in 2001. As an indication of the rapid increase of the agricultural activities, vegetable farming increased from 35 ha utilized in 1995 to 250 ha utilized in 2001. It is estimated that about 250 farmers are currently operating in Lojing, with the majority of them coming from Cameron Highlands. Given by the rapid increase in agricultural activities, environmental problems are rising sharply, similar to what is being experienced in Cameron Highlands.

The notable crops cultivated in Lojing include fruits (mandarin) with about 113 ha and vegetables with 266 ha. Tea is planted in an area of 28 ha by Yakin Tea and some of the land is operated by Orang Asli cultivating short term crops and fruits.

Darulnaim Agro Management Industries (DAMAI) Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Perbadanan Kemajuan Iktisad Negeri Kelantan Ladang, operates an agriculture concept called 'Ladang Rakyat'. Limau madu from Australia was planted in 46 hain phase 1 and another 52 ha in phase 2. This Ladang Rakyat will be sold at the price of RM28,000 to RM35,000 per0.8 ha. DAMAI also plants durians and dokong as well as vegetables in an area of 20 ha.

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The Agriculture Department also plays a role in agriculture development in Lojing through a scheme called Taman Kekal Pengeluaran Makanan (TKPM) Lojing. It has identified some 65 ha for vegetable farming in Lojing and currently operating some 10 ha of land, with each farmer in the scheme managing about 0.44 ha. The major crops cultivated are tomato, chillies and cabbage.

In year 2000, some 94.8 tonnes of vegetable were produced through this scheme with an estimated value of RM105,510. This has given an average monthly income of RM 721 to each farmer.

Table 2.21: Agricultural Development in Lojing, 2001

Crops Area (ha) Vegetables 266 Vegetables and Fruits 11 Tea 28 Flowers 5 Fruits (Mandarin) 113 Short Term Crops 15 Fruits 30 Total 468 Source: Kelantan Agriculture Department, (2001)

(b) Commerce

In 1998, there were 173 retail establishments or about 37 percent of the total commercial establishment in Cameron Highlands. Brinchang, Ringlet/Lembah Bertam and Tanah Rata were the main retail areas. Food and beverage plus hotel establishments make up about 27% of the total number of commercial establishments in Cameron Highlands, concentrating on Brinchang and Tanah Rata.

Tanah Rata

Tanah Rata functions as the administrative centre of Cameron Highlands besides also serving as one of the main tourism destinations. About 60 percent of office establishments and 41 percent of financial establishments in Cameron Highlands are located in Tanah Rata. Tanah Rata has about 29 percent of commercial floor space in Cameron Highlands, due to its rapid development in the 1991-1998 period.

Kg Raja/Kuala Terla

Commercial activities are concentrated on localised services and characterised by piecemeal development for the local populace. The retail sector represented about 50 percent of the commercial activities here with a total floor space of 8,522 m2. Kampung Raja has the potential to develop further due to its status as the agriculture produce collection centre and a future tourism gateway to Cameron Highlands from Gua Musang and Simpang Pulai.

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Tringkap/Kea Farm

The Tringkap commercial area is densely concentrated due to its limited land area. Many of the commercial establishments are operated in wooden buildings. Its location, which is quite close to Kampung Raja, has decreased its potential to develop further in the future. Its commercial activities are concentrated on agricultural produce, retail sector for local populace consumption and food and restaurants. In 1998, the commercial activities occupied about 5,453 m2 of floor space.

Brinchang

The commercial activity in Brinchang mirrors its function as a tourism centre and as the main commercial area in Cameron Highlands. The commercial activity concentration in Brinchang is on tourism sector support services. About 69 percent of hotel and lodging establishment are located here and about one third of food and restaurants and social services could be found here. About 30 percent of commercial floor space in Cameron Highlands is located in Brinchang with 35 percent is used for hotel and lodging establishments, while another 46 percent is used for commercial services and retail establishments.

Habu

Habu is limited in terms of commercial activities due to the low market demand from its small population. The main commercial activities are retail and food and restaurants.

Ringlet / Lembah Bertam

Ringlet is currently the main gateway to Cameron Highlands. It functions as the third most significant commercial area in Cameron Highlands behind Brinchang and Tanah Rata while Lembah Bertam acts as the main agricultural produce collection centre. About 21% of the whole commercial floor space in Cameron Highlands is found in this area.

Lojing

The Kelantan State Government has plans to develop Pos Brooke as an Administrative and a Commercial Centre for Lojing.

(c) Industry

The Cameron Highlands Structure Plan has identified about 36 premises that operated under industrial activities in 1994. The whole premises were workshop- related establishments except for seven of them, which were in the clothing, cushion and handicraft industries.

The industrial activities in Cameron Highlands are more towards small and light industries. In general, in 1998, there were about 44 industrial establishments where 52 percent of them were categorized as general workshop establishments. It was also found that about 60 percent of the industries were support establishments for

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agriculture activities. The main industrial activities were concentrated on heavy machines and agriculture motor vehicles maintenance.

2.2.3.3 Tourism

The tourism sector, together with agriculture, is the major economic generator in the Cameron Highlands, and is an important growth catalyst since it spurs the development of accommodation, food and beverages, communications, transportation, leisure and other consumer services. Formerly a favourite gateway for British Colonial civil servants, Cameron Highlands has often been referred to as “Little England”.

Essentially there are two principal tourism products:

Nature tourism

• Mountain such as G. Brinchang, G. Beremban and G. Jasar; • Waterfalls and jungle treks especially Parit and Robinson waterfalls; • Butterfly Farm at Brinchang

Agro -Tourism

• Tea plantations, including the Boh Blue Valley and Bharat tea estates. • Fruit Orchards, Vegetables Gardens, Flower Gardens and Cactus Farm. • Stalls selling fruit, vegetables and flowers.

Additionally there are heritage buildings such as the Sam Poh Buddhist Temple, Orang Asli settlement at Kampung Sungai Ubi, a Golf-Course, the Sultan Abu Bakar reservoir at Ringlet and a major annual event, the Cameron Highlands Flower Fest. For “hard“ adventurers there is also the ‘Cameron Descent’, a white water rafting event held annually: covering a distance of 54 km it begins in Cameron and ends in Lipis. From a tourism perspective, Ringlet/Lembah Bertam functions as the main agriculture centre of the district, Brinchang is known for its fruit farms, nurseries and tea plantations whilst Tanah Rata is the town centre of the highlands, the major accommodation base and centre for tourism support services. Figure 2.10 depicts the major tourist attractions in Cameron Highlands.

Tourist Arrivals

Tourist arrivals to the Cameron Highlands have increased from 193,955 in 1990 to 278,779 in 1999 and to 305,995 in 2000, an annual average growth rate of 4.66. (Table 2.22)

A major market characteristic is the dominance of domestic tourists. In 2000 they accounted for 62.1% of total arrivals. In terms of foreign visitors, United Kingdom is the main origin market followed by the Singapore; other origin markets of some significance are Germany, Netherlands, Japan, Canada and Australia (Table 2.23).

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Table 2.22 : Tourist Arrivals in Cameron Highlands (1990-2000)

AAGR Destination 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 (%) Cameron 193,955 261,895 258,805 269,727 290,982 266,041 275,106 284,934 253,701 278,779 305,995 4.66 Highlands Source : Fraser’s Hill Development Corporation

Based on data from MTPB, around 66% of tourists could be regarded as leisure tourists, about 10% are business tourists (business and conference) and others regard themselves as in transit. There is no disaggregated data at a site specific level but there should not be very significant differences from the national situation.

Table 2.23: Distribution of Tourists by Country of Origin, 2000

Country Tourist Arrival %

International United Kingdom 24,015 7.85 Singapore 14,477 4.73 Germany 8,569 2.80 Netherlands 6,932 2.27 Australia 5,260 1.72 Canada 3,922 1.28 Sweden 3,841 1.26 Japan 3,771 1.23 Denmark 3,535 1.16 U.S. America 3,003 0.98 Others 38,636 12.62 Total 115,961 37.90 Domestic 190,034 62.10 Malaysia GRAND TOTAL 305,995 100.00

Source: Fraser's Hill Development Corporation

Tourist Expenditure

The components of tourist expenditure nationally in 1999 comprised accommodation 31.6%, shopping 22.1%, food and beverages 19.1%, local transportation 9.5% while more minor components were domestic airfares, organized sightseeing and entertainment. The pattern of expenditure in Cameron Highlands should not deviate very substantially from that at the national level.

MTPB data indicates that average per diem expenditure of tourists amounted to RM 313.30 in 1999 while average per capita expenditure in the same year was RM 1,599.60. Taking the MTPB estimate of average per diem expenditure of RM 313.30 and the ALS of 1.75 days and total arrivals of 278,779 indicates that total gross receipts amounted to about RM 152.8 million in 1999.

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Figure 2.11: Components of Tourist Expenditure, Malaysia, 1999

Miscellaneous 2.9%

Entertainment 3.3%

Organised Sightseeing 5.5%

Domestic Airfares 6%

Local Transportation 9.5% Component Food & Beverage 19.1%

Shopping 22.1%

Accommodation 31.6%

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 Percentage Share

Source: MTPB

Average Length of Stay

The average length of stay (ALS) is an important tourism indicator and in Malaysia the ALS has risen from 4.8 (days) (1995) to 5.5 (days) in 2000. In the Study Area (see Table 2.24) the ALS is well below the national figure, having declined from 4.0 days (1992) to only 1.75 days (2000). Whilst it is higher than the ALS in Fraser’s Hill, it is below that of Genting Highlands.

Table 2.24 : Average Length of Stay for Cameron Highlands (1992-1999)

Destination 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000

Cameron 4.00 4.20 4.36 4.10 3.90 2.51 2.00 1.75 1.75 Highlands Source : Fraser’s Hill Development Corporation

Tourism Facilities and Infrastructure

(a) Hotels

As at 2000 the total stock of hotels licensed by MTPB was 32 with 1,901 rooms (Table 2.25). The accommodation base in this hill resort is quite diverse, ranging form relatively large hotels (over 150 rooms) such as the Equatorial Hill Resort, Brinchang, the Heritage Hotel and Strawberry Park Resort, Tanah Rata to medium-

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size hotels such as the Rosa Pasadena Hotel, Brinchang to small budget hotels such as the Down Town Hotel, Tanah Rata and the Kowloon Hotel, Brinchang.

Table 2.25 : Licensed Hotels in the Cameron Highlands, 2000

No. of No. of Name of Hotel Rooms Stars ¾ Garden Inn, Jalan Masjid Tanah Rata 47 1* ¾ The Heritage Hotel, Jalan Gereja, Tanah Rata 165 4*

¾ Highlands Hotel, 29-33 Jalan Besar, Brinchang 67 ¾ Brinchang Hotel, 36 Jalan Besar, Brinchang 30 ¾ Kowloon Hotel, 34-35 Jalan Besar, Brinchang 24 ¾ Rosa Pasadena Hotel, P O Box 8, Jalan Besar, Brinchang 116 3*

¾ Parkland Hotel, Lot 45, Jalan Besar, Brinchang 30 ¾ The Lakehouse, Batu 30, Ringlet 18 3* ¾ Strawberry Park Resort, P O Box 81, Tanah Rata 135 4*

¾ Rainbow Hotel, Lot 25, 39100 Brinchang 36

¾ Pine and Roses Hotel, P O Box 4, Brinchang 15 ¾ The Cool Point Hotel, 891 Persiaran Dayang Endah, Tanah Rata 47 2* ¾ Garden Inn, Jalan Masjid, Tanah Rata 47 1* ¾ Equatorial Hill Resort, P O Box 78, Brinchang ¾ Merlin Inn Resort, P O Box 4, Tanah Rata 750 ¾ Country Lodge Resort, Lot 47, Section 3, Brinchang 66 ¾ Hotel Green Garden, Lot 13, Seksyen 2, Jalan Besar, Brinchang 41 ¾ Hill Garden Lodge, Lot 15-16, Jalan Besar, Brinchang 20 ¾ Papillion Guest House, 57 Jalan Camelia 3, Tanah Rata 25 ¾ Kavy Hotel, No 44, Jalan Besar, Tanah Rata 20 ¾ The Bala’s Holiday Chalet, Lot 55, Tanah Rata 25 ¾ Cameson Hotel, No 29-30, Jalan Besar, Tanah Rata 25 ¾ Chua Gin Hotel, Lot 11, Jalan Besar, Brinchang 12 ¾ Down Town Hotel, 41 Jalan Besar, Tanah Rata 18 ¾ Golden Star Hotel, Lot 26, Jalan Besar, Brinchang 12 ¾ Highlands Lakeview Enterprises, Taman Lakeview, Batu 31½, Ringlet 10 ¾ Lido Hotel, 9 Jalan Besar, Brinchang 18

¾ Plastro Hotel, Lot 19, Jalan Besar, Brinchang 14 ¾ Seah Meng Hotel, No 39 Jalan Besar, Tanah Rata 12 ¾ Silverstar Hotel, 10 Jalan Besar, Brinchang 10 ¾ Terminal Inn, P O Box 4, Brinchang 17 ¾ The Orient Hotel & Restaurant, 38 Jalan Besar, Tanah Rata 17 12

Total 1,901

Source : MTPB, Malaysia Accommodation Directory 1998/1999

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(b) Hotel Guests and Guest Nights

The total number of hotel guests and guest nights in 1998 and 1999 are shown in Table 2.26. In 1998 total guests amounted to 362,359 and this increased to 441,761 in 1999 while guest nights totalled 529,769 in 1998 and rose to 660,705. Of the hotel guests in 1999, over 324,700 were domestic visitors. Total hotel guests in this hill station represented about 2.3% of hotel guests in the country. Other useful inferences that can be drawn from an analysis of hotel guests are that in regard to domestic visitors this hill station was the tenth ranking in Peninsular, surpassed only by Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Malacca, Genting Highlands, Johor Bahru, Langkawi, Ipoh, Kuantan and Kota Bahru while as regards foreign guests it is a less significant destination. In the year 2000, total hotel guests amounted to 362,699 whilst guest nights totalled 574,697.

Table 2.26: Distribution of Hotel Guests and Hotel Guest Nights, Cameron Highlands, 1998 and 1999

Total Domestic Total Foreigners Grand Total % Share of Year National Guest Guest Guest Guests Guests Guests Total Guest Nights Nights Nights 1998 265,699 384,679 96,660 145,090 362,359 529,769 2.08

1999 324,778 482,034 116,983 178,671 441,761 660,705 2.31

2000 259,838 425,091 102,861 149,606 362,699 574,697 1.58

Source : MTPB

(c) Average Occupancy Rate (AOR)

The national average occupancy rate (AOR) of hotels has steadily declined from 65.9% (1995) to 50.6% (1999) but there was a 3.6% increase to 53.8% in the year 2000. In the case of the Cameron Highlands the decline in the AOR has been steeper from 44.8% in 1993 to only 33.8% in 2000.

In part the declining occupancy rate reflects the fact that while arrivals have not increased significantly more hotel rooms have been added to the stock and to further exacerbate the situation, there has been an increase in the number of holiday homes and apartments in the Cameron Highlands. A further interpretation of a declining AOR is a market signal that arguably different modes of accommodation may be needed in line with changing visitor preferences and needs. An increasing number of tourists may for example be seeking budget accommodation.

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2.2.4 Infrastructure & Utilities

2.2.4.1 Water Supply

The main water supply to Cameron Highlands is from the Sg. Burong intake which has a capacity of 2.6 MLD. When the need arises, water from this intake point is also supplied to Brinchang. Other areas such as Kuala Terla, Kampung Raja, Ringlet and Habu source their own supply from existing streams and the water undergoes semi-treatment process before being supplied to consumers.

Table 2.27: Existing Water Supply in Cameron Highlands

Existing Water Supply Capacity (MLD) Sg. Burong 2.60 Kg Raja 0.23 Kuala Terla (existing scheme) 0.23 Kea Farm 0.23 Tringkap 0.23 Brinchang 1. 5 Habu (existing scheme) 0.02 Lubok Tamang 0.006 Ringlet 0.57 Lembah Bertam 0.23

Two new schemes were proposed to overcome the water shortage problems in Cameron Highlands. These include the Habu and Kuala Terla schemes. The Sg Habu Stage 1 scheme is currently being implemented to yield a further 9 MLD. Provision will be made for a second stage to be added in 2015 to increase the yield to 16 MLD and for a third stage to be added in 2035 to increase the yield to 23 MLD.

A scheme to yield 43 MLD, for construction in four stages in Kuala Terla has been proposed. The upper Sg. Terla scheme Stage I will yield a possible 19 MLD, while Stage II in 2005 would increase the yield to about 26 MLD. Stages 3 and 4 yield 32 MLD in 2020 and 43 MLD 2030 respectively. Table 2.28 lists the planning demand of water supply in Cameron Highlands from 2000 to 2020. The water loss is expected to peak in 2010, before reducing ten years later.

For the Lojing area, there is no major water abstraction point along Sg Berok or its tributaries. The rivers are however used by most of the Orang Asli communities for drinking, washing and bathing. The quality had deteriorated in recent years has blamed on the on-going development and the logging activities as well as the large- scale agricultural development. Many Orang Asli villages, with the help of the Jabatan Hal Ehwal Orang Asli (JHEOA), have built some form of pipe network made up of bamboo to bring water from the upstream areas to their villages.

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Table 2.28 : Planning Demand

Domestic Industrial Commercial Institutional Total Losses Demand Projected Service Population Year population factor served

l/c/d Mld l/c/d Mld l/c/d Mld l/c/d Mld l/c/d Mld l/c/d Mld l/c/d Mld

2000 28,050 0.9 25,242 280 7.1 55 1.4 50 1.3 48 1.2 433 10.9 133 3.3 566 14.2

2005 29,627 1 29,627 285 8.4 80 2.4 55 1.6 54 1.6 474 14.0 135 4.0 609 18.0

2010 31,293 1 31,293 295 9.2 110 3.4 60 1.9 60 1.9 525 16.4 138 4.3 663 20.7

2015 32,889 1 32,889 300 9.9 160 6.3 64 2.1 64 2.1 588 19.3 129 4.2 717 23.6

2020 34,567 1 34,567 310 10.7 185 6.4 75 2.6 75 2.6 645 22.3 117 4.0 762 26.3

Source : Pahang Water Resources Study (1999)

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2.2.4.2 Sewerage System

Sewage treatment in Cameron Highlands varies according to the type of development and location. Most of the older buildings are simply equipped with septic tanks while the newer and larger developments such as hotels and apartments are equipped with mechanized sewage treatment systems. Septic tanks are unable to treat the sewage to produce effluent of Standard A, which is a necessity considering that Cameron Highlands is a catchment for water supply.

The sewerage system in Lojing is non-existent at present, with mostly pour flush toilets in use.

2.2.4.3 Solid Waste Management

Alam Flora Sdn Bhd is responsible for the collection and disposal of domestic solid waste in Cameron Highlands. The volume of solid waste generated in Cameron Highlands is approximately 22 tonnes/day based on per capita generation rate of 0.8 per day. The collection area is divided into two zones. The first zone covers the area between Tanah Rata to Bertam and the second zone is from Brinchang to Kg Raja. Alam Flora uses four compactors and one RORO (Roll On Roll Off) vehicle with a capacity of 4 tonnes/trip and 1 tonne/trip respectively for their daily collection. Cameron Highlands also generates a large amount of agricultural wastes. These are however are not handled by Alam Flora but left to decay near the farms.

There is only one dumpsite at present, located approximately 3 km from Tanah Rata. The land belongs to Majlis Daerah Cameron Highlands and is about 10 years old. The waste is accumulated and pushed down a steep slope. This is an extremely undesirable practice, forced by the lack of a suitable location (Plate 2-4)

The use of an incinerator is being considered by MDCH and a proper site is being sought out at present. There is a recycling program here whereby recycling counters are opened at least once every month at Brinchang and Tanah Rata to collect recyclable materials from the residents. However, the recycling percentage here is very low, less than 1%. Table 2.29 shows the projected solid waste generation until the year 2020. The total waste generation in Cameron Highlands is likely to reach 31 tonnes per day by 2020. Table 2.29: Projected Solid Waste Generation

Year Projected Generation Total Waste population Rate tonne/day kg/cap/day 2000 28050 0.8 22 2005 29627 0.8 24 2010 31293 0.9 28 2015 32889 0.9 30 2020 34567 0.9 31

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2.2.4.4 Road System

Although Cameron Highlands is located in Pahang, it is presently only accessible via Tapah in Perak where FR 59 leads to the hilltop. The Tapah – Cameron Highlands road is estimated to have an average bend of 9.5 bend/km. The 60 km route from Tapah to the hilltop is interesting, passing aboriginal dwellings, scenic mountain views and a changing mountain forest.

The five urban centers in Cameron Highlands, namely Ringlet, Tanah Rata, Brinchang, Kuala Terla and Kampung Raja, are linked by a single well-maintained road. During weekends and school holidays, the number cars and buses coming here tend to causes traffic problems. Insufficient parking spaces especially in Brinchang causes drivers to park indiscriminately. Table 2.30 shows the area of mukim and the length of road in each mukim.

Table 2.30 : Area Of Mukim And Length Of Road

Mukim Hulu Telom Tanah Rata Ringlet Jumlah km % km % km % km % Length of 53.6 54.6 26.4 26.9 18.1 18.5 98.1 100 road

The Simpang Pulai – Kuala Berang highway, some 333 km long and climbing to an altitude of nearly 1500 meters, will become the country’s third road connecting the east and west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. This road will traverse through four states namely Perak, Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu, and will provide another route to Cameron Highlands. The road begins at Simpang Pulai, passes through Lojing and Gua Musang and finally ends at Kuala Berang. This road also connects to Cameron Highlands and Blue Valley estate. The alignment of this road is shown in Figure 2.12.

There is also a proposal outlined in the Local Plan to construct a new link from Brinchang to Habu as an alternative route that bypasses the busy areas of Tanah Rata and Brinchang.

There is presently a proposal to provide an access from Pahang itself, a road from Kuala Lipis to Lembah Bertam.

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2.3 STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES, OPPORTUNITIES & THREATS

This section explores the relative strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and also threats to the study area based on the salient features such as the physical setting, economic conditions, infrastructure, community and proposed developments.

2.3.1 Strengths

(a) Availability of Local Development Plans

Unlike the other two hill stations, Cameron Highlands has a Local Plan. The Local Plan has formulated land use zoning plans for the all areas under the jurisdiction of the MDCH. The Local Plan has also taken into account the sensitivity of the environment and formulated the zoning plans to the needs and requirements of the Local Authority. Sustainable development approaches has been adopted in the formulation of the plan. The land use zoning plan provides the approving authorities the land use status, the permitted development, the density and design guidelines to adopt. The zoning plan provides for a planned and effective development control and thereby reducing any incompatible developments that are incongruent to the environment. These measures and control are favourable, as it protects the image of the resort and allows for a more specific environmental friendly development.

(b) Good Access

The newly identified development corridors, namely Simpang Pulai - Cameron Highlands – Lojing and Cameron Highlands - Kuala Lipis offer potential for new development growth area. Within the MDCH, the identified new development areas are Lembah Bertam and Kg. Raja. The accessibility of Simpang Pulai - Lojing link will strengthen Kg Raja as the new gateway to Cameron Highlands and thereby the potential to transform as service centre with R & R facilities. The new corridor provides new areas for the agriculture sector on the outskirts of the built-up areas. The new corridor will also provide Lojing the catalyst for development, as access has been one of the major drawbacks to its development potential.

(c) Supporting Service Facilities

There are sufficient commercial and service facilities for the local population located at Ringlet, Tanah Rata, Brinchang and Kg Raja. There are facilities for primary and secondary schools, hospital, post office, police, fire and religious facilities serving the needs of the population. In addition the lodgings and hotels (including for budget travelers) have provided opportunities for tourists to stay longer at the resort.

(d) Good Tourism Products

The strength of this hill station with regard to tourism is well known and well documented. Cameron Highlands has traditionally offered a cool temperate-style climate which has been an important “pull” factor for both Malaysian and to lesser

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extent foreign visitors. This place has a long history as a holiday resort dating back to the colonial times. That has left behind a heritage of Tudor style buildings giving it a colonial setting. Typical “English” meals are served in the few “Smokehouses” operating in Cameron Highlands.

The natural environment and vegetable, fruit, flower and tea cultivation has provided twin tourism products of nature tourism and agro-tourism with varying appeal to domestic and foreign tourists. A potential secondary tourism product, less well developed and less well showcased, is culture-heritage with, e.g., the cultural- lifestyle interest of the Orang Asli community and specific sites such as the Sam Poh Buddhist Temple.

(b) Good Accommodation Base

Cameron Highlands possesses a reasonably extensive accommodation base with a stock of around 2,000 rooms ranging from 4 star hotels, mid-priced and budget hotels, chalets, apartments and bungalows. Moreover, since most of the hotels are based in townships, visitors can avail themselves of the supporting facilities, banks, infrastructures and public services that already exist.

(f) Rich Biodiversity

Cameron Highlands harbour a rich diversity of plant species due to the existence of extensive forest covering about 71% of the total area of the district. This is also indicated by results of floristic work undertaken in this hill station to date. It is shown in this study that about 24% of Peninsular Malaysia’s highland plant species can be found in Cameron Highlands. The larger the area of forest that is still intact, the greater is its expected potential to provide refuge for a wider array of both fauna and flora. However, it should be noted that the extent of biodiversity is not determined solely by the size factor; other aspects such as quality of forest (for example, the degree of forest degradation) are also important contributing factors.

(g) Existence of Nature Trails

There are currently at least 14 existing nature trails within the forests in Cameron Highlands (including several which are in forest reserves) with most of them concentrated around Tanah Rata. The trails provide access to the forest facilitating scientists to conduct floristic research and inventory that could lead to a better understanding and appreciation of the vegetation in this region. From the nature tourism perspective, the nature trails themselves serve as an attractive product, which could be utilized to highlight interesting biodiversity features of the forest in Cameron Highlands. Additionally, the trails could potentially be used for nature education and interpretation to instill appreciation and responsibility of the natural resources of Cameron Highlands among the local community, visitors and tourists.

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(h) Dispersed Development

The development in and tourist attractions in Cameron Highlands are dispersed and this is reduces the congestion found in other popular hill stations, such as Genting Highlands.

2.3.2 Weaknesses

(a) Incongruent developments

Prior to the Local Plan being the tool for development control and guidelines, many incongruent developments have been approved going against the basic principles of the vision now formulated in the statutory plans. Absence on building height restrictions has evolved in grossly structures that are incompatible with the environment. The heights of some of the buildings have even blocked off the views and vistas of the landscape, including the rich architectural and aesthetical value of the bungalows.

(b) TOL Land

A large proportion of farmers in Cameron Highlands operate on TOLs issued by the State Authority. Such licences are usually renewed annually and therefore there is no security of tenure. Insecurity of agricultural land tenure may have resulted in poor agricultural practices in Cameron Highlands, which have caused soil erosion and in turn lead to the siltation of rivers. The cultivation on steep slopes, the need to clear the adjacent areas for maximum sunlight for their crops; and the use of plastic sheets have contributed to the environmental degradation of the hill stations. It has been noted that as most of these vegetable farmers do not own their land, there are few incentives to invest in good agricultural practices.

(c) Weaknesses in the Local Plan

There are weaknesses in the Cameron Highlands Local Plan that need to be reviewed before it is gazetted, particularly on housing and agriculture. The proposed new housing zones and their recommended density lack the justification based on population needs and demands. Furthermore, by zoning the housing by density reduces the flexibility for the plan to change to the economic tide. With regards to building heights, the Local Plans even allows for 10 storey buildings which will be in conflict with existing skylines. There needs to be consistency in the built environment to protect the skyline from grossly built structures. As for agriculture sector, the short term tenure farms have been identified as the main contributors to the degradation of the environment. There need to be better estate management of the agriculture sector by getting smallholders to form co-operatives for effective management. To ensure effective land use planning in the centres, the Local Plan Zoning needs to be reviewed together with some of its policy relating to building guidelines.

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(d) Inadequate Enforcement Capacity - MDCH

The MDCH does not have the capacity to monitor and enforce regulations and guidelines. Indiscriminate clearing of these lots has resulted in severe environmental problems. The TOL applications are renewed on a yearly basis and mostly in areas outside the gazetted Forest Reserves. The main problem is that the applicants carry out the clearing and earthworks randomly without any surveyed or engineering plans. This results in farmers encroaching to areas more than the allocated areas they applied for. Owing to this type of indiscriminate clearings, The State Government has imposed a freeze on all developments until further notification. Unfortunately, the restriction also applies to projects that have been approved by MDCH and the Technical Committees for development. Only recently, a large area was illegally cleared in G. Brinchang, exposing large sections of the hill to soil erosion.

(e) Enforcement Difficulty in Lojing

The Lojing area is presently under the jurisdiction of Pejabat Daerah Gua Musang, whose office is located more than 80 km away in Gua Musang town. Until the Lojing-Gua Musang stretch of road is been completed, the only link to this area is via a muddy logging trail. The lack of influence from the local authority meant that many of the land clearing activities in Lojing have been done without the proper permits and application. Most of the farms in Lojing are also considered illegal, as in they do not possess the proper development permits. It is understandable that enforcement has been difficult due to the great distance and terrain.

(f) Land Use Management

At present the MDCH is the local authority for all the built-up areas in Cameron Highlands. On land matters outside MDCH administrative control, the District Office and Land Office are the main approving authorities. Applications for TOL land for farming are applied to the District Land Office. However the absence of qualified professionals in the District Office and the MDCH, especially Town Planners, Engineers, Geo-Technical specialist, Architects and the lack of enforcement officers has further aggravated the situation. This often result in mismanagement of the land resources and could further dwindle if the present system is not rectified.

(g) Unsustainability of Agriculture

The agriculture sector has been identified as one of the main contributing sectors to environmental degradation through the use of pesticides, fertilisers and unsystematic agriculture practices. Since there is every likelihood that Cameron Highlands will continue to be the main temperate agriculture producer in future, this environmental degradation will be prolonged unless certain concrete actions are taken.

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The price instability of certain vegetable and flowers lately will pose serious problems to farmers. The price instability will result in unstable income generation, and consequently will affect the production of future temperate vegetable and flower produce for the local as well as foreign market.

The Cameron Highlands Structure Plan pointed out that most of the farms in Cameron Highlands are relatively small in size. The small size farms are not economically viable for optimal and maximised income and production generation.

(h) Lack of Quality Tourist Attractions and Weak Tourism Infrastructure

Despite possessing the heritage and setting as popular resort, the Study Area had a very short Average Length of Stay (ALS) of visitors of only 1.75 days in 1999 and this is well below the national ALS and below that of Genting Highlands. The inference that may be deduced is that there are insufficient attractions to sustain visitor interest.

Other weaknesses relate to the quality of the tourism infrastructure and support services. The accommodation base does not appear to be meeting the needs and preferences of visitors and, as earlier noted, the average occupancy rate of hotels in this hill station is less than 30%. There is also a lack of interpretative and informative signage pertaining to the tourist attractions, the trails and nature environment of Cameron Highlands. As noted in the Structure Plan there is also a paucity of tourism information, which is mainly limited to a brochure and a map and a lack of promotion.

(i) Lack Of Synergy Between Agriculture and Tourism

Agro-tourism, including agro-environmental tourism, in which visitors stay at farms and take part in agricultural activities, is of growing importance and is a significant element of sustainable tourism development. However, in this hill station the synergy between agriculture and tourism requires strengthening. The tea estates have forged commendable links and many tourists visit the tea gardens and also undertake tours of the processing units. For most of the other crops, e.g., vegetables, fruits and flowers, the links need to be enhanced and innovative home stay programmes developed. The provision of accommodation to visitors who pay for staying on farms, helps improve farmers’ incomes and for urban residents the contact with nature and with the people who live there is a vital experience.

(j) Insufficient Site-specific Biodiversity Information

Although there is a reasonable amount of information relating to the total biodiversity in Cameron Highlands, detailed information for specific areas and the variation in the distribution of biodiversity between place to place is relatively limited. The consequence of this is the inability to use biodiversity as a justification for assessing the merits of project siting. An equally important weakness is the lack

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of accurate, complete and recent information, which provide indication of the areas and habitats that are sensitive from the biodiversity context to guide development decisions.

(k) Weak Management and Enforcement Concerning Biodiversity Matters

This problem may have resulted from several factors. These include uncertainty in the exact extent of the Cameron Highlands Wildlife Sanctuary and its overlapping status with forest reserve as well as the non-existence of clear guidelines for the authorities concerned.

(l) Poor Maintenance of Nature Trails and Shortage of Competent Nature Guides

The majority of the nature trails are poorly maintained. Some have become inappropriate and unsafe for use due to presence of rubbish and tall undergrowth as well as absence of trail signs. Among the possible reasons for the poor condition of the trails are limited manpower and funds and misuse of trails by irresponsible users who dispose rubbish along the trails. While guides are available through the local tour agencies and resorts, the nature guiding service provided is often unsatisfactory. This relates particularly to the biodiversity aspects associated to the nature trails and surrounding forest because of the shortage of competently knowledgeable nature guides.

(m) Threat of Water Shortage

There is a threat of water shortage as whenever there is a “dry season”, households and commercial areas would have dry taps. In part, this is due to the high ground where is water catchment area is smaller, and partly also due to illegal tapping of water, mainly by farmers. The threat or rumours of water shortages would be sufficient to discourage any potential tourist.

(n) Poor Solid Waste Management

There is no proper method of dealing with solid waste in Cameron Highlands. The rubbish is dumped in a valley with a stream running past it. This doesn’t only contaminate the streams but also the source of drinking water because most of the water intake points are located downstream.

(o) Lack of Parking Facilities

The lack of proper parking areas is a major issue as far is traffic is concerned. The problem comes to head during the holiday season especially in Brinchang where the hotels are concentrated. Cars are parked indiscriminately along the main road and severely disrupt traffic. Limited land to be designated for parking areas also compounds the problem.

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2.3.3 Opportunities

(a) New Development Corridor

The new development corridors as identified in the Local Plan provide the opportunity for development in Cameron Highlands. The potential development areas include the Simpang Pulai - Cameron Highlands - Lojing corridors. This link provides economic opportunities for Kg. Raja as the gateway to Cameron Highlands from the north and to Lojing in Kelantan. The potential for an R & R centre, shopping, restaurants and entertainment facilities at Kg. Raja would transform it into a vibrant centre. The other potential corridor is the Ringlet - Lembah Bertam corridor for the agriculture sector particularly at Lembah Bertam Baru.

(b) Land Use Zoning

The Local Plan development proposals have provided the opportunity for planned infill developments for each of the centres within the MDCH area. The potential developments are for housing, institutions, commercial and recreational uses. The Plan proposes for more low and medium cost apartments in the centres but there is no justification for these demands particularly with the region facing a very high level of out-migration especially with the young age group.

(c) Tourism

The opportunity to enhance further the tourism potential especially in the nature- based and agro tourism sector has been identified in the statutory plans for Cameron Highlands. The potential to set up “ long stay clubs” to get visitors to spend between 2 - 4 weeks at the hill station is one key strategy to adopt. At present, there is the Cameron Highlands Japanese Club, set in Japan which organises participants to spend at least 2 weeks here. The club also provides free language classes to the local children as part of the cultural exchange benefits. Provisions for accommodation facilities for budget travellers are required for the future. It is estimated that an average of 100 budget tourists visit the resort per day and this is expected to rise further with the improvements to the accessibility.

In the medium-long term, rising discretionary incomes and changes in taste favouring domestic travel among a socially advancing and more environmentally conscious Malaysian community offers potential for expanding the flow of domestic visitors to Cameron Highlands/ Lojing, particularly if sustainable tourism development is promoted. Nationally, aggressive promotional activities are being carried-out under the theme Cuti-Cuti Malaysia with the prime aim of encouraging domestic travel and lowering currency outflows. Easier access to tourist destinations including the completion of the Cameron Highlands-Simpang Pulai and the Cameron Highlands-Gua Musang roads would help facilitate the expected increase in domestic tourism.

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(d) MICE

Another potential strength is as a secondary MICE destination. As noted in the 8th Malaysia Plan, vigorous efforts are being undertaken to actively position and promote Malaysia as a premier MICE destination, which has high-yielding potential. The numbers of both international and national events have steadily increased, as too has the number of foreign and local participants and revenue.

The new road developments will offer potential for a triumvirate of hill resorts, Cameron Highlands, Kinta Highlands and Lojing to be packaged as part of a tour circuit, especially if complementary tourism products and promotional themes are developed. There will be good linkages to the North South Expressway (NSE) and hence linkages to major origin market such as Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh and Penang and to Singapore. Road improvements in Kelantan and linkage from Gua Musang to Cameron Highlands would also open-up the possibility of capitalising on the substantial flows of visitors entering Kelantan through border points with Thailand, viz. Pengkalan Kubor, Rantau Panjang and Bukit Bunga.

2.3.4 Threats

(a) Effects of Uncontrolled Agriculture on Water Quality

The indiscriminate clearing by farmers on the hill slopes is a major concern to the Authorities. The absence of surveyed plans and engineering works on land clearance has had detrimental effects on the environment. In some cases, the farmers have encroached into Forest reserves and the tea plantations. Vast land clearing can threaten the water quality leading to a reduction in water supply.

The current water quality data shows that Sg Ringlet and Sg Telom are heavily silted up. The main concern is these rivers form the headwater catchment for water supply. Most of the water intake points are located downstream for example Sg Jelai in Pahang and Sg Batang Padang in Perak that originate from Sg Bertam- Telom and Sg Jor in Cameron Highlands.

The use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers by the farming community has been one of the major contributors to the unfavorable water quality of the river systems. The proximity of some of the farms to the water catchment areas has been of concern to the Local Authority.

(b) No New Land For Agriculture in Cameron Highlands

The Cameron Highlands Council has adopted the no new opening up of land as part of agriculture policy. While the policy will definitely prevent further environmental problems, there might be tendencies for farmers to maximise use of current agriculture land. This might result in unsystematic and indiscriminate agriculture land practices. The policy has also seen farmers migrating to Lojing, to open up new land.

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(c) Labour for Agriculture

The dependence on the agriculture sector would also result in continuous problems in labour force. The competitive employment opportunities from other sectors, which offer more lucrative income opportunities, might have lured the younger generation to migrate to other sectors or places outside Cameron Highlands. There have been cases where foreigners are employed as workers due to problems in the local labour force.

(d) New Areas for Housing

The increase in population will also result in more demand for new housing areas. This scenario will definitely require the opening up of new land for housing schemes.

(e) Competition from Other Hill Resorts

Tourist destinations, in the ultimate analysis, are in competition with each other and in a competitive market the switching of “brands” or “products” is a very real possibility. Despite the Study Area’s potential and opportunities it does face strong competition from other established hill stations.

(f) Trade Liberalisation

Liberalisation through the World Trade Organisation and AFTA could adversely affect the competitiveness of temperate farming in this hill station and, given the symbiotic relationship between agriculture and tourism, would weaken the agro- tourism element of Cameron’s tourist products.

(g) Hill Resort Road

Another possible threat to sustainable development in the Study Area could arise if the proposed Hill Resort Road (HRR), which would traverse along the mountainous terrain of the Main Range, were constructed. This could lead to the indiscriminate exploitation of latent resources and, as noted in the National Conservation Strategy, roads and other infrastructure on the Main Range are highly inadvisable.

(h) Habitat Destruction and Loss of Species

Habitat destruction and loss of species pose a real threat to the integrity of the natural environment of Cameron Highlands. Increased accessibility to the forest in Cameron Highlands provided by the existence of nature trails has facilitated the over collection of wild plants with ornamental value especially orchids, pitcher plants and rhododendrons. In Cameron Highlands, it has been shown that over- collection of wild orchids which fetch reasonably high price in the wild orchid trade has resulted in the depletion of some of these orchid species from sites previously known to support abundant population (Shahril, 1998). Shahril (1998) also revealed that most orchid nurseries in Cameron Highlands derive their source of wild orchids

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from the surrounding highland forest using the nature trails. It was also noted in this study that the use of the services of the Orang Asli to collect orchids from the wild by the nurseries or buying orchids directly from the Orang Asli are common practice. There is often wastage because many of the wild orchids collected for sale in the nurseries have no appeal because they do not have the attractive features required by buyers (Shahril, 1998).

The same situation as explained above can be expected in the case of other ornamental wild plants. Additionally, wastage can result from damaged wild plants due to poor handling during collection and because of this the plants are often discarded. Wild plants also become prey to ignorant tripper who takes them home to the lowlands where they languish and die (Kiew, 1990). If left unchecked, these problems will lead to loss of flora diversity in Cameron Highlands as well as reduce the attractiveness of this hill station in the long term.

(i) Landslides and Soil Erosion due to Land Clearing

A number of areas in Cameron Highlands have been identified as prone to landslides and mudslides. Landslide disasters cannot be described as coincidental ‘chance’ events. Nor are they solely the result of heavy monsoon rainfall. The threat of future landslides is very real in Cameron Highlands and if nothing is done to control both legal and illegal land clearing for farming, the is a likelihood of more landslides in the future.

(j) Flooding Due to Uncontrolled Development

Uncontrolled development in Cameron Highlands have brought with it problems of soil erosion, sedimentation, reduction of river’s drainage capacity, shortening of lag time and eventual increase in flooding. Flooding which occurred in Kg Sg Ringlet in April 2001 affected 3,300 residents living in this village. This was the worst ever recorded flood where the water level rose nearly a metre from the river level. The main cause was found to be earth levelling and clearing to upgrade the 2.15 km of the Jalan Ulu Merah.

(k) Traffic

With the new access to Cameron Highlands at Lojing, the Kg. Raja –Tanah Rata main road would become a major thoroughfare, and will pose major traffic problems to the already narrow road.

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2.4 CARRYING CAPACITY

The total carrying capacity for Cameron Highlands is very difficult to determine, if not impossible. Cameron Highlands supports a large resident population spread over seven different townships, and it is not an exclusive hill resort for tourism unlike the other hill stations. Conventional methods used for the determination of carrying capacity will not suffice. The completion of the Simpang Pulai – Kuala Berang highway compounds the complexity, as a large number of people will be passing through Cameron Highlands either to/from Kelantan, Perak and the Kelang Valley.

In this study, the tourism carrying capacity of Cameron Highlands was estimated based on available tourist facilities, water supply and transportation (allowing for implementation of infrastructure improvements proposal that are detailed the Action Plans).

(a) Accommodation Base

Based on the accommodation base of about 2000 rooms, there is capacity for about 4000 visitors per day. Allowing for an equal number of day visitors, the total visitor capacity is approximately 8000.

(b) Water Supply

Based on the planned water supply improvement works by JBA, there should be adequate water until 2020, including taking into account the average growth rate of tourists. Water supply will therefore not be a constraint to tourist numbers.

(c) Transportation

Transport is unlikely to be a constraint particularly with the completion of the Simpang Pulai –Kuala Berang link. Problems pertaining to transportation and the lack of parking would be minimized with the implementation of the relevant Action Plans.

However, in being a township, the physical and economic carrying capacity must also be taken into account along with the tourism carrying capacity. With a local population as large as this, capacity here would be associated with the ability of the local population and authorities to cope with the problems arising from increased tourism developments. It must also be remembered that carrying capacity can be reduced by human or natural damage, and can be increased through selected management procedures. The estimated tourist carrying capacity of 8000 must remain as an interim figure until more accurate estimates are made taking into account other constraints as discussed above.

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2.5 ACTION PLANS

2.5.1 Development Focus and Guiding Issues

On the basis of the strengths and opportunities identified earlier, this study proposes that the main development focus for Cameron Highlands and Lojing should be Temperate Agriculture and Agro-Tourism. Auxiliary focus should be on Nature-Based Tourism and Cultural-Heritage Tourism

As the above suggests, agriculture incorporated with tourism activities shall serve as the main focus of future development as well as to reorient existing activities. All development should therefore be planned along these lines. Several vital issues will be looked into in order to formulate a set of recommendations that is best suited for the purpose of achieving the sustainability of this hill station.

The implementation of AFTA in 2003 would certainly play a large role in the future of farming activities here as pointed out in Section 2.3.4. In anticipation of that, steps must be taken immediately to ensure that the agriculture produce from Cameron Highlands remains sustainable and highly competitive in the face of competition.

The completion of the Simpang Pulai-Kuala Berang road will bring fresh opportunities and new ideas to this area, especially Lojing. It would serve well to draw up proposals to capture the benefits from the new access, but at the same time specifying measures to ensure the sustainability of the area. The development of Lojing is a vital component to the future plans of the area, and it is essential that the development proposals be targeted towards the ideals of the strategy.

The threat of water scarcity remains a weighty issue with the development focus on agriculture and tourism. The foreseeable increased in expenditure of this resource into irrigation and consumption must be matched with by the availability of the resource and the capacities of the water intake plants. The management of water resources is therefore critical to supporting the proposed development concepts for Cameron Highlands.

2.5.2 Tourism Enhancement

Tourism is one of the two major economic engines for Cameron Highlands (and eventually Lojing) and the following sub-themes for tourism development are proposed.

Agro-Tourism

A unique attribute of Cameron Highlands is the presence of tea plantations, temperate vegetable farms, flower and fruit gardens. The former, in particular, is the most popular place on the tour itinerary for foreign visitors. According to tour agents

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the vast majority of visitors is very interested in tea and find visits to the tea estates enthralling.

To further enrich this product an agro-tourism development programme in line with the guidelines of the National Rural Tourism Master Plan should be implemented. This, inter alia, should aim to link nature to agriculture and to the agrarian lifestyle and could, e.g., include development of homestay facilities. Other thematic measures that could strengthen the identity of this hill resort are “Cameron Highlands in Bloom” competitions and declarations as “Daerah Taman Malaysia” (Garden District of Malaysia).

Nature Tourism

The natural environment has long been a core attraction of this hill station’s tourism product and it is imperative that this sensitive asset be carefully conserved and upgraded in a manner that does not conflict with the environment. Fortunately, there is scope for optimising nature tourism including opportunities in Lojing and this would assist in deflecting pressure from the existing areas.

With major peaks such as G. Brinchang, G. Jasar and G. Beremban, the flora and fauna of the montane forest, existing trails at the Parit and Robinson falls and potential for new trails such as Kg. Sungai Ubi – an Orang Asli village near the Bharat Tea Estate – and in Lojing, nature based tourism has the potential for upgrading.

A nature tourism development programme including upgrading of existing trails, development of new trails, packaging of climbing expeditions, camping, caving and recreational fishing should be implemented.

Cultural-Heritage Tourism

Both Cameron Highlands and Lojing have interesting, fascinating, cultural-heritage, with e.g., an “old-world” character, exemplified by the bungalows, the presence of an Orang Asli community -mainly Semai and Temiar - the Sam Poh Buddhist Temple and lengthy history of tea cultivation and temperate agricultural crops. At present, however, this rich cultural-heritage, although potentially a core attraction, is not very well showcased. There is a clear need for a new integrated attraction, such as a one-stop cultural centre perhaps based in a heritage building such as the Convent at Tanah Rata, to enrich this product and showcase it.

Specific Action Plan programmes proposed are:

Action Plan : CH-AP1 Cameron Highlands and Lojing must only focus on the three tourism themes, namely agro-tourism, nature-tourism and cultural-heritage tourism. Other types of new tourism development such as theme parks and golf courses should not be permitted. Pahang and Kelantan State Governments should issue directive in this regard. This directive should eventually apply to Kinta Highlands as well.

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Action Plan : CH-AP2 Strengthen the synergy between agriculture and tourism. Agro-tourism, including agro-environmental tourism, in which visitors stay at farms and take part in agricultural activities, should be strongly encouraged as a means of promoting sustainable tourism. Examples of good synergy between agriculture and tourism are the tea estates. The tea estates have forged commendable links and many tourists visit the tea gardens and also undertake tours of the processing factories. For most of the other crops, e.g., vegetables, fruits and flowers, the links need to be enhanced and innovative home stay programmes developed. The provision of accommodation to visitors who pay for staying on farms, helps improve farmers’ incomes and for urban residents the contact with nature and with the people who live there is a vital experience. MOCAT should form “Committee on Strengthening of Agriculture – Tourism Synergy at Cameron Highlands and Lojing“ comprising relevant government agencies, tourism industry and the agriculture sector.

Action Plan : CH-AP3 As a follow up to Action Plan CH-AP2, MOCAT should initiate an agro-tourism development programme in Ringlet/Lembah Bertam. The programme shall include the provision of home stay facilities inline with the guidelines of the National Rural Tourism Master Plan shall be initiated. This programme should also be replicated in other locations such as Kampung Raja and Tringkap.

Action Plan : CH-AP4 The Department of Forestry should, with the support from the private sector, introduce a Nature Tourism Development programme that would encompass, inter-alia, the upgrading of existing nature trails, development of new trails, the organization of climbing expeditions, and the promotion of camping and other forms of “soft” adventure, recreational fishing and caving.

Action Plan : CH-AP5 MOCAT in association with MDCH, JHEOA, Ministry of Education and the private sector should develop cultural-heritage tourism. A one-stop Cameron Highlands Heritage Centre should be developed in Tanah Rata with an Orang Asli Interpretive Museum, a Tea House/ Tea Museum and Nature Education Centre. An existing heritage building such as the Convent in Tanah Rata might be suitable for such a centre.

Action Plan : CH-AP6 MTPB should produce high quality promotional material with emphasis on products on offer including pamphlets and brochures, dos and don’ts guides, pocket checklists, information guides etc. The current promotional material is deemed inadequate to capture the imagination of the potential tourists.

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Action Plan : CH-AP7 A Tourism Masterplan must be formulated for the Cameron Highlands – Lojing (and possibly Kinta Highlands) triangle. The three locations can complement one another and take away considerable tourist pressure off Cameron Highlands. The Masterplan must be adequate consideration to protect the fragile highland environment.

2.5.3 Agriculture

Agriculture, like tourism, is the lifeline of Cameron Highlands and Lojing. Appropriate socio-economic programmes must be formulated to safeguard, to flourish and to ensure sustainability of these activities.

The main strategies are:

Systematic and Sustainable Agriculture Practice

While the agriculture sector will continue to be among the main economic generators for Cameron Highlands, a more systematic and sustainable approach must be introduced and implemented in Cameron Highlands to curb the existing problems especially in regard to environmental degradation, and pricing of vegetable produce. The insecurity of land tenure is seen as a major problem in promoting good agricultural practices.

Development of Existing and New Growth Centres

Careful and balanced development of existing and new growth centres in both Cameron Highlands and Lojing must be in parallel with sustained human and socio economic environment. The strength of Cameron Highlands in the tourism and agriculture sectors must be viewed as being complimentary rather than conflicting or competing

The development in both areas must be complementary rather than duplicating. The opening up of land must be in tandem with minimisation of environmental impacts. The migration of Cameron Highlands farmers to open new agriculture land in Lojing must be perceived as relieving the Cameron Highlands burden, thus minimising the current environmental effects. Likewise, the development of Lojing as a growth centre must be seen as strengthening the Cameron Highlands.

Specific Action Plan programmes proposed are:

Action Plan : CH-AP8 Prohibit the opening up of new agricultural areas in Cameron Highlands. Cameron Highlands is already facing serious environmental problems due to agriculture such as silting of rivers and reservoirs, landslides and unsightly bare slopes.

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Action Plan : CH-AP9 The Pahang State Government must revamp the agricultural land tenure system at Cameron Highlands. Farmers must be given longer land leases on the condition that farming practices are improved.

Action Plan : CH-AP10 The integration of small size farms should be strongly encouraged and incentives provided for those framers who integrate their farms. Incentives could be in terms of longer lease of land, continuous provision of advanced agriculture courses and research, consultancy and advisory services. Other incentives might possibly increase the land tenure lease to five years to those practicing systematic agriculture practice. There is an on-going programme by the DOA where incentives, consultancy and advisory services as well as the requisite training are provided for farmers in this district. Elements of this Action Plan not already covered by this programme can be integrated into it.

Action Plan : CH-AP11 The existing Cabinet committee on development for highland areas chaired by the MOSTE Secretary General should implement and enforce more systematic agriculture practices in both Cameron Highlands and Lojing. This committee will be responsible for maintaining among others, environmental checks, usage of lands, pesticides and fertilizers. Alternatively, a sub-committee led by the DOA can be formed within the Cabinet committee to carry out this plan.

Action Plan : CH-AP12 Kelantan State Government should create a new district or sub-district of Lojing. The creation of this sub-district and the eventually establishment of an administrative centre at Lojing would help the authorities to support and monitor development activities at Lojing.

Action Plan : CH-AP13 A Comprehensive Master Development Plan for Lojing should be formulated. The current development plans appear simplistic, do not give due attention to the difficult terrain conditions and ignore environmental and market conditions. Although at present, there is already an Indicative Plan for Lojing, a comprehensive Masterplan is needed to ensure that the agricultural and tourism development plans by the Kelantan State Government are sustainable and mistakes made at Cameron Highlands are not repeated. This action plan could be combined with CH-AP7.

Action Plan : CH-AP14 FAMA should develop cold room storage at Kg. Raja and Tringkap for vegetables and other agricultural produce. The cold storage will serve more as a tool for produce transit rather than for curbing price instability. Networking with hypermarkets and supermarkets should be initiated here, an example being the cold-chain market concept. A storage capacity of 10 MT will be adequate and should be compartmentalized such that partial usage of the cold storage is possible.

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Action Plan : CH-AP15 DOA should establish a farm certification system. Monetary incentives can be provided to farmers to adopt good farming practices. The farms can be rated into 3 classes from most environmentally friendly (Class 1) to least environmentally friendly (Class 3). Class 1 farms can then be given a subsidy per annum per acre of farm by Jabatan Pertanian, Class 2 farms to paid a lesser amount, with none for Class 3 farms. Examples of best practices include terracing on steep slopes, using organic fertilizers to proper amounts, proper waste disposal and so on. Farm produce from here can then also be labelled as Class 1 for environmentally friendly as an advertisement to consumers who care.

2.5.4 Infrastructure & Environmental Improvements

The availability of proper and adequate infrastructure is the keystone to a successful development. The critical issues where action is to be taken would be:

Water Supply

As water supply is vital to the present and continuing development, action will be taken to ensure that the water supply is sufficient to meet the demands of irrigation and human consumption. Efforts should be made to protect existing sources and reduce demand.

Solid Waste Management

A new method for solid waste disposal to replace the present unhygienic practice shall be in the form of composting. Recycling at source is a useful way of reducing the volume of waste arriving at the disposal site. Although there is a recycling program at present, but the response is very low. The long-term program to educate the people on the benefits of recycling can be initiated to increase their awareness.

Sewerage

The Local Plan has proposed centralised sewerage systems for each development block, such as Ringlet-Lembah Bertam, Habu, Tanah Rata, Brinchang, Tringkap- Kea Farm, and Kg. Raja-Kuala Terla. Due to the hilly nature of the terrain in these areas, intermediate pumping stations may be required for the proposed sewerage

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networks. This is a significant additional capital and operational costs along with the need for land which comes as a premium here. Utility reserves for the siting of sewer pipes must also be allocated.

All new developments must utilise sewage treatment systems capable of producing an effluent discharge of Standard A, in accordance to the Environmental Quality (Sewage and Industrial Effluents) Regulations 1979.

Road & Transportation

Parking is a problem at Tanah Rata and Brinchang, particularly during weekends and holidays.

Erosion Control

Existing agriculture can go on but soil erosion and conservation techniques must be incorporated into practice. The only way to curb environmental disasters in Cameron Highlands is to develop it in a sustainable manner without imposing extreme stresses on the fragile environment.

Specific Action Plan programmes proposed are:

Action Plan : CH-AP16 JBA should formulate a Water Resources Management Plan for Cameron Highlands. The plan, in addition to identifying demands and new sources of water, must address water demand management, catchment protection and public education.

Action Plan : CH-AP17 MDCH should not permit any development activities in water catchment areas. Immediate steps shall be taken to identify illegal farming in water catchment areas and prosecute the offenders.

Action Plan : CH-AP18 MDCH should make water conservation measures mandatory for all new facilities in Cameron Highlands. Half flush toilets and auto-shut off taps must be installed as a condition of building plan approval. All existing hotels shall be given a grace period of three years to implement these measures. Water demand management will help alleviate the water stress problem.

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Action Plan : CH-AP19 MDCH should ensure that all hotels implement environmental management systems (EMS) (ISO14001 or equivalent) as a condition of business licence. MDCH could give monetary incentives in the form of reduction in the annual quit rent and/or assessments according to hotels’ level of implementation of these measures. All hotels shall be given a grace period of three years to implement the EMS.

Action Plan : CH-AP20 MDCH should upgrade the solid waste management system at Cameron Highlands. Systems similar to those used at Genting Highlands (sorting, composting and incineration) could be utilized. An area of approximately 1 ha will be required and could possibly be sited near the existing dumping site near Tanah Rata. The present road leading to Tanah Rata may need to be re-aligned to allow for the present dump area to be increased. A detailed study has to be carried out to fine tune the location and design.

Action Plan : CH-AP21 Improve the current waste recycling scheme. Although there is a recycling program at present, the response is poor. A long-term program to educate the people on the benefits of recycling can be initiated to increase their awareness. The Government offices and hotels can start by having recycling bins in the office for paper, aluminum cans and bottles, along with posters and talks citing the benefits of recycling. It is then hoped that in a long run, the people will carry the recycling habit back to their homes. Alam Flora should designate one day of the week to collect recyclable waste from the residents. On the designated day, all waste to be recycled will be left outside their premises for a special collection. A special container marked “Recycling” can be provided to all households for the purpose.

Action Plan : CH-AP22 MDCH should improve the parking situation by constructing a multi-level car park at Brinchang to overcome the parking problem. The site should ideally be right in the centre of town, possibly near the fire station. After that, the road shoulders on the main road shall be declared “No-Parking” zones and enforcement officers will fine those who continue to park there. The construction and operations of the car- park can be privatized.

2.5.5 Biodiversity Conservation

The biodiversity in Cameron Highlands is an important national asset because of its significant contribution to Malaysia’s natural heritage as well as the enormous ecological values and services associated with it. It is therefore critical that

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biodiversity be regarded as an integral and vital component for ensuring sustainable development in Cameron Highlands.

The main issues pertaining to biodiversity and the related strategies for addressing those issues are:

Compatible Development

As development in Cameron Highlands continues to progress rapidly, the issue of compatibility between the overall land use planning and development activities of the different sectors with biodiversity conservation becomes increasingly important. The overall as well as individual sectoral development must be in balance with biodiversity conservation. This would require adequate understanding of the interactions and impacts of sectors such as agriculture, tourism and infrastructure on conservation.

Proper and Effective Biodiversity Management

As identified in the SWOT analysis, one of the major weaknesses within the biodiversity context in Cameron Highlands is the lack of monitoring and enforcement of biodiversity related matters. Without proper management, the long- term security of the biodiversity in Cameron Highlands would be compromised.

To address this issue, the legal instruments governing the above three aspects including provisions of authority to the various agencies must be clarified. Additionally, such efforts need to be supported by a strategy which maximizes the conservation of biodiversity. Possible strategy options may include reinforcing the current protected area designation (i.e. wildlife sanctuary and protection forest) with incorporation of additional areas where appropriate and more effective implementation of control measures especially to curb illegal collection of wild fauna and flora.

Optimisation of Nature Education Potentials

Although not immediately evident, the benefits of nature education could bring about promising results in the long term. These could contribute towards safeguarding not just nature and the environment but the integrity of Cameron Highlands as a whole. Indirectly this translates to supporting the sustainable development of this hill station. A feasible strategy to enable optimization of nature education potentials could include expanding the current nature education

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programmes and the role of the existing Nature Education Centres in Cameron Highlands.

Specific Action Plan programmes proposed are:

Action Plan : CH-AP23 The Forestry Department and/or DWNP to implement a programme to control the illegal collection of wild flora and fauna. Possible measures may include the following: • Enforcing a ban on collecting wild flora and fauna; • Putting up signs in multi-languages at strategic locations (e.g. entrance to nature trails) to notify prohibition on wild flora and fauna collection; • Incorporating information on the prohibition in promotional brochures; • Introducing a permit system to allow collection for scientific and research purposes only with conditions such as requiring the listing of all specimens collected and their quantity, usage of sustainable/ proper collection methods and submission of scientific/ research publications produced. • Nurseries propagating materials collected from the wild should also be subjected to a permit system;

Action Plan : CH-AP24 The Forestry Department should form a Committee on Cameron Highlands Nature Programmes to guide the planning of nature projects and education programmes. The committee’s members could consist of agencies such as DWNP, MDCH, DOE, academic institutions and conservation-based NGOs.

Action Plan : CH-AP25 Equip the two existing Nature Education Centres with facilities to support research on nature conservation in Cameron Highlands, in addition to its function for awareness building through environmental education. This effort could be supported by other members of the committee in CH-AP24. The two existing Nature Education Centres in Cameron Highlands could also provide nature oriented training programmes.

Action Plan : CH-AP26 MOSTE with assistance from Forestry Department and DWNP should conduct scientific studies on montane flora and fauna with an aim of highlighting the richness of the biodiversity in this area. This information could be summarized in tourism brochure to inform potential tourists of the vast natural treasures found in the area.

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Action Plan : CH-AP27 DWNP should review and clarify the status of Cameron Highlands as a protected area and implement measures for reinforcing the current protected area designation (i.e. as wildlife sanctuary and protection forest) afforded to Cameron Highlands. This requires defining clearly the boundaries of the protected area and where appropriate, incorporation of additional areas on the basis of their biodiversity significance and ecological sensitivity.

2.5.6 Administrative

Several administrative measures are required to strengthen the implementation of the action plans listed above.

Action Plan : CH-AP28 The Cameron Highlands Local Plan has to be reviewed on the following sectors: • Land Use proposals within the settlement areas, the density and types of development proposed • Design guidelines, as it has to be consistent and building heights should be restricted to 4 storeys (3 storeys in settlement areas), and the architecture to reflect on the heritage of Cameron Highlands • Development proposals for condominiums and apartments; developments such as service apartments should not be permitted • Assessment on further development activities • The new link between Brinchang and Habu should be reconsidered particularly on the justification for the need of such a link, as the impact on the fragile environment will be detrimental.

Action Plan : CH-AP29 An Environmental Management Unit should be set up within the MDCH to plan, monitor and implement environmental measures and to undertake environmental awareness and education programmes. This is necessary due to the fragile nature of the environment and the varied and complex environmental issues. This environmental unit must be trained on environmental protection and be given sufficient manpower and clout in order carry out their duties effectively. Promulgation of specific by-laws may be necessary to support the environmental unit. Setting up of the EMU will entail MDCH recruiting additional staff, as the current staff-force will not be able to handle the additional tasks. It is proposed at least one professional staff and one technician are engaged at the initial stages. The EMU will also work closely with the sub-committee proposed in CH-AP11. The duties of the EMU includes the following :

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CHAPTER 2: CAMERON HIGHLANDS & LOJING • monitor and be alert to any adverse environmental impacts from development projects • management of environmentally sensitive areas • implement environmental protection policies • undertake continuous environmental awareness programmes to educate the local residents on the importance of environmental conservation • enforcement of all matters outside the ambit of the EQA

Action Plan : CH-AP30 MDCH should prohibit all development, including agriculture, on slopes greater than 250 or in areas where the soil loss is greater than 150 tonnes/ha/year. This is necessary for the prevention of landslides.

Action Plan : CH-AP31 MDCH should develop and support implementation of programmes targeted at local community participation in ensuring sustainable development at Cameron Highlands. This may be in the form of Integrated Community Development Programmes (ICDP) which seek to conserve biodiversity while improving the quality of life of the people whose livelihood depends on those biological resources. The ICDP could include a range of related conservation and development efforts such as community-based natural resource management, community resource conservation and eco-development projects.

Action Plan : CH-AP32 The Cabinet Committee on Highlands and Islands with the assistance of UPEN Pahang and UPEN Kelantan should continuously monitor all development activities at both Cameron Highlands and Lojing.

Action Plan : CH-AP33 EPU should commission a study on the “Impact of AFTA on Vegetable Farming in Cameron Highlands / Lojing”. This is vital because the large amount of uncertainty surrounding the AFTA and the dependence of Cameron Highlands on vegetable farming. Vegetable prices have experienced decline due to imports from Indonesia and Thailand.

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Plate 2-1 Hill cutting for farming at Kuala Terla

Plate 2-2 Siltation in the Sultan Abu Bakar Reservoir at Ringlet

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Plate 2-3 Sg. Berok at Lojing laden with silt

Plate 2-4 Municipal solid waste dump near Tanah Rata

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3 GENTING HIGHLANDS

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3.1 INTRODUCTION

Genting Highlands is the newest hill station to be developed, and since its opening in May 1971, it has developed in to a highly popular and successful holiday resort. Boasting the country’s only casino and supported by an excellent range of recreational facilities and hotels, Genting Highlands has become a major tourist attraction, drawing some 13.4 million holidaymakers in the year 2000. During the “super-peak” periods, daily tourist arrivals reach 100,000.

The hills around the area are sources of several rivers supplying water to Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Pahang, such as tributaries of Sg. Kelang and Sg. Selangor. Extensive development that affects quality of water from these sources will contaminate the water supply at the intake points downstream.

Besides the resort complex, there are also other smaller development contained within the study area such as the Goh Tong Jaya Township and Institut Aminuddin Baki. Figure 3.1 shows the land use of Genting Highlands.

3.2 EXISTING SITUATION

3.2.1 Physical Environment

3.2.1.1 Land Use

Genting Highlands is probably the most successful hill resort in the country. The Genting Group is the dominant player, owning an area of about 3,965 ha, of which 2,952 ha is located in Pahang and the remaining 1,013 ha in Selangor. The whole area has been approved for development with residential component being the major land use. Other landowners include State Government and smaller developers with a total land area of about 1,626 ha. Access to the highland is from Genting Sempah to the hill top which is about 19 km. The Batang Kali - Genting Highland route is an alternative access to the resort.

The total area developed by the Genting Group constitute about 4.5% of the total land bank, with the remaining 95.5% is still forested. Development is concentrated at the 3,000 ft level (Awana resort) and at the 6,000 ft level (Genting Highlands resort).

The Genting resort located at the 6,000ft level is the main hub of activity with developments concentrated on a plateau (27 ha). The facilities include a casino,

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recreational parks, apartments and hotels. A new hotel with 6,300 rooms is under construction.

The development at 3,000 ft level includes Awana Golf and Country Club, Horse Ranch, Bandar Gohtong Jaya, Layang Indah and Sri Noah. Bandar Gohtong Jaya (81 ha), a residential township, includes commercial, apartments, medical and educational facilities whilst Layang Indah and Sri Noah are residential developments. Other activities include Institutions, social facilities, and infrastructure and utility stations. Figure 3.2 shows areas zoned for development.

3.2.1.2 Topography

The geomorphology of Genting Highlands is composed of steep, high mountains with V-shaped valleys and sharp hill tops and ridges. The terrain can be divided into two broad geomorphological units, namely denudation hills located mainly on the Pahang side and combined structural-denudation hills on the Selangor side. The denudation hills are formed from granitic rocks and consist of scarp slopes, V- shaped valleys, sharp hill crests and divides. The drainage can generally be described as a combination of angular and dendritic patterns. The structural- denudation hills are mainly developed on faulted, volcanic and metamorphic rocks and are characterized by steep scarp sloped and foliation/strike ridges especially in the vicinity of the Sg. Gombak area.

Resorts World Berhad’s hotel and theme park complex at the “Hilltop” is 1706 m, and is commonly referred to as the elevation of 6000 ft. Although the hotel complex is located on a summit, it is not the highest point. The highest peak in Genting Highlands is G. Hulu Kali (1772 m), which is about 1 km from the hotel complex and houses a microwave telecommunications station. Bukit Genting Chin Chin is located further northwest of G. Ulu Kali and houses a radar station. The road leading up to Genting Highlands follows the ridge demarcating the border between Pahang and Selangor. The road leading to the summit of Genting Highlands is very steep, as it has to rise from 550 m to 1700 m in a short distance of 19 km, giving an average slope of 6 %. G. Bunga Buah (1430 m) is another major peak in the Genting Highlands vicinity. This peak and the ridge leading up to it have been used as a site for ecological studies. Figure 3.3 shows topography of the study area.

In June 1995, there was a landslide which killed 21 people and injured 23 others. Results of investigation showed that the landslide was due to debris flow following two hours of heavy rain. This major landslide, together with the other landslides reported along the road, is the result of compound effect, of indiscriminate and excessive clearing of the natural vegetation throughout the area. The lack of

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vegetation increases surface runoff and this increases erosion and causes landslides in extreme cases and sedimentation in the rivers.

3.2.1.3 River System and Water Quality

Genting Highlands is drained by Sg Kedondong, Sg Mengkuang, Sg Pencheras and Sg Bunga Buah on the west; Sg Berdah, Sg Bertam Lumut and Sg Serung Lima on the south and Sg Perting on the north (Figure 3.4). Sg Pencheras and Sg Mengkuang are tributaries of Sg Batang Kali which forms part of the Sg Selangor river basin.

The Sg Selangor basin is approximately 70 km and 30km wide, stretching from the slopes of Fraser’s Hill in the north eastern region of Selangor to the coast. The general flow of Sg Selangor is south westerly, traversing a total distance of about 110km before discharging into the Straits of Malacca at Kuala Selangor.

Sg Berdah and Sg Bertam Lumut join Sg Tanglir and later Sg Benus before merging with Sg Pahang. Sg Perting originates from the main range north of Genting Highlands and has a catchment area of 45.6km2. There is an intake point at Sg Perting which supplies water to Bentong. Sg Perting joins Sg Chamang and drains into Sg Bentong before merging with Sg Pahang.

The water quality along Sg Benus was found to be generally good from 1996 to 1999 with most of the parameters within the Class II of the National Water Quality Standards. The main pollutant was found to be the total suspended solid (TSS). The concentration of TSS increased drastically in 1997 to 217 mg/l from 59 mg/l in 1996. The main source of TSS is from the land clearing activities. In Sg Perting, the scenario is the same, TSS being the main cause of river pollution. According to the Bentong’s Water Supply Department’s Engineer, the siltation is caused by land clearing activities in Genting Highlands. The siltation also caused Perting dam to collapse.

There are four monitoring stations along Sg Selangor, two stations located upstream and two along the downstream reaches. The most upstream station (nearest to the proposed Sg Selangor dam site) recorded a Class II water quality from 1992 to 1997. The water quality improved to Class I in 1998 but reverted back to Class II in 1999. The other station located upstream showed significant fluctuations; a Class II category was recorded for the period between 1992 and 1996, deteriorating to Class III in 1997, improved to Class I quality in 1998 and reverted to Class II in 1999. As for the downstream stations, the trends generally indicate poorer water quality with high concentration of COD and TSS. This is attributed to cumulative input of pollutants from upper and downstream reaches.

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The main sources of pollution downstream are caused by surface runoff from agricultural land and industrial effluents.

3.2.2 Biological Environment

3.2.2.1 Natural Ecosystem and Habitats

The predominant natural ecosystem within and around Genting Highlands is forests. Taking the area of Genting Highlands stretching between Genting Sempah at 620 m altitude and the summit of G. Ulu Kali (1,722 m), the following range of forest types can be identified: (a) HDF between 300 to 750 m elevation such as the forest areas around Genting Sempah; (b) UDF between 750 to 1,200 m elevation such as the forest areas around the Awana area and Goh Tong Jaya township; (c) LMF between 1,200 to 1,500 m elevation such as the forest areas surrounding the G. Bunga Buah ridge; (d) UMF above 1,500 m elevation such as on the summit area of G. Ulu Kali (Stone, 1981) and Bt. Genting Chin Chin.

3,785 ha (95.5%) of the 3,965 ha of land belonging to Genting Group is still under forest cover, comprising mostly virgin forest (Resorts World Bhd., Col (Rtd). Dato’ Cheng Wah, pers. comm., April 2001). The Genting Master Zoning Development Plan, formulated as early as 1976 delineated about 3,237 ha of land in the Genting Group concession for residential development and some areas for commercial, educational institutions and tourist resort facilities leaving only about 5% of the total area under forest (Ahmad, 1985).

There are three forest reserves that lie adjacent and around the boundary of Genting Highlands namely Bt. Tinggi FR (in Pahang), and Batang Kali and Ulu Gombak FRs (in Selangor). (Table 3.1)

Table 3.1: Forest Reserves adjoining Genting Highlands Name of Forest Area (ha) Forest type Significant features Reserve (FR) Bt. Tinggi FR 16,414 LDF, HDF, Rich in fauna and flora; important Montane water catchment Batang Kali FR 8,482 LDF, HDF Important water catchment Ulu Gombak FR 19,984 LDF, HDF Important for soil protection Source: EPU (1991); Forestry Department Peninsular Malaysia Note: LDF lowland dipterocarp forest HDF hill dipterocarp forest NA information not available

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3.2.2.2 Present Status of the Natural Habitats

A majority of the forest areas in Genting Highlands fall within the Genting Group concession on a freehold lease. Some forest areas occur in smaller parcels of land owned by third parties comprising largely private corporations who bought over the land from Genting Group, possibly on lease hold basis. Surrounding forest areas adjoining the boundary of Genting Highlands on both the Selangor and Pahang sides have largely been gazetted as forest reserves.

3.2.2.3 Prime Conservation Areas

The ridge and summit areas of G. Bunga Buah and G. Ulu Kali have been identified as having outstanding potential for flora conservation (Stone, 1981 & 1982; Jones, 1985; Kumari, 1989; Ishak & Kumari, 1989). The G. Bunga Buah ridge lies under the Genting Group concession. It is entirely in Selangor and is between 1,000 and 1,400 m in altitude. Accessibility to G. Bunga Buah is by the old Genting road extending from Genting Sempah to G. Ulu Kali built in the late 1960s. With development becoming concentrated around the land below the G. Ulu Kali peak, a new, more direct access road was constructed. The G. Bunga Buah stretch was left intact and isolated when the new access road was completed in 1978. The natural vegetation in this area is UDF, giving way to LMF in the higher parts of the ridge (Kumari, 1989). The ridge and summit area harbours a very interesting flora which forms remarkable and rich vegetation. Trees found in the UDF include those belonging to the genus Eugenia (kelat), Shorea (meranti) and Canarium (kedondong) (Kumari, 1989). Trees of the oak (Fagaceae) and laurel (Lauraceae) families are common. Rhododendrons, terrestrial and epiphytic orchids, ginger, palms and ferns are also present. Stone (1982) estimated at least 500 plant species in G. Bunga Buah.

The G. Ulu Kali forest lies on the mountain ridge forming the Selangor-Pahang boundary growing on very steep slopes and ravines with gradients of more than 45 degrees (Ishak & Kumari, 1989). G. Ulu Kali is the southernmost highest mountain in the Main Range with its peak at 1,772 m which forms the apex of Genting Highlands (Stone, 1981). Up until 1967 when the roadwork linking Genting Sempah with the peak of G. Ulu Kali commenced, the entire area of the G. Ulu Kali ridge and summit was still virgin forest. Over the years, there have been drastic changes to the original landscape of the G. Ulu Kali area and its immediate vicinity. The lower slopes of G. Ulu Kali especially, have undergone the most rapid development and hence, the loss of forested areas (Chua & Saw, 2001). On the other hand, road access to the G. Ulu Kali forest has allowed excursions to be carried out by

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botanists, some involving intensive botanical studies resulting in a better understanding of the vegetation of this region (Jones, 1985).

The flora of the summit region of G. Ulu Kali represents a particular example of the UMF and Elfin Forest (Stone, 1981) which is very sparsely distributed in Peninsular Malaysia and are valuable for scientific and aesthetic reasons (Jones, 1985). By 1985, it was estimated that the flora of the area includes over 460 species with 90 families of flowering and non-flowering seed plants, and over 100 species in 23 families of fern and fern allies (Jones, 1985). This estimate revealed 28 species of flowering plants are exclusive (i.e. endemic) to the forest of G. Ulu Kali, of which three are extremely rare (Jones, 1985). Some of these 28 endemic species represent economically important families such as orchid, ginger, mangosteen, ginseng and cinnamon families (Jones, 1985).

Chua & Saw (2001) reported interesting results of a reassessment of the summit flora of G. Ulu Kali conducted in 1997 to determine floristic diversity changes in comparison with that enumerated 25 years ago. The results showed ubiquitous component of the tropical UMF namely the ferns and bryophytes are now less conspicuous. In fact, the lack in abundance and diversity of terrestrial and epiphytic bryophytes and pteridophytes on the summit area is so apparent now that this is noticeable simply through visual comparisons between Ulu Kali and other undisturbed montane forest areas around Genting Highlands. The researchers believe changes in species composition are clear indication of immense environmental changes in G. Ulu Kali. However, they are unable to conclusively determine the actual loss, recruitment or persistence of species. Chua & Saw (2001) also acknowledged that while physical changes arising from forest fragmentation may have some negative influences on the populations of certain plant species, others still have the ability to continue to grow and reproduce.

3.2.2.4 Flora Profile

Species Richness The checklist by Perumal & Lo (2000) revealed a total of 505 highland plant species in Genting Highlands with more than half of this (314 species or 62.2%) comprising Dicotyledons (Table 3.2). By comparison, 16.6% of the total highland plant species of Peninsular Malaysia can be found in Genting Highlands. This is a significant contribution in the Peninsular Malaysia context considering that this proportion is entirely from a single hill station.

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Table 3.2: Species Richness of the Genting Highlands Flora in Comparison with the Total Highland Plant Species of Peninsular Malaysia

Plant group Genting Highlands Total in Peninsular Malaysia Ferns and Fern Allies 58 (11.5%) / (16.8%) 346 Gymnosperms 2 (0.4%) / (11.8%) 17 Monocotyledons 131 (25.9%) / (16.1%) 816 Dicotyledons 314 (62.2%) / (16.8%) 1,871 TOTAL 505 (100%) / (16.6%) 3,050 Source: Perumal & Lo (2000)

Endemism, Rarity and Highlands Specialist The number of endemic species totaled 107 species, which represents 21.2% of the total highland plant species recorded in Genting Highlands (Table 3.3). Four species are from the group Fern and Fern Allies, 28 species of Monocotyledon and 75 species of Dicotyledon. Orchids contribute the highest number of endemic species, which is a similar trend shown in Cameron Highlands.

32 species or 6.3% of the total highland plant species recorded in Genting Highlands are rare. 90.6% of the rare species belong to the group Dicotyledon. The group Fern and Fern Allies, and Monocotyledon each recorded 1 and 2 rare species respectively. There are 11 species that are endemic as well as rare in Genting Highlands, and all of them belong to the group Dicotyledons.

Table 3.3: Endemism and Rarity among Plant Species Found in Genting Highlands

Plant group Number of Number of rare Number of endemic endemic species species and rare species Ferns & Fern 4 (3.7%) 1 (3.1%) 0 (0%) Allies Gymnosperm 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) Monocotyledon 28 (26.2%) 2 (6.3%) 0 (0%) Dicotyledon 75 (70.1%) 29 (90.6%) 11 (100%) Total 107 (100%) 32 (100%) 11 (100%) Source: Perumal & Lo (2000)

55.6% of the Genting Highlands flora consists of species that exclusively inhabit only the highlands (Table 3.4). The highest number of highland specialist species is

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from the group Dicotyledon. Ferns and Fern Allies, and Monocotyledon each have 48 and 89 species of highland specialists each. There is only one species of Gymnosperm that is known to be a strictly highland species.

Table 3.4: Flora Species in Genting Highlands According to Specialization

Plant group Number of species A B Total Ferns and Fern Allies 48 (81.4%) 10 58 Gymnosperms 1(50%) 1 2 Monocotyledons 89 (67.9%) 42 131 Dicotyledons 143 (45.5%) 171 314 TOTAL 281 (55.6%) 224 505 (100%) Source: Perumal & Lo (2000) Note: A: highland specialist B: species occurring in both highlands and lowlands

Conservation Status Only one species of ferns (Ctenopteris malayana) is included in the 1997 IUCN Red List. This species is categorized as endangered suggesting that it is immediate danger of extinction. Three species of palms of the group Monocotyledon are in the IUCN Red List, all of which are vulnerable. These species are classified as such because they are subjected to threats in the form of over-exploitation, extensive habitat destruction and other severe adverse factors. A total of 13 Dicotyledon species are included in the IUCN and WCMC lists under different degrees of threats.

Table 3.5: Threatened and CITES-listed Flora Species in Genting Highlands

Plant group Number of species CITES IUCN List WCMC List Appendices E V R I ENB VUD LRcd LRnt I II III Ferns and 1 ------Fern Allies Gymnosperm ------Monocotyledon 3 ------Dicotyledon - 4 1 1 1 2 3 1 - - - Note: E: Endangered V: Vulnerable R: Rare I: Indeterminate ENB: Endangered (criterion B) VUD: Vulnerable (criterion D) LRcd: Lower Risk: conservation dependent LRnt: Lower Risk: near threatened

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3.2.2 Fauna The fauna profile of Genting Highlands was established via a thorough literature review of published information. Primary sources of information were the Malayan Nature Journal (published by the Malaysian Nature Society), the Journal of Wildlife and Parks (published by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks, Peninsular Malaysia) and various vertebrate field and non-field guide books. Similar to Cameron Highlands, the bird checklist relied on the publication “A field guide to the birds of West Malaysia and Singapore” by Jeyarajasingam and Pearson (1999) as the primary source of information. In addition to this, the checklist of birds sighted between 1978-1981 by Stuebing (1982b) was used. The mammal checklist was compiled from “The wild mammals of Malaya and offshore islands including Singapore” by Medway (1969). This has been the standard reference for the mammalian fauna of Peninsular Malaysia. This was supplemented by information from Stuebing (1982a) in his paper on the possibility of Gunung Bunga Buah as a wildlife sanctuary/recreational area. The reptile checklist was gleaned from “Snakes of Malaya” by Tweedie (1983) was supplemented by information from Stuebing (1982a). Information on turtles was extracted from Sharma and Sharma (2000). The amphibian checklist was compiled using “The amphibian fauna of Peninsular Malaysia” by Berry (1975). Although this publication is somewhat outdated, there is no recent authoritative publication on the subject. The work of Sly (1976), that provided new locality records for amphibians, reptiles and mammals (still an outdated publication) was used to supplement information gaps. More recent publications by Cox et al. (1998) and Chan-ard et al. (1999) on the reptiles and amphibians of Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia was referred to for new data on distribution and natural history information. Both these publications serve more as field guides but nevertheless provide information on natural history that is relevant to this study.

Species Richness

To date, the forested habitats of Genting Highlands have been noted to support some 42 mammal, 134 bird, 18 reptile and 18 amphibian species. In relation to the total number of faunal species, Genting Highlands has 19.5%, 20.7%, 8.4% and 20.5% of total known Peninsular Malaysian mammal, bird, reptile and amphibian species respectively. In comparison to the total highland faunal species found in Peninsular Malaysia, Genting Highlands has 50.6% of known highland mammal species, 50% of bird, 34.6% of reptile and 60% of the amphibian species.

Level of species endemism

No mammals or amphibians endemic to Peninsular Malaysia occur at Genting Highlands. However, three bird species and one snake species endemic to

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Peninsular Malaysia can be found on this hill station. Coincidently, these three bird species are the only endemic bird species found in Peninsular Malaysia and they are all restricted to the highland habitats (Jeyarajasingam, 1999). They are Polyplectron inopinatum (Mountain peacock pheasant), Myiophoneus robinsoni (Malayan whistling thrush) and Arborophila campbelli (Malaysian hill-patridge). Similarly, the Peninsular Malaysia endemic snake Macrocalamus lateralis (Malayan mountain reed snake) that is found on Genting Highlands, is also limited to the mountains (Tweedie, 1983).

Endangered species (2000 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species)

In Genting Highlands, two mammal species Capricornis sumatrensis (Serow) and Panthera tigris corbetti (Indochinese tiger) are listed as “Endangered” in IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN, 2000).

Rare or strictly montane species

The forests of Genting Highlands house one rare species i.e. the Single finger Larut skink (Lygosoma miodactylum) and one strictly montane species i.e. the Pygmy grey fruit bat (Aetholops alecto) amongst the diverse vertebrate species that occur on this hill station.

Conservation status of species: 2000 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Amongst the various mammals occurring at Genting Highlands, two species are categorised as Endangered (see previous section), one as Vulnerable (Malayan porcupine, Hystrix brachyura) and two as Lower Risk – near threatened i.e. Hylobates lar (White-handed gibbon) and Aetholops alecto (Pygmy grey fruit bat)(Table 3.6).

Amongst the Genting Highlands avian fauna, two species are categorised as “Vulnerable” (Polyplectron inopinatum, Mountain Peacock Pheasant and Myiophoneus robinsoni, Malayan Whistling Thrush) and 11 species as “Lower Risk – near threatened” (Table 3.6).

Table 3.6: Conservation status of vertebrate fauna of Genting Highlands according to IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN, 2000)

Category Mammals Birds Total Endangered 2 0 2 Vulnerable 1 2 3 Lower Risk – near threatened 2 11 13

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Conservation status of species: Protection of Wild Life Act, 1972

Of the total vertebrate fauna of Genting Highlands, 13 mammal and 131 bird species are listed as Totally Protected under the Protection of Wild Life Act, 1972 (Table 3.7). Likewise, five mammal, three bird and one reptile species that occur at Genting Highlands are listed as ‘Protected’ according to the PWA, 1972.

Table 3.7: Vertebrate fauna of Genting Highlands accorded protection under the Protection of Wild Life Act, 1972

Status Mammals Birds Reptiles Total Totally Protected 13 131 0 144 Protected 5 3 1 9

The “Totally Protected” mammal species according to the PWA, 1972, are:

1. Capricornis sumatrensis (Serow) 2. Tapirus indicus (Malayan tapir) 3. Cynocephalus variegatus (Colugo / flying lemur) 4. Prionailurus bengalensis (Leopard cat) 5. Panthera pardus (Leopard) 6. Panthera tigris corbetti (Indochinese tiger) 7. Martes flavigula (Yellow-throated marten) 8. Paguma larvata (Masked palm civet) 9. Petaurista elegans (Spotted giant flying squirrel) 10. Ratufa affinis (Giant squirrel) 11. Hylobates lar (White-handed gibbon) 12. Hylobates syndactylus (Siamang) 13. Helarctos malayanus (Malayan sunbear)

The “Protected” mammal species according to the PWA, 1972, are:

1. Presbytis melalophos (Banded leaf monkey) 2. Hystrix brachyura (Malayan porcupine) 3. Sus scrofa (Wild boar) 4. Tragulus javanicus (Lesser mouse deer) 5. Paradoxurus hermaphroditus (Common palm civet)

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The “Protected” bird species of Genting Highlands as listed in the PWA, 1972, are:

1. Macropygia ruficeps (Little cuckoo dove) 2. Treron sphenura (Wedge-tailed pigeon) 3. Treron curvirostra (Lesser thick-billed pigeon)

The only reptile species occurring at Genting Highlands that is “Protected” under the PWA, 1972 is Python reticulatus (Reticulated python).

3.2.3 Socio-Economic Environment

3.2.3.1 Population

Existing Population

The Genting Highlands’ population has increased from 3,950 in 1991 to 5,109 in 2000 with AAGR of 2.9 percent (Table 3.7a). The number of male was 2,427 and the number of female was 1,520 in 1991. The number of household was 1,243 in 1991.

Table 3.7a: Population Profiles of Genting Highlands, 1991 - 2000 Year AAGR Area 1991 2000 1991-2000 Genting Highlands 3,950 5,109 2.90 Source: i. Special Request, Department of Statistics, Malaysia, (2000) iii. Consultant's Estimate Note: AAGR = Average Annual Growth Rate

Genting Highlands cannot be disassociated with other coming up hill resorts such as Janda Baik and Bukit Tinggi. The population in Bukit Tinggi in 2000 decreased to 1,264 compared to 1,370 in 1991 with AAGR of -0.89 percent. The declining growth in population in 1991 - 2000 period could be due to the changing pattern in the family structure from extended family to nucleus family. Another possible factor could be the migration of younger generation to other areas such as Kuala Lumpur and Bentong to seek better employment opportunities. The population in Janda Baik is estimated to be around 1,000.

Employment

Resort World Berhad recruited about 8,183 workers in 1996 and the number increased to 8,481 workers in 1999. It is estimated that in the year 2000 there were

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about 10,500 workers which included 12 orang asli as their contract workers. These orang asli come from the Gombak and Batang Kali areas. Table 3.8 shows the employees distribution in 1996 - 2000 period. It is apparent that, judging by the number of workers and the resident population, a large number of workers are commuting to their workplace. Information on the number of workers outside the Resort Worlds Berhad is not available.

Table 3.8: Number of Employees, Resorts World Berhad, 1996 – 1999

Year Total 1996 8,183 1997 8,210 1998 9,044 1999 8,481 2000 10,500i Source: Resort Worlds Berhad, 2001 Note: i. estimate given by Resort Worlds Berhad

The newly built First World hotel with 6,300 rooms will definitely increase the number of workers. The 3,200 seating capacity of the convention hall which will be completed in 2001 and be the largest pillarless hall in the country will also employ more workers. The newly constructed theme park and shopping boulevard, which will be the largest theme park in Malaysia, will also be recruiting new workers.

Projected Population

The projected population of Genting Highlands is shown in Table 3.9. Assuming that the population growth follows the national and state pattern, it is projected that, the Genting Highlands population will increase to 7,619 in 2020 with AAGR of 2.66 percent in 2000 - 2020 period, compared to 5,865 in 2005, 6,701 in 2010 and 7,619 in 2015.

Table 3.9: Projected Population of Genting Highlands, 2000 – 2020 Year AAGR Area 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2000-2020 Genting 5,109 5,865 6,701 7,619 8,641 2.66 Highlands Source: i. Special Request, Department of Statistics, 2000 (a) Consultant's Estimate Note: It is assumed that the growth rate will continue to drop in 2000 - 2020 based on previous years growth pattern. It is assumed that the AAGR for 2000-2010 period will be at 2.75 percent and the AAGR for 2010 - 2020 period will further drop to 2.57 percent

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Settlements

The main settlement is Gohtong Jaya. Beside Gohtong Jaya, there are also condominiums and apartments with 320 units in Awana Condominium, 192 units on the Pahang side and 236 units on the Selangor side for the Ria Apartment and 82 units in Kayangan Apartment.

3.2.3.2 Local Economy

The major socio-economic activities in Genting Highlands are well defined with the establishment of entertainment and recreational related facilities, casino, hotels and accommodation modes that support and complement the tourism industry. The commercial sector is mushrooming due to the spillover of tourism industry. Other activities include ginger farming and education centres.

Genting Highlands, in the mountains of G. Ulu Kali, is Malaysia’s most modern and intensively developed hill resort. Essentially the tourism attractions are concentrated at Awana (3,000 feet level) and the Hilltop area (6,000 feet level) and this hill station is well positioned as the “…City of Entertainment…”.

At Awana there is the Horse Ranch with stables for 70 horses, which offers equestrian sports, carnival rides for children and lessons for beginners, the 18-hole international class Awana Golf and Country Club, a Plant Nursery and Genting Skyway Station.

Accessibility to the hilltop is provided by the Genting Skyway – the world’s fastest mono cable car system. The cable car capacity is 2,400 passengers per hour. In 2000 more than 6 million passengers used the cable car.

Attractions include the Casino de Genting, the largest casino in the region which offers an extensive range of international gaming. The Theme Park built at a cost of over RM 100 million, includes both outdoor and indoor sections. The Theme Park provides numerous rides on roller coasters, antique cars, monorail, go-karts, boats, mini trains, and there are games, video games, kiddy rides, a 2-screen cineplex, 30-lane Genting Bowl centre and a new 45,000 sq ft shopping centre. The Genting Theme Park is the largest in Malaysia. The Genting Theatre Restaurant provides international cabaret featuring world renowned artists and there are numerous restaurants, cafés, food courts and fast food outlets for visitors.

Genting is also a MICE destination and the Genting International Convention Centre (GICC) has a total area space of 106,000 sq ft; it comprises the Grand

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Ballroom with seating for 3,200, convention halls, ten meeting rooms, a pre-function area and state-of-the-art business centre. Together with other convention facilities at Genting Hotel, Resort Hotel and Awana Genting Highlands, the GICC is among the largest MICE centres in Malaysia.

The major tourist attractions in this hill station are illustrated in Figure 3.5.

(a) Tourist Arrivals in Genting Highlands

Tourists

Tourist arrivals have shown an impressive rate of increase from 761,884 in 1992 to 1,918,678 in 2000; an annual average growth rate of 9.68%.(Table 3.10). A high proportion of tourists to this hill resort are domestic tourists. In 1999, they totalled 1,489,740 or 78.9%. However, Genting Highlands, in that year managed to attract over 398,400 foreign tourists (21.1% of the total) with major origin markets being Singapore (15.9%), Thailand (1.7%), Hong Kong, Indonesia, Taiwan and Brunei. In 2000 domestic tourists totalled 1,051,374 (54.8%) whilst foreign tourists amounted to 867,304 (45.2%).

Table 3.10 : Tourist Arrivals in Genting Highlands (1990-2000)

AAGR 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 (%)

761,884 768,287 934,314 1,134,327 1,288,562 1,402,131 1,592,555 1,676,534 1,846,350 1,888,159 1,918,678 10.61

Excursionists

According to Resorts World Bhd, there were a total of 13.4 million visitors to Genting Highlands which, after subtraction of the tourist arrivals, indicates that some 11.48 million excursionists visited this hill station in this year. On the average, this hill station attracts some 37,000 visitors – tourists and excursionists – per day.

Whilst the majority of day visitors could be expected to be local visitors, this Resort operates bus services from KLIA and may thus attract some day visitors from among foreign visitors.

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Table 3.11 : Distribution Of Tourists By Country Of Origin, 2000

Country Tourist Arrival % International Singapore 457,558 23.85 Taiwan 83,466 4.35 Hong Kong 60,201 3.14 Thailand 36,892 1.92 Indonesia 32,465 1.69 Japan 5,046 0.26 Brunei 1,811 0.09 Korea 1,731 0.09 U.S. America 1,239 0.06 United Kingdom 964 0.05 Australia 815 0.04 Others 185,116 9.65 Total 867,304 45.20 Domestic Malaysia 1,051,374 54.80 GRAND TOTAL 1,918,678 100.00

(b) Purpose of Visit

Nationally, around 66% of tourists could be regarded as comprising leisure tourists (holiday and visiting friends and relatives), around 10% are business tourists (business and conferences) whilst transit and others are further categories.

There is no disaggregated data on purpose of visit to this hill resort but the two dominant categories are expected to be leisure and business. The MTPB Departing Visitors Survey in 1998 revealed, for instance, that leisure and business accounted for the main purposes of 73% for visitors from Brunei, 81% for China, 82% for Hong Kong, 91% for Japan, 90% for Australia and 92% for UK. Singapore was the main exception, since only 51% claimed leisure and business, were the main purpose of their visit; visiting friends and relatives represented 40%.

(c) Average Length of Stay

Average length of stay (ALS) is an indicator of the ability of a destination to maintain visitor interest. In Malaysia the ALS of tourists has shown a commendable increase

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from 4.8 days (1995), 5.4 days (1996), 5.3 days (1997), 5.5 days (1998) and 5.5 days (1999). Tourists often visit multiple destinations during their stay in Malaysia and there are generally significant variations between long haul tourists and short- haul tourists, which the former normally having a longer ALS. In 1998 the ALS of visitors from India, Netherlands, Sweden, and UK were 12.0, 10.4, 9.8 and 9.3 days respectively whilst the ALS of Singaporean’s was only 2.7 days.

Table 3.12 shows the ALS for Genting Highlands declined from 3.2 days in 1992 to 2 days in 2000. This is still markedly higher than for other hill resorts such as Fraser’s Hill and Cameron Highlands and some other major tourist destinations.

Table 3.12 : Average Length of Stay for Genting Highlands (1992-1999)

Destination 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000

Genting Highlands 3.20 3.30 3.38 3.10 2.90 3.50 3.35 2.00 1.99

(d) Hotels and Infrastructure

Data on the stock of the registered hotels in Genting Highlands in 2000 is presented in Table 3.13. There are eight hotels with a total of 4,011 rooms. These ranged in size from the Highland Hotel (849 rooms) to the Seri Malaysia Genting Highlands, a budget hotel with 124 rooms. In terms of rating there is the 5-star Genting Hotel, three 4-star hotels, viz., the Highland Hotel, Resort World and the Awana Golf and Country Resort and two 3 star establishments, viz., the Genting View Resort and Theme Park Hotel.

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Table 3.13 : Licensed Hotels in the Genting Highlands, 2000

Name of Hotel No. of Rooms No. of Stars

¾ Genting Hotel, Genting Highlands 694 5* Resort, Genting Highlands ¾ Awana Golf & Country Resort, 8 th Mile 497 4* Genting Highlands, Genting Highlands ¾ Highland Hotel, Resort World Bhd, 849 4* Genting Highlands ¾ Resort Hotel, Resort World Bhd, Genting 836 4* Highlands ¾ Genting View Resort, KM 10, Genting 386 3* Highlands Resort, Genting Highlands ¾ Theme Park Hotel, Resort World Bhd, 445 3* Genting Highlands ¾ Seri Malaysia Genting Highlands, 11 124 Block 2, Jalan Jati, Goh Tong Jaya, Genting Highlands ¾ Villa Genting Resort (Amber Court) 180

Total 4,011 Source : MTPB, Malaysia Accommodation Directory 1998/1999

The Awana Golf and Country Resort has been identified as an example of excellent resort condominium style development and use, where privately-owned units are placed in a rental pool and the design blends attractively with the landscape. (Malaysia Tourism Policy Study, MOCAT, 1992).

Currently, First World Hotel – which will be the largest hotel in the world as measured by number of rooms – is being constructed. 1,000 rooms are already in operation and by the end of 2001, 3,300 rooms (out of a projected total of 6,300) are expected to be in operation. The development of Tower Two (3,000 rooms) will depend on market demand. The new hotel complex comprises two tower blocks, a covered theme park (3.2 ha) and a convention hall, which will be the largest of its type in Malaysia, with a seating capacity of 3,200. The total built-up area is 5,030,000 ft2. The First World Hotel has some 32 check-in counters, a coffee house with seating for 1,400, a rainforest and garden theme lobby and a car park with 3,300 bays.

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Accessibility to Genting Highlands is excellent. It is only 51 km northeast of Kuala Lumpur. There are the Genting Express bus services – 24 services to and from at ½ hour intervals – from/to Puduraya – Genting Skyway Lower Station. The fare for the combined Express bus and Skyway ticket is RM 5.30 (adult) and RM 4.20 (child) and for the express bus only it is RM 2.30. Cable car tickets can also be purchased separately at the Genting Skyway Lower Station.

There are an average 6,300 cars per day to this hill station and an average of 133 buses per day. With the opening of the Genting Skyway Station all buses have to stop at the Lower Skyway Station between the hours of 9 am. - 11pm. Passengers proceed to the hilltop by the Cable Car.

(e) Hotel Guests and Guest Nights

The total number of hotel guests in Genting Highlands during 1998 was over 1.591 million and this rose to 1.64 million the following year and 1.7 million in 2000. In 1999 domestic guests totalled 787,378 whilst foreign guests amounted to 852,921.Guest nights these totalled over 2.4 million in 1998 but declined marginally to 2.34 million in 1999. Guest nights totalled over 2.4 million in 1998 declined marginally to 2.34 million in 1999 but rose to 2.549 million in the year 2000.

It is evident that this hill station is an important accommodation base, reflecting its ability to attract both domestic and foreign tourists, and accounts for around a 8% share of the total national hotel guests. (Table 3.14). It also appears to have successfully developed accommodation modes that appeal to the mid-market resort oriented tourists which, as noted by Malaysia Tourism Policy Study (MOCAT, 1992), comprise a significant proportion of the market demand.

Table 3.14 : Distribution of Hotel Guests and Hotel Guest Nights, Genting Highlands, 1998, 1999 and 2000

Total Domestic Total Foreigners Grand Total % Share of National Year Guest Guest Guest Total Guests Guests Guests Nights Nights Nights Guests

1998 842,861 1,284,087 749,063 1,131,001 1,591,924 2,415,088 9.15

1999 787,378 1,115,692 852,921 1,230,897 1,640,299 2,346,589 8.58

2000 804,793 1,200,523 897,400 1,348,478 1,702,193 2,549,001 7.41 Source: MTPB

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It should be added that the Genting Group utilises Information Communication Technology (ICT) well in order to encourage visitation. It maintains a leisure and hospitality portal, www.genting.com, which has over 26,000 on line members and is one of the most visited travel portals in Malaysia.

(f) Average Occupancy Rate (AOR)

For Malaysia as a whole, average occupancy rates (AOR) of hotels steadily nationally increased to an estimated 54.3% for the period January to September 2000.declined from 65.9% (1995) to 49.9% (1998), and 50.6% (1999) but occupancy

Genting Highlands has a consistently high AOR. The AOR in Genting Highlands in 1997 was 81%, rose to 83.5% in 1998, totalled 83.6% in 1999, and was estimated at 84.3% for 2000. In that year, the pan-Malaysian AOR was 54.3%, Langkawi (58%), Kuantan (53.1%), Taman Negara (63.1%), Port Dickson (44.1%), Tioman Island (46.8%), Kuala Lumpur (60.1%), Penang (60.3%), Johor Bahru (57.1%), Ipoh (54.0%) and Petaling Jaya (85.9%). In the case of Petaling Jaya this destination showed an unusually high 29.7% increase from its 1999 level AOR of 56.2%. In 1998 Genting’ s AOR of 83.5% was the highest in the country.

It may thus be deduced that Genting Highlands has by national standards an exceptionally high AOR and this reflects the vigorous promotional efforts undertaken and the ability of the main developer to develop affordable accommodation modalities in line with customer preferences and needs. Rooms in the first phase of the First World Hotel are marketed at a special budget rate of RM 50 per night – considerably lower than budget hotels such as Hotel Seri Malaysia – and were achieving a AOR in excess of 70% even shortly after opening.

3.2.4 Infrastructure & Utilities

3.2.4.1 Water Supply

The main source of water supply in Genting Highlands comes from Sg Berdah and Sg Bertam Lumut. There are two water treatment plants here with a total capacity of 17.0 MLD. There are five water intake stations located along Sg Pencheras and Sg Mengkuang which abstract water to these treatment plants. The maximum yield of water for Genting Highlands was calculated to be 37.9 MLD and any additional projected demand must be obtained from lowland areas. Due to water constraint, Resorts World Berhad has implemented strategies to reduce water consumption.

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This includes removing the bathtubs and installing dual flush system in the First World Hotel.

3.2.4.2 Sewerage System

There is a very good sewage treatment system at Genting Highlands. A new RM 50 million sewage treatment plant to cater for all the facilities on the hilltop has recently been commissioned and will replace the four existing individual sewage treatment plants at the hilltop. The design total population equivalent of Resorts World Bhd’s sewage treatment plants is 133,000.

Other developments in the Genting Highlands, such as Institut Aminuddin Baki and Genting View Resort, have their own sewage treatment facilities. Older developments such as bungalows have septic tanks.

The parts of Genting Highlands within the catchment of Sg. Bentung and Sg. Bertam Lumut in Pahang which are water supply sources that serve Genting Highlands itself and also part of Bentung district. Thus sewage effluents discharged from sewage treatment plants in Genting Highlands are required to meet Standard A of the Environmental Quality (Sewage and Industrial Effluents) Regulations 1979.

3.2.4.3 Solid Waste Management

Resorts World Berhad has six incinerators to manage all solid waste. Four incinerators are located at the hill top whereas the other two are located at mid way near Gohtong Jaya (Plate 3-1). Approximately RM 19 million was spent in setting up these incinerators and the operating cost is about RM 3 million per year. The total waste generation at Genting Highlands is about 80 tonnes/day. The composition of the solid waste is shown in Table 3.16.

Table 3.16 : Composition of the solid waste

Types Composition Disposal method Organic waste 50% Composting Aluminium 6% Recycling Paper 14% Plastic/cloth 30% Incinerated Total 100%

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Resorts World has introduced a new method for its solid waste management involving recycling, incinerating and composting. This is still in the research stage and is being funded by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment. This method will separate and pulverize the solid waste into 50% organic and 50% inorganic. The organic materials undergo composting where 10 tonnes of material is reduced to 2 tonnes of fertilizers. The fertilizer is used in the golf course and the organic farming.

3.2.4.4 Road & Transportation System

Access to Genting Highlands is via a 19 km road from Genting Sempah or via Batang Kali. The road has been recently upgraded to a two lane dual carriageway from Genting Sempah to Gohtong Jaya located about midway up the summit. The rest of the way will be upgraded to a similar capacity by the end of 2001.

The ease of vehicular access to the hill has resulted in most tourists driving up to the summit and causing traffic congestion there. This situation is worsened during the holiday season with cars from as far as Singapore joining in the rush. The final few kilometers up near the summit is very steep, often causing traffic jams during peak times.

Another means of access to the summit is the cable car, known as the “Skyway”. The Skyway has a capacity of 2400 passengers per hour and visitors can park their car in a multi-storey carpark at the Lower Skyway station located at the 3000 ft level. All buses to Genting Highlands (between 9 am to 11 pm) now terminate here, and the passengers continue their journey on the Skyway.

Resorts World Berhad spends approximately RM 6 million for road maintenance per year. Maintenance includes daily inspection by the road maintenance personnel, 24 hours security patrol and upgrading of these roads. The Genting access road is also equipped with sufficient streetlights.

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3.3 STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES, OPPORTUNITIES & THREATS

3.3.1 Strengths

(a) Single Major Developer

A major strength of Genting Highlands is that much of the land is owned and developed by one company, the Genting Group. This company has, in a way, taken ownership of the Hill Station which bears its name has so far created a well-planned development.

(b) Proximity to Kuala Lumpur and Good Access

The hill resort, only 51km north-east of Kuala Lumpur, with outstanding road connections, enjoys the best accessibility of any of the country’s hill resorts. The road from Kuala Lumpur to Genting Sempah which is part of the Kuala Lumpur - Karak highway is good and well-maintained, making an ease for travellers from the nation’s capital.

The access to Genting from Genting Sempah to the hilltop is via a well-maintained and two-lane dual carriageway road. The road and transport system has been designed to cater to the large number of vehicles ascending to Genting Highlands (average 6,300 car/day, 133 buses/day). The bus service from other major towns to this place is also plentiful and frequent.

“The Skyway”, which is the cable car service from midhill to the summit, serves as an added convenience for access to Genting Highlands resort.

(c) Land Use Management

The total developable area at Genting is around 10% of the total area. This is due to the rugged hill terrain and lack of water source which has limited the opportunities for development. These two factors have led to concentrated development at the two levels (3,000ft and 6,000ft), thereby safeguarding the environment from further threats. The remaining undeveloped land gives the image and character to the resort and provides the opportunity for eco tourism activities. The Genting Group in its part has played an exemplary role in the development of the resort by utilising environmental friendly methods in their engineering works and in the treatment of solid wastes. This effective management and maintenance of the land use has safeguarded the environment form mass destruction.

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(d) Existing Facilities

The existing facilities at Genting provide for family orientated activities and are very popular for day trippers. The Theme Parks is a major attraction together with the entertainment and leisure activities provided. In addition the golf and country club, horse ranch, and the numerous service apartments have attracted both local and foreign visitors. In year 2000, it is estimated that 13.4 million people visited the resort, with an average of 37,000 persons per day.

(e) Population

The population of Genting Highlands increases at a slow pace. This scenario enables continuous maintenance of conducive environment for local residents. It will also greatly help in the management and development of new housing areas.

(f) Good Tourism Products

The temperate-style climate at this hill station has proven to be a major attraction to visitors. Undeniably too Genting Highland’s has a clearly defined tourism product, entertainment, and this product has been exceptionally well positioned in both the domestic and international market with this hill resort being identified as …”The City of Entertainment.”

The Genting Group has vigorously promoted this hill resort both locally and internationally and the results of this promotion are very evident in the very substantial growth of visitor and tourist arrivals.

Conscious attempts have been made to provide family entertainment and sporting and recreational opportunities and a wide range of facilities and amenities have been provided. These include a renowned and high quality 18-hole golf course, an indoor stadium, bowling alley, horse breeding station, a nursery and a well developed casino and a theme park with appeal to both youths and families.

The innovative mono cable car system is another distinctive characteristic of this hill station and offers visitor superb panoramic vistas of the highland eco-system.

(g) Good Accommodation Base

Genting Highland’s also has an extensive accommodation base with a very good mix of accommodation facilities ranging from 5 star deluxe hotels, mid-priced and budget hotels and apartments. There is also a very wide range of fast-food outlets,

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restaurants, cafes including internet cafes, and good shopping facilities with a broad market appeal and many well suited for families.

(h) Excellent MICE Facilities

Meetings, Incentive, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) is being vigorously promoted by MOCAT and efforts being undertaken to promote Malaysia as a premier MICE destination.

Table 3.17 provides clear evidence that these efforts are bearing fruit with the number of events in Malaysia having increased by 5.63% annually over the period 1996-2000. Over the same period the annual average growth rate in participants was a highly impressive 11.29% whilst the AAGR for revenue was 14.08%. Genting Highlands has impressive MICE facilities which are being further upgraded and clearly this hill station has strengths as a MICE destination.

Table 3.17 : Meetings, Incentive, Conventions and Exhibitions, 1996-2000

AAGR 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 1996- 2000 (%) Number of Events International 296 316 380 387 423 9.34 National 426 447 420 437 476 2.81 Total 722 763 800 824 899 5.63 Number of Participants Foreign 108,410 115,768 138,826 139,195 246,295 22.77 Local 170,593 179,122 161,210 166,030 181,713 1.59 Total 279,003 294,890 300,036 305,225 428,008 11.29 Revenue (RM Million) Foreign 346.9 382.0 458.1 512.7 915.0 27.44 Local 545.9 573.2 532.0 547.8 597.2 2.27 Total 892.8 955.2 990.1 1,060.5 1,512.2 14.08 Source : MTPB

(i) Accessibility of Forest

The proximity of the forest in Genting Highlands to Klang Valley, making it easily accessible to urban visitors residing in the Klang Valley. Being strategically located

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and owing to the fact that there is now very few natural areas close enough to the Klang Valley, renders the forest of Genting Highlands highly significant for conservation not only for its biodiversity but for its ecological, aesthetic and recreational values as well.

The initiative by Awana Resort to connect the forest surrounding this Resort with the highland ecosystem is an attractive feature for Genting Highlands which offer another facet for the nature oriented. It includes among others a Nature Education and Research Centre (NERC) with photo exhibition and specimens of plants, insects, reptiles and animals found at the Awana area, mini library and audio-visual room for viewing nature CDs or videos. The NERC, intended to provide a first hand encounter of the forest in the Awana area is complemented by activities in the form of guided educational trips into the forest. Nature based recreational activities for the outdoor and adventurous type are also organised by Awana Resort.

(j) Good Infrastructure

Genting Highlands possesses good infrastructure especially in the areas of solid waste management and sewerage system. A solid waste is disposed of by incineration at six incinerators, two at the mid-hill and four at the hilltop. A pilot project to develop a solid waste separation, recycling and composting scheme is currently being carried out at Gohtong Jaya in Genting Highlands.

Sewage treatment plants operated by Resorts World Bhd at Genting Highlands are well maintained and capable of meeting Standard A effluent discharge standards. A new sewage treatment plant with a capacity of 60,000 population equivalent has just been commissioned at the hilltop.

3.3.2 Weaknesses

(a) Lack of a Development Master Plan

The absence of policies and guidelines to monitor and control development at Genting Highlands can lead to detrimental effects to the environment as seen by the rampant site clearing by the Samaworld Resort Group (Plate 3-2). Presently, many residential proposals are abandoned due to infrastructure capacity constraint, particularly on water supply sources. The Development Master Plan together with guidelines would be a useful tool to monitor development and at the same time ensure the type of permitted developments and zonings.

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(b) Lack of Long Term Development for Biodiversity Conservation

In the context of biodiversity, the lack of long term security from development for much of the forest in Genting Highlands poses a major weakness. This is because the Genting Master Zoning Development Plan projects only 5% of forest will remain once the Plan becomes fully implemented. The situation could be further compounded by the absence of any clear commitment from the private landowners to designate areas to be permanently retained under forest.

(c) Limited Water Supply

The limited water supply at Genting Highlands is the primary limiting factor of development. Resorts World Bhd has indicated that the current water supply is sufficient to existing development including the First World Hotel. However, RWB does not plan to further develop the land within their land bank due to the prohibitive costs of procuring additional water supplies. Another weakness of the water supply at Genting Highlands is the susceptibility of the water intakes to water quality degradation due to the fact that the water intakes are downstream of the development at the hilltop.

(d) Steep Access

While most of the access from Genting Sempah to the summit provides a comfortable drive, the final few kilometers is very steep and makes it tough even for cars to ascend, let alone heavier vehicles. On peak visitor periods, this can turn to be a crawl up, as many vehicles find it difficult to negotiate the steep slopes. This in turn leads to more vehicular exhaust emissions and degrading the air quality.

3.3.3 Opportunities

(a) Tourism

Rising discretionary incomes as well as changing tastes in favour of domestic travel being generated by promotional campaigns such as Cuti-Cuti Malaysia offers promising potential for further expanding the flow of domestic visitors to this already popular hill resort. With the strong emphasis accorded family entertainment, moderately priced accommodation, and proximity to the densely populated Klang

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Valley, Genting is well positioned to further develop as one of Malaysia’s major domestic tourist destinations.

Nature based and eco-recreation activities have good potential to be promoted as a tourism product. This could add variety to the selection of tourism products as well as complement the existing range of tourism products for Genting Highlands. Although the major tourism product for Genting Highlands is already clearly defined and well positioned, there are good prospects for nature based and eco-recreation activities as it caters for a specialised target audience. There are also opportunities for other resorts in Genting Highlands to start similar nature based and eco- recreation initiatives as that introduced by Awana Resort.

Genting also complements Janda Baik/Bukit Tinggi, which were identified in the Bentong Structure Plan as having potential to be developed as tourism/recreation centres for both domestic and foreign tourists. Cultural-lifestyle interest in Orang Asli settlements and handicrafts were other tourist products identified.

The Bukit Tinggi Resort is developed by the Berjaya Group and covers some 16,000 acres. Developments include Colmar Tropicale, a French-themed village resort, a Japanese village with a teahouse and tatami suites and the Bukit Tinggi Golf and Country Club. Other further developments planned are a theme park, a picnic site, an Outdoor Spa and a restaurant in the Japanese theme village. In 2000, tourist arrivals to Bukit Tinggi totalled 25,330. Some hobby farming activities have been developed at Janda Baik.

(b) Potential for Nature-based and Eco-recreation Activities

Capitalising on the forests in Genting Highlands that feature the highland ecosystem provides good prospects for nature-based and eco-recreation activities. These could be promoted as a tourism product that will add variety to the selection as well as complement the existing range of tourism products for Genting Highlands. Although the main tourism product for Genting Highlands is already clearly defined and well positioned, there are potentials for nature-based and eco- recreation activities as it caters for a specialised target audience.

As an example, other resorts in Genting Highlands could consider starting similar nature based and eco-recreation initiatives as that introduced by Awana Resort. The Awana Resort initiative involves a Nature Education and Research Centre (NERC) that provides a first-hand encounter of the forest in the Awana area and is complemented by activities in the form of guided education trips into the forest. In addition, Awana Resort also runs activities for the outdoor and adventurous types such as jungle trekking and eco-sports.

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(c) Zoning of Specific Forest Areas for Biodiversity Conservation

Because the forests in Genting Highlands is largely still intact and prime biodiversity conservation areas have been identified, there are opportunities for setting aside specific areas of forest to be kept permanently in their natural state. Ideally, this should be done within the context of the existing Genting Master Zoning Development Plan. This provides some form of guarantee to the long-term status of important forest areas in Genting Highlands.

(d) Research and Development on Montane Biodiversity

Specific areas of forest in Genting Highlands have been identified as having outstanding potential for biodiversity conservation particularly from the flora perspective. These include the G. Bunga Buah and G. Ulu Kali ridge and summit areas. There are potentially other areas in Genting Highlands also with high biodiversity values for example, Gunung Lari Tembakau and areas north of Bt. Genting Chin Chin but which have yet to be extensively explored because of difficulty or non-availability of access.

There is already recognition mostly from the scientific community of the biodiversity importance of areas such as those mentioned above. Great opportunities exist for promoting more scientific activities in the forests of Genting Highlands as part of the R&D on montane biodiversity. Apart from development in science, this will also contribute towards better understanding of the importance and potentials of montane biodiversity both economically and socially.

(e) Conservation, Aesthetic and Recreational Potentials of the Forests

The proximity of the forests in Genting Highlands to Klang Valley makes it easily accessible particularly to urban visitors residing in the Klang Valley. Being strategically located and owing to the fact that there is now very few natural areas close enough to the Klang Valley, renders the forests of Genting Highlands highly significant for conservation not only for its biodiversity and ecology but for its aesthetic and recreational values as well.

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3.3.4 Threats

(a) Haphazard Development

Land alienated to other developers and their development proposals may have a negative impact on the existing environment. Unlike Resort World who has taken the responsibility and initiative to adopt environmentally friendly methods and approaches at the planning and construction stage of development, there is no guarantee that the other parties would also adopt similar methods. The uncontrolled development by other developers may result in environmental degradation to the human and natural environment. There have also been projects that are abandoned such as the Samaworld (Plate 3-2).

(b) Tourism

In the ultimate analysis tourist destinations are in competition with each other. In a highly competitive market the switching “brands” or “products” is a possibility. Genting Highlands faces competition from other established hill resorts in Malaysia and in neighbouring countries.

(c) Loss of Biodiversity

Development involving unnecessary clearance of large areas of forest especially by third party developers could have significant implication on biodiversity. An example is the SamaWorld project in the lower slopes of G. Ulu Kali that has resulted in the degradation of important habitats and loss of species in this locality. Although the project has since been abandoned, much damage has been caused particularly as it involves an area that is known to be outstanding in terms of biodiversity conservation. Because of this, the long term viability of the G. Ulu Kali area for biodiversity conservation has been compromised.

(d) Insecure Long Term Status of Forests

Although currently more than 90% of the Genting Group landbank is still under forest and there is no immediate plan to develop these areas, there is no long term security for these forests from being subjected to development pressures. Much of the forests that have been earmarked for development are likely to be cleared in future as stipulated in the Genting Master Zoning Development Plan. The Plan projects that only 5% of forest will remain once the Plan becomes fully implemented. Apart from environmental and ecological consequences, this situation could also adversely affect the biodiversity resources in Genting Highlands as the forests provide refuge to a wide array of flora and fauna.

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(e) Loss of Forest Cover

Forest clearance resulting from development activities especially by third party developers such the Samaworld involving substantially large forest areas in the lower slopes of G. Ulu Kali is a major threat to the biodiversity in this locality. This has resulted in the degradation of important habitats and loss of species.

A further possible threat to sustainable development in the Study Area could arise if the proposed Hill Resort road (HRR), which would traverse along the mountainous terrain of the Main Range, were built. This could lead to the exploitation of latent natural resources.

(f) Roads & Transportation

Traffic congestion going up hill as well in Genting Highlands itself is becoming common during the weekends and the holiday season. The increasing number of vehicles, especially those caught in congestion, is a potential source of increased air and noise pollution.

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3.4 CARRYING CAPACITY

For Genting Highlands, the focus was on the tourism carrying capacity, which took into consideration the proposed tourist facilities, and infrastructure improvements that are detailed the Action Plans in Section 3.5.

The following is the derivation of the carrying capacity together with the assumptions:

(a) Tourism

Assumptions:

• 4001 rooms x 2.5 persons per room (overnight) x daily turnover rate 1 per day • 4001 rooms x 1.0 person per room (day visitors) x daily turnover rate 2 per day. • Proposed additional 6300 rooms x 2.5 person per room (overnight) x daily turnover rate 1 per day • Proposed additional 6300 rooms x 1.0 person per room (day visitors) x daily turnover rate 2 per day Carrying capacity = 46,354 visitors per day

(b) Water Supply

• The water supply is based on the estimation of low-flows for a 20-year return period at 11.1ML per day from the combined catchments of Sg. Batu Tegoh, Sg. Ranting and Sg. Air Terjun • It is assumed that 50% of the water from these three catchments is abstracted for consumption. • The demand to be 250L per day for residents and 100L per day for visitors; ratio of residents to visitor conservatively assumed at 1:7.

Carrying capacity = 51500 visitors per day

Transportation was not considered as a limiting factor due to availability of the cable car and ample parking space in the summit. The access road is also capable of handling very large volumes of vehicles while the congestion near the summit is more due to the steepness rather than the lack of capacity. The tourism carrying capacity is determined to be at 46,354 visitors per day or 16.919 million visitors per year. This would allow for growth in visitors especially for MICE and possibly health tourism, as well as entertainment.

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3.5 ACTION PLANS

3.5.1 Development Focus and Guiding Issues

On the basis of the strengths and opportunities identified earlier, this study proposes that the main development focus for Genting Highlands should be Entertainment Tourism. Auxiliary focus should be on MICE, Health Care Tourism and Nature-Based Tourism

In targeting Genting Highlands to becoming a world-class entertainment resort, strategic recommendations must be made following several guiding issues peculiar to this place.

The lack of an overall development master plan is eventually going to a problem for Genting Highlands. For now, there is a very dominant developer in the Genting Group in which their development is well-planned. However, in the future when other developers begin actively build on this hill, the lack of a master plan would result in a haphazard sort of development.

The likelihood of water shortage has always been one of the limiting factors to development here, especially if the objective is to create bigger and better resort to bring in more visitors. Water management is critical here as also the need to consider new sources of water.

With the plans to attract record number of tourists, the traffic situation has to be considered. While the access to the summit is a generously wide road, there is a still a limit to that. There is also the issue of roads in the resort itself along with the parking capacity, which is all limited. An effective means of transporting visitors up and moving them around has to be explored.

3.5.2 Tourism Enhancement

The Action Plan outlines the principal issues being addressed, the proposed development strategies, and the recommended development programmes.

Themes for Tourism Development

The main developer at Genting Highlands, Resort World Bhd, has already successfully developed a tourism theme for the Study Area as a “City of

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Entertainment” and has vigorously promoted this destination in that context. Additional sub-themes that could be developed are:

MICE Destination

The expansion of MICE facilities at Genting Highlands bodes well for the further active positioning and promoting the Study Area as an important MICE destination.

Health-Care Tourism

The Federal Government has identified health tourism as a means of attracting more inbound tourists and enhancing tourism growth and the National Committee on Health Tourism is to intensify its efforts to accelerate the growth of health tourism, including medical and dental treatment. Genting Highlands, with its cool, temperate climate, has the potential to develop as a health care tourism destination and it is understood that the Mayo Clinic had earlier expressed interest in developing a health clinic at Awana.

Specific Action Plan programmes proposed are:

Action Plan : GH-AP1 The development of Genting Highlands must focus on Entertainment Tourism, Health Tourism and MICE. Other types of new development such as residential and agriculture should not be permitted. UPEN Pahang should issue directives in this regard.

Action Plan : GH-AP2 Promoting Genting Highlands as a premier MICE destination. With the forthcoming completion of high quality convention and meeting facilities at Genting Highlands, it is proposed that Resort World Bhd, in co-operation with MTPB, vigorously promote this hill resort as a premier MICE destination, in addition to its function as an entertainment centre.

Action Plan : GH-AP3 Establishment of a world-class medical facility at Awana. It is recommended that Resort World Bhd, possibly in a joint venture with a renowned international medical centre, develop health tourism, through the establishment of a world-class medical facility at Awana.

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Action Plan : GH-AP4 Implement a Land Care and Environmental Action Programme designed to upgrade the environment and beautify the Study Area especially the areas allocated to other developers. This programme can be carried out by MDB / MDHS

Action Plan : GH-AP5 MDB/MDHS must ensure that the design, architecture and management of any approved new tourist facilities should be in keeping with the Highlands character, history and culture and the integrity of the built environment must be maintained and enhanced.

3.5.3 Land Use Planning

Action Plan : GH-AP6 An overall Development Master Plan or a Local Plan must be developed for Genting Highlands. Majlis Daerah Bentong together with Majlis Daerah Hulu Selangor and Department of Town and Country Planning shall formulate this plan. The plan, in addition to zoning land use, shall also identify conservation areas and infrastructure requirements.

Action Plan : GH-AP7 Rehabilitate the abandoned Sama World site. This site has been left bare, is eroding and is an eye-sore to all visitors to Genting Highlands. Land ownership and the financing of the rehabilitation could impose difficulties but an concerted and closely coordinated effort by the Pahang State Government, Majlis Daerah Bentong and the Genting Group should be able to overcome the problem.

3.5.4 Infrastructure & Environmental Improvements

Water Supply

It has clearly been identified that the development pace is dictated by the availability of reliable water supply. The strategy to maintain the water demand can be achieved by the reduction of water consumption through water-efficient devices and management practice.

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Solid Waste Management

The present pilot plan for the disposal of solid waste is promising and is set to be an effective method for the future. The areas of improvement would be in the minimization of waste.

Road System & Transportation

Genting Highlands already boast a fine and efficient cable car system coupled with a multi-storey carpark at the cable car station. While this enables a large volume of visitors to be transported up to the summit, further incentives can be proposed to encourage more people to utilise this service and not drive their cars up. After all, construction of additional car parks at the summit is not exactly in the spirit of sustainable development.

Specific Action Plan programmes proposed are:

Action Plan : GH-AP8 MDB must make water conservation measures mandatory for all new facilities in Genting Highlands. Half flush toilets and auto-shut off taps must be installed as a condition of building plan approval. All existing hotels shall be given a grace period of three years to implement these measures. Water demand management will help minimize water shortages in the future.

Action Plan : GH-AP9 Genting Group should identify new water supply sources for future developments. Water catchments adjacent the present catchment could be tapped and piped here. Existing water catchment areas shall be protected and no development shall be permitted in these areas.

Action Plan : GH-AP10 MDB should ensure that all hotels implement environmental management systems (EMS) (ISO14001 or equivalent) as a condition of business licence. MDCH could give monetary incentives in the form of reduction in the annual quit rent and/or assessments according to hotels’ level of implementation of these measures. All hotels shall be given a grace period of three years to implement the EMS.

Action Plan : GH-AP11 Recycling policies to be implemented where the workers at the Resort as well as the other non-Resort residents of the area are to be made aware of the benefits of recycling and waste reduction. Resorts World itself can initiate recyclin

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programmes whereby all residents in the entire study area will be encouraged to participate. Special collections can be made weekly for recyclable wastes only, and this would reduce the burden at the disposal facility.

Action Plan : GH-AP12 Free shuttle busses services for the resort area should be provided by Resorts World, where its convenience and frequency will hopefully persuade the holidaymakers to leave their cars behind. This service should extend to the adjacent hills where the Amber court apartments are located. The present integrated pedestrian facility must be perpetuated for all new developments in the summit to ensure a convenient walk from one place to the other.

3.5.5 Biodiversity Conservation

The main issues pertaining to biodiversity are:

Long Term Security of Forest Areas

The issue concerning the long term security of forest areas in Genting Highlands is especially critical for areas that have outstanding potential for biodiversity conservation. With the absence of any form of formalised commitment and measures on the part of the private owners of the landbank in Genting Highlands means that these forests and therefore, the biodiversity they support are at risk of becoming wiped out.

Importance of Scientific Information

Biodiversity information can be used as justification for assessing development plans and to guide development decisions. However, the advantage of using scientific information and recommendations to support management and development processes has yet to be recognized. Site-specific and detailed biodiversity information for example could be useful in determining the types of development that is less detrimental to biodiversity or in providing valid reasons for retaining biodiversity significant areas in their natural state.

Expansion of Nature-based and Eco-recreation Initiatives

As discussed in the SWOT analysis, opportunities do exist in Genting Highlands for expanding nature-based and eco-recreation initiatives. Such initiatives could be seen as diversifying and complementing the existing range of entertainment oriented tourism products as they are meant for specialized target audience. More importantly from the biodiversity perspective, these initiatives offer opportunities for

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increased publicity and better appreciation of the highland ecosystem and indirectly, the biodiversity associated with it.

Specific Action Plan programmes proposed are:

Action Plan : GH-AP13 Zoning specific forest areas for conservation purposes. The Genting Group should consider zoning specific forest areas within their landbank which have significant biodiversity values for conservation purposes. This ideally should be done within the context of the Genting Master Zoning Development Plan. Selection of suitable sites must be done critically with particular consideration on the following factors;

(a) the forest is still intact and represents to a large degree the vegetation and flora of Genting Highlands; (b) the area is substantially large to ensure stability of the species composition and maintenance of the natural characteristics; (c) compatibility with future development plans in the vicinity of the site.

Action Plan : GH-AP14 Designation of forest areas as botanical reserve or nature park. The Genting Group should designate suitable forest areas within its landbank special conservation status such as ‘botanic reserve’ or ‘nature park’. A potential candidate would be the G. Bunga Buah ridge and summit area. This would require demarcation of the boundary limits of the conservation areas. Specific objectives must also be determined so that only activities and development that are compatible with these objectives are allowed in these areas.

Action Plan : GH-AP15 MOSTE with assistance from Forestry Department and DWNP should conduct scientific studies on montane flora and fauna with an aim of highlighting the richness of the biodiversity in this area. This information could be summarized in tourism brochure to inform potential tourists of the vast natural treasures found in the area. Research and academic institutions as well as scientific and conservation- based NGOs could take more initiative to publicise scientific findings through publication of the results of biodiversity related studies undertaken in Genting Highlands. This will help increase scientific interest and appreciation of the biodiversity which could potentially provide the stimulus for conservation of biodiversity significant areas in Genting Highlands.

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Action Plan : GH-AP16 Implementing nature-based activities in their respective establishments. Resort operators in Genting Highlands to consider implementing nature-based activities in their respective establishments. This may include setting up Nature Education or Interpretation Centres, or activities that can be geared towards educating and increasing public awareness on the natural environment in Genting Highlands in general, and biodiversity in particular.

3.5.6 Administrative Several administrative measures are required to strengthen the implementation of the action plans listed above.

Action Plan : GH-AP17 An Environmental Management Unit should be set up within the MDB to plan, monitor and implement environmental measures and to undertake environmental awareness and education programmes. This is necessary due to the fragile nature of the environment and the varied and complex environmental issues. This environmental unit must be trained on environmental protection and be given sufficient manpower and clout in order carry out their duties effectively. Promulgation of specific by-laws may be necessary to support the environmental unit. Setting up of the EMU will entail MDB recruiting additional staff as the current staff-force will not be able to handle the additional tasks. It is proposed at least one professional staff and one technician are engaged at the initial stages.

The duties of the EMU include the following:

• monitor and be alert to any adverse environmental impacts from development projects • management of environmentally sensitive areas • implement environmental protection policies • undertake continuous environmental awareness programmes to educate the local residents on the importance of environmental conservation • enforcement of all matters outside the ambit of the EQA

Action Plan : GH-AP18 The Cabinet Committee on Highlands and Islands with the assistance of UPEN Pahang and UPEN Selangor must continuously monitor all development activities at Genting Highlands.

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Plate 3-1 Solid waste composting site at Gohtong Jaya

Plate 3-2 The abandoned Samaworld development

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Topography of Genting Highlands

4 FRASER’S HILL

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4.1 INTRODUCTION

Fraser’s Hill, covering an area of 2,804 ha, is the least developed of the three hill stations although development here began back in 1919. Today, about 1,000 people live and work here, maintaining a hill resort with a few scattered bungalows, several hotels and apartments, golf courses, and some recreational facilities.

Tourist numbers have declined in recent years, with the 1999 figures indicating that just over 32,000 visitors for that year. The natural environment appears to be the main attraction for visitors. Although development here has been of a relatively small scale, they have resulted in some environmental destruction. The Jeriau waterfall is still suffering the effects of siltation from the construction of the new golf course upstream (Plate 4-1), soil erosion due to the construction of the Silverpark apartments and the new road leading to Fraser’s Hill has been subject to landslides.

The diverse flora and fauna found here suggests that this area be developed into an eco-based tourism, and creating a niche for nature lovers who can enjoy the cool mountain air.

4.2 EXISTING SITUATION

4.2.1 Physical Environment

4.2.1.1 Land Use

Fraser’s Hill, located on the Main Range, was developed as a hill station to primarily cater for the British Administrators to enjoy the cool climate. The hill was managed by the Fraser’s Hill Development Corporation (FHDC) in the past but is now managed by Majlis Daerah Raub. The function of FHDC is now to promote tourism, management of their land bank and assets. Majlis Daerah Raub has set up a branch office at Fraser’s Hill but their functions are limited to infrastructure management and landscaping. All development applications are now referred to the main office at Raub.

At present there are no Development Master Plan or Local Plans for Fraser’s Hill to guide and control development. In 1991, the State Government approved a very ambitious plan to develop about 2,400 ha, with residential, recreational, education, deer farms and infrastructure upgrading. However, this plan is being reviewed to reduce the environmental degradation and any further impacts to the area. Figure 4.1 shows the existing land use for Fraser’s Hill.

(a) Land Use Characteristics

The major existing land use consists of residential, commercial (hotels/ shops), social / community facilities and recreational facilities.

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Residential

The residential development consists of mainly bungalows which are scattered around the hill area. The bungalows have a rich architectural design and many have been bought by the private companies and Government agencies with some private ownership. Other types of dwellings include high-density type apartments.

Commercial

The commercial activities are limited at Fraser’s Hill with shopping facilities provided at Puncak Inn. Other facilities include restaurants, resort, lodges and hotels.

Social / Community facilities

The social facilities include police station, post office and dispensary. The community facilities consist of a clinic, a mosque, temples, mini museum and a children’s playground.

Recreational

The recreational facilities include a sports complex, two golf courses (9-hole Town Course and 18-hole Jeriau Course), horse riding, fishing, flower nursery, recreational parks (Taman Sg. Hijau and Taman Kayangan) and nature trails (Plate 4-2).

4.2.1.2 Topography

Fraser’s Hill is the lowest of the three major hill stations on the Main Range. The main peaks surrounding Fraser’s Hill are Bukit Pokok Pine (1456 m), Bukit Hulu Sempam (1320 m), Bukit Jeriau (1256 m) and Gunung Hulu Semangkok (1364 m). There is no peak identified as “Fraser’s Hill”, but the highest peak immediately within Fraser’s Hill is Bukit Peninjau (1328 m), which houses a telecommunications station. The town centre and golf course at Fraser’s Hill is located in the upper Sg. Teras valley that drains northeast. The terrain at Fraser’s Hill is steep, resulting in many of the large developments such as Pine Resort and Silverpark being built on slopes. The controversial Fraser’s Hill Country Club golf course was constructed in the valley between the peaks of Bukit Pokok Pine, Bukit Hulu Sempam and Bukit Jeriau. The Jeriau Waterfall, which is a popular recreation area, is located along Sg. Jeriau that flows westwards from Bukit Jeriau. Figure 4.2 shows the topography of the area.

Fraser’s Hill, like other hill stations, has high risk of soil erosion. The construction of the new golf resort caused Sg Hijau and the Jeriau waterfall to be badly silted. Besides the golf course, the new access road to Fraser’s Hill also caused environmental problems. Parts of the road have cracked and collapsed and landslides have occurred. Slope failures have exposed rock boulders and some are hanging precariously on slopes and some on the road. The opening of this road has been postponed on a few ocassions, from June 1996 to late 1997 before finally becoming operational in August 2001.

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4.2.1.3 River System and Water Quality

Fraser’s Hill is the source to many rivers flowing into Selangor and Pahang, notably Sg. Selangor, Sg. Hijau, Sg. Teranum and Sg. Teras. Sg. Hijau is important to Fraser’s Hill as it is the source of the hill’s water supply. The hill is part of the Sg. Selangor river basin which is a vital source of water supply to Selangor.

There are many water quality monitoring stations in the rivers here due to their importance to water supply. Sg. Terenum and upstream reaches of Sg. Selangor has shown to be generally clean with most of the parameter with Class II of the Proposed National Water Quality Standard. In Sg. Teras however, there has been an increase in the levels of suspended solids from 1998 to 1999. Another station in Sg. Selangor further downstream from the first displayed fluctuating results, from Class I to Class III. Figure 4.3 shows the rivers draining Fraser’s Hill.

4.2.2 Biological Environment

4.2.2.1 Natural Ecosystem and Habitats Represented

As in the case of Cameron Highlands and Genting Highlands, forests constitute the predominant natural ecosystem within and around Fraser’s Hill. Several types of forest can be identified within the Fraser’s Hill municipality area which has an elevation range of between 790 m to 1,448 m (Perumal, 1998). The forests comprise primarily UDF and LMF with small patches of UMF on mountaintops and ridges (Perumal, 1998). The best example of UMF in Fraser’s Hill is on Pine Tree Hills (Kiew, 1992). HDF occur at lower elevation (i.e. below 750 m) such as in the lower slopes in the northeastern end of the Fraser’s Hill municipality area and is contained within the adjacent forest reserves bordering Fraser’s Hill. The three forest reserves adjoining Fraser’s Hill are Ulu Tranum and Batu Talam FRs (in Pahang), and Semangkok FR (in Selangor) (Table 4.1).

Of the 2,804 ha of land in the Fraser’s Hill municipality area, 90% is still covered by forest while the remaining 10% has been taken-up by infrastructure development and other development activities (Perumal, 1998).

Table 4.1: Forest Reserves adjoining Fraser’s Hill

Name of Forest Area (ha) Forest type Significant features Reserve (FR) Semangkok FR 1,523.78 HDF Rich floral composition Batu Talam FR 62, 390.37 LDF, HDF Important for wildlife and water catchment Ulu Tranum FR 6,119.65 HDF, Montane Important for soil protection Source: EPU (1993); Forestry Department Peninsular Malaysia(2001) Note: LDF: Lowland Dipterocarp Forest HDF: Hill Dipterocarp Forest

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4.2.2.2 Legal Status of the Natural Habitats

Records show that parts of Fraser’s Hill have been afforded protection in the form of a ‘Reserve for the Preservation of Animals and Birds’ on the Selangor side (2,979 ha) in 1922 (Davison, 1996). Subsequently in 1957, an adjoining area in Pahang (c. 6,000 ha) designated as ‘Residential Reserve and Game Sanctuary’ was added on (Davison, 1996; MOSTE, 1997). The Reserve in Pahang was established using Pahang State Government Gazette Notification (G.N. no.379 of 31 October 1957) under the National Land Code.

The forests adjoining Fraser’s Hill are either forest reserves (gazetted under the National Forestry Act 1984) and/or part of the ‘Reserve for the Preservation of Animals and Birds’ or the ‘Residential Reserve and Game Sanctuary’.

Kiew (1998), however, claimed that none of the forests within the municipality area has actually been designated any form of legal protection. The Fraser’s Hill ‘Reserve for the Preservation of Animals and Birds’ in Selangor overlaps wholly with forest reserve. The Reserve in Pahang also possibly overlaps with forest reserves.

4.2.3.4 Prime Conservation Areas

A study by Kiew (1992) in Fraser’s Hill identified four areas of outstanding scientific importance and value for plant conservation on the basis that these areas harbour the greatest number of Fraser’s Hill endemics as well as endangered and/or rare species. Of particular importance is the presence of species which are monotypic, that is there is only one species belonging to the genus. What this implies is that if the species become extinct, then the genus is also extinct. The Fraser’s Hill flora includes three of Peninsular Malaysia’s five monotypic endemic genera of herbs (Kiew, 1992 & 1998). None of these genera is common in the Peninsula, all have restricted distributions and none grows in any of the Peninsula’s existing protected area (Kiew, 1998).

The three monotypic genera found in Fraser’s Hill occur in at least two of the four proposed areas for plant conservation. Additionally, each of the four proposed areas comprises its own set of species, and therefore, they complement one another in protecting different forest types. The four areas are: (a) the Bishop’s path; (b) path to Pine Tree Hill; (c) the Jeriau Valley; and (d) the forest below the Methodist’s bungalow (Table 4.2). These four areas recommended for protection are those that presently form part of the tourist attraction of Fraser’s Hill (namely, (a) and (c)) and preserving their flora also preserves their aesthetic and amenity values in the long run, or areas that are unlikely to be developed (namely, (b) and (d)). Kiew (1992) recommended two additional areas of importance for plant conservation as well as possessing historical and amenity values which feature the ambience and nature image of Fraser’s Hill. These are the Kenari-Nuri-Merpati trail and the roadside forest fringes (Table 4.3).

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Table 4.2: Important Features of Prime Flora Conservation Areas in Fraser’s Hill

Name of Area Significant Features in the Flora Context Recommendations Bishop’s path • Harbours some extremely rare and endangered plant species • Designate special status to this forest trail and enforce • Comprises extremely excellent LMF with high diversity and majestic sized trees measures to ensure its long term protection using appropriate legislative options Path to Pine • Shelters rare and endangered plant species • Designate special status to this forest trail and enforce Tree Hill measures to ensure its long term protection using appropriate legislative options Jeriau Valley • One of the three known localities worldwide where the ancient and very rare tree • Implement stringent controls to prevent damage to the species, Trig Oak occurs stream systems • The only locality in Fraser’s Hill for several rheophytes (i.e. plants adapted to torrential • Enforce protection measures on the forest from Sg. currents) Jeriau up to the ridges on both sides of the valley to • Rich in gingers and palms safeguard the Trig Oak tree and the scenic river and waterfall area Forest below the • Supports forest that is different both in species composition and appearance due to • Designate special status to this forest and enforce Methodist’s the influence caused by the presence of quartzite in the soil measures to ensure its long term protection using bungalow • Harbours a good diversity of gingers and orchids, and several rare species appropriate legislative options • Supports species of herbaceous plants which are endemic to Fraser’s Hill Source: Kiew (1992)

Table 4.3: Important Features of Prime Flora Conservation Areas in Fraser’s Hill

Name of Area Significant Features in the Flora Context Recommendations Kenari-Nuri- • Although disturbed in places, the forest still harbours rare species and species • Appropriate and correct labeling of trees in the trail Merpati trail endemic to Fraser’s Hill • Prevent degradation by neglect or overuse of trail • Supports several species attractive species including those with good ornamental potential Roadside forest • Supports roadside trees most of which provide food plants for birds and animals, and • Inclusion of clause in building permits requiring fringes therefore allowing birds and other fauna such as dusky leaf monkeys to be observed permission to be obtained before any felling of roadside by the roadside at close range trees is done • Implementation of guidelines to ensure fringing trees along roads are not cut down Source: Kiew (1992)

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4.2.2.4 Flora Profile

Similar to the first two hill stations, the preliminary checklist of highland plant species compiled by Perumal & Lo (2000) is also used for Fraser’s Hill as the basis for the analysis of its flora profile.

Species Richness The checklist by Perumal & Lo (2001) gave a total of 552 highland plant species (Table 4.4), which by comparison is slightly more than half of the estimate by Kiew (1998). The flora size of Fraser’s Hill reported by Kiew (1998) is 952 species (comprising Gymnosperm, Monocotyledon and Dicotyledon). This variation is likely to be caused by the difference in methodology. In contrast to Perumal & Lo (2001), Kiew (1998) used a methodology that included field surveys and study of herbarium specimens to supplement the literature review.

Of the 552 species, 312 are Dicotyledons, representing 56.5% of the total plant species in Fraser’s Hill. 180 species are Monocotyledons while 59 are species of Ferns and Fern Allies. Only one species of Gymnosperm has been recorded.

Fraser’s Hill accounts for 18.1% of the total highland plant species found in Peninsular Malaysia from the four plant groups considered in this analysis (Table 4.4). This figure gives an indication of the substantial contribution and importance of Fraser’s Hill, despite it being a relatively small area, towards highland plant species diversity in Malaysia.

Table 4.4: Species Richness of the Fraser’s Hill Flora in Comparison with the Total Highland Plant Species of Peninsular Malaysia

Plant group Fraser’s Hill Total in Peninsular Malaysia Ferns and Fern Allies 59 (10.7%) / (17.1%) 346 Gymnosperms 1 (0.2%) / (5.9%) 17 Monocotyledons 180 (32.6%) / (22.1%) 816 Dicotyledons 312 (56.6%) / (16.7%) 1,871 552 (100%) / (18.1%) 3,050 Source: Perumal & Lo (2000)

Special features of Species: Endemism, Rarity and Highland Specialist The number of endemic species in Fraser’s Hill is 107 of which nearly 70% (or 74 species) are Dicotyledons (Table 4.5). Monocotyledons accounts for 30 of the endemic species and the remaining three are from the group Ferns and Fern Allies. Interestingly, 15 of the endemic Monocotyledon species are orchids, a similar trend reflected in both Cameron Highlands and Genting Highlands.

Of the 552 species recorded in Fraser’s Hill, 33 species are rare (Table 4.5). 87.9% (or 29 species) are Dicotyledon species while the remaining 12.1% (or four species) belong to the Monocotyledon group. The total number of plant species in Fraser’s Hill that have both status of endemic and rare is 13 species (Table 4.5). All are species of the Dicotyledon group.

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Table 4.5: Endemism and Rarity among Plant Species Found in Fraser’s Hill

Plant group of endemic species er of rare species er of endemic and rare species Ferns and Fern Allies 3 (2.8%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) Gymnosperm 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) Monocotyledon 30 (28%) 4 (12.1%) 0 (0%) Dicotyledon 74 (69.2%) 29 (87.9%) 13 (100%) Total 107 (100%) 33 (100%) 13 (100%) Source: Perumal & Lo (2000)

Slightly over half (52.7%) of the Fraser’s Hill flora comprises strictly highland species with Monocotyledons having the highest number among the four plant groups (Table 4.6). The only species of Gymnosperm found in Fraser’s Hill is not a highland specialist.

Table 4.6: Flora Species in Fraser’s Hill According to Specialization

Plant group Number of species A B Total Ferns and Fern Allies 48 (81.4%) 11 59 Gymnosperm 0 (0%) 1 1 Monocotyledon 129 (71.7%) 51 180 Dicotyledon 114 (36.5%) 198 312 291 (52.7%) 261 (48%) 552 (100%) Source: Perumal & Lo (2000) Note: A: highland specialist B: species occurring in both highlands and lowlands

Conservation Status of Species The rationale for assessing the conservation status of the flora species and the approach for this assessment are as discussed in Section 2.2.2.4. The same approach is adopted here whereby the plant species record for Fraser’s Hill (totaling 552 species) is cross-checked with the 1997 IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants, the 1998 WCMC World List of Threatened Trees and the CITES Appendices. As in the case for the two other hill stations, it is hoped that the results of this exercise provide some indication of the conservation status of the plant species for Fraser’s Hill.

None of the plant species from both categories of Ferns and Fern Allies, and Gymnosperm is included in the IUCN Red List, WCMC List and CITES Appendices (Table 4.7). Three species of Monocotyledon are in the IUCN Red List, all of which are vulnerable and constitute members of the palm family (Palmae). None of the Monocotyledon species is listed in any of the three CITES Appendices. A total of 20 Dicotyledon species are included in the IUCN and WCMC lists under different degrees of threats including one pitcher plant species (Nepenthes gracillima) that is also listed in Appendix II of CITES. Being listed in the CITES Appendix II indicates that the international trade of Nepenthes gracillima requires export permit and is closely controlled.

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Table 4.7: Threatened and CITES-listed Flora Species in Fraser’s Hill

Plant group Number of species IUCN List WCMC List CITES Appendices E V R I ENB VUD LRcd LRnt I II III Ferns and Fern ------Allies Gymnosperm ------Monocotyledon - 3 ------Dicotyledon 1 - 1 1 1 10 4 2 - 1 - Note: E: Endangered V: Vulnerable R: Rare I: Indeterminate ENB: Endangered (criterion B) VUD: Vulnerable (criterion D) LRcd: Lower Risk: conservation dependent LRnt: Lower Risk: near threatened

Except for certain parts of the forest areas in Fraser’s Hill (for example, Jeriau Valley and its surrounding areas where the De Club Golf Resort is built, site for the Silverparks apartments and areas affected by the construction of the second access road), the rest of the forest are generally quite secure from development at the moment. This is because the FHDC, which formerly acted as the local authority for Fraser’s Hill has in the past been promoting a relatively passive development. This however was likely to be more of an internal administrative decision, which was dependent on the views of the FHDC. With the role of local authority now taken over by the Majlis Daerah Raub, it is uncertain whether a similar arrangement will be applied in terms of the future direction of the development in Fraser’s Hill. Therefore, the security of the forest areas in Fraser’s Hill is not known in the long term.

4.2.2.5 Fauna profile

Similar to the approach used for Cameron Highlands and Genting Highlands, available references was use to compile the vertebrate faunal checklists. The bird checklist was compiled by referring to the “Checklist of birds in Fraser’s Hill” published by WWF Malaysia and the book “A field guide to the birds of West Malaysia and Singapore” by Jeyarajasingam and Pearson (1999). Additionally, publications in the Malayan Nature Journal by Allen (1952, 1953) were also used as a historical reference. A relatively recent publication in the Journal of Wildlife and Parks by Siti Hawa et al. (1985) was also referred to. Compilation of the mammal checklist relied heavily on “The wild mammals of Malaya and offshore islands including Singapore” by Medway (1969). In addition the earlier work of Harrisson (1962) was also used. It is noteworthy that there have been no recent publications on the mammals of Fraser’s Hill although this area supports some interesting fauna such as tapir, siamang, colugo and leaf monkeys. Tweedie’s “Snakes of Malaya” (Tweedie, 1983) provided the baseline data for the compilation of the reptile checklist. The amphibian checklist was compiled using Berry’s “The amphibian fauna of Peninsular Malaysia” by (Berry, 1975). Information on reptiles and amphibians contained in Berry (1975) and Tweedie (1983) was supplemented by data where possible from Cox et al. (1998) and Chan-ard (1999).

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Species richness

The lower montane forests of Fraser’s Hill support some 52 mammal, 275 bird, 27 reptile and 26 amphibian species. If compared to the total faunal species in Peninsular Malaysia according to each taxon, Fraser’s Hill has 24.19% of mammal, 42.44% of bird, 12.62% of reptile and 29.55% of amphibian species respectively. However, in comparison to the total highland faunal species found in Peninsular Malaysia, this hill station has 62.65% of mammal, 88.42% of bird, 51.92% reptile and 86.67% of amphibian species respectively.

Species endemism

No Peninsular Malaysian endemic mammal occurs at Fraser’s Hill. However, three Peninsular Malaysian endemic birds and two endemic reptiles have been recorded to occur here. The three endemic birds are Polyplectron inopinatum (Mountain peacock pheasant), Myiophoneus robinsoni (Malayan whistling thrush) and Arborophila campbelli (Malaysian hill-patridge) (Jeyarajasingam, 1999). The two endemic reptiles are snakes and they are Amphiesima inas (Malayan mountain keelback) and Macrocalamus lateralis (Malayan mountain reed snake) (Tweedie, 1983).

Endangered Species (2000 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species)

Fraser’s Hill has two Endangered species according to the IUCN Red Data List and these are the serow and the tiger. Unlike Cameron and Genting Highlands, Fraser’s Hill has more bird species that are considered Vulnerable according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species criteria.

Rare or strictly montane species

Amongst the various Peninsular Malaysian mammals that inhabit montane areas, only one i.e. the Pygmy grey fruit bat (Aetholops alecto) occurs at Fraser’s Hill.

Conservation status of species: 2000 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

The lower montane forests of Fraser’s Hill supports two globally Endangered mammal species i.e. the serow (Capricornis sumatrensis) and the tiger (Panthera tigris corbetti), three Vulnerable mammal species and three Lower Risk – near threatened mammal species (Table 4.8) according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN, 2000). The mammal species occurring at Fraser’s Hill and listed as Vulnerable (IUCN, 2000) are Catopuma temminckii (Golden cat), Hystrix brachyura (Malayan porcupine) and Tapirus indicus (Malayan tapir). The Lower Risk – near threatened mammal species occurring at this hill station are one primate, Hylobates lar (White-handed gibbon) and two bats, Aetholops alecto (Pygmy grey fruit bat) and Miniopterus schreibersii (Schreibersii’s bat).

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Table 4.8: Conservation status of vertebrate fauna of Fraser’s Hill according to IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Fauna (IUCN, 2000)

Category Mammals Birds Total Endangered 2 0 2 Vulnerable 3 5 8 Lower Risk – near threatened 3 25 28

Five species of birds occurring at Fraser’s Hill have been catagorised as Vulnerable in the IUCN’s global assessment of threatened species (IUCN, 2000) and 25 species of birds for this hill station have been placed under the Lower Risk – near threatened category.

The birds of Fraser’s Hill that are listed as Vulnerable species are:

Polyplectron inopinatum (Mountain Peacock Pheasant) Myiophoneus robinsoni (Malayan Whistling Thrush) Treron capellei (Large green pigeon) Heliopais personata (Masked finfoot) Melanoperdix nigra (Black wood patridge)

The birds of Fraser’s Hill that are listed under the Lower Risk – near threatened species category are:

Buceros rhinoceros (Rhinoceros hornbill) Rhinoplax vigil (Helmeted hornbill) Buceros bicornis (Great hornbill) Calyptomena virdis (Green broadbill) Rhinomyias umbratilis (Grey-chested jungleflycatcher) Rhizothera longirostris (Long-billed partridge) Rollulus rouloul (Crested wood partridge) Caloperdix oculea (Ferruginous wood patridge) Pycnonotus cyaniventris (Grey-bellied bulbul) Pycnonotus melanoleucos (Black-white bulbul) Pycnonotus squamatus (Scaly-breasted bulbul) Pycnonotus eutilotus (Puff-backed bulbul) Hypsipetes malaccensis (Streaked bulbul) Enicurus ruficapillus (Chesnut-napped forktail) Harpactes diardii (Diard’s trogon) Halcyon concreta (Rufous-collared kingfisher) Chloropsis cyanopogon (Lesser green leafbird) Megalaima mystacophanos (Red-throated barbet) Ptilinopus jambu (Jambu fruit dove) Phaenicophaeus diardi (Black-bellied malkoha) Platylophus galericulatus (Crested jay) Prionochilus thoracicus (Scarlet-breasted flowerpecker) Philentoma velatum (Maroon-breasted monarch) Pitta caerulea (Giant pitta) Psittinus cyanurus (Blue-rumped parrot)

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Conservation status of species: Protection of Wild Life Act, 1972

The lower montane forests of Fraser’s Hill supports 14 mammal species and 264 bird species that are listed as Totally Protected according to the PWA, 1972 (Table 4.9). This hill station additionally has six mammal species and eleven bird species listed as Protected. In addition, there is also one Protected reptile.

Table 4.9: Vertebrate fauna of Fraser’s Hill accorded protection under the Protection of Wild Life Act, 1972

Status Mammals Birds Reptiles Total Totally Protected 14 264 0 278 Protected 6 11 1 18

The “Totally Protected” mammals of Fraser’s Hill are:

1. Capricornis sumatrensis (Serow) 2. Cynocephalus variegatus (Colugo / flying lemur) 3. Prionailurus bengalensis (Leopard cat) 4. Panthera tigris corbetti (Indochinese tiger) 5. Catopuma temminckii (Golden cat) 6. Panthera pardus (Leopard) 7. Martes flavigula (Yellow-throated marten) 8. Paguma larvata (Masked palm civet) 9. Arctogalidia trivirgata (Small-toothed palm civet) 10. Mustela nudipes (Malay weasel) 11. Ratufa affinis (Giant squirrel) 12. Petaurista elegans (Spotted giant flying squirrel) 13. Hylobates syndactylus (Siamang) 14. Helarctos malayanus (Malayan sunbear)

The “Protected” mammals of Fraser’s Hill are:

1. Presbytis melalophos (Banded leaf monkey) 2. Presbytis obscura (Dusky leaf monkey) 3. Hystrix brachyura (Malayan porcupine) 4. Sus scrofa (Wild pig) 5. Tragulus javanicus (Lesser mouse deer) 6. Paradoxurus hermaphroditus (Common palm civet)

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The “Protected” birds of Fraser’s Hill are:

1. Macropygia ruficeps (Little cuckoo dove) 2. Ptilinopus jambu (Jambu fruit dove) 3. Calcophas indica (Emerald dove) 4. Treron sphenura (Wedge-tailed pigeon) 5. Treron curvirostra (Lesser thick-billed pigeon) 6. Treron capellei (Large green pigeon) 7. Treron olax (Little green pigeon) 8. Gallus gallus (Red jungle fowl) 9. Amaurornis phoenicurus (White-breasted waterhen) 10. Zosterops palpebosa (Jungle white-eye) 11. Copsychus malabaricus (White-rumped shama)

The only Fraser’s Hill reptile that is listed as “Protected” in the PWA, 1972 is the Python reticulatus (Reticulated python).

4.2.3 Socio-Economic Environment

4.2.3.1 Population

Fraser's Hill lies on two state peripheries, Selangor and Pahang. On the Selangor side, there seems to be a decreasing growth pattern of population, from 153 in 1991 to 93 in 2000 (Table 4.10). On the contrary, the population in the Pahang side has increased from 888 in 1991 to 1,163 in 2000. In total, Fraser's Hill's population has increased to 1,256 in 2000 from 1,041 in 1991 with AAGR of 2.11 percent. Comparatively, the population growth was above the Pahang average growth rate of 1.84 percent during the same period.

Table 4.10: Population Distribution of Fraser's Hill, 1991 - 2000

Area 1991 2000 Selangor Side 153 93 Pahang Side 888 1163 Fraser's Hill 1,041 1,256 AAGR (1991 – 2000) (%) 2.11 Source: Preliminary Count Report for Urban and Rural Areas, Department of Statistics, (2000)

Table 4.11 shows the projected population of Fraser's Hill in the 2000 - 2020 period. As experienced in earlier years, the population of Fraser's Hill will still increase but at a slower rate. While it is projected to grow at 2.05 percent during the 2000 - 2010 period, the AAGR will further drop to 2.0 percent in 2010 - 2020 period. It is then projected that by year 2020, the population in Fraser's Hill will reach 1,876, compared to 1,390 in 2005, 1,539 in 2010 and 1,699 in 2015.

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Table 4.11: Projected Population of Fraser's Hill, 2000 - 2020

Year AAGR (%) Area 1991- 1991 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2000-2020 2000 Fraser's Hill 1,041 1,256 1,390 1,539 1,699 1,876 2.11 2.02 Source: i. Preliminary Count Report, Department of Statistics, 2000 (b) Consultant's Estimate Note: i. It is assumed that the growth rate will continue to drop in 2000 - 2020 based on previous years growth pattern. ii. It is assumed that the AAGR for 2000-2010 period will be at 2.05 percent and the AAGR for 2010 - 2020 period will further drop to 2.0 percent

The average household size in Fraser's Hill has increased from 3.67 in 1991 to 3.78 in 2000. Similarly, the number of households has also increased from 284 in 1991 to 332 in 2000.

In comparison between the two state sides, there seems to be contrasting patterns in both the average household size and the number of households in the period 1991 - 2000. While the Selangor side experienced a decrease in the number of households, the Pahang side faced an increase in the average household size.

4.2.3.2 Employment

Table 4.12 shows employment by economic sector, in the 1980 - 1991 period. In 1980, there were 496 employed in economic sectors in Fraser's Hill.

Consistent with the Fraser's Hill's image as one of the important hill resorts in Malaysia, the wholesale and retail, hotel and restaurant sector was the main contributor of employment in 1991. It totalled about 51 percent of employment during that year. In 1991, the labour force stood at 491. The unemployment rate was 3.2 percent.

Table 4.12: Distribution of Employment by Sector, 1991

Industry No. % Agriculture 17 3.4 Mining and Quarry 4 0.8 Manufacturing 1 0.2 Utilities 12 2.4 Construction 29 5.8 Wholesale and Retail Trade, Restaurants and Hotel 253 51.0 Transport 10 2.0 Finance 6 1.2 Community and Social Services 158 31.9 Others 6 1.2 Total 496 100.0 Source: Pengkalan Data Banci, Department of Statistics, (1991)

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4.2.3.3 Local Economy

Fraser's Hill local economy is dependent upon the tourism sector especially nature tourism. As such, the supporting sectors important to boost the tourism industry are the hotel, restaurants, and retail sectors. Many of the residents are government servants and workers in tourism and related supporting sectors.

Commerce

The commercial sector services the local residents as well as tourists. As indicated earlier, the commercial sector plays an important role in generating income as well as supporting the tourism sector for Fraser's Hill. There are at least eight registered hotels in 1991 in Fraser's Hill.

In addition, there are less than 50 commercial establishments, which provide services in mostly in retail and wholesale. Among the notable ones include 10 restaurants, a handicraft establishment and some retail premises. There was a petrol kiosk servicing Fraser's Hill residents as well as tourists but it was closed recently.

Agriculture

There is very little agriculture in Fraser's Hill. There is a flower nursery run by the Five-H Flora Farm Sdn Bhd. It provides services in horticultural consultancy and business. The company also markets its products to Taman Pertanian Bukit Cahaya Seri Alam for its Four Season Temperate Garden, Kuala Lumpur City Hall and other municipal councils beside to tourists in Fraser's Hill.

4.2.3.4 Tourism

Fraser’s Hill has a rustic charm and quiet tranquillity with its principal tourism product being nature tourism. Among the specific attractions are nature nature trails affording visitors the opportunity to see interesting flora and fauna including birds: there are in excess of 250 species of birds at Fraser’s Hill and this hill station is a bird sanctuary of international standing.

The nature trails vary in their distance and degree of difficulty. The Hemmant trail, for instance, is only 1km in length and begins at the back of the Nature Education Centre and ends at Victory Bungalow and takes about an hour to complete. The Pine Tree trail in contrast, is one of the more physically challenging trail, is 6km long and takes around four hours at a moderate pace to reach its peak, Pine Tree Hill. It should be added that the favourable climate at this hill station also, adds to its strength for trails and bird watching whereas the lowland birding areas are hot and humid.

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Other attractions include a flower nursery, small sports complex with tennis and squash courts, pony riding at The Paddock, Jeriau Waterfall, Allan’s Water (fishing lake), a children’s playground and two golf courses. The town course, designed by Frank Hemmant in 1925, is a nine-hole course with undulating fairways and rolling greens while the 18-hole Jeriau course was designed by Roger Davis and features a colonial-style clubhouse with tennis courts, a restaurant and other amenities.

The major annual event attraction in this hill station is The Fraser’s Hill International Bird Race, which has been held annually since 1988 in June. Three member teams compete in sighting, identifying and recording as many species of birds as possible. The 2001 event attracted 159 participants in 53 teams including Malaysians and visitors from Singapore, Thailand, Denmark, United Kingdom, U.S., New Zealand and Belgium.

The major tourist attractions in Fraser’s Hill are illustrated in Figure 4.4.

(a) Tourist Arrivals in Fraser’s Hill

Tourist arrivals to Fraser’s Hill over the period 1990-2000 are shown in Table 4.13. Arrivals declined from 57,504 in 1990 to 32,154 in 1999. However, in 2000 tourist arrivals rose to total 47,963. Over the period 1990-2000 there was a negative annual average growth rate of 1.80%.

A very high proportion of tourists to Fraser’s Hill are domestic tourists: these accounted for nearly 87.8% in 2000 and foreign tourists, amounting to 5,839 or 12.2%, were mainly from Singapore, Japan, Australia, US, UK, and Germany.

Of the domestic visitors, the majority (around 75%) are from the Klang Valley, some 10% from Pahang and the remaining 15% from other states in Malaysia.

Table 4.13: Tourist Arrivals in Fraser’s Hill (1990-1999)

AAGR Destination 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 (%)

Fraser’s Hill 57,504 77,594 86,351 54,915 58,987 59,062 60,807 61,441 38,538 32,154 47,963 -6.25

Source : Fraser’s Hill Development Corporation

(b) Purpose of Visit

Nationally, around 66% of tourists could be classified as leisure tourists (holiday and visiting friends and relatives), around 10% are business tourists (business and conference), whilst more than 11% regarded themselves as in transit.

An earlier study conducted by WWF found that some 85% of visitors to Fraser’s Hill were leisure tourists (holiday, visiting friends and relatives, golf, bird watching), 6% were on organized activities, and 3% were business tourists whilst 6% were classified as others (WWF, 1995).

It was also noted that some 66% of visitors were repeat visitors, whilst the remaining 34% were first –time visitors.

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Table 4.14: Distribution of Tourists to Fraser's Hill by Country of Origin, 2000

Country Tourist Arrival %

International Singapore 1,279 2.67 Japan 715 1.49 Australia 297 0.62 U.S. America 210 0.44 United Kingdom 177 0.37 Germany 167 0.35 Netherlands 113 0.24 France 103 0.21 Taiwan 99 0.21 Denmark 80 0.17 Others 2,599 5.42 Total 5,839 12.17

Domestic Malaysia 42,124 87.83 GRAND TOTAL 47,963 100.00 Source: Fraser's Hill Development Corporation

(c) Average Length of Stay (ALS)

Average length of stay (ALS) is an indicator of the ability of a destination to maintain visitor interest. In Malaysia the ALS of tourists has shown a commendable increase from 4.8 days (1995), 5.4 days (1996), 5.3 days (1997), 5.5 days (1998) and 5.5 days (1999). Tourists often visit multiple destinations during their stay in Malaysia and there are generally significant variations between long-haul tourists and short- haul tourists, which the former normally having a longer ALS. In 1998 the ALS of visitors from India, Netherlands, Sweden and UK were 12.0, 10.4, 9.8 and 9.3 days respectively whilst the ALS of Singaporean’s was only 2.7 days.

Table 4.15 shows the ALS for Fraser’s Hill declined from 3.2 days in 1992 to only 1.70 days in 2000. This is markedly lower than for other hill resorts such as Genting Highlands and Cameron Highlands and other major tourist destinations. Survey respondents in an earlier study attributed declines in visitors and ALS to a combination of factors such as loss of attractive quality, poor accommodation standards, including high tariffs in the bungalows not commensurate with room standards and a lack of recreation facilities (WWF, 1995).

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Table 4.15: Average Length of Stay for Fraser’s Hill (1992-2000)

Destination 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000

Fraser’s Hill 3.20 3.40 3.52 3.30 3.10 3.00 1.65 1.17 1.70

Source : Fraser’s Hill Development Corporation

(d) Hotel Guests and Guest Nights

There are seven hotels with a total of 437 rooms in Fraser’s Hill (Table 4.16).

Table 4.16 : Licensed Hotels in the Fraser’s Hill, 2000

Name of Hotel No.of Rooms No.of Stars ¾ Quest Resort Hotel, Jalan Lady Guilemard, 90 3* Fraser’s Hill ¾ Fraser’s Pine Hotel, Jalan Kuari, Fraser’s Hill 132 ¾ Silverpark Holiday Resort, Jalan Lady Maxwell, 112 Fraser’s Hill ¾ Fraser’s Hill Holiday Bungalow, Fraser’s Hill 50 Development Corporation, Fraser’s Hill ¾ Jelai Highland Resort, Fraser’s Hill 40 ¾ Puncak Inn, Fraser’s Hill Development 27 Corporation, Fraser’s Hill ¾ The Smokehouse Hotel Restaurant, Jalan Jeriau, 13 Fraser’s Hill ¾ Ye Olde Smoke House, 1381 Jalan Jeriau, 13 Fraser’s Hil Total 477

Source : MTPB, Malaysia Accommodation Directory 1998/1999

The total number of hotel guests in Fraser’s Hill in 1998 was 20,362 and this increased to 23,956 in 1999. As regards guests in 1999 some 21,615 were domestic visitors whilst the remaining 2,341 comprised foreign visitors.

Total guest nights in this hill resort rose from 27,801 in 1998 to 29,332 in 1999. In 1999, 26,184 out of the 29323 guest-nights were spent by domestic visitors (Table 4.17).

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Table 4.17: Distribution of Hotel Guests and Hotel Guest Nights, Fraser’s Hill, 1998 and 1999

Total Domestic Total Foreigners Grand Total % Share of Year National Guest Guest Guest Guests Guests Guests Total Guest Nights Nights Nights 1998 16,273 22,579 4,089 5,222 20,362 27,801 0.12

1999 21,615 26,184 2,341 3,148 23,956 29,332 0.13 Source : MTPB

As a proportion of the national total, Fraser’s Hill only represented approximately 0.13% in 1999. It is clear that at present Fraser's Hill is a very minor destination for foreign visitors and even for Malaysian visitors it only accounts for about 0.2%, as compared to 9.1% attracted to Genting Highlands and 2.7% who visit Cameron Highlands.

(f) Average Occupancy Rate (AOR)

The national average occupancy rate (AOR) of hotels in Malaysia has steadily declined from 65.9% (1995) to 50.6% (1999) but there was a 3.6% increase to 53.8% in the year 2000. In the case of Fraser’s Hill, the decline in the AOR has been steeper from 24.1% in 1999 to 27.6% in 2000.

Evidence obtained from the Quest Resort indicates an AOR of about 26% but with major inter-temporal variations. During public holidays and extended week-ends occupancy rates can approach high levels of over 70% but during mid-week AOR are exceptionally low.

In part the low and declining occupancy rate can be attributed to the fact that while arrivals have declined more hotel rooms have been added to the stock and to further exacerbate the situation, there has been an increase in the number of holiday homes and apartments. Another interpretation of a declining AOR is a market signal that different modes of accommodation may be needed in line with changing visitor preferences and needs. An increasing number of visitors may, e.g. be seeking budget accommodation.

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4.2.4 Infrastructure & Utilities

4.2.4.1 Water Supply

Fraser’s Hill is supplied from an intake on the Sg. Hijau with the balance of the river flow passing over a downstream waterfall which is a local tourist attraction. Upgrading plans are currently underway.

The existing treatment plant at Jalan Jeriau is being upgraded and another reservoir has been built in addition to the existing one to increase the capacity to 0.91 ML. The reservoirs are located at Jalan High Pines near the flower nursery. The balance of the projected future water requirement must be obtained from a new source, the Sg. Teranum. The recommended location is where the Fraser’s Hill - Raub road crosses the river. An output of 4.5 MLD has been assumed. Teras also derives its supply from an intake on the Sg. Teranum. The present water supply is sufficient to meet the needs of Fraser’s Hill (Table 4.18).

Table 4.18 : Projected Water Demand In Fraser’s Hill

Year Projected Service Population Domestic Commercial Total population factor served l/c/d Mld l/c/d Mld Mld 2000 1 256 0.9 1 130 280 0.32 50 0.06 0.37 2005 1 390 1.0 1 390 285 0.40 55 0.08 0.47 2010 1 539 1.0 1 539 295 0.45 60 0.09 0.54 2015 1 699 1.0 1 699 300 0.51 64 0.11 0.66 2020 1 876 1.0 1 876 310 0.58 75 0.14 0.72

4.2.4.2 Sewerage

Sewage treatment systems in Fraser’s Hill consist mainly of septic tanks and mechanized sewage treatment plants. The older developments, including the Quest Hotel, utilize septic tanks that discharge to the drainage system. Newer developments, such as the Silverpark Apartments, utilize centralized sewage treatment plants. Sewage effluents drain mostly into upper catchments in the state of Pahang and Selangor.

4.2.4.3 Solid Waste Management

The total waste generation in Fraser’s Hill is approximately 1 tonne per day (1kg/person/day) and is managed by Majlis Daerah Raub. Collection is done thrice weekly using a one tonne compactor. All wastes are disposed off at the 1-acre open dump which is located along Jalan Jeriau, about 2 km from the town center. Waste is dumped on the steep valley and pushed down the slope. The dump is an eyesore and emits foul odour.

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4.2.4.4 Road System

Fraser’s Hill is approximately 100 km from Kuala Lumpur. There are two roads to this hilltop resort. The first is through the Kuala Lumpur Karak highway, turning off at Bentong going towards Raub before arriving at the Gap. The other route is through the Federal Route 1 road going towards Ipoh, branching off at Kuala Kubu Bharu.

The access to the summit of Fraser’s Hill is via a place known as the Gap. The road from the Gap to the summit is a narrow and windy 8 km stretch. Due to this, the road previously only allowed for one-way traffic to the top from 6 am to 7.40 p.m. alternating between descending and ascending traffic. This has however changed, with the new road to Fraser’s Hill which links Pine Resort to the Gap being completed and recently being opened for public use. This access is approximately 2 km longer than the old road and is used for ascending traffic due to its steep structure while the old road for descending traffic. At the hill top, the roads are quite narrow and on weekends and public holidays, the number of cars to this hill station increases and causes traffic problems.

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4.3 STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES, OPPORTUNITIES AND THREATS

4.3.1 Strengths

(a) Physical Characteristics

The rugged terrain, cool climate and the sporadic distribution of the low-density development units have blended to create a balanced harmony between the built and physical environment. The resort is surrounded by forest reserves namely, Batu Talam Forest Reserve at the north and west, and Ulu Tranum Forest Reserve at the south and east of the hill station.

Fraser’s Hill is located at a mean altitude of 1,219 metres above sea level and temperatures average around 22oC daily and the coolness prevailing in this hill station is a major “pull” factor for visitors. Historically, this hill resort has attracted visitors because of a scenic, rustic and tranquil natural environment and many people come to relax, walk around the town centre, as well as to jungle-trek and bird-watch. Fraser’s Hill is a very important bird sanctuary with some 270 species of local and migratory birds. Tour companies such as Kingfisher, Meranti and Asian Overland organise tours for special interest tourists, viz, bird enthusiasts.

Many visitors to this hill station, in a survey conducted by WWF, cited the climate as the characteristic they liked best there, followed closely by the natural environment. Other popular characteristics were the scenery and the tranquillity of the place. (WWF, 1995)

(b) Recreational Facilities

The existing recreational facilities and activities, particularly, nature trails, bird watching, golf courses, horse riding and fishing have been instrumental in attracting visitors to the resort. In addition, the availability of sporting facilities for tennis, swimming, squash has provided opportunities for visitors who are not into eco tourism activities. The Jeriau Waterfall located about 5 km from the town is a popular spot for picnic and swimming.

Initially Fraser’s Hill was developed as a hill station by the British Malaya Administration in 1919 with development mainly confined to holiday chalets and bungalows and a 9-hole golf course. In recent years, sports and recreational facilities have been developed including another golf course, the Jeriau course located about 3 km from the town centre. There are facilities for horse-riding at The Paddock, a recreation lake for fishing and boating, a children’s playground, flower nursery and nature trails.

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(c) Socio Economy

The Fraser's Hill population is increasing at a slow rate. This scenario and the current small population will maintain the existing conducive environment for local residents. It will also alleviate the pressure of development for new housing areas and land.

There is a reasonably diverse accommodation base ranging from the 3-star Quest Resort hotel, budget hotels such as the Puncak Inn, apartments, bungalows, and heritage hotels such as Ye Olde Smokehouse Hotel.

Another important part of the tourism infrastructure is the Fraser’s Hill Nature Education Centre (FHNEC) (Plate 4-3) which serves as a information and resource centre and helps raise public awareness of highland forests.

(d) Rich Biodiversity and Well-retained Natural Landscape

Extensive areas of forest are intact in about 90% of the land within the Fraser’s Hill municipality area. The high visibility of the forest is in fact a major asset for this hill station. The forests provide refuge for an abundance of biodiversity accounting for 18% of Peninsular Malaysia’s highland flora. The forests also provide the cool temperature and tranquil setting of lush greenery, and these have been recognized as the major ‘pull’ factor for visitors to Fraser’s Hill. As a result of the comparatively low development density until now, the natural landscape of Fraser’s Hill is mostly still well retained. This is a distinct feature that differentiates Fraser’s Hill from Cameron Highlands and Genting Highlands.

(e) Existence of Nature Trails

There are nine nature trails in Fraser’s Hill, each differing from the others in terms of its biodiversity features, difficulty of terrain and time taken to complete the trail. The trails are interesting as they transverse the different forest types found in Fraser’s Hill. Ornamentally attractive, endemic and rare plant species are known to occur along some of these trails such as the Bishop’s trail and the Kenari-Nuri- Merpati trail. Certain trails are popular among bird watchers and there are also some trails that are ideal for wildlife observation where animals such as squirrels, dusky leaf monkeys, siamangs and snakes could be encountered.

(f) Existence of Nature Education and Awareness Programme

The Fraser’s Hill Nature Education Centre (FHNEC) has been established through a collaborative effort of the FHDC and WWF Malaysia. The Centre runs nature education programmes both for the local population as well as for organized groups and visitors to Fraser’s Hill. Apart from raising awareness of the importance of highland forest, the FHNEC could also be regarded as an important component of

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CHAPTER 4: FRASER’S HILL the tourism infrastructure in Fraser’s Hill. A variety and combination of formal and non-formal approaches are employed by the FHNEC to make nature education an interesting and meaningful process. The non-formal activity incorporates the usage of nature trails for nature interpretation in the form of guided walks. The activity includes identification of species and their ecological roles in the forest ecosystem, observing plant-animal relationships, biodiversity appreciation and effects of human interference on natural ecosystems.

(g) Water Supply

The construction of a new water treatment plant will increase the capacity and reliability of water supply at Fraser’s Hill. A new storage reservoir (0.91 ML) will double the storage capacity. The water supply intake is along Sg. Hijau, where a new intake structure and weir has been constructed. The pristine condition of the mountain streams in the Sg. Hijau catchment currently delivers good quality water to the water treatment plant.

4.3.2 Weaknesses

(a) Incongruent Development

Incongruent development, particularly the high-rise apartments, mar the landscape of Fraser’s Hill. The Silverpark Holiday Apartments located on one of the highest parts of the hill has created a visual impact that diminishes the image of the resort. The building height exceeds the tree line and impairs the natural beauty of the environment. The absence of development plans and guideline controls has contributed to this type of negative image for Fraser’s Hill.

The nature tourism potential of this hill station has also been compromised by some recent developments including construction of buildings on one of the highest hills and this has led to environmental damage including soil erosion and landslides (WWF, 1995). Tree felling and land clearing for the new road to Fraser’s Hill also caused environmental damage and the construction of the 18 hole golf course at Jeriau removed forest including some very rare plants from steep slopes and caused erosion which damaged public amenities such as the Jeriau waterfall (WWF, 1996).

(b) Lack of Social Facilities & Attractions

From the socio-economic perspective, the provision of more social and leisure facilities will be an added option to boost the tourism industry. However, the current scenario does not seem to depict that situation. The advancement of ICT has not been fully exploited for the benefits of the local populace.

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Fraser’s Hill has a very short ALS (1.17 days in 1999) compared to a national average of 5.5 days and the possible implication is that there is a lack of attractions and amenities to entice visitors to stay longer.

Visitors complain of a lack of activities for their participation including educationally stimulating experiences. Unfortunately several possible attractions including the Mini Zoo and the Museum Corner (Sudut Muzium) are at present closed. Discussions with the FHDC, hoteliers and tour guides indicated that inappropriate artefacts were presented in the Sudut Muzium. There is a belief that there are sufficient available local materials and artefacts that could depict the fascinating history of this hill station.

Whilst the accommodation base is reasonably diverse, standards, in the perception of visitors, are relatively poor.

(c) Absence of Specific Land Use Development Plan

Fraser’s Hill currently lacks a specific land use development plan to guide the present and future direction of development in Fraser’s Hill. The absence of such a plan could result in inappropriate development and a compromise of the fragile environment of Fraser’s Hill. This could then lead to loss of forest areas, biodiversity and natural features in Fraser’s Hill both in terms of quality and quantity.

(d) Poorly Maintained Nature Trails

A majority of the nature trails in Fraser’s Hill are relatively under-utilized and inadequately maintained. The Kindersely trail for example is overgrown by undergrowth and is unfit for use. There is also a general lack of publicity for the nature trails. Some level of maintenance is carried out for some trails such as the Hemmant, Abu Suradi and Bishops’s trails, which are frequently used by the FHNEC for nature interpretation activities. Trail guides are available for at least two of the trails namely Hemmant and Pine Tree trails. A few of the trails have signage and information boards. For some of them, efforts have been made to label the trees along the trails. The problem with lack of maintenance is primarily associated with the non-availability of fund and manpower shortage on the part of FHDC and the local authority.

(e) Shortage of Competent Nature Guides

There is a lack of nature guides locally who are familiar with the biodiversity aspects associated to the nature trails. Presently, there are four local guides whose services are used by tourist groups who either approach them directly or through the bungalows/resorts operators for bird watching and guided walks into the trails. Each of the local nature guides differs in their level of knowledge on the biodiversity aspects. To a certain extent, information on the biodiversity aspects associated to the nature trails is also disseminated by the FHNEC through its activities particularly through organised guided trail walks.

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(f) Relative Difficult Access & Road & Parking Capacity

Accessibility to this hill station, compared to Genting Highlands, is at present comparatively difficult and private vehicle usage is dominant (81% of total) which at peak times such as weekends and public holidays strains parking capacity. There are also problems arising from the inadequacy of public bus services from/to Kuala Kubu Bahru (twice daily services only) and a lack of an internal shuttle bus service within the hill resort itself.

The existing road capacity is suitable for low volume of traffic. During weekends the town becomes congested due to the large numbers of vehicles and people driving aimlessly around the resort. The absence of an internal public transportation system has further worsened the situation. This situation will be further aggravated now that the new 12km link to Fraser’s Hill has become operational, allowing more traffic to the resort. The land capacity for road expansion is limited and alternative transportation measures need to be considered.

During peak periods is the lack of parking space and inadequate road capacity. The town centre is invariably congested during weekends and public holidays when the tourist crowd swells. Cars parked along the narrow road shoulders inevitably inconvenience traffic movement in the town centre. The lack of adequate pedestrian facilities such as walkways, in addition to the remoteness of some of the bungalows, deters tourists from walking to the main town centre.

(g) Solid Waste Management

The management of solid waste is not been carried out in an environmentally friendly manner. Presently, solid waste is disposed off in an open dump down a hillside. The wastes that is indiscriminately dumped and shoved down the hillside will leach pollutants into the surface and ground water and potentially contaminate water supply sources downstream. The poor accessibility from the lowlands and lack of suitable landfill sites in Fraser’s Hill compounds the solid waste management predicament.

(h) Sewerage

The sewerage system at Fraser’s Hill is old and outdated, except for the newer developments such as Silverpark Apartments. Septic tanks are the widely used sewage treatment method at the bungalows. The remote and isolated locations of the various developments at Fraser’s Hill, coupled with the steep terrain, makes centralized treatment plants more expensive to implement due to the need for pumping. It is doubtful that the old septic tank systems are effective enough to meet Standard B effluent discharge standards on a consistent basis. The bungalows and holiday homes on the Selangor side of Fraser’s Hill are within and upstream of the Sg. Selangor dam catchment, which is used for water supply. Thus any poor sewage effluent discharge can potentially pollute the reservoir.

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4.3.3 Opportunities

(a) New Access Link

The new 12 km access link which starts about half a kilometre from the existing GAP and ends at the Pines Resort would improve the convenience of travel to Fraser’s Hill. With this new link, the traffic management proposes the old route for ascending traffic and the new route for descending traffic. Opportunities for development pressure will now be more evident with this link.

(b) Tourism

Aggressive and continuous promotion and marketing of Fraser's Hill will see the increase in the number of tourists in this hill station. Thus, there would be need for tourism manpower especially in niche markets such as tourist guide for trails and bird watching.

In the medium-long term rising discretionary incomes and changes in taste favouring domestic travel among a socially advancing and more environmentally conscious Malaysian community provides potential for enlarging the flow of domestic visitors to Fraser’s Hill, especially if sustainable tourism development is pursued. Nationally, aggressive promotional activities are being undertaken under the theme Cuti-Cuti Malaysia with the main aim of encouraging domestic travel and reducing currency outflows. Easier access to Fraser’s Hill will be provided by the new road; this will be used for descending traffic whilst the old road will be utilised for ascending traffic.

A market segment which special emphasis should be accorded is the youth market. Nature and bird watching tours could be organised and the accommodation and resort operations are prepared to offer economical packages based on 4 students to a room, meals, etc to make this an affordable proposition. Such tours could be organised during the off-peak period. The trails can be made educationally interesting and informative to the youth and help increase their understanding of the various aspects of the forest eco-system.

Another market segment that has potential for expansion is the ‘silver-haired’ market. The cool climate, tranquillity and the natural environment coupled perhaps with the development of health tourism could be packaged to attract this market segment especially during off-peak periods.

(c) Protection of Biodiversity Important Areas

In relation to the protection of biodiversity, there are opportunities for setting aside critical areas in Fraser’s Hill that are known to possess high biodiversity conservation values. These should include the areas identified and proposed by Kiew (1992). These areas could be zoned for specific use that is appropriate to conservation objectives within the context of the proposed Fraser’s Hill master plan and afforded permanent protection with legal backing.

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(d) Use of Nature Trails as a Tourism Product

The nature trails offer great potential as an attractive nature tourism product. To realize this, there need to be collaboration between the local authority, FHDC, private sector (such as hotel operators and bungalow owners) and the FHNEC. Apparently there is currently an on-going initiative involving the above-mentioned agencies to formalize a committee to look into better coordination in the planning and implementation of tourism related matters in Fraser’s Hill. Discussion with several stakeholders involved in this initiative revealed that the issue of maximizing the potential use of the nature trails as a tourism product including matters pertaining to trails upgrading, maintenance and publicity are part of the agenda of this committee.

As mentioned earlier, three of the nature trails in Fraser’s Hill are already being used for nature interpretation by the FHNEC. There are good prospects for expanding the potential of using the remaining nature trails for the same purpose. This idea could also be included in the agenda of the tourism committee.

(e) Provision of Environmental and Nature Conservation Oriented Training Programmes

There is potential to expand the role of FHNEC to include provision of environmental and nature conservation oriented training programmes to personnel engaged in the operation and management of Fraser’s Hill. Such programmes would be useful in enhancing awareness and ensuring environmental and nature conservation considerations become an integral component in the running of Fraser’s Hill. This could support the effort of achieving sustainable development of this hill station in the long term. Subsequently, the trained personnel could also act as multipliers by encouraging a sense of responsibility and environmental awareness to their counterparts and partners.

4.3.4 Threats

(a) Development Pressure

The new link will increase development pressure at Fraser’s Hill. The easy access now will lead to more traffic volume to the resort, congesting the existing road capacity and demand for new car parking facilities. In addition, the pressure for new areas could lead to exploiting Forest Reserves for land. The areas around Jeriau and new corridor route are the potential locations for development pressure. In addition, the absence of Local Plans and development guidelines, can lead to incompatible development proposals which may threaten the natural environment.

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New development such as ones upstream of Sg. Hijau threatens the water supply by siltation of the streams and choking of the water supply intake and treatment plant. Although there is no present indication of development in the catchment, there needs to be a clear policy from the local authorities prohibiting such development. The construction of a golf course upstream of the Jeriau waterfall was an example of siltation ruining the once pristine waterfall. Although the golf course has been completed for some time, the impact to the environment is still there. Not all the exposed slopes have been covered and at certain places vegetation cover has not been very effective in controlling soil loss. The stream leading to the Jeriau waterfall remains silted and muddy during heavy rains.

(b) Resort’s Image

With the development pressure, the image of the Fraser’s Hill is at risk from high- density type developments, particularly from apartment and condominium type development. In addition, State Governments earlier proposal for low and medium cost apartments further downgrade the image of Fraser’s Hill. The development of these types of apartments is not only incongruent with existing low-density developments but also gives the resort a negative visual impact.

(c) Socio-Economy

Continuous and aggressive promotion of Fraser's Hill might also see the problem of labour force shortage at a later stage due to its small resident population. Thus, there might be a need to encourage settlement at this hill station.

Tourist destinations in the final analysis are in competition with each other and in a highly competitive tourist market brand switching is always a possibility. In bidding for the tourist dollar Fraser’s Hill is in competition with other destinations including such well-developed and well promoted hill stations as Genting Highlands and Cameron Highlands.

A further possible threat to sustainable development in the Study Area could arise if the proposed Hill Resort Road (HRR) which would traverse along the mountainous terrain of the Main Range, were constructed. This could lead to indiscriminate exploitation of latent resources and as noted in the National Conservation Strategy, roads and other infrastructure on the Main Range are highly inadvisable.

(d) Habitat Destruction and Species Loss

Unguided development in recent years has resulted in some serious consequences that threaten the biodiversity of Fraser’s Hill. The construction of the golf course near Jeriau Valley, for example, has raised some concern to botanists (Kiew, 1992) of the effect of the development that may have caused loss of rare and endangered

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CHAPTER 4: FRASER’S HILL plant species in the immediate vicinity. Habitat fragmentation and removal of some montane forest have resulted from the construction of the second access road.

(e) Illegal Collection of Wild Flora and Fauna

There have been complaints about collection of wild flora and fauna (which include mainly pitcher plants, orchids, herbs with medicinal values, butterflies and other insects as well as birds) from the forest in Fraser’s Hill. Collectors make use of the existing nature trails to get easy access to the forest. If left unchecked, this may lead to over-collection and eventually depletion of wild flora and fauna. Unfortunately, there is no on-going monitoring of this activity so the degree of seriousness of the problem is uncertain. In addition, no mechanism has been put in place to control the illegal collection.

(f) Problem of Management and Enforcement of Biodiversity Matters

There seems to be a general lack of attention given to the management and enforcement of biodiversity matters such as the issue of illegal collection of wild flora and fauna from the forest in Fraser’s Hill as discussed in (e) above. Two factors are known to be the main causes attributing to this situation. The first is the uncertainty in the exact extent of the Fraser’s Hill Wildlife Reserve/Sanctuary and overlapping status with forest reserve and town board area. The second factor relates to the non-existence of clear guidelines regarding which authority should take precedence in matters involving biodiversity management and enforcement.

(g) Increased Traffic

Abolishing the alternating ascending and descending traffic control at the Gap will now add to the convenience visitors driving up, and there is a likelihood of increase in vehicular traffic in the town centre. Besides the problems with limited parking, the increased traffic will invariably affect local environmental quality. The presence of vehicles with running engines will increase temperatures in the immediate vicinity. Air quality will deteriorate due to the exhaust emissions and dust generated by moving vehicles. Noise pollution will also increase and spoil the tranquil ambience that is the trademark of Fraser’s Hill.

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4.4 CARRYING CAPACITY

The carrying capacity for Fraser’s Hill is expected to be far lower than the number obtained for both Cameron Highlands and Genting Highlands with the obvious fact that it covers a smaller area compared to Cameron Highlands as well as the development strategy outlined in Section 3.5 does not focus on mass tourism such as Genting Highlands. The following is the derivation of the carrying capacity together with the assumptions:

(a) Tourism

Assumptions:

• 477 rooms x 2.5 persons per room (overnight) x daily turnover rate 1 per day • 477 rooms x 1.0 person per room (day visitors) x daily turnover rate 2 per day • Nature trails assumed to total 11 km with WTO density standard of 40 visitors per day per km

As the development focus of Fraser’s Hill is nature tourism, only the capacity of the nature trails have been considered. However, it is conceivable that there will be a small percentage of visitors who will prefer other activities such as golf, enjoying the area without entering the nature trails. Therefore, the capacity is increased by 20% to account for these visitors, bringing the tourism carrying capacity to 530 visitors per day.

Carrying capacity = 530 visitors per day

(b) Water Supply

• The water supply is based on the estimation of low-flows for a 20-year return period at 4.1ML per day from the Sg. Hijau catchments • It is assumed that only 10% of the water from the catchment is abstracted for consumption. • The demand to be 250L per day for residents and 100L per day for visitors; ratio of residents to visitor conservatively assumed at 9:1 (based on the population and latest visitor figures).

Carrying capacity = 1908 visitors per day

Transportation was not considered as a limiting factor due to the new access road to Fraser’s Hill as well as the Action Plans to alleviate the traffic problems.

Although there is ample accommodation facilities the maximum carrying capacity as a nature tourism resort should be 530 visitors per day or 193,400 visitors per annum. There is considerable scope for expanding from the current visitor arrivals base, without compromising the environmental integrity of this resort. However, it is important to develop larger visitor flows during current off-peak periods such as mid-week.

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4.5 ACTION PLANS

4.5.1 Development Plans and Guiding Issues

Fraser’s Hill already possesses the strength of having a natural setting and much of the infrastructure and facilities required to become a popular tourist resort. Despite so, there has been a surprising lack of interest shown by holidaymakers to this place. The strategy would be to create a hill resort to attract a niche market. The focus of the development should be on enhancing the hill resort for nature tourism. To achieve this, several issues has to be addressed, primarily in the promotion of the resort, the upgrading and upkeeping of facilities and the provision of suitable accommodation. The importance of sustainability will be integrated into to all recommendations.

There is a need for a major campaign advertising Fraser’s Hill as a viable tourist destination both locally and around the Asean region. So far, the marketing of Fraser’s Hill as a nature tourism spot or even as a tourist destination itself has been weak and limited.

The lack of maintenance of the existing facilities is a major issue that needs urgent attention, where repackaging and overhaul are necessary to bring out the tourism appeal that it was originally intended.

The adequacy of hotel rooms in Fraser’s Hill is undermined by the lack of range, where the hotel rates are skewed towards the higher end. New developments have to address this imbalance in the hope of attracting visitors with a leaner budget.

4.5.2 Tourism Enhancement

The principal theme for sustainable tourism development in Fraser’s Hill is Nature Tourism.The primary focus in this hill station should be on efforts geared to promoting Fraser’s Hill’s natural assets for nature tourism. In this context it is strongly recommended that FHDC concentrates on upgrading existing facilities rather than permit the opening-up of new areas for development.

The natural environment is the prime attraction in this hill station and it is critical that this vulnerable and fragile asset be conserved and existing facilities and amenities be upgraded in a manner which does not conflict with the environment or exceed the carrying capacity.

The physical (encompassing the accommodation base, access roads, water supply, sewage facilities, electricity) and social (crowding, visitor satisfaction, resident population base) capacities in this hill station have not been reached and indeed could be increased with careful planning including increasing visitor flows during off- peak periods. However, the ecological carrying capacity has been exceeded and is manifest in the context of environmental degradation (landslides, water pollution, habitat destruction). The degradation of the environment has to be rectified before the area’s physical and social capacities could be increased (WWF, March 1995).

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In order to develop Fraser’s Hill in line with the 8MP policy thrust of achieving sustainable tourism growth it is recommended that the following tourism development strategies be adopted.

• Expand the provision of destination-specific tourism information through a) enhanced private/public sector co-operation b) greater usage of ICT including i. Development of a tourism portal for Fraser’s Hill with up-to-date destination information. ii. Centralised on line booking/ticketing and related services iii. Touch screen kiosk at strategic locations. • Intensified and focussed tourism marketing and promotion on selective markets and market segments including youth and the “silver-haired” generation. • Development of a on-going tourism environmental upgrading and beautification programme. • Adopt a tourism-related infrastructure upgrading programme.

Monitoring and evaluation are both important planning processes and it is strongly recommended that the proposed Development Action Plan be monitored and evaluated on a regular basis by UPEN Pahang. It is also appropriate to emphasize that in a dynamic, fast-changing sector such as tourism, where the goal is to promote sustainable tourism development, plans should not be interpreted in a rigid, blueprint manner. They should be perceived as a rolling programme in which there is in-built provisions for timely and relevant modifications and adjustments in the light of changing circumstances.

At a later stage, there would be need to bring in more people in Fraser's Hill, due to a shortage of labour, especially for the tourism sector including the hotel industry which is labour intensive and other tourism supporting sectors. However, the migrating population must be controlled in such a way, that it does not bring in environmental degradation to the human and nature perspective.

Specific Action Plan Programmes proposed are:

Action Plan : FH-AP1 The focus of tourism in Fraser’s Hill shall be limited to Nature Tourism. New proposals for other types of tourism shall not be permitted. UPEN Pahang should issue directives in this regard.

Action Plan : FH-AP2 Implementation of a Nature Tourism Upgrading Programme. It is proposed that the Department of Forestry, with the conservation based NGOs implement a Nature Tourism Upgrading Programme in this hill resort. Components of this programme could encompass: (a) Upgrading of existing nature trails, including marking of scenic points, constructions of bird hides and regular maintenance. (b) Development of a canopy walkway. (c) Organisation of guided walks, guided birdwalks, guided night walks and educational tours, etc. (d) Rental of field equipment such as binoculars, telescopes and waterproofs. (e) Secure Private Sector sponsorship of nature tourism programmes.

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Action Plan : FH-AP3 Majlis Daerah Raub should develop additional social and leisure facilities for both the local populace and visitors. Facilities proposed include a small internet/cyber café, a library and community hall.

Action Plan : FH-AP4 Designation of a camping ground. MDR should designate an area for a camping ground which would be designed to appeal to school students and youth from the Rakan Muda programme.

Action Plan : FH-AP5 Produce high quality promotional material on tourist products. FHDC with the assistance of MTPB should produce high quality promotional material on tourist products on offer including pamphlets and brochures, dos and don’ts guides, pocket checklists, information guides on Fraser’s Hill as well as surrounding areas in the Raub District.

Action Plan : FH-AP6 Embark on advertisement and promotional campaigns. FHDC with the cooperation of the Private Sector and the newly formed Fraser’s Hill Tourist Association should undertake well-funded joint advertising and promotional campaigns and market Fraser's Hill with a common image and theme. Target domestic market and priority overseas markets such as India, China, Singapore and UK. The campaigns should also promote attractions found in the Raub District.

Action Plan : FH-AP7 Utilise the “off-peak periods” for special holiday packages. The Hospitality Industry, with the assistance of Fraser’s Hilll Tourist Association should endeavour to develop the mid-week, off-peak market especially among the “silver-haired” generation to even out visitor flows through attractive packages, price differentials, off peak rates etc. Consideration could also be given to developing health tourism. One of the FHDC bungalows could, for instance, be developed as a health centre with traditional medicine, massage, etc.

Action Plan : FH-AP8 Clear and effective traffic and directional signage to and at major tourist attractions is very important for tourism development. Majlis Daerah Raub, with assistance from JKR, should upgrade traffic and directional signage including the development of directional signage on the North-South Expressway and from the forthcoming Sg. Selangor dam.

Action Plan : FH-AP9 Provision of an eco-friendly shuttle bus service. If visitation levels to Fraser’s Hill increase significantly, an eco-friendly shuttle bus service should be initiated to provide internal transportation within the hill station.

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Action Plan : FH-AP10 Enhance the accommodation base. As the tourism market changes, the demand for accommodation modes also often changes. The Hospitality Industry therefore should be encouraged to respond to customer - focused needs and preferences in regard to accommodation modes. Budget accommodation is particularly lacking.

Action Plan : FH-AP11 Development of a Farmer’s Market (Pasar Tani). Raub is a major fruit growing area producing a wide range of tropical fruits. If visitation levels to Fraser’s Hill increase significantly, FAMA, in cooperation with the private sector, should develop a Farmer’s Market (Pasar Tani) on a weekly basis at this hill station. In addition to fruits, handicraft/souvenirs/medicinal products and other items likely to appeal to foreign and domestic visitors should be traded.

Action Plan : FH-AP12 Maximise usage of Information Communications Technology. FHDC and the travel trade and Fraser’s Hill Tourist Association should maximise usage of Information Communications Technology (ICT) including : (a) Tourism portal for Fraser’s Hill with up-to-date destination information. (b) Centralised booking / ticketing and related services. (c) Touch screen kiosk at strategic locations.

Action Plan : FH-AP13 Implement a Land Care and Environmental Action Programme. The Majlis Daerah Raub should implement a Land Care and Environmental Action Programme designed to upgrade the environment and beautify Fraser’s Hill, especially in the town centre.

Action Plan : FH-AP14 The Majlis Daerah Raub should ensure that the design, architecture and management of any approved new tourist facilities should be in keeping with the hill station’s character, history and culture and the integrity of the built environment must be maintained and enhanced.

4.5.3 Land Use Planning

The formulation of an overall master plan for Fraser’s Hill, taking into account the fragile environment and the rugged terrain, is vital for the sustainability of this hill station.

Action Plan : FH-AP15 An overall development Master Plan or a Local Plan must be developed for Fraser’s Hill. Majlis Daerah Raub together with DTCP must formulate this plan. The plan, in addition to zoning land use, must also identify conservation areas and infrastructure requirements. The master plan or local plan should also include specific guidelines on building design, as well as determine types and densities of buildings that are permissible.

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4.5.4 Infrastructure and Environmental Improvements

A proper and good infrastructure is necessary to support Fraser’s Hill in becoming a successful tourist destination. The weaknesses in the present infrastructure have been identified and shall be dealt with by a series of action plans.

Specific Action Plan Programmes proposed are:

Action Plan : FH-AP16 MDR must make water conservation measures mandatory for all new facilities in Fraser’s Hill. Half flush toilets and auto-shut off taps must be installed as a condition of building plan approval. All existing hotels shall be given a grace period of three years to implement these measures. Water demand management will help minimize water shortages in the future.

Action Plan : FH-AP17 MDR must ensure that all hotels implement environmental management systems (EMS) (ISO14001 or equivalent) as a condition of business licence. MDR could give monetary incentives in the form of reduction in the annual quit rent and/or assessments according to hotels’ level of implementation of these measures. All hotels should be given a grace period of three years to implement an EMS.

Action Plan : FH-AP18 MDR should upgrade the solid waste management system at Fraser’s Hill. Systems similar to those used at Genting Highlands (sorting, composting and incineration) could be utilized. An area of approximately 1 ha will be required and could possibly be sited near the existing dumping site near the existing dump. A detailed study has to be carried out to fine tune the location and design.

Action Plan : FH-AP19 MDR has to initiate the practice of waste separation in Fraser’s Hill. Long-term campaign can be initiated by MDR to educate the people on the benefits of waste separation. As the number of businesses and residents in Fraser’s Hill is relatively small, everyone can be made to participate in this practice.

Action Plan : FH-AP20 One way traffic. As a short-term measure, the main ring road around Fraser’s Hill can be turned into a one-way traffic.

Action Plan : FH-AP21 Rehabilitate the catchment area upstream of the Jeriau waterfall. The golf course upstream has been one of the sources of sedimentation. Remedial action such as placing vegetation cover or geotextiles and gabions over the exposed spots has to be implemented. At areas where the replanted vegetation has not been effective in controlling soil loss, the suitability of the type of vegetation used should be reconsidered with respect to the soil conditions and type.

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4.5.5 Biodiversity Conservation

Fraser’s Hill occupies relatively a central position in the Main Range of Peninsular Malaysia. Fraser’s Hill is unique among the hill stations in Peninsular Malaysia because its natural landscape, which is predominantly lower montane forest, is mostly still well retained. From the biodiversity perspective, this translates to the importance of Fraser’s Hill in contributing to the country’s natural heritage as about 18% of the highland flora of Peninsular Malaysia is found here. Additionally, the biodiversity particularly its flora is of great conservation and scientific interest because many rare and endemic species are found in Fraser’s Hill

Whilst proper management and conservation of biodiversity ensures that the associated ecological values and services are maintained, it is also important because the natural environment which includes biodiversity is the prime attraction of Fraser’s Hill. As has been stressed above, nature tourism is the principal theme for sustainable tourism development in Fraser’s Hill. Because biodiversity is an integral and vital component of the natural environment of Fraser’s Hill, therefore biodiversity conservation and tourism development will need to be in parallel with each other. In fact, the same principle should also apply in terms of biodiversity conservation within the overall development of Fraser’s Hill in order for this hill station to achieve development that is sustainable in the wider context.

The following strategies are therefore recommended for addressing the above issues:

• Adequate integration of nature conservation principles into the planning, management and development framework of Fraser’s Hill to ensure a balance between the needs of both development and conservation;

• Clarification of legal instruments and provisions of authority. This relates to the issue of improving the monitoring, management and enforcement of biodiversity related matters;

• Designation of biodiversity conservation areas and implementation of measures to control illegal collection of wild flora and fauna. These need to be seen as part of the strategy for maximizing the protection of biodiversity in Fraser’s Hill;

• Utilize scientific information for determining the nature/ biodiversity conservation objectives for Fraser’s Hill. These objectives should be used to support tourism development and activities to prevent unsustainable forms of tourism that are in conflict with nature / biodiversity conservation.

Specific Action Plan programmes proposed are:

Action Plan : FH-AP22 Zone biodiversity conservation areas for specific use. The MDR should zone biodiversity conservation areas for specific use that is consistent with the conservation objectives and afford permanent protection using appropriate legal mechanisms. Such zoning should ideally be carried out within the context of the proposed Local Plan.

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Action Plan : FH-AP23 Implement measures for controlling illegal collection of wild flora and fauna. Forestry Department, in collaboration with DWNP, FHDC, academic and research institutions, and conservation-based NGOs should implement measures for controlling illegal collection of wild flora and fauna. Possible measures may include the following: (a) Enforcing a ban on collecting wild flora and fauna; (b) Putting up signs in multi-languages at strategic locations (e.g. entrance to nature trails) to notify prohibition on wild flora and fauna collection; (c) Incorporating information on the prohibition in promotional brochures; (d) Introducing a permit system to allow collection for scientific and research purposes only with conditions such as requiring the listing of all specimens collected and their quantity, usage of sustainable / proper collection methods and submission of scientific / research publications produced.

Action Plan : FH-AP24 Form an Advisory and Planning Committee to guide the planning of nature projects and education programmes. The committee should be lead by MDR with support from FHDC and other members consisting of agencies with related expertise in nature education such as Forestry Department, DWNP, DOE, DID, academic institutions and conservation-based NGOs.

Action Plan : FH-AP25 Initiate a fund to support implementation of nature education programmes. Any financial returns derived from the programmes should be channeled back into the fund. This effort should be lead by MDR with support from other members of the Advisory and Planning Committee.

Action Plan : FH-AP26 Utilize the FHNEC for providing nature oriented training programmes to personnel engaged in the operation and management of Fraser’s Hill. The MDR jointly with FHDC and WWFM could take the lead in this effort with assistance provided by other members of the Advisory and Planning Committee.

4.5.6 Administrative

Several administrative measures are required to strengthen the implementation of the action plans listed above.

Action Plan : FH-AP27 Set up an Environmental Management Unit within MDR. An Environmental Management Unit within MDR should be set to oversee the environmental well- being of the area. This is necessary due to the fragile nature of the environment

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CHAPTER 4: FRASER’S HILL and the varied and complex environmental issues. This environmental unit must be trained on environmental protection and be given sufficient manpower and clout in order carry out their duties effectively. Promulgation of specific by-laws may be necessary to support the environmental unit. The personnel shall work closely with other organisations there such as the Department of Environment, Department of Forestry and Department of Wildlife and National Parks. Setting up of the EMU will entail MDR recruiting additional staff as the current staff-force will not be able to handle the additional tasks. It is proposed at least one professional staff and one technician are engaged at the initial stages. The duties of the EMU include the following:

• monitor and be alert to any adverse environmental impacts from development projects • management of environmentally sensitive areas • implement environmental protection policies • undertake continuous environmental awareness programmes to educate the local residents on the importance of environmental conservation • enforcement of all matters outside the ambit of the EQA

Action Plan : FH-AP28 MDR should develop and support implementation of programmes targeted at local community participation in ensuring sustainable development at Fraser’s Hill. This may be in the form of Integrated Community Development Programmes (ICDP) which seek to conserve biodiversity while improving the quality of life of the people whose livelihood depends on those biological resources. The ICDP could include a range of related conservation and development efforts such as community-based natural resource management, community resource conservation and eco-development projects.

Action Plan : FH-AP29 The Cabinet Committee on Highlands and Islands with the assistance of UPEN Pahang must continuously monitor all development activities at Fraser’s Hill.

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Plate 4-1 Siltation at the Jeriau Waterfall

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Plate 4-2 Start of one of the nature trails in Fraser’s Hill

Plate 4-3 The Fraser’s Hill Nature Education Centre

WWF Malaysia December 2001

5 LEGAL & INSTITUTIONAL ISSUES

Study on the Development of Hill Stations Final Report I

CHAPTER 5: LEGAL & INSTITUTIONAL ISSUES

5.1 INTRODUCTION

This chapter examines the legal and institutional aspects of the issues, in particular the weaknesses and threats that have been identified in the ‘strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis of Cameron Highlands, Fraser’s Hill and Genting Highlands. This chapter also looks at the legal and institutional mechanisms needed to implement some of the action plans identified.

The core of these issues relate to poor planning and management of land use, which result in land and environmental degradation. Some of these issues are inter- linked and present themselves as either causes or effects of problems on the hill stations. It is noted that some of these issues require solutions beyond legal and institutional frameworks, such as capacity building and awareness programmes.

The relevance of each issue to the hill stations will be briefly recapped followed by a review of the relevant laws and subsequently, the institutional arrangements. Some recommendations will be provided to address the inadequacies of the current legal as well as institutional framework.

5.2 LEGAL ISSUES

5.2.1 Poor Land Use Planning and Management

Poor land use planning and management have been alluded to in the case of Cameron Highlands and Fraser’s Hill in the preceding chapters. In the case of Genting Highlands and Fraser’s Hill, it is prudent that a development master plan be put in place to ensure proper planning of any future development in the area concerned.

5.2.1.1 Town and Country Planning Act 1976

The Town and Country Planning Act (TCPA) 1976, is an act for the proper control and regulation of town and country planning in local authority areas. Sections 8 and 12 provide for the preparation of draft structure and local plans respectively. Such plans provide for planning of land use and development activities, including infrastructure and utilities in the areas concerned. The relevant authorities should then gazette the draft structure and local plans to enable legal planning controls to be enforced.

One of the criticisms of these plans is that they are not holistic, the emphasis being placed on zoning areas for development rather than protection, and many of the older plans do not incorporate environmental considerations. However, the TCPA amendments in 1995 required the submission of a development proposal report, which the local authority must take into account before granting planning permission (section 21A). The development proposal report will contain a description of the land such as the physical environment, topography, landscape, geology, contours, drainage, water bodies and catchments and natural features. Additionally land use analysis and the effects of the development proposal on adjoining land are also required. Such a provision is useful in assisting the local authorities plan and manage land uses in the highlands.

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Recently, there are major amendments made to the Town and Country Planning (Amendment) Act 2001 [A1129]. However, only preliminary sections (sections 2 to 5) of the amending act have come into operation as of 1 October 2001.

A major amendment to the TCPA is the establishment of the National Physical Planning Council (NPPC) chaired by the Prime Minister (section 2A). The discussion in this part will only highlight provisions that relate to the development on hill slopes and highland areas.

Section 16(B)(1) provides relevant State authorities to propose and submit special area plans for ‘special and detailed treatment by development, redevelopment, improvement, conservation or management practice’. Such a provision is useful to allow state authorities the discretion to impose additional measures to better plan and control development of sensitive areas, for example highland areas. It is recommended that when this comes into operation in the State of Pahang, that the relevant State authority will consider the designation of Fraser’s Hill and Genting Highlands as special areas, requiring special area plans.

Section 22(2A)(c) provides that any application for ‘development affecting hill tops or hill slopes in area designated as environmentally sensitive in a development plan’ be referred to the NPPC for advice. Although this is a positive move to consider applications for development on highland areas more holistically, the operation of this section is dependent on whether the area concerned has been designated as an environmentally sensitive area. Therefore, it is advocated that in the development of structure and local plans, the designation of environmentally sensitive areas should be given adequate consideration.

Cameron Highlands has a structure plan for the period 1995 – 2020 (MDCH and PPTCH, 1996) and recently developed a local plan (MDCH, 2000). The district of Raub, in which Fraser’s Hill is located, has a structure plan for the period 1993 – 2010 (JPBD, 1996). In the Raub Structure Plan, Fraser’s Hill has been identified as a centre for sustainable tourism development. Among the broad recommendations identified in the plan, the development of a local plan for Fraser’s Hill has been recommended to guide and control the development of the hill station.

Amendments have also been made to sections 7 to 10 of the TCPA to provide for the draft structure plan to be prepared for the whole state by the State Director of Town and Country Planning. Amendments to section 12 have also been made to allow the local planning authority to prepare a local plan for the whole of its area. Therefore, when the amendments come into operation, there should be more comprehensive planning for any given area under the local planning authority.

Popular reference to Genting Highlands is often synonymous with Genting Berhad’s land bank, which is currently managed by it’s subsidiary, Resorts World Berhad. However, Genting Highlands in this study includes the surrounding land areas of Resorts World Berhad’s property. Resorts World Berhad has currently only utilized 4.5 % of its total land bank (443 acres) (pers. comm., Col. (R ) Dato’ Cheng Wah, 27 April 2001). However, the total land bank under the Resorts World Berhad has been zoned as early as 1976 mostly for residential development as well as for commercial, educational institutions and tourist resort facilities, leaving approximately 5% of the total area under forest (See 3.2.2.1). It is proposed that the

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land use zoning under Resorts World Berhad be reviewed. Additionally a local plan for Genting Highlands is to be developed.

Recommendations

ITEM ACTIONS BY LI-AP1 Gazette the remaining sections of the Town State and Country Planning (Amendment) Act Government 2001 [A1129]

LI-AP2 Gazette the Cameron Highlands Local Plan Pahang State (section 15 of the TCPA) Government

5.2.1.2 Environmental Quality Act 1974

Section 34A of the Environmental Quality Act (EQA) 1974 provides for an environmental impact assessment (EIA) to be carried out on a prescribed activity. Such a provision can be used as a planning tool to assess the impacts of prescribed activities before approval is given for the said activity. Under the Environmental Quality (Prescribed Activities) (Environmental Impact Assessment) Order 1987, 19 prescribed activities are elaborated.

The following activities under the Order are directly relevant to hill stations: - conversion of hill forest land to other land use covering an area of 50 hectares or more (Item 6(a)); - logging or conversion of forest land to other land use within the catchment area of reservoirs used for municipal water supply, irrigation of hydro-power generation or in areas adjacent to state and national parks and national marine parks (Item 6(b)); - logging covering an area of 500 hectares or more (Item 6(c )) - housing development covering an area of 50 hectares or more (Item 7); and - hill station resort or hotel development covering an area of 50 hectares of more (Item 17(b)).

There are many non-prescribed activities in the highlands that can have deleterious impacts on the environment. Given the scarcity of land at most hill stations, it is unlikely that developments will be anywhere near the prescribed 50 hectares. The steep slopes in the highland areas mean that even small development sites could have serious environmental impacts. Farming activities, that have caused so many problems at Cameron Highlands, are also not subject to EIA.

Therefore, due to the fragility of the highland ecosystem in which all the three hill stations are located, it is recommended that an EIA be carried out for all development activity regardless of size. An exception to this is perhaps the building of individual houses. Additionally, macro EIAs should be encouraged for separate developments in the same area, as cumulatively their impacts may be greater than each individual’s development. The incremental cost of macro EIAs should be borne by the developers and carried out by their respective consultants.

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Recommendations

ITEM ACTIONS BY LI-AP3 Amend the Schedule of the Environmental Department of Quality (Prescribed Activities) Environment (Environmental Impact Assessment Order) 1987 to include any development on hill stations as a prescribed activity. In the interim, administrative EIAs can be requested for all development activities on hill stations.

LI-AP4 Encourage macro EIAs to be conducted for Department of separate developments in the same area to Environment assess the cumulative impacts of the developments concerned. Incremental costs of macro EIAs to be borne by the developers and carried out by their consultants.

5.2.1.3 National Land Code 1965

The National Land Code (NLC) 1965 consolidates the laws relating to land and land tenure, the registration of title to land and of dealings therewith and the collection of revenue therefrom within the States of Peninsular Malaysia. The NLC vests property in all land, mineral and rock material within the State in the State authority (section 40). The NLC classifies land use into three broad categories, that is, agriculture, building and industry. The imposition of the category of use is designed to ensure that the land will be used fully and properly, and only according to their classification, unless converted according to the procedures as laid out in the NLC (section 52). Such classification is to enable the State Authority to achieve planned development (Sihombing, 1998). However, the usefulness of the systems is limited to the planning for economic development and not necessarily sustainable development, as there are no provisions in the NLC to classify land for the conservation of natural resources or environment, including ecological functions of the highlands.

Section 62(1) of the NLC provides the State with the power to reserve any State land for any public purpose. The State of Pahang does not have a state legislation for example, for the establishment of state parks for the conservation of biodiversity or natural resources. As such, section 62 can be used to reserve land for such purposes. For example, areas of high conservation values outside permanent forest reserves in the respective hill stations can be reserved under this section. This includes areas of State forests that are yet alienated and used for nature tourism activities such as nature trails.

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Recommendations

ITEM ACTIONS BY LI-AP5 Amend section 62(1) of the NLC to include a Federal/State category for the conservation of natural Government resources

5.2.2 Illegal Land Clearing

In Cameron Highlands, illegal clearing of land for expansion of agricultural activities have been reported in the newspapers as early as 1991 (New Straits Times, 2.12.91) and continues to be a problem even today (The Star, 19.1.00). In Genting Highlands, there has been also illegal cultivation of ginger and chilli near Genting Sempah and Janda Baik roads (New Straits Times, 3.4.99). In the case of Genting, as illegal cultivation is on private land owned by Resorts World Berhad, it will be up to the private landowner to deal with the trespassers.

5.2.2.1 Town and Country Planning Act 1976

Section 4 of the TCPA requires that a State Planning Committee be established to advise the State Government and promote in the State, within the framework of the national policy, the conservation, use and development of all lands in the State. The 2001 amendments have added to the functions of the State Planning Committee to include, ‘to regulate, control, plan and co-ordinate all development activities in the State’ (Section 4(a)).

Amongst the functions of the local planning authority as stated in Section 6(1)(a) are to regulate, control and plan the development and use of all lands and buildings within its area. With reference to 5.2.1.1, section 18(1) of the TCPA notes that no person shall use or permit to be used any land or building otherwise than in conformity with the local plan. Section 19 prohibits any development without planning permission and section 20 prohibits development contrary to planning permission.

With the 2001 amendments, the maximum penalty of RM 100,000 has been increased to RM 500,000 for offences relating to unauthorized development (Section 26). The amendments included the option for a maximum imprisonment of two years or both. If the person continues to carry out any development even after the first conviction of the offence, a further fine of RM 1,000 which now has been increased to RM 5,000 may be imposed for each subsequent day that the offence is carried out.

The local authority therefore could use their powers under this act to prevent or stop illegal land clearing in their area of jurisdiction. However, the problem seems to be due to the lack of access to the areas where the illegal clearing is taking place and also a lack of physical manpower to ensure that illegal land clearing is not taking place.

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5.2.2.2 Insecurity of Agricultural Land Tenure

Insecurity of agricultural land tenure may have resulted in poor agricultural practices in Cameron Highlands, which have caused soil erosion and in turn lead to the siltation of rivers. The cultivation on steep slopes, the need to clear the adjacent areas for maximum sunlight for their crops; and the use of plastic sheets have contributed to the environmental degradation of the hill stations. It has been noted that as most of these vegetable farmers do not own their land, there are few incentives to invest in good agricultural practices. Most of the farmers in Cameron Highlands are issued temporary occupation licences (TOL) by the State Authority. Such licences are usually renewed annually. Therefore there is no security of tenure.

5.2.2.3 National Land Code 1965

Section 65 of the NLC provides for the State authority to issue TOL for State land, mining land and reserved land. Section 67 notes that the duration of such licences are for one calendar year and can be renewed annually up to three renewals, after which a prior written approval from the State authority must be obtained. It is also noted that under Section 68, the TOL cannot be transferred on death.

Recommendations

ITEM ACTIONS BY LI-AP6 Amend section 67 of the NLC to increase Federal/State the period of the TOL licences for 3 – 5 Government years to provide farmers with greater security of tenure, thereby providing incentives for improved agricultural practices.

LI-AP7 Consider alienation of such lands for Pahang State agricultural purposes to be leased to the Government farmers under section 221 for example, for a period of 10 years of more. This would give farmers greater security of tenure. `

5.2.3 Soil Erosion and Landslides

The hill stations of Cameron Highlands, Fraser’s Hill and even Genting Highlands have experienced soil erosions and landslides of different magnitudes, some with tragic consequences involving the loss of lives, property and livelihood. A few examples are noted here:

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Cameron Highlands ƒ January 2000, two major landslides in Tringkap and Kampung Raja; 6 people killed and farms destroyed. A swollen tributary of Sungai Telom brought a torrent of mud and debris down (The Sun, 12.11.00).

Fraser’s Hill ƒ April 1999, 45 landslides near Fraser’s Hill, closed access to the hill station

Genting Highlands ƒ July 1995, Genting landslide tragedy, landslides occurring near the slip road to Genting Highlands loss of 20 lives

Causes of such landslides or critical soil erosion problems range from heavy rainfall to inappropriate human activities such as land clearing without taking proper mitigation measures. Some of which, legal instruments can control or provide the conditions for the prevention of such problems.

5.2.3.1 Land Conservation Act 1960

The Land Conservation Act (LCA) 1960, is an act relating to the conservation of hill land and the protection of soil from erosion and the inroad of silt. Section 3 of the Act provides for any ‘area or class or description of land’ to be declared hill land by the Ruler or the Yang di-Pertua Negeri in Council of the State. Hill lands are then subjected to a number of restrictions in terms of development, unless permits are obtained. Restrictions include prohibition of planting short-term crops (Section 5), and the clearing and cultivation of hill land (Section 6).

Part III of the Act provides for the control of silt and erosion. The Land Administrator may prohibit the owner of the land to do any act or thing that may cause siltation or erosion. The penalty for contravening any order under the Act is a maximum fine of RM 5,000 or in default of payment a prison term not exceeding six months.

The whole district of Cameron Highlands has been gazetted as ‘hill land’ under this Act since 1961 (Pahang L.N. 47). Therefore, the question is why then have there been numerous instances of serious landslides and soil erosions. Although high rainfall, soil erodibility and steepness of slope may be contributory factors to some of these landslides, we have limited control over such natural factors. However, we do have powers under the law to control human activities that may cause or provide the conditions for landslides or soil erosions to occur.

Although Section 5 provides a general prohibition of the planting of any short-term crops (such as vegetables in Cameron Highlands), the section did provide the Land Administrator with the discretion to issue annual permits to plant short-term specified crops, if he is satisfied that ‘such cultivation will not cause appreciable soil erosion, and in such permit may prescribe the area of the land and the terms and conditions under which such cultivation is permitted’. Arguably, the annual temporary occupation licences issued by the same authority (that is, the Land Administrator) can be considered the requisite ‘permit’ under Section 5.

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Likewise Section 6 which generally prohibits the clearance of any hill land, provides again the Land Administrator with the discretion of allowing such clearance subject to permit with specified terms and conditions.

Therefore, with such provisions in place, the gross lack of implementation and enforcement of the Land Conservation Act is evident. Later in the chapter, under institutional issues, we will deal with the issue of lack of enforcement of laws.

Recommendations

ITEM ACTIONS BY LI-AP8 Gazette Fraser’s Hill and Genting Highlands Pahang State as hill lands (section 3 of the LCA). This Government does not mean no development in the gazetted areas, but rather more controlled development as conditions are imposed on the clearing of land. This would allow better control by the Land Administrator of actions of owners in the development of their land. The onus is on the owner to show that their activities would not cause siltation and erosion.

LI-AP9 Increase penalties (section 18 of the LCA) in State view of the seriousness of impacts (involving Government loss of lives, livelihood and property) of such occurrences; it is submitted that the current penalties are insufficient to have a deterrent effect. Additionally more prosecutions should be made on such offences and successful prosecutions highlighted in the media.

5.2.4 Water Pollution

Water pollution in the hill stations is caused by two major sources. First, soil from excessive soil erosion is washed into the rivers and lakes causing siltation of these water bodies. This is evident in Cameron Highlands, for example at the lake in Ringlet, which is so badly silted that it is affecting the operation of the hydro-electric dam downstream. The development of a golf course in Fraser’s Hill also resulted in the Jeriau Waterfall being heavily silted. Till today, the waterfall has yet to recover from the impacts of the siltation.

Secondly, water pollution from fertilisers and pesticides used by the farmers get washed to the rivers either through improper disposal of the containers or through leaching. Excessive fertilisers in the water body can cause eutrophication, whereby it allows for a rapid growth of water hyacinths, for example at the Ringlet hydroelectric dam which clogs and damage the turbines. High levels of fertilisers

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and pesticides in the rivers can also be toxic to aquatic life and to a certain extent affect human health, as we are part of the food chain. Cameron Highlands has been reported to suffer from such pollution (New Straits Times, 1.6.99). In Fraser’s Hill, such pollution has been reported as a result of the fertilisers used at the golf course.

It is to be noted that water pollution problems are limited at Genting Highlands, as there exist excellent water infrastructure in terms of wastewater treatment.

5.2.4.1 Land Conservation Act 1960

The LCA as discussed in Section 5.2.2.1 applies also to the control of silt and erosion that may contribute to the pollution of any watercourse, whether natural or artificial.

5.2.4.2 Environmental Quality Act 1974

The EQA of 1974 provides for the prevention, abatement and control of pollution and enhancement of the environment. Section 25 of the Act restricts the pollution of inland waters (includes any reservoir, pond, lake, river, stream, canal, drain, spring or well). Fines of RM 100,000 and/or maximum imprisonment terms of 5 years are imposed for the pollution of inland waters.

This Act is relevant to the pollution from fertilisers or pesticides. However, the provision is very difficult to enforce, as it will require sufficient manpower for frequent inspections on the farms as well as frequent sampling of water from the waterways. Additionally, it is often quite difficult to catch a person in the act of committing such an offence.

Recommendations

ITEM ACTIONS BY LI-AP10 Put the burden of proof on the alleged Department of polluter with regard to an offence under Environment section 25 of the EQA

5.2.4.3 Pesticides Act 1974

The Pesticides Act (PA) 1974 is concerned mainly with the control of importation and manufacture of pesticides, which is effected by registration and permits. Part V of the Act is concerned with the control of presence of pesticides in food. Section 21 of the Act empowers the Minister to make regulations to control such presence. The general penalty available in Section 56 for an offence in this Act or the rules or regulations, is an imprisonment term not exceeding 6 months or a fine of RM1,000

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for a first offence. On a second or subsequent offence, imprisonment of a year or a fine of RM 2,000.

5.2.4.4 Local Government Act 1976

The Local Government Act (LGA) 1976 is a law which consolidates the laws relating to local government, and spells out the powers and functions of the local authorities in Peninsular Malaysia.

Section 3 provides for the declaration and determination of status of local authority areas. The local authority for Cameron Highlands is the District Council of Cameron Highlands. Fraser’s Hill and Genting Highlands come under the District Council of Raub and Bentong respectively.

Sections 69 and 70 deal with pollution of streams, whereby pollution of streams, channels, public drains and water courses is an offence. Under Section 69, the penalty for an offence is a maximum fine of RM 2,000 and/or a maximum imprisonment term of one year. Section 70 which deals with the pollution of streams with trade refuse, etc. and the penalty for an offence under this section is a maximum fine of RM 5,000 and/or a maximum imprisonment term of two years.

5.2.4.5 Penal Code (Revised 1997)

It is possible to use the Penal Code for environmental offences. Under Section 277, the act of fouling the water or a public spring or reservoir is a criminal offence. The penalty is a term not exceeding 3 months and/or a fine not exceeding RM 1,000. It is difficult to use this provision as it requires the offender to be caught in the act or sufficient proof must be established on causation.

5.2.5 Inappropriate Developments

It has been noted that there has been inappropriate development or construction of for example, buildings on the hill stations. Additionally, the lack of maintenance of public utilities is a drawback to encouraging tourism at the hill stations.

Tourism enterprises especially tourist accommodations and restaurants must also be appropriately developed to blend in with the ambience of hill stations.

5.2.5.1 Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974

The Street, Drainage and Building Act (SDBA) 1974 consolidate laws relating to street, drainage and building in local authority areas in Peninsular Malaysia. Section 4 of the SDBA provides for the maintenance and repair of public streets. The local authority has the power to make public sewers (section 49) and grants approval for the erection of any buildings (section 70).

Under Section 133 of the SDBA, the Uniform Building By-laws 1984 have been enacted to regulate the construction of buildings and matters incidental to the safety requirements of a building.

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5.2.5.2 Local Government Act 1976

Section 102 of the LGA provides the local authority the power to make by-laws for the ‘maintenance of health, safety and well-being of the inhabitants or for the good order and government of the local authority area’. These include for example, the establishment, regulation and management of any public park, etc.

Recommendations

ITEM ACTIONS BY LI-AP11 The gazettement of outstanding by-laws as Local Authorities well as the formulation of by-laws by the local authority allows for the enforceability of such by-laws. These include for example by- laws on litter and solid waste disposal.

5.2.5.3 Tourism Industry Act 1992

In addition to complying with the provisions of the LGA and SDBA, a licence is required to operate a tourist enterprise, which includes tourist accommodation premise and tourist restaurant (section 5). Section 7 of the Tourism Industry Act (TIA) enables the Commissioner (Secretary-General of the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism (MOCAT)) to attach conditions to the licence. It is proposed that MOCAT require all hotels for example to implement environmental management systems as a condition of licence.

Recommendations

ITEM ACTIONS BY LI-AP12 Attach condition to licence to operate a MOCAT tourism enterprise such as hotels, to require that environmental management systems be implemented (section 7 of the TIA).

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5.2.6 Loss of Biological Diversity

Biological diversity (or biodiversity) is abundant and unique in our highlands where the hill stations are located. Although there is a need to open up certain amount of land for development purposes, we must ensure that the extent of which such lands are opened up do not jeopardise the ecological integrity of the hill stations.

After all the attraction and uniqueness of the hill stations is due to the different environmental conditions that is enabled by being at that altitude, for example, the cool climate. It is noted that biological diversity in Cameron Highlands and Fraser’s Hill such as butterflies in the former and birds in the latter are part of the tourist attractions. However, species collection such as butterflies, insects and plants in these hill stations should be regulated.

Surrounding areas of the hill stations should be identified for the conservation of biological diversity and the maintenance of the ecological functions of the highlands.

5.2.6.1 Protection of Wildlife Act 1972

The Protection of Wildlife Act (PWA) 1972 provides for the protection of wildlife and its habitat in Peninsular Malaysia. This Act contains detailed lists of totally protected, protected and game animals. However, this Act does not provide for the protection of plants and animals that are not listed in the Act. Therefore, newly discovered species or yet undiscovered species are not protected under this law.

Part IV of the PWA deals with the creation wildlife reserves and sanctuaries, which may be declared by the State after consultation with the Minister of Science, Technology and the Environment. The States are given the authority to define or alter the boundaries of the wildlife reserves and sanctuaries. Part VI of the Act deals with offences and penalties for a variety of contraventions.

As noted in Section 2.2.2.2, a large part of Cameron Highlands was gazetted as a wildlife sanctuary in 1962. However the exact boundaries of the wildlife sanctuary is not clear and may overlap with the existing town and settlement areas, agricultural areas as well as forest reserves. The area may also have been degazetted.

Section 4.2.2.2 noted that parts of Fraser’s Hill were afforded protection; on the Selagor side as a reserve for the Preservation of Animals and Birds in 1922 and in 1957 and adjoining areas in Pahang were designated as Residential Reserve and Game Sanctuary through the National Land Code. Once again the exact boundaries of these reserves are unclear.

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CHAPTER 5: LEGAL & INSTITUTIONAL ISSUES

Recommendations

ITEM ACTIONS BY LI-AP13 Clarify and review the status and determine Department of the boundaries of the gazetted reserves or Wildlife and sanctuaries in Cameron Highlands and National Parks Fraser’s Hill. This is important as it will ensure that areas that have been gazetted for conservation are better protected and will not be subjected to further land conversions due to lack of awareness of the gazetted area.

LI-AP14 Explore the addition of plant species lists Department of under the PWA to prevent illegal species Wildlife and collection, which may then have further National Parks implications in terms of reviewing the current responsibilities of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks, the authority responsible for the enforcement of this Act

5.2.6.2 National Forestry Act 1984

The National Forestry Act (NFA) 1984, a Federal legislation applicable in Peninsular Malaysia, provides for the administration, management and conservation of forests and forestry development within the States of Malaysia. The NFA sets out the legal basis for the concept of a national Permanent Forest Estate (PFE) as stated in the National Forestry Policy 1978 (Revised 1992). Section 10 of the Act provides for the classification of the PFE into 11 functional categories. Forests classified under the following categories for example, soil protection forest, water catchment forest, forest sanctuary for wildlife, virgin jungle reserve and research forest can protect the biodiversity within such areas.

It is noted that wildlife reserves or sanctuaries established under the PWA may overlap with forest reserves. However, these forest reserves may or may not be categorised as forest sanctuary for wildlife under the NFA.

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Recommendations

ITEM ACTIONS BY LI-AP15 Classify and gazette PFEs around the hill Department of stations into functional categories such as Forestry soil protection, water catchment, virgin jungle reserve, amenity, education and research forests that are compatible to the functions and sensitivity of the highland ecosystems.

5.2.7 Logging

There have been no reports of logging (legal or illegal) happening in of the hill stations except at Lojing. This could have been attributed to the general guidelines followed by the Forestry Department that no forests above 1,000 metres would be logged.

5.2.7.1 National Forestry Act 1984

The NFA (see also Section 5.2.3.2) provides for the use of permits and licences for carrying out activities in the forest reserves, including the extraction of timber. Section 15 deals with prohibition on taking forest produce from PFEs and State land without proper licence or permit. The penalty has been increased to a maximum of RM 500,000 and/or imprisonment term of 20 years (with a mandatory imprisonment of at least 1 year). The NFA has also been amended in 1993 to provide for the Police and Armed Forces to undertake surveillance of forestry activities, especially in curbing illegal logging and timber theft.

Currently there is no security that forests once classified as soil protection or water catchment forests will remain as such in perpetuity, as the NFA under Section 11 allows for the excise of such forests for other uses. The State Authority is directed to act in favour of the option that would have a higher ‘economic value’.

Recommendations

ITEM ACTIONS BY LI-AP16 Enforce the current no logging guideline of Department of forests above 1,000 metres Forestry

LI-AP17 Review the conversion criteria of a higher Department of ‘economic value’ in terms of highland Forestry forests; as the ecological functions of such forests are vital and consider formulating a policy statement to protect such forests in perpetuity (section 11 of the NFA)

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CHAPTER 5: LEGAL & INSTITUTIONAL ISSUES

Table 5-1: Summary of Legal Recommendations

ITEM ACTIONS BY LI-AP 1 Gazette the remaining sections of the Town and State Government Country Planning (Amendment) Act 2001 [A1129]

LI-AP 2 Gazette the Cameron Highlands Local Plan (section Pahang State 15 of the TCPA) Government

LI-AP 3 Amend the Schedule of the Environmental Quality Department of (Prescribed Activities) (Environmental Impact Environment Assessment Order) 1987 to include any development on hill stations as a prescribed activity (with the exception of building of individual houses). In the interim, administrative EIAs can be requested for all development activities on hill stations.

LI-AP 4 Encourage macro EIAs to be conducted for separate Department of developments in the same area to assess the Environment cumulative impacts of the developments concerned. Incremental costs of macro EIAs to be borne by the developers and carried out by their consultants.

LI-AP 5 Amend section 62(1) of the NLC to include a Federal/State category for the conservation of natural resources Government

LI-AP 6 Amend section 67 of the NLC to increase the period Federal/State of the TOL licences for 3 – 5 years to provide farmers Government with greater security of tenure, thereby providing incentives for improved agricultural practices

LI-AP 7 Alienate lands for agricultural purposes to be leased Pahang State to the farmers under section 221 for example, for a Government period of 10 years of more. This would give farmers greater security of tenure.

LI-AP 8 Gazette Fraser’s Hill and Genting Highlands as hill Pahang State lands (section 3 of the LCA). This does not mean no Government development in the gazetted areas, but rather more controlled development as conditions are imposed on the clearing of land. This would allow better control by the Land Administrator of actions of owners in the development of their land. The onus is on the owner to show that their activities would not cause siltation and erosion.

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LI-AP 9 Increase penalties (section 18 of the LCA) in view of State Government the seriousness of impacts (involving loss of lives, livelihood and property) of such occurrences; it is submitted that the current penalties are insufficient to have a deterrent effect. Additionally more prosecutions should be made on such offences and successful prosecutions highlighted in the media.

LI-AP 10 Put the burden of proof on the alleged polluter with Department of regard to an offence under section 25 of the EQA Environment

LI-AP 11 The gazettement of outstanding by-laws as well as All Local Authorities the formulation of by-laws by the local authority allows for the enforceability of such by-laws. These include for example by-laws on litter and solid waste disposal.

LI-AP 12 Environmental requirements to be attached to the MOCAT licence to operate a tourism enterprise to encourage appropriate tourism development (section 7 of the TIA)

LI-AP 13 Clarify and review the status and determine the Department of boundaries of the gazetted reserves or sanctuaries in Wildlife and National Cameron Highlands and Fraser’s Hill. This is Parks important as it will ensure that areas that have been gazetted for conservation are better protected and will not be subjected to further land conversions due to lack of awareness of the gazetted area.

LI-AP 14 Explore the addition of plant species lists under the Department of PWA to prevent illegal species collection, which may Wildlife and National then have further implications in terms of reviewing Parks the current responsibilities of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks, the authority responsible for the enforcement of this Act

LI-AP 15 Classify and gazette PFEs around the hill stations Department of into functional categories such as soil protection, Forestry water catchment, virgin jungle reserve, amenity, education and research forests that are compatible to the functions and sensitivity of the highland ecosystems.

LI-AP 16 Enforce the current “no logging” guideline of forests Department of above 1,000 metres Forestry

LI-AP 17 Review the conversion criteria of a higher ‘economic Department of value’ in terms of highland forests; as the ecological Forestry functions of such forests are vital us and consider formulating a policy statement to protect such forests in perpetuity (section 11 of the NFA)

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5.3 INSTITUTIONAL ISSUES

5.3.1 Lack of Enforcement

The laws also provide the powers to the different government agencies to implement and enforce the laws. It has often been noted that Malaysia has more than sufficient laws and even if tighter regulations were to be drawn up, it will not be useful if there is a lack of enforcement (New Straits Times, 8.1.00; The Star, 18.1.00). Lack of enforcement may be due to complacency or the lack of the physical capacity to enforce the laws.

5.3.2 Lack of Human and Technical Capacity

As noted, the lack of enforcement may be due to the lack of human capacity in the relevant agencies to conduct regular monitoring of activities. Additionally, in the sectoral analyses, it has been noted that there is a lack of qualified professionals at the District Offices, especially town planners, engineers, etc. which hampers effective management of land use in the hill stations.

Recommendations

ITEM ACTIONS BY LI-AP18 Apply for more enforcement officers from the Local Authority Federal/ State Public Service Commission. Alternatively, to encourage the secondment of officers from the headquarters, who have the requisite technical expertise to ensure effective land use management and at the same time train the officers that are present there.

LI-AP19 Training of officers in the requisite skills will Local Authorities enhance their competence in carrying out their job functions more effectively. The training modules could consist of – - laws relating to highlands, - enforcement procedures.

LI-AP20 Engage local communities in understanding Local Authorities the consequences of their actions to the very environment that they rely on for economic and social sustainability. Education and awareness programmes should be conducted. Community Action Groups should be formed to regulate and monitor their own activities. An example could be the recently formed society, REACH (Residents for Environmental Action of Cameron Highlands).

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5.3.3 Lack of Co-ordination

Natural resource management in Malaysia is sectoral in nature; as such the institutional structure reflects this sectoral nature. However, environmental degradation knows no boundaries, it will need the concerted action of all relevant agencies to be aware of not only their own roles and responsibilities but of others, therefore, they can be an effective network that would notify one another of infringements.

Both Federal and State governments have formed committees to address the issue of lack of co-ordination. At Federal level, there is now the Cabinet Committee for the Development of Highlands and Islands. The Committee’s primary focus is now on Cameron Highlands. There is a Pahang State representative in the Cabinet Committee. At the State level, Pahang has a set up also a Highlands Development Committee since the mid - 1990s (The Star, 22.12.95).

Table 5-2: Summary of Institutional Recommendations

ITEM ACTIONS BY LI-AP 18 Apply for more enforcement officers from the Federal/ Local Authorities State Public Service Commission. Alternatively, to encourage the secondment of officers from the headquarters, who have the requisite technical expertise to ensure effective land use management and at the same time train the officers that are present there.

LI-AP 19 Training of officers in the requisite skills will enhance Local Authorities their competence in carrying out their job functions more effectively. The training modules could consist of – - laws relating to highlands - enforcement procedures - environmental legislation

LI-AP 20 Engage local communities in understanding the Local Authorities consequences of their actions to the very environment that they rely on for economic and social sustainability. Education and awareness programmes should be conducted. Community Action Groups should be formed to regulate and monitor their own activities. An example could be the recently formed society, REACH (Residents for Environmental Action of Cameron Highlands).

WWF Malaysia 5-18 December 2001

APPENDIX 1 REFERENCES

Study on the Development of Hill Stations Final Report I

APPENDIX 1: REFERENCES

1. Bahagian Pengurusan Tanah (2000). Pelan Pembangunan Pertanian Kawasan Tanah Tinggi Daerah Cameron Highlands, Jabatan Pertanian.

2. Colin Nicholas (2000), “The Orang Asli and the Contest for Resources,” Kuala Lumpur.

3. Department of Environment (1996, 1997, 1998, 1999). Water Quality Data.

4. Department of Statistics (2000), “Population and Housing Census of Malaysia, 2000: Preliminary Count Report”, Kuala Lumpur.

5. Department of Statistics (2000), “Yearbook of Statistics, Malaysia, 2000,” Kuala Lumpur.

6. Environmental Quality Act 1974.

7. EPU (1989), “Pahang Barat Operational Regional Master Plan Study: Population Report,” Kuala Lumpur.

8. EPU (1989), “Pahang Barat Operational Regional Master Plan Study: Employment and Manpower Report,” Kuala Lumpur.

9. EPU (1993), “Malaysian National Conservation Strategy, Volume 1,” Kuala Lumpur.

10. EPU (1993), “Malaysian National Conservation Strategy, Volume 2,” Kuala Lumpur.

11. EPU (1993), “Malaysian National Conservation Strategy, Volume 3,” Kuala Lumpur.

12. EPU (1993), “Malaysian National Conservation Strategy, Volume 4,” Kuala Lumpur.

13. EPU (1993). Malaysian National Conservation Strategy – Towards Sustainable Development, Economic Planning Unit, Prime Minister’s Department, Kuala Lumpur.

14. EPU (1999), “Malaysian Quality of Life, 1999”, Kuala Lumpur.

15. EPU (1999), “Mid-Term Review of the Seventh Malaysia Plan, 1996-2000”, Kuala Lumpur.

16. EPU (2001), “The Eighth Malaysia Plan, 2001-2005”, Kuala Lumpur.

17. EPU (2001), “The Third Outline Perspective Plan, 2001-2010”, Kuala Lumpur.

18. EPU. 1993. Malaysian National Conservation Strategy. Vol. 4, Natural Resource Accounting. Economic Planning Unit, Prime Minister's Department, Kuala Lumpur.

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APPENDIX 1: REFERENCES

19. Jabatan Pertanian Semenanjung Malaysia (1998). Panduan Pembangunan Pertanian di Tanah Bercerun.

20. JHEOA (1997), “Data Klasifikasi Kampung: Perkampungan Orang Asli Semenanjung Malaysia, 1997,” Kuala Lumpur.

21. JKR (1995), “Preliminary Environmental Impact Assessment Report on the Development and Use of the Hill Resort Road Linking Genting Highlands with Fraser’s Hill and Cameron Highlands, Volume II,” Kuala Lumpur.

22. JKR (1995), “Preliminary Environmental Impact Assessment Report on the Development and Use of the Hill Resort Road Linking Genting Highlands with Fraser’s Hill and Cameron Highlands, Volume III,” Kuala Lumpur.

23. JKR (2001). Projek Jalanraya Simpang Pulai - Lojing – Gua Musang – Kuala Berang, Pakej 3 dan 4, Lojing-Pos Blau-Gua Musang.

24. Land Conservation Act 1960.

25. Local Government Act 1976

26. KPMG, (1999), “Malaysia Tourism Policy Study – Tourism Indicators and Economic Impact Sectoral Report”, Kuala Lumpur.

27. KPMG, (1999), “Malaysia Tourism Policy Study – Tourism Product Sectoral Report”, Kuala Lumpur.

28. MDCH & PPTCH (1996). Rancangan Struktur MDCH dan PPTCH (1995 – 2020). Majlis Daerah Cameron Highlands (MDCH) dan Pihakberkuasa Perancang Tempatan Cameron Highlands (PPTCH).

29. MDCH (2000). Rancangan Tempatan Cameron Highlands (1998 – 2010), Majlis Daerah Cameron Highlands.

30. Ministry of Education (2000), “Data of Public and Private Institutions of Higher Learning”, Kuala Lumpur.

31. Ministry of Education (2000), “Education Guide Malaysia, 4th Edition”, Kuala Lumpur.

32. Ministry of Health Malaysia (1997), “Annual Report 1997”, Kuala Lumpur.

33. Ministry of Health Malaysia (1998), “Annual Report 1998”, Kuala Lumpur.

34. Ministry of Health Malaysia (2000), “Health Facts 2000”, Kuala Lumpur.

35. Ministry of Health Malaysia (2000), “Indicators for Monitoring and Evaluation of Strategy for Health for All”, Kuala Lumpur.

36. Ministry of Health Malaysia (2000), “List of Hospital 2000”, Kuala Lumpur.

37. MOCAT (2000), “Mimeograph,” Kuala Lumpur.

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APPENDIX 1: REFERENCES

38. MOSTE (1995), “Environmental Assessment Guidelines for Development of Resort and Hotel Facilities in Hill Stations”, Kuala Lumpur.

39. National Forestry Act 1984.

40. National Land Code 1965

41. New Straits Times (1.6.99). Pesticide Danger in Rivers.

42. New Straits Times (25.1.00). Need to Pay Heed.

43. New Straits Times (3.4.99). Farmers Continue to Clear Land Illegally, Causing Landslides.

44. Penal Code (Revised 1997).

45. PE Research Consult / PEMM Consultants Sdn Bhd (1999), “Technical Education and Skills Training in Malaysia”, Kuala Lumpur.

46. Pesticides Act 1974

47. Pihak Berkuasa Perancang Tempatan Cameron Highlands (1996). Rancangan Struktur Cameron Highlands, Majlis Daerah Cameron Highlands.

48. Protection of Wildlife Act 1972

49. Resort World Bhd (2001), “Annual Report 2000”, Kuala Lumpur.

50. Sihombing, J. (1998). The National Land Code: A Commentary, Malayan Law Journal, Kuala Lumpur.

51. Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974.

52. The Star (19.1.00). Errant Highland Farmers Warned.

53. The Sun (2.11.00). Cameron Highlands Going Downhill.

54. Tourism Industry Act 1992.

55. Tourism Malaysia (1996), “Departing Visitors Survey, 1995”, Kuala Lumpur.

56. Tourism Malaysia (1996), “Report of the Excursionist Survey, 1995”, Kuala Lumpur.

57. Tourism Malaysia (1997), “Annual Tourism Statistical Report 1996”, Kuala Lumpur.

58. Tourism Malaysia (1998), “Annual Tourism Statistical Report 1997”, Kuala Lumpur.

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APPENDIX 1: REFERENCES

59. Tourism Malaysia (1999), “Annual Tourism Statistical Report 1998”, Kuala Lumpur.

60. Tourism Malaysia (1999), “Convention Planner Malaysia, 1998/1999”, Kuala Lumpur.

61. Tourism Malaysia (1999), “Departing Visitors Survey, 1999 – Executive Summary”, Kuala Lumpur.

62. Town and Country Planning Act 1976

63. Town and Country Planning (Amendment) Act 2001 [A1129]

64. UPEN (1994), “Strategic Development and Action Plan for Pahang Darul Makmur”.

65. UPEN (2000), “Perak Tourism Master Plan”, Perak.

66. UTEG Consultants Sdn Bhd/Russell Arthur Smith Associates (2nd), “Selangor Tourism Master Plan and Action Plan”, Selangor.

67. WWF Malaysia (1987), “Using the Law to Implement a State Conservation Strategy in Malaysia”, WWF Malaysia, Selangor.

68. WWF Malaysia (1995), “The Concepts and Analysis of Carrying Capacity: A Management Tool for Effective Planning, Part 1”, WWF Malaysia, Selangor.

69. WWF Malaysia (1995), “The Economics and Development of Cameron Highlands: A Conservation Viewpoint”, WWF Malaysia, Selangor.

70. WWF Malaysia (1995), “Why Malaysian Natural Resources Must Be Sustainably Managed”, WWF Malaysia, Selangor.

71. WWF Malaysia (1996), “National Ecotourism Plan, Malaysia – Executive Summary”, WWF Malaysia, Selangor.

72. WWF Malaysia (1996), “National Ecotourism Plan, Malaysia – Part 2”, WWF Malaysia, Selangor.

73. WWF Malaysia (1996), “National Ecotourism Plan, Malaysia – Part 3”, WWF Malaysia, Selangor.

74. WWF Malaysia (1996), “National Ecotourism Plan, Malaysia – Part 4”, WWF Malaysia, Selangor.

75. WWF Malaysia (1996), “National Ecotourism Plan, Malaysia – Part 5”, WWF Malaysia, Selangor.

76. WWF Malaysia (1997), “Perak: An Ecosystem Profile,” WWF Malaysia Selangor.

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APPENDIX 1: REFERENCES

77. WWF Malaysia (1997), “Policy and Legislation for the Protection and Conservation of Highland Areas and Hill Lands in Malaysia”, WWF Malaysia, Selangor.

78. WWF Malaysia (2000), “Socio Economic and Recreational Activity Survey of Fraser’s Hill,” WWF Malaysia, Selangor.

WWF Malaysia v December 2001

APPENDIX II LIST OF MEETINGS WITH STAKEHOLDERS

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APPENDIX II : LIST OF MEETINGS WITH STAKEHOLDERS

List of Meetings with Stakeholders

Date Agency Persons Met/ Contacted Issues Discussed / Data Collected

GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

29 March 2001 Cameron Highlands District Land En Md Alias b. Ibrahim, President Land use in Cameron Highlands Office 29 March 2001 Public Works Department, Cameron Ir Ajis Sitin AMP, District Engineer Existing roads and proposed road development in Highlands En Ratnasingam, Technical Assistant Cameron Highlands district En Shafei b. Pandak, Technical Assistant (Development)

30 March 2001 Cameron Highlands District Council En R. Sivanathan, Senior Technician Existing land use and development in Cameron (Technical Unit) Highlands

29 March 2001 Department of Agriculture, Cameron En Zulkifli Yunus, Agriculture Officer Agricultural activities in Cameron Highlands, problems Highlands related to agriculture in Cameron Highlands

31 March 2001 Water Supply Department, Cameron En Abdul Munaim, District Manager Water supply, distribution, demand and development Highlands projects in Cameron Highlands

10 April 2001 Soil Management Division, Dr Lim Jit Sai, Director Soil conservation measures in the highlands, Department of Agriculture, Kuala En Mustafa Kamal b Baharuddin, definition of highlands, guidelines for highland Lumpur Assistant Director agriculture

11 April 2001 Environmental Studies Division, Ms Leong Chow Peng, Director Climate change and air quality in the highlands, Malaysian Meteorological Services, focussing on Cameron Highlands Petaling Jaya

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Date Agency Persons Met/ Contacted Issues Discussed / Data Collected

11 April 2001 Corporate Affairs Unit, Minerals and Tuan Haji Abd. Halim b. Hamzah, Locations of mineral distribution and mineral potential Geoscience Department, Kuala Deputy Director General Lumpur

11 April 2001 Research & Information Section, En Mohd Zamri b. Mustajap, Director Information on Orang Asli for all states. Discussed Department of Orang Asli Affairs, general issues. Kuala Lumpur

12 May 2001 Climatological Division, Dr Chan Ah Kee, Director Climate change in the highlands and its possible Malaysian Meteorological Services, causes Petaling Jaya

13 April 2001 Vegetables Division, Department of En Ramli b Burhanuddin, Assistant National Agriculture Policy. Vegetable Production. Agriculture, Kuala Lumpur Director Contacts at Cameron Highlands

18 April 2001 Water Supply Department, Bentung Ir Jalaini Jasman, District Engineer Water supply in Bentong district, siltation problems in rivers due to upstream development

18 April 2001 Public Works Department, Bentung Pn Norasiah Ayob, Technical Assistant Roads in Bentong district

18 April 2001 Bentung Land Office En Fadzil b Mahamud, Senior Assistant Land use status in Bentong district District Officer (Land)

18 April 2001 Bentung District Council En Affendi, Planning Officer Land use and development in Cameron Highlands 3 May 2001 and Bukit Tinggi

26 April 2001 Town & Country Planning Pn Surywati, Technical Assistant Information on Highlands Study Department, Selangor (Hulu Selangor) 27 April 2001 Town & Country Planning Pn Jumakyah Information on Highlands Study

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Date Agency Persons Met/ Contacted Issues Discussed / Data Collected

Department, Selangor (Gombak)

3 May 2001 MARDI Serdang – Horticulture Dr Abdul Shukor b Abdul Rahman, National Agriculture Policy. R & D. Contacts at Division Director Cameron Highlands Dr Vijayasegaran, Assistant Director 4 May 2001 Ministry of Science, Technology and Ms Goh Siok Eng, Deputy Director Cabinet Committee on Highlands and Island. Environment (MOSTE) En Khairul Adib Rahman, Assistant Environmental problems affecting the highlands, in Director particular, Cameron Highlands. 10 May 2001 Crop Protection Division Cik Asna Booty bt Othman, Director Discussion on crop protection, pesticide usage, Pesticide Control Division (Crop Protection) regulation and residues. Statistics on vegetable and Planning Division En Yeoh Ngoh Sum, Assistant Director flower production in Cameron Highlands. Department of Agriculture, Kuala En Salleh b. Suradi, Assistant Director Lumpur Statistics)

10 May 2001 Town & Country Planning En Wan Naimuddin, Town Planning Committed development on the Main Range. Department, Pahang Officer

11 May 2001 Town & Country Planning En Hassan, Deputy Director Committed development on the Main Range. Department, Pahang En Wan Naimuddin, Town Planning Officer En Izwardi, Technical Assistant

16 May 2001 Town & Country Planning Mr Wong Kam Lee, Town Planning List of committed development on the Main Range. Department, Kuala Lumpur Officer

18 May 2001 Strategic, Environmental & Natural En Wong Nan Chong, Assistant Soil management, degradation and recovery under Resource Research Centre, Director (Soil Management) intensive agriculture in Cameron Highlands MARDI, Serdang Dr Aminudin Yusof

18 May 2001 Road Section, Pn Rohani Existing and proposed road development in the

WWF Malaysia iii December 2001

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Date Agency Persons Met/ Contacted Issues Discussed / Data Collected

Public Works Department, Kuala Pn Aishah, Senior Assistant Director highlands, environmental management of road Lumpur En Kamil, Assistant Director construction in the highlands Dr Roslan, Head (Environmental Section) 22 May 2001 Town & Country Planning Tuan Haji Johari, Deputy Director Committed development on the highlands (Main Department, Perak Range).

24 May 2001 Pusat MARDI, Cameron Highlands Dr Kahar b Sandrang, Head Discussion on aspects of vegetable and flower Dr Syed Hj Abdul Rahman, cultivation and tea production. Problems of soil Entomologist erosion, conservation, cultivation under rain shelter. En Mohd Ridzuan b Mohd Saad, Agronomist En Wan Abdullah b Wan Yusoff, Soil Conservation 24 May 2001 FAMA, Cameron Highlands En Radzwan b Masrum Discussion on vegetable prices, markets and marketing problems. 28 May 2001 Department of Agriculture, Pahang Dato’ Saleha bt Dato Hj Ibrahim, Data on Cameron Highlands and information on Bukit Director Tinggi and Fraser’s Hill En Md Hatta b Kahar, Agriculture Officer 20 June 2001 Fraser’s Hill Development Centre, En Mohd Moni b. Ismail, Operations Discussion on existing tourism issues and potential for Fraser’s Hill Supervisor tourism

11 July 2001 Department of Environment Ir Lee Heng Keng Coordination of highland development. Effectiveness Headquarters, Putrajaya and relevance of local plans in controlling development, with reference to Cameron Highlands. 18 Oct 2001 UPEN Pahang & Pahang State En Badaruddin, UPEN Pahang Comments from all State Agencies regarding Draft Agencies Report Volume1

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Date Agency Persons Met/ Contacted Issues Discussed / Data Collected

PRIVATE SECTOR AND NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS

29 March 2001 Alam Flora Sdn Bhd, Cameron En Ahmad Bidin, Operations Executive Solid waste management in Cameron Highlands, solid Highlands waste generation, problems in solid waste collection and disposal 30 March 2001 Cameron Highlands Indian Farmers' Mr Viswanathan, President Vegetable farming in Cameron Highlands, problems Association Mr P. Sambasivam, Secretary faced by vegetable farmers

27 April 2001 Resorts World Bhd, Kuala Lumpur Col (R) Dato Ir Cheng Wah, Senior Existing and proposed development in Genting Vice President (Property Development) Highlands, land use, waste management, water Mr Teh Guan Soon, Senior Executive supply and tourism in Genting Highlands. Genting (Property Administration) development. Ongoing constructions – world’s largest hotel. 3 May 2001 Resort World Bhd Sales Office Mr Koo Keng Sing, Manager Tourism developments. Ongoing projects. Site visit to Bandar Gohtong Jaya (Development Planning) Water Treatment Plant, Solid waste incinerator, resort hotels. 24 May 2001 Boh Tea Plantations Mr Vettivelu Tea plantations in Cameron Highlands

25 May 2001 Cameron Highlands Flower Growers Ms Sally Chai, President Flower growing industry in Cameron Highlands Association

25 May 2001 Cameron Highlands Vegetable Mr Chay Ee Mong, Secretary Vegetable farming in Cameron Highlands Growers Association

26 May 2001 Vegetable farms at Cameron Chan Yee Yong, Farmer Problems in vegetable production, crop protection and Highlands Lee Ong Sing, Farmer marketing Ng Kok Weng, Farmer Wong Foo Choon, Farmer

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Date Agency Persons Met/ Contacted Issues Discussed / Data Collected

20 June 2001 Quest Resort, Lady Guillemard Road, En Mukhtarruddin b. Khalid, Assistant Discussion on occupancy rate and formation of Fraser’s Hil Operations Manager Fraser’s Hill Tourism Association and potential for tourism 20 June 2001 Fraser’s Hill Nature Education Centre, Mr K.S. Durai Discussion on existing issues and potential for nature WWF Malaysia tourism

20 June 2001 Five-H Flora Farm Sdn Bhd, Fraser’s En Mohd Razi b. Abdullah, Officer Discussion on Fraser’s Hill floral garden and tourism Hill potential.

25 July 2001 TNB Hidro Sdn Bhd Ir Foon Shyong Wai, Manager Significance of hydroelectric power as an energy source. Impacts to hydroelectric power generation due to upstream activities. 25 July 2001 TNB Engineers Sdn Bhd Ir Choy Fook Kun, Chief Engineer Hydroelectric power plants in Cameron Highlands and Ir Harpreet Singh, Senior Engineer the Main Range.

25 July 2001 TNB Generation Sdn Bhd Ir Bhaskar Kannan, Asset Management Hydroelectric power plants in Cameron Highlands and Unit the Main Range.

30 July 2001 Regional Environmental Awareness Mr. Ramakrishnan Ramasamy, Vice Environmental issues in Cameron Highlands and of Cameron Highlands (REACH) Chairman potential solutions to the problems. Dr. Chong Chee Kheong, Secretary

WWF Malaysia vi December 2001

APPENDIX III GUIDELINES FOR THE PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS ON THE HIGHLAND

Study on the Development of Hill Stations Final Report I

APPENDIX III: GUIDELINES FOR THE PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS ON THE HIGHLAND

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Highland areas are very sensitive both ecologically and physically to changes brought upon by construction works. Road construction works on such terrain will have very adverse impacts on the fragile environment, where the cause and effect is far reaching.

Among the direct impact to the environment would be the destruction of the flora and fauna, exposing the steep slopes to soil erosion, sedimentation to the surrounding watercourses, causing instability to the slopes and making them more prone to landslides.

Having a set of guidelines for the construction of roads will not totally prevent the destruction of the environment but serves to minimize its impacts.

2.0 OBJECTIVES

To ensure that road construction practices on highlands are sustainable and adverse environmental impacts are minimised.

3.0 GUIDELINES

3.1 Planning

3.1.1 Any road constructed on highlands should be planned in an environment- friendly manner whilst maintaining appropriate standards of engineering design and construction practices.

3.1.2 The road alignment should be aligned through less sensitive land uses i.e areas that have already been developed. The road will enhance the connectivity or accessibility of the areas, and foster socio-economic benefit. It will also prevent the creation new development spots within undisturbed areas.

3.1.3 Identify sensitive environmental receptors within the proposed road corridor. Where possible the sensitive areas should be avoided. Examples of sensitive receptors include:

• Water catchment upstream of dams and water intakes. • Landslide prone areas. • Orang Asli and other settlements. • Archaeological sites, graveyard, burial sites. • Virgin – undisturbed forests, unique habitats such as wetlands. In certain cases, intrusion into the sensitive areas is inevitable. In such cases proper mitigation measures should be instituted.

WWF Malaysia i December 2001 Study on the Development of Hill Stations Final Report I

APPENDIX III: GUIDELINES FOR THE PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS ON THE HIGHLAND

3.1.4 The road alignment should follow the natural topography more closely as this will also reduce the volume of cutting and filling as well as structural works. Another possible albeit more expensive option is to construct tunnels

3.1.5 Animal paths or animal crossings must be determined at this stage with the assistance of Jabatan Perhilitan. However, animal crossings or paths should be avoided if possible but in cases where there are no other options, underground tunnels can be constructed as animal crossing linking both sides of the road. Road alignment should be directed as far as possible from saltlicks and hot springs so as to minimize disturbance to the animals.

3.1.6 Reduce the incidence of road – stream crossings. Any river crossing should satisfactorily demonstrate that such a location is the most suitable after considering all available options. The structures should not affect water flow and debris passage, or hinder the migration of aquatic species. The road alignment should also take into consideration the groundwater flow.

3.2 Construction

3.2.1 Construction works must be carried out in phases. It is important that only one stretch of the road is worked on at any one time before moving to the second stretch and this covers everything from land clearing to earthworks and pavement construction. This will ensure that soil erosion is kept at a minimum. This will also ensure an easier access to the next phase of the construction.

3.2.2 The working time during construction phase must be confined to daylight hours. Major earthworks should be completed during drier months as in rugged terrain such as the highlands; exposed soil is easily eroded with heavy rainfall.

3.2.3 Where possible, previously cleared areas should be used for base camps and temporary access. This will minimise the loss of terrestrial vegetation and terrestrial habitats.

3.2.4 Burning of waste or vegetation should not be allowed under any circumstances.

3.2.5 Cleared areas must be turfed immediately and slopes must be protected to minimize soil loss. Dust generation must be controlled by constant water spraying on exposed soil.

3.2.6 Catch drains should be provided at the top of all slopes to prevent runoff from flowing down the exposed slopes.

3.2.7 Sediment basins must be installed at specific locations to control the sediment discharge. Sediment basins must be constructed before clearing and grading work begins.

WWF Malaysia ii December 2001 Study on the Development of Hill Stations Final Report I

APPENDIX III: GUIDELINES FOR THE PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS ON THE HIGHLAND

3.2.8 Used oil and grease (from machinery) must be stored in proper containers and disposed off in a suitable manner in the lowlands. Care must be taken to avoid spillages near streams or rivers.

3.2.9 Machinery used in the construction must be well maintained and where possible silencers must be installed to minimize noise generation.

3.2.10 Drilling operations must be isolated by perimeter trench or bund to minimize the noise generated. Noise generated during the construction phase may be a nuisance to the fauna community in the forest.

3.2.11 Vegetation within 100 feet from any major stream should not be cleared. Maintenance of buffer strip is important to act as a partial filter for pollutants from construction activities. This strip also benefits aquatic organisms by reducing fluctuations in stream temperature that may accompany forest disturbance.

3.2.12 Base camps for workers must be equipped with basic facilities for health and safety. They must be immunized against diseases, provided with toilets with proper septic tanks, encouraged to bury solid waste and supplied with first aid kits.

3.2.13 All construction debris should be disposed at areas outside forest zones, or at designated disposal areas.

3.2.14 The maximum cut height must be restricted to ensure slope stability. Cut slopes shall not be continuous but shall incorporate intermediate berms. The angle of cut shall vary with the composition of sub-strata.

3.2.15 Road signs must be posted at appropriate locations to provide traffic guidance and to ensure safety for all road users. The sign faces shall be constructed of reflective material to ensure good night time visibility.

3.2.16 Uncompleted road segments should be vegetated to ensure adequate stability prior to total abandonment. Periodic inspections should be carried out until a well-established vegetative cover is in place and there are no signs of potential failures.

3.2.17 Environmental monitoring must be made mandatory. The purpose of monitoring is to provide information that the impacts from the project are within the engineering and environmental acceptable limits and to provide early warning of unacceptable environmental conditions so that appropriate mitigation measures can be adopted.

WWF Malaysia iii December 2001