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

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

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

The fact that most of the jungles of Cameron Highlands have been zoned as a
Permanent Forest Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary does no justice to the jungles
it serves to protect. The overlapping of forested area under the jurisdiction of the
state and forestry has caused the jungles of Cameron Highlands to be a free for
all area.

The lack of research on the biodiversity

Article appearing in The Star, August 1, 2003
of the forest and the wealth it has to
offer to science has labeled the
mountain forests as short shrubs the
size of a man’s arm of no economic
value. The enforcement of laws that
govern the land use is
not fully understood and incorporated
in the planning and administration of
this once beautiful and lush highland
forests.

During peak seasons locals will advice you to stay away from these scenic
places to avoid traffic jams. Do your own cooking as the eateries would be
packed. Be prepared for water cuts and even then bring up enough mineral water
as the quality of the water here is questionable.

Rivers and waterfalls are used as drains and not recommended for swimming or
picnic spots. The strong aroma of fertilizers along the road up to the farming
areas is an indicator of the usage of fertilizers to support the less then fertile soil
and the blemish free leaves are a result of pesticides.

The plight of the locals themselves goes unheard. The silent and serene private
apartments turn into a noisy party filled atmosphere during the peak seasons.
Bus loads of tourist book into 3-room apartments units that pack 20-30 people.

R.E.A.C.H. Newsletter Issue 03/2003 5

In addition to the noise the overcrowding of car park space and the aftermath of
rubbish is enough to drive the apartment tenants away back to the lowlands.

The prices of these apartments are at par with those in the Klang Valley, this is
due to the inflated demand by people who invest to turn it into holiday
apartments.

The law is once again flouted as the apartments are not service apartments. But
as far as the law goes in Cameron Highlands nobody bothers until it is
highlighted in the media. Until then do what ever it takes to survive and make a
fast buck.

The main concern here is who will champion the cause for Cameron Highlands
before all is lost? Having a minister from Cameron Highlands in the office for
State Tourism has not benefited the local industry that has a tourist arrival rate of
about 305,995 (2000 statistics) and is one of the main contributors to the overall
state tourism industry.

The issues faced have been highlighted by individuals and NGO’s but nothing
seems to be done. It seems to be of no concern to the authorities because their
livelihood and bread and butter is not being threatened.

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

money, money must be sunny in a rich man’s world”.

Sunny enough to over shadow the gloom of the common man in the street… “all
the things I could do if I had a little money”… sing it with me.

“ABBA” Cameron Highlands

R.E.A.C.H. Newsletter Issue 03/2003 6

 COME AND
JOIN US IN THE
NATIONAL DAY
PARADE
ON
SUNDAY
31 AUGUST 7.30 AM
AT THE
TANAH RATA
PADANG.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
CONTACT EN. ZULKIFLI

If you want to report any cases of

environmental destruction call the
NATURE WALKS REACH hotline at:

012-589-8684

Fern identification nature walk For more information and updates of

at the Sg. Puah Forest Reserve REACH projects and activities visit our
web page:
If you would like to arrange nature
walks like the one above, please call
the REACH office. www.reach.org.my

R.E.A.C.H. Newsletter Issue 03/2003 7

 REACH IN THE NEWS
The following are some of the news items concerning Cameron Highlands and REACH that
have appeared in our national English newspapers recently.

New Straits Times

31 July 2003
The Star 20 July 2003
New Straits Times
31 July 2003

The Star 1 August 2003

The Star 3 August 2003

The Star 1 August 2003

The Star 10 August 2003 New Straits Times 12 August 2003

R.E.A.C.H. Newsletter Issue 03/2003 8