Source : New Straits Times, Malaysia, 14 Apr '05
By : Mimi Syed Yusof, Elizabeth John and Shahru Sayufi
  

The largest plot slated for clearing will be the Bukit Jerut forest reserve, which has never been opened for agriculture.

These were among the proposed development plans revealed in the Cameron Highlands District Local Plans for 2003-2015.

Cameron Highlands has a land area of more than 71,218ha, of which 38,771.68ha are gazetted as permanent forest reserve.

The local plans, which have been on display for more than three weeks, also include a proposal to build a Habu-Brinchang road.

An official from the Cameron Highlands District Council, who did not want to be identified, said seven objections had been received from the public since March 14, when the objection period began. The period ends tomorrow.

The objections will be submitted to the Town and Country Planning Department in Kota Baru.

Ramakrishnan Rama- samy, president of Regional Environmental Awareness Cameron Highlands (REACH), said, "We are sad the planners have not taken into account our previous recommendations and pleas when drawing up this plan."

Of particular concern is the proposed new road linking Habu and Brinchang.

The draft plan shows that a four-lane, two-way bypass, with a 40-metre road reserve, will be constructed.

The road will pass through Tanah Rata and the Mentigi Forest Reserve, the draft plan shows.

Ramakrishnan said the group had objected to the move in 2003, during a seminar to discuss proposals under the local plan.

"We don't need such a big road," he said.

REACH has been invited to attend a meeting next Friday with local authorities and other government agencies to discuss objections and comments on the draft plan.

Ramakrishnan said the group would also highlight its concerns about the proposed conversion of large tracts of forest reserves and state land for agriculture.

He said Cameron Highlands also faced many problems which the draft plan did not address adequately, including the highlands' inability to deal with mass tourism, a lack of facilities and illegal farming.

The Town and Country Planning Act 1976 requires that a draft local plan be displayed in public for at least one month.

An inquiry or hearing will be convened to consider objections made during this period.

After this, the plan will be considered for approval or rejection.

If approved, the draft plan will be submitted to the State Government for assent and gazetting.

In George Town, Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) today called on the Government to set up an independent and transparent appeals procedure against development projects that could threaten the environment.

SAM president S.M. Mohamed Idris said the authorities should also take into consideration wildlife that may be displaced from areas being developed.