TAIPING: A group of residents who called themselves Taiping, Larut, Matang dan Selama Nature Lovers Group (Kumpulan Pencinta Alam Taiping, Larut, Matang dan Selama), has urged the state government to put a stop to any negotiations and talks on the cable car project in Bukit Larut.
The group’s spokesman, Ainol Farila Ahmed, 50, said there were rumours that several companies would go ahead with the project despite an announcement made by Perak tourism committee chairman Tan Kar Hing that the project was scrapped.
“In a news report recently, three companies were said to be interested in continuing with the cable car project here after a meeting with (representatives from) North Perak Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry early this month.
“Tan had in August said the state government was not interested in the project and the news was greeted with much relief by the residents here.
“However, the issue, as raised a few years ago, had once again came to light,” she told a Press conference here today.
Ainol said the cable car project, if materialised, would have adverse impact on the unique and beautiful scenery in the area.
She said a report by World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association (Fomca) stated that the project would attract about 500,000 tourists annually, which meant a total of 1,3888 tourists crowding the area daily.
“This far exceeds the daily maximum 250 visitors permitted in the area daily, which would also cause problems such as insufficient accommodations,” she said.
She said the construction of the cable car would also pose a threat to the flora and fauna in the country’s oldest hill station.
Thus, she said the state government should take effective measures to continue protecting Bukit Larut and ensure that it remained a location for environment lovers to enjoy the wonder of nature.