RAUB: A year after Fraser's Hill marked its 100th anniversary last year, the hill resort's renowned heritage beauty could be in tatters.
Last month, a colonial-style bungalow and an abandoned resort there were demolished to make way for a 14-storey resort and spa by a private developer.
Persatuan Alam dan Warisan Bukit Fraser (PAWBF) said residents on Fraser's Hill, dubbed "Little England of Malaysia" for its pleasantly cool climate, were still in the dark over the project as there were no signboards in place to explain about the development.
PAWBF, a society with the mission to promote and preserve Fraser's Hill's nature and heritage, said people here were taken aback by the complete demolition of the Maybank Lodge (bungalow) and Jelai Resort two weeks ago.
"There are no signboards, dialogue sessions or any announcements about the plan. We support efforts to upgrade Fraser's Hill but it has to be in line with the nature of the hill and ecotourism, we need answers.
"A resort and spa could add value to Fraser's Hill but a 14-storey building with 181 rooms does not belong here. We hope the developer will review the design and plan for the project," read the statement.
PAWBF claimed the planning permission for the high-rise project here was granted without the submission of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report to the Department of Environment.
The society also raised several environmental concerns, such as whether the project would affect the only lake in Fraser's Hill, Allan's Water, and subsequently trigger major soil movements the area.
"The construction site is only a few meters away from Allan's Water, a popular recreational lake surrounded by rainforest and with trekking trails.
"Since Fraser's Hill is prone to landslides, the scale of the project is worrying although its is planned on two existing developed sites. The construction works could affect the soil near the wetland.
"The project area is known as the most popular bird watching site in the whole of Fraser's Hill. For some 30 years, the Fraser's Hill International Bird Race attracts birdwatchers and visitors in droves annually, and bird watching activity is already synonymous with Fraser's Hill".
PAWBF also expressed their fears about the social and economic impact the project plan could have on the hill, which was one of the last remaining hill stations in the country.
"Now even before construction works began, Fraser's Hill has lost two very important features which is a heritage bungalow (Maybank Lodge) and the most popular bird watching site (near Jelai resort). We regret that the project did not consider all these important elements before starting works".
It was also learnt that the same developer had acquired another heritage bungalow which belongs to an oil and gas company here.
PAWBF has appealed to the developer, state government, Bukit Fraser Development Corporation and other related parties to look into the matter seriously as it could jeopardise the charm of the hill station.
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah last year participated in a golf event here on April 28 which was among the activities held to the hill's 100th anniversary.