RAUB: A stop-work order has been issued to the developer of the controversial Fraser Hill Resort and Spa near here following concerns among residents and non-governmental organisations towards the high-rise project.
Raub district officer Datuk Mohammad Shahid Ismail said the developer had been instructed to revise the building design and consult the Department of Environment (DoE) on the technical aspects on the 15-storey project.
"The project has been suspended until the developer submits a new design, which has to first receive the green light from all the relevant agencies. The company will be consulting DoE to re-look into the technical matters relating to the design of the resort and a new plan will then be submitted.
"The developer has been given about a month to re-submit all the new design and documents relating to the project. Two days ago, I was informed that the company has stopped ongoing works at the project site," he told New Straits Times today.
Shahid said the developer was met during the One Stop Centre (OSC) committee meeting to get updates on the progress of the project which was held in Raub last week.
When asked if the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report will be made compulsory before deciding the fate of the project, he replied that was under the jurisdiction of the DoE. The developer Ikhasas Sdn Bhd yesterday confirmed the stop-work order by the council. Group chief executive Tan Chee Kian said the notice was received verbally and would be honoured. Asked if they were made to scale down the 15-storey development, he, however, said no.
"We were told to adjust with additional landscaping work," said Tan after meeting with Persatuan Alam dan Warisan Bukit Fraser (PAWBF).
Last month, a colonial-style bungalow and an abandoned resort here were demolished to make way for the 181-room Fraser's Hill Resort and Spa project, which reportedly includes a swimming pool.
The move has triggered worry by environmentalists who expressed concern that the project would have an adverse affect on the only lake on Fraser's Hill, Allan's Water, and could trigger major soil movement in the area.
PAWBF had recently urged the developer to review its plans, claiming that since Fraser's Hill was prone to landslides, the scale of the project was deemed worrying as the construction could affect the soil integrity near the wetland.
Meanwhile, a source said the developer had been given time to study and look into all the technical aspects of the project, including the size of the structure.
"The decision now lies in the hands of the local council which will examine the new design and its suitability (to the area). The developer is expected to speak to DoE on the required technical aspects before completing all the paperwork," said the source.