PEKAN: The National Heritage Department is disappointed over the unexpected demolition of a colonial-style bungalow in Fraser's Hill last month.
Its director-general, Mesran Mohd Yusop, confirmed that the department was never consulted or informed about plans to tear down the heritage building to make way for a resort project.
"We are saddened as a heritage building on the hill station is now gone. We (the department) might not be able to do much as the building is privately owned, but if the department had been consulted, we would have been able to provide feedback.
"The department was informed that 15 agencies were called for a meeting before the demolition began.
"Unfortunately, we were not among those invited for the session. The building had a lot of heritage value." He said this at an event to announce the discovery of relics more than 1,000 years old in Sungai Pahang in Kampung Pulau Maulana on Friday.
Mesran, who is commissioner for heritage, said although some quarters might claim that the demolished bungalow was similar to other bungalows there, that building was an "architectural rarity".
He said although some heritage buildings or sites were not covered or gazetted under the National Heritage Act 2005 (Act 645), they could still be protected by the local government.
"The National Heritage Department hopes that local authorities will protect heritage buildings or sites under the local instrument of protection, such the special area plan or local plan.
"People should understand that the responsibility for the preservation and protection of heritage buildings or sites is not solely under the National Heritage Department, but also the state, local government, community and individuals.
"Even owners are responsible for ensuring their heritage buildings or sites are preserved. This is based on Section 42 of the National Heritage Act 2005."
Under Section 42 of the National Heritage Act 2005, the owner of a heritage site is responsible to keep it in a good state and that the national heritage commissioner can take action to ensure that this is complied with, in keeping with heritage values of the building.
Mesran was commenting on the four-bedroom Maybank Lodge, which was demolished along with the abandoned Jelai Resort in Fraser's Hill last month for the construction of a 15-storey resort and spa by a private developer.
The development was mired in controversy when it was claimed that residents on the hill station, dubbed "Little England of Malaysia", were in the dark over the project.
Last week the National Heritage Department said it was conducting an investigation into the demolition of the bungalow and resort in Fraser's Hill.
It is believed that the department was not aware of the demolition until it received complaints from the public.
On Thursday, Raub district officer Datuk Mohammad Shahid Ismail said the developer had been issued a stop-work order and told to consult the Department of Environment on technical aspects of the new design.
The developer, however, said the stop-work order was to allow features and design of the new building to be in harmony with the old English feel of the hill station.