CAMERON HIGHLANDS: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, has decreed that all hill-slope development projects in Cameron Highlands be carefully studied and monitored since excessive development could lead to unwanted natural disasters.
This is because there are numerous projects still ongoing, especially rampant farming activities in Cameron Highlands.
"Enough is enough. I have said it before and I am saying it now. Although there is approval, such projects must be reviewed. If not, this area will become barren ground and there won't be any green areas, jungles or hills anymore.
"While reviews are being carried out, suspend all approvals in all areas involving Cameron Highlands temporarily, especially in hilly areas.
"Every time I fly over this area, there is always a hilly area being flattened. This is a concern for me and I hope the state government will give due consideration in this matter or else such activities will continue," he said after handing out contributions to victims of last month's mudslide in Kampung Baru, Kampung Raja, here.
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, who also offered his sympathy to the victims, was grateful that there were no fatalities during the mudslide and hoped the project close to the disaster area be reviewed to avoid damage to the ecosystem and surrounding areas.
Al-Sultan Abdullah also decreed that the relevant authorities should not give approvals to projects at will, but rather carry out a detailed study by going to the ground to ensure the validity of such projects.
"They must go to ground, not just base their findings by using a map. That is why I suggest the menteri besar, District Officer and District Land office view and survey such areas using helicopters or any other means, with the technology that is available now, including drones.
"Use modern initiatives and not just rely on old methods," he said.
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong expressed hope that the tragic landslide that claimed the lives of many in Batang Kali, Selangor, would not recur, especially in Cameron Highlands and Pahang.
Earlier, Al-Sultan Abdullah handed out his personal contributions to 21 families affected by the mudslide before leaving the location at 5pm.
Last month, a number of houses and roads leading to Kampung Raja were inundated by a mudslide following flash floods in the area. – Bernama