KUANTAN: The four-day unscheduled water disruption at Fraser's Hill, a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, which was only restored yesterday should not occur again as it will hurt the tourism industry.
Pahang Unity, Tourism and Culture Committee chairman Leong Yu Man admitted that dry taps at the colonial-era hill station in Raub since Dec 24 had jeopardised visitors' arrival especially during the peak school holiday season and festive period.
"It is unfortunate for such an incident (water interruption) to occur during the peak season. Although water has been restored, Paip (Pengurusan Air Pahang Bhd) has been instructed to replace the pumps at the water treatment plant (LRA).
"I have been engaging Paip on the matter and was told that there are already plans to replace the water pumps and it will be given priority. Paip realised there have been complaints (on water issues) and the necessary works has to be done soon... maybe next month," she said when contacted today.
Leong said she will monitor the progress to repair and replace the ageing pumps at the LRA as Fraser's Hill cannot afford to face another long-term water disruption in the future which will affect visitors arrival and those staying at the hill station.
"I thank all the hoteliers, resort operators, business owners and tourism industry players for their understanding and patience due to the incident. The issue will be given serious attention," she said.
Yesterday, Tras assemblyman Tengku Zulpuri Shah Raja Puji said the faulty water pumps at the LRA had caused the water disruption since Dec 24 before it was restored at midnight yesterday (Dec 28) after several delays.
Some visitors were upset as they were not told about the issue until they arrived at Fraser's Hill and there were those who decided to cancel their bookings before returning home.
Meanwhile, a resort staff said hotels were inundated with phone calls and queries from guests about the water problem as the repair works could not be completed within the scheduled time.
"Repairs took more than two days and even the staff were not sure when water supply would be restored. We are glad that everything is sorted out and hopefully the place will be crowded again for the New Year holidays," he said.