KUANTAN: A Pahang unity government backbencher has mooted an idea of a single entity to administer Fraser's Hill in a bid to streamline daily affairs and boost visitor arrivals.
Tengku Zulpuri Shah Raja Puji (DAP-Tras) said the hill station dubbed "Little England" of Malaysia was previously under the jurisdiction of the Bukit Fraser Development Corporation (PKBF) before it was placed under the Raub District Office in 1997.
He said during the PKBF-era, there was a general manager put in charge to look into the daily happenings at the colonial-era hill station.
"Beginning in 1997, the Raub District Office took over the responsibilities, while the PKBF which is now part of Tourism Pahang was tasked with promoting Fraser's Hill. The Hulu Selangor District Council also manages certain areas in Fraser's Hill along with Tourism Selangor.
"Since 1997, Fraser's Hill seems to be losing its appeal and is not being effectively managed which could be largely due to the divided responsibilities. Administration and basic infrastructures are among the main issues while the main roads are not well managed.
"Clean water supply and electricity supply are often disrupted and it takes quite some time to restore them," Tengku Zulpuri said when debating the motion of thanks for the royal address of the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah during the state assembly sitting at Wisma Sri Pahang today.
The DAP assemblyman believes that a single entity led by a top management with strong ties with government agencies will help overcome all the issues.
"The new management must be able to work closely with the government agencies to avoid unnecessary bureaucracy or taking a long process to execute certain plans. Roping in the private sector could be also considered into the new management.
"Being one of the country's oldest national heritage, Fraser's Hill, which has been popular among nature enthusiasts offers a lot of potential to emerge as a top tourist destination in the country if it is smoothly administered," he said.
The state legislative assembly will resume tomorrow.