RAUB: Campers at Fraser's Hill are allowed to pitch a tent only at areas approved by the local authorities.
Tras assemblyman Tengku Zulpuri Shah Raja Puji said there was growing concern over the litter discarded by campers and "unofficial campsites" at the hill station.
"I have raised the matter during my meetings with the local authorities in the past, but maybe it was then still under control. The Raub district council and Tourism Pahang is renting out specific campsites so no one is allowed to set up tents outside theareas.
"I will propose to the Raub district council and Tourism Pahang to introduce guidelines for those planning to go camping at Fraser's Hill so that they will understand the do's and don'ts, and also to put up sign boards reminding visitors to keep the camping areas clean and no-camping zones," he said when contacted today.
Tengku Zulpuri said banning camping at Fraser's Hill was not a solution.
"I think imposing a ban seems like a punishment. We want to encourage people to travel to Fraser's Hill to enjoy the cool weather and since there is an increase in campers, it is time to study and introduce new guidelines to cater to current demands," he said.
In recent weeks, some quarters had vented their frustration on social media about the presence of campers at Fraser's Hill, claiming that they were ruinng the picturesque colonial-era hill station.
Some proposed that the designated camping sites had to be equipped with better facilities including rubbish bins, washrooms and proper parking areas to avoid traffic congestion along the narrow roads.
State Unity, Tourism and Culture Committee chairman Leong Yu Man said she would engage with stakeholders to identify ways to improve and manage camping activities.
"Camping in the misty surroundings at Fraser's Hill is a new tourism trend, but we must have some control and ensure visitors adhere to the rules.
"We have to see if there is a need to regulate camping activities at Fraser's Hill," she said.