Perak, Pahang should stop issuing permits for farming and developments in Cameron

IPOH (Oct 25): The state governments of Perak and Pahang should stop the issuance of new permits for agriculture and development in Cameron HIghlands, in light of the increased risk of landslides, said the Water, Land and Natural Resources Minister.

Minister Dr A. Xavier Jayakumar was quoted by The Star as saying: “I really hope both states will also tighten enforcement on encroachment (into government or forest lands).

"Those found guilty of illegal farming must face the music.

“We need to use the full power of the law to make sure they stop such illegal activities,” he said.

He added that Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah, in the event to declare the Lembah Kinta Geopark a National Geopark had directed the Perak state government to stop issuing any new (development) permits in the Perak areas leading to the hill station.

“Perak will definitely follow the directive by the Ruler, and I hope that Pahang will follow suit as well,” he said..

Cameron Highlands has experienced several landslides of late, due to the monsoon season.

A week ago, the daily reports that three Myanmar nationals had been buried alive in their workers quarters in in Kuala Terla, in the highlands.