WWFM_Hill Stations Study Vol2_2001.pdf - Sdn Bhd - WWF Malaysia

Study on the Development of Hill Stations
Final Report II
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
96. This study recommends 14 actions plans to enhance tourism, improve the
environmental quality and to promote sustainable development. The main
recommendations relate to:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
development controls through legislations
better packaging of tourism products
improvements in the present infrastructure
biodiversity conservation
LEGAL & INSTITUTIONAL ISSUES
97. Penang Hill, Gunung Jerai and Bukit Larut have associated rich heritage in
their surrounding areas. For example, Penang Hill and the historical
Georgetown; Gunung Jerai and the historical and cultural Bujang Valley
and; Bukit Larut and the historical town of Taiping. As such, the Heritage
Conservation Bill when tabled should consider these hill stations as part of
the rich historical heritage.
98. Although hill stations such as Gunung Jerai and Bukit Larut are gazetted as
Permanent Forest Reserves under Section 7 of the NFA, this does not fully
guarantee that the hill stations will not be converted or excised under
Section 11. This section gives the State Authority the prerogative to decide
whether the purposes for which these forest reserves were classified are no
longer required and therefore be converted for other uses. The State
Authority is directed to act in favour of the option that would have a higher
‘economic value’. Therefore it is important that as a first step that the forests
are classified into its functional categories under section 10 of the NFA.
99. The Tourism Vehicles Licensing Act (TVLA) 1999 provides for the licensing
and regulation of tourism vehicles and for related matters. Currently
transportation up Gunung Jerai is either by personal vehicles or hiring
individual van operators. It was noted that the prices charged by the
individual van operators are sometimes exorbitant. Therefore, there is a
need to regulate the operations of the van service to prevent touting as well
as to ensure a more efficient service where safety considerations are closely
adhered.
100. On Penang Hill, if the area of illegal hill farming falls within the gazetted
Penang Hill Local Plan, the Town and Country Planning Act (TCPA) 1976
makes it an offence for any person to use any land or building otherwise
than in conformity with the local plan (Section 18(1)). A maximum penalty of
RM 100,000 could be imposed for offences relating to unauthorized
development (Section 26).
WWF Malaysia E- 13
December 2001