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

Study on the Development of Hill Stations
Final Report II
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND
The study on “The Development of the Hill Stations in Peninsula Malaysia was
commissioned by the Economic Planning Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department
(EPU) in May 2001. The main objective of the study is to formulate guidelines and
recommendations for the sustainable development of six hill stations in Peninsular
Malaysia namely Cameron Highlands (including Lojing), Fraser's Hill, Genting
Highlands, Bukit Larut, Gunung Jerai and Penang Hill. The study will also
complement a parallel study presently being done on the sustainable development
of the highlands of Peninsular Malaysia.
Hill stations play an important role in the development of the country, particularly in
the tourism and agriculture sectors. The cool climate, fresh air and breathtaking
landscapes and lush vegetation serve as major attractions for tourists. The
temperate climate provides an ideal setting for a variety of crops, especially
vegetables and flowers. The thrill of driving up hill roads and the sights and sounds
along the route provide an exhilarating experience to holiday-makers, particularly
those from crowded places such as the Klang Valley and Singapore. There are
many who have chosen these hill stations to be their homes.
In addition, the hill stations and their surrounding areas also have an important
place in the overall environment. The hills are the source of many streams and
rivers that supply the majority of the country's population. The hill stations and their
environs are the natural habitats to many species of flora and fauna, and each of
the individual hill station has its own unique and rich diversity of animal and plants
species. The lower temperatures of the hills also mean that the species found here
differs from that found in the lowlands and accounts for the high level of endemism
occurring within the areas. By virtue to their location on hills, hill stations are often
associated with steep slopes. The natural forest in these areas can be easily
destroyed if set upon by uncontrolled development. The steep terrain is also prone
to landslips and mudslides once it has been removed from its vegetative cover. The
occurrence of flash floods at the lower catchment is also a direct result due to the
loss of vegetative cover.
As the hill stations are the focal point for development at the highland areas, the
formulation of proper development proposals and guidelines are vital to ensure the
sustainability of the hill stations. Experience has shown that uncontrolled and illplanned
development can lead to disastrous results - the effects of which are often
irreversible. It is also vital to recognize the important roles that the hill stations play,
both in the context of economic development as well as in protecting the integrity of
the highland environment. The commissioning of this study is therefore appropriate
and timely and will hopefully lead to the sustainable development of the hill stations
of Peninsular Malaysia.
WWF Malaysia 1- 1
December 2001