Activities Report Mar 2000 Newsletter

Carrying Capacity Key to Sustainable Eco-tourism 
      The Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) welcomes the Perak state government’s plan to highlight  Bukit Larut as one of its foremost tourist destinations in the upcoming Visit Perak Year 2000. Bukit  Larut, one of our better hill resorts in Peninsula with its own unique species and beautiful scenery is definitely worth promoting. It is also very encouraging to have the assurance from the state government on the preservation of the hill.
      The widening of its existing road will increase the accessibility of the hill to more people. However, the increased number of personal vehicles going to the top will also necessitate the development of more parking space (levelling of land) and increase noise and exhaust pollution. Not forgetting that the cutting of steep slopes composing of limestone composition to widen the road may increase the chances of landslides. Instead there could be other ways of encouraging Malaysians to visit Bukit Larut. For instance, through discounted group tours, promotions, advertisements and availability of camping facilities. Visitors should also be encouraged to trek up to better enjoy the quiet natural surrounding of the hill.
      We recommend that the current mode of transport (30-minute ride) be maintained but frequency of trips increased to accommodate more visitors. With this, the local government can collect enough money to maintain the old road and upgrade existing facilities. This will also enable the local authorities to control the visiting crowd as well as accompanying problems like littering and vandalism. In other words, an opportunity to sustain the hill’s carrying capacity.
      Finally, a thorough study needs to be done for the alternative solution, the cable-car system. The study will enable its building with as little damage as possible to the hill's natural surrounding.
      The over-commercialization of nature should not be extensively promoted and there should be avenues where visitors can indulge in simple, pleasurable activities not sullied by crowds, noise or “theme-park” style attractions. Bukit Larut should be one of these places. 


Dato’ Dr. Salleh Mohd Nor     Kuala Lumpur, 12 January 2000

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Created on 15th Mar 2000