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