CAMERON Highlands member of parliament Ramli Mohd Noor welcomed the proposed bypass to the highlands as well as the setting up of a Cameron Highlands Development Board.
He said the new road would boost the local economy by attracting more tourists.
Potential tourists, he said, tended to cancel their plans of visiting the spot out of fear of being caught in massive jams.
Ramli said that the hospitality industry would benefit the most from the increase in visitors by providing food and lodging.
Which would stimulate downstream sectors, such as farming and arts and crafts.
‘Look into the best routes that provide the best outcome when doing this joint-feasibility study.’
On the proposed board, Ramli agreed to the Pahang government initiating the measure.
‘The board can focus on the development of the highlands, including Cameron Highlands, and consolidate all functions and agencies of development under one roof.
‘On enforcement efforts, it is a very important aspect. There should not be any compromise or giving in to offenders.
‘Enforcement efforts will be easier with the departments under one roof. Serious action must be taken when it comes to illegal farming and encroachment on land and forests.’
On Monday, Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail told the New Straits Times that the government had agreed to conduct a feasibility study worth RM1.5 million on the Cameron Highlands bypass project next year.
The RM800 million proposed project will include two stretches.
The first is a 23.5km route between Ringlet and Tringkap in Pahang. The second, a 7km stretch, will connect the north of Cameron Highlands.
This 7km stretch between Kuala Terla and Blue Valley, and Federal Road PT185, a route that leads to the Simpang Pulai NSE interchange in Perak towards the west, and Gua Musang, Kelantan, towards the east.
As for the board, Wan Rosdy said it would function as a planner, coordinator and regulator for sustainable development of the highlands.
The project’s proposal would be tabled in the state assembly sitting next month and if approved, work would start on Jan 1.