KUALA LUMPUR: THE National Heritage Department is conducting an investigation into the demolition of a colonial bungalow and an abandoned resort on Fraser's Hill, near Raub, Pahang.
Sources from the department told the New Straits Times that it was in the midst of conducting an investigation after receiving public complaints.
"The department was not aware of the demolition until we received complaints from the public," a source said.
On whether the Pahang government or the local authorities had contacted the department to seek their views on the demolition, the source replied: "No."
The source, however, said since the building was not gazetted as a historical or heritage building under Act 645, there was no requirement to do so.
"In this case, any planning permission or development order for the building is not subject to the National Heritage Act 2005 or Act 645.
"Furthermore, the department is not one of 15 technical agencies listed by the District Council of Raub to comment on developments under the council's jurisdiction."
He told NST to get more details on the demolition from council.
Last month, it was reported that a colonial-style bungalow and an abandoned resort were demolished to make way for a 14-storey resort and spa by a private developer, a year after Fraser's Hill, known for its heritage beauty and cool climate, celebrated its 100th anniversary.
The development was mired in controversy when it was claimed that residents on the hill station, dubbed "Little England of Malaysia", were in the dark over the project.
Concerns were raised over project's purported absence of an Environmental Impact Assessment report and whether the project would affect the only lake there known as Allan's Water, subsequently triggering major soil movements in the area.
As one of the last remaining hill stations in the country, it is feared that the project could result in serious social and economical consequences.