GEORGE TOWN: Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) is distressed to learn about the landslide in Blue Valley, Cameron Highlands, Pahang, early this morning, in which one Myanmar national died and four others are feared to be buried alive.
SAM president Meenakshi Raman said, while the cause of the landslide is yet to be determined, SAM is gravely concerned about the hill clearing in Camerons, including for agriculture and construction, which could make the highlands prone to landslides, especially during heavy rains.
Meenakshi said, in fact, in January last year, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah had directed for a review of all projects in Cameron Highlands.
"His Royal Highness had voiced his concerns about the widespread clearing of hill land for agriculture and other projects and had called for a review of all approvals while adding that this was enough!
"Clearly, it appears that this directive from the country's highest authority does not seem to have been heeded.
"The (Pahang) state and local authorities must be hauled up again for allowing so much over-development on what is a highly environmentally sensitive area, especially when climate change impacts are more apparent now, with unprecedented rainfall intensities.
"SAM echoes the concerns expressed by our king, and calls on the authorities to stop any further approvals of clearing for all kinds of projects, and for a thorough review of approvals given in the past," she said today.
Meenakshi also called for a task force to be set up to conduct the review and make public the findings.
"Further, immediate steps must be taken to rehabilitate the risky slopes and for preventive action to avert future landslides and slope failures, including by the federal authorities," she added.
Meenakshi herself was in Cameron Highlands on New Year's Day and was shocked to see so much development. There were massive clearing for agriculture projects and construction, including in the Blue Valley area.
"The old charm of Cameron Highlands is gone, with lush forests being replaced cleared landscapes for agriculture, housing and building construction projects.
"Visitors have complained about the ugly sight, as well as how the highlands' atmosphere is not as cool anymore with the loss of the natural greens," she said.
The landslide reportedly occurred at Kampung Batu 59, Kampung Raja in Cameron Highlands early today, in which five Myanmar nationals were affected.
.
They have been identified as Shing Lan Har, 56; Shing Aung, 39; Om Myue, 38; Haphey, 36 and Thang Moung, 25.
Up to 10am today, only one body has been recovered.