Environmental groups are urging federal and state authorities to suspend major development projects in Cameron Highlands after a recent landslide temporarily cut off about 700 residents.
They said projects involving forested land above 21 hectares should be halted to reduce flood and landslide risks in the district, The Malaysian Reserve reported.
The concerns stem from dense construction activity in the highlands, which environmental advocates say is putting pressure on roads, raising temperatures and shrinking remaining green cover.
Cameron Highlands Environmental Awareness Association (Reach) president A Dilip Martin said development controls must be tightened to prevent further degradation.
“Development must be controlled, forests must be defended and the environment must come first because this area is now at a critical point,” he said.
He noted that the Puncak Arabella landslide emphasises the need to reassess all hillside and environmentally sensitive projects.
“This incident should serve as a reminder that approvals for high-risk areas cannot be given casually, and each approval must follow existing guidelines rather than personal discretion, especially for projects on slopes above 45 degrees,” he said.
