The Pahang government needs to drop any proposal to build a railway system at Cameron Highlands, says an environmental non-governmental organisation.
Regional Environmental Awareness Cameron Highlands (Reach) president A. Dilip Martin said he understood that the state, through its statutory body, the Cameron Highlands Development Corporation, was studying a plan to build a system between Blue Valley and Ringlet in the highlands.
“They have been studying it for the past three to six months,” he told The Star.
“We stress that Cameron Highlands does not need a railway system, and such a project poses a serious threat to environmental sustainability,” he said when contacted.
“Even though the project is currently at the study stage, Reach maintains that the study itself should not proceed.
“What is far more urgent is the existing traffic congestion problem, particularly in Kea Farm, which remains unresolved to this day,” he added.
Dilip said the proposed railway project was not included in the Cameron Highlands District Local Plan 2030 (RTDCH 2030).
“We urge the corporation to be more attentive, responsible and compliant with the approved planning framework, instead of advancing new proposals that contradict existing development policies.
“From both economic and practical perspectives, the construction of a railway line is unreasonable and financially wasteful,” he said.
