DEVELOPERS of a controversial Fraser’s Hill resort must make public an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report before continuing with construction work, an environmental group told The Malaysian Insight.

Persatuan Alam dan Warisan Bukit Fraser (PAWBF), said developer Ikhasas Group has yet to do so.

PAWBF chairperson Nik Jassmin Hew told The Malaysian Insight that while a resort could add value to the tourist destination, a 14-storey building with a design and scale that does not fit the locale is extremely worrying.

“Furthermore, the planning permission for this project was granted without a submission of the EIA report to the Department of Environment,” said Hew.

PAWBF also questioned if the developer had studied the highland’s topsoil before deciding to go ahead with construction.

“They are building this 14-storey resort but do they know the risk? Landslides do occur here.

“The risk is huge and we locals here have still not seen the EIA report,” said a PAWBF member who did not want to be identified.

The Malaysian Insight has contacted the developer and a spokesman said the company will issue a statement next week.

Hew said nature and heritage make Fraser’s Hill unique, adding that without these, it is not Fraser’s Hill.

The resort is known as one of the best bird-watching sites in the world, with about 270 species on the hilltop.

“We support and encourage all efforts to upgrade Fraser’s Hill in line with the nature of the area and eco-tourism,” she said.

“However, environmental and other concerns must be addressed before this project proceeds.”

Two weeks ago, the company demolished two buildings: an old English-styled cottage known as the Maybank Lodge and Jelai Resort, which was next to the lodge.

“The lodge was the one of the first places for the locals here to spend time with friends and family. I remember 20 years ago, I used to go there to have my morning tea.”

“Then I would go bird-watching at the site next to the lodge. Foreign tourists would come up here just for birdwatching and the lodge is the place for many of us to hang around,” said a resident who is also an avid bird-watcher.

However, after the demolition of the two buildings, the bird-watching site is no more.

“I have been to the United States, Taiwan, the United Kingdom and many other places for birdwatching but here is the best. Now after so many years the site is gone,” he said.

Another resident, a man in his 40s, expressed concern that the construction may ruin a nearby lake popular with tourists.

“Just next to the construction site, there is Allan’s Water, a lake where many tourists would come. There are lots of fish in the lake and there is also paddle boating,” he said.

“The waste from the construction site could enter the lake and destroy its cleanliness. The din from the construction site will also keep visitors away.” – August 8, 2020.