KUALA LUMPUR: The Regional Environmental Awareness Cameron Highlands (Reach) today wants the Pahang state government to cancel approved projects within the forest reserve area in Cameron Highlands that exceed an elevation of 90 degrees.
"The occurrence of the landslide was an unforeseen disaster; however, Reach urgently urges and implores the state government, Cameron Highlands Development Corporation (PKCH), and Cameron Highlands District Council to cancel approved projects within the forest reserve area, exceeding an elevation of 90 degrees.
"Reach seeks the prompt enforcement of state units to take enforcement actions against encroachers on forest reserves or state land. With decisive measures, encroachers will begin to fear and refrain from intruding into forest reserves or state land.
"We also request the state government to freeze land tax grants for state-owned land designated for agricultural and mixed development purposes.
"Yesterday's landslide disaster should serve as a lesson and the state government must immediately halt approved projects," said its president A Dilip Martin in a statement, urging for the state government's cooperation to implement reforestation programmes on encroached lands.
He said the federal government must play a crucial role in preserving the environment in Cameron Highlands.
The landslide incident which occurred at Kampung Batu 59, Kampung Raja here early yesterday involved five foreigners from Myanmar.
They were identified as Shing Lan Har, 56; Shing Aung, 39; Om Myue, 38; Haphey, 36 and Thang Moung, 25.
A statement from the Cameron Highlands District Disaster Management Agency Committee said that Cameron Highlands district police were alerted to the incident at 2.10am.
