Fraser's Hill Development Halted But Conservationists Urge The Public To Remain Vigilant
The developers have honoured the stop-work order but an Environmental Impact Assessment has yet to be made mandatory.
By Alyssa Pong — 17 Aug 2020, 12:48 PM
After the demolition of two sites shocked local residents late last month, the developer of Fraser's Hill Resort and Spa has been ordered to halt construction
According to environmental conservation organisation Persatuan Alam & Warisan Bukit Fraser (PAWBF), a stop-work order was issued after an emergency meeting was called last Friday, 15 August.
As of late, all ongoing works at the project site has been stopped.
New Straits Times also reported that Raub district officer Datuk Mohammad Shahid has given developer iKHASAS a month to submit a new building plan after consultation with the Department of Environment (DOE).
However, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has not yet been made mandatory despite societies urging for a report to be done
Construction of the 181-room resort risks long-term environmental impact including loss of biodiversity, water pollution, and possible landslides due to soil movement.
In spite of these risks, it will be up to the DOE to decide whether or not an EIA is required.
An aerial shot of the 15-storey Fraser Hill Resort and Spa construction site in Raub.
Image via Farizul Hafiz Awang/New Straits TimesThough a step forward, PAWBF has reminded the public to remain vigilant
Speaking of the stop-work order on their Instagram, PAWBF noted that there was still work to be done.
"[It's] a small victory that is buying us time."
Their efforts are particularly crucial as iKHASAS group chief executive Tan Chee Kian revealed to New Straits Times that they have not been ordered to scale down the 15-storey building.
PAWBF added that they would not agree to anything taller than six storeys, such as budget apartment Fraser's Silverpark Resort.
The signboard detailing iKHASAS's initial plans for Fraser's Hill Resort and Spa.
Image via PAWBF/FacebookAccording to a post on their Facebook, will be meeting with the developers on Thursday, 20 August, to further discuss the matter.
