Review Cameron Highlands bypass project, govt told

Regional Environmental Awareness Cameron Highlands (REACH) has urged Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the works ministry to reconsider the Cameron Highlands bypass road project. The NGO argues that the project does not address the core issues of traffic congestion in popular tourist areas such as Kea Farm.

REACH's field assessments and feedback from locals indicate that congestion is primarily caused by insufficient parking, insufficient public transport, and poor traffic management. The organization questions whether the project will offer tangible benefits to the public, citing the potential for a significant increase in value for privately-owned land parcels along the proposed route.

REACH has been raising concerns about the project since February, when Ahmad Zaki Resources Bhd was awarded a RM430.06 million contract for its construction and upgrading of federal roads. The works ministry cited a traffic congestion study conducted in September 2020 as the basis for approving the project.

Despite submitting memorandums and letters to the works minister, REACH has not received an official response. The organization has also lodged a complaint with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, seeking an investigation into the project's purpose and execution. To date, no updates have been provided.

REACH is calling on the government to allocate funds towards more pressing local needs, including improving public transport, creating centralized parking facilities, rehabilitating slopes, managing landslide risks, and preserving water resources. The NGO also urges authorities to hold a transparent public engagement session, allowing residents of Cameron Highlands to understand the project's justification and assess its effectiveness in resolving the district's longstanding traffic issues.