Does Taiping Fulfil Sustainable Town Criteria?

Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) questioned Green Destinations’ criteria for evaluation and giving recognition to Taiping as one of the Sustainable Destinations Top 100 of 2018.

Based on SAM’s recent survey around Taiping town, we found that the implementation of several development activities was not environmentally friendly nor sustainable especially development on 25° slopes.

SAM’s survey was in hilly areas at Jalan Kamunting Lama, Jalan Bukit Mas, area near Perak Water Board reservoir, Kamunting and the hilly area near Taman Kuningsari, AIr Kuning.

Rock quarry near residential and public area (opposite Aeon Street).

Luxury residential areas built on steep slopes.

Are these development activities adhering to guidelines such as the Housing Planning Guideline (GP001-A) outlined by the Town & Country Planning Department and other guidelines such as removing of rock (quarrying)?

A housing plan should take into account elements such as site suitability, preservation of topography and surrounding environment to ensure that it does not adversely affect the environment and the well-being of the local community.

For example, it is stated in the Housing Planning Guideline (GP001-A) in Part A, Item 6 iv) Planning Principles: Preserved Natural Environment, that housing development should take into account the preservation of topography, maintenance and adaptation of the natural environment.

Has the ‘Green Destinations’ team gone down to the ground and visited all areas in Taiping and its surroundings before giving recognition to the town?

SAM also questions whether the ‘Green Destinations’ is a recognized standard and accreditation body or organization.

SAM hopes that all Local Authorities are more aware of every application for planning permission, development and land use planning to ensure no negative impacts on the surrounding natural environment and the local community.

Media Statement, 31 December 2018