SHAH ALAM - Experts have called for stricter traffic controls and public transport options in Cameron Highlands to address congestion and air pollution.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Earth and Environmental Sciences Department Chairperson Professor Dr Mohd Talib Latif said that the entry of tourist vehicles such as cars, vans and buses should be restricted to accommodation or hotel areas only.
"Designate some areas of Cameron Highlands as vehicle-free or restricted zones for certain types of vehicles only.
"Tourist activities there lead to an increase in the number of vehicles, especially on weekends and during school holidays.
"Therefore, visitors could travel from one place to another with the help of guided tours provided,” he said.
Talib said that diesel-powered vehicles are also a major factor contributing to air pollution in the tourist area.
"The increase in exhaust fumes contributes to suspended fine particles such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and greenhouse gases.
"These fine particles and air pollutants are harmful to human health, while greenhouse gases will have long-term effects on temperature changes, especially in the area,” he said.
In a related matter, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu Faculty of Marine Engineering Technology lecturer Dr Noor Zaitun Yahaya suggested providing shuttle bus services from main entry points, such as Tapah or Simpang Pulai, Perak, to tourists' chosen destinations.
"It is also possible to introduce free Cameron Highlands buses to reduce the number of private vehicles in the area.
"With this free bus service, development of parking facilities at the foothills can also be provided.
"Tourists can park their vehicles in these areas under supervision to ensure their safety,” she added.
Meanwhile, commenting on soil fertility for crops, Zaitun, who is also the Founder and President of the Clean Air Forum Malaysia (MyCAS), said that soil temperatures should be around 18 to 24 degrees Celsius, and air temperatures should range from 15 to 29 degrees Celsius.
"Soil fertility is greatly influenced by environmental factors such as rainfall and air pressure at high altitudes.
"Rainfall factors are closely related to wind direction and wind speed limits, and all these factors are closely interconnected in highland areas,” she said.
It was reported last Sunday that the increasing number of vehicles in Cameron Highlands is feared to affect the air quality in the highland resort area due to vehicle emissions.