FRASER’S HILL: Fraser’s Hill, one of Pahang’s three highland gems after Genting Highlands and Cameron Highlands, will be transformed into an international tourist destination to boost the state and country’s revenue, according to Pahang executive councillor Leong Yu Man.
There are plans to improve public facilities as well as provide comfortable and quality accommodation, said Leong.
She said these plans include upgrading the winding road from the Gap to Fraser’s Hill, perched 4,800ft above sea level.
“We are in discussion with the state and federal governments to initiate this multi-million ringgit move, so that larger tour buses can safely access Fraser’s Hill and attract a larger number of tourists for wedding packages and business conferences,” she said.
“Pahang’s tourism board will organise more promotions and events here via more aggressive marketing strategies.
“Careful planning is, however, vital to strike a balance between development and preservation of the biodiversity, tranquillity and natural habitat for flora and fauna for a sustainable tourism with minimal impact on the environment.”
Leong said Fraser’s Hill, with its natural beauty and cool atmosphere, had great potential to be developed.
The effort would require the cooperation and support of all parties, including the local community and investors, she said at the opening of the Wyndham Garden Shahzan Fraser’s Hill by the sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah.
She was confident that with improved amenities, Fraser’s Hill would attract more than the 48,687 visitors who came last year.
Leong said the local community’s active involvement in various tourism initiatives would also create more job opportunities, including for farmers and artisans.
Fraser’s Hill would be promoted at the 2024 Malaysia International Tourism Expo in Kuantan, Pahang, from Oct 8 to 10.
“We will also engage digital and social media platforms, like GoTiFi, to educate and create awareness among tourists and the local community about the importance of nature and cultural preservation,” she said.
The sultan had called for Fraser’s Hill to preserve its natural scenic beauty of trails and waterfalls, retain buildings’ architectural charm, observe cleanliness and avoid environmental pollution.
RM6mil rebranding and refurbishment
Hospitality 360’s president and group CEO, Omar Mohan Naresh, said hotel owner TAS Industries had invested RM6 million to refurbish and rebrand the former Shahzan Inn as part of the Wyndham Hotels network, which operates in 95 countries globally.
He said the rebranding was a strategic move to connect with over 50,000 travel companies around the world.
“Being mindful of global climate changes, we plan to introduce energy efficiency measures by harnessing solar energy, utilising electric vehicles to reduce carbon footprint, waste reduction initiatives using sustainable materials, and supporting local biodiversity,” he said.
The hill’s history and attractions
Fraser’s Hill made headlines when the British high commissioner to Malaya, Henry Gurney, was gunned down by communist terrorists on Oct 7, 1951.
Gurney and his entourage were on their way to Fraser’s Hill for a meeting, and the high commissioner travelled in his Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith with his wife, Lady Isabel Lowther Weir, private secretary DJ Staples and his Malayan chauffeur.
Fraser’s Hill’s landmarks are the colonial-style clock tower, Lady Guillemard Park, and historic buildings like the post office and police station built in 1919.
It offers bird-watching, nine-hole golfing, pedal-boating at Allan’s Water, horse riding, a bird interpretive centre, lookout point, Jeriau waterfall and seven exciting trekking trails.