PAS saddened Bukit Larut Resort a white elephant

Perak PAS is saddened that despite RM10.5 million in public funds sunk into it, the Bukit Larut Resort is still a loss-making white elephant with the number of visitors declining.

The party is urging the BN state government to form a special investigation committee to study its failure.

The project was first developed under the ninth Malaysian plan in 2006 to attract tourists and generate economic growth. 

But has not resulted in turning a profit despite the huge amount spent by the Perak state government through the Tourism Ministry, to develop it.

Perak PAS coordinator for strategic issues Dr Raja Ahmad Iskandar said according to the 2012 Auditor General's Report, the Tourism Ministry had allocated RM6 million through the Taiping municipal council in 2006.

The next year, he said the ministry added another RM4.43 million allocation to the Perak state government to build hostels there. Two years ago, the state government channelled RM125,000 to the Larut, Matang and Selama District land office.

"Now who do we hold accountable for the failure of this project and what have the people of Perak be proud off and gained from this RM10.5 million project?"

"What action is the state government taking on the project's failure? We are puzzled that the Perak BN government is channeling the another RM125,000 into it," said Raja Ahmad (left).

The Auditor-General's Report 2012 rates the management of the Bukit Larut Resort as less than satisfactory due to declining number of visitors, facilities built or upgraded but not fully utilised, and poor management.

Previously there had beenquestions over the development of the Bukit Larut including a cable car facility, as non-governmental organisations have warned of possible damage to the water catchment area and its natural surroundings.

Then-tourism minister Ng Yen Yen had told Parliament in 2011 that the cable car project was not her ministry's project but that of the state government.