Hiking trail in Balik Pulau in a sad state
BALIK PULAU: Old habits die hard in new Malaysia as seen in the garbage strewn along a hiking trail leading to the popular Teluk Kampi beach here.
Broken benches and damaged items could also be seen there.
This, plus the unkempt facilities, mar the beauty of the Penang National Park in Teluk Bahang.
Nature lovers are upset with the deplorable condition, especially those along the popular hiking trails that draw thousands of people each year.
A group of 60 hikers was taken aback with the rubbish they saw when they trekked up Teluk Kampi.
“The resting area has also been infested with termites,” said hiker Eddie Lim yesterday.
“This is dangerous as it could collapse anytime.”
He said that it was unacceptable for the authorities not to take any action.
Teluk Bahang assemblyman Zolkifly Md Lazim said he would visit the trail today to find out more about the conditions there.
“I am not aware of it. I will seek financial assistance from the state for immediate repairs on the facilities.
“I am sure we have the manpower to do small upgrading works,” he said.
“The park comes under the Federal Government and I will also write to them for allocations.”
Gazetted on April 10, 2003, the 1.213ha national park was given a major upgrading work under the Eighth and Ninth Malaysia Plans.
The makeover transformed the Teluk Bahang entrance to the park into an impressive administration area with a modern facade comprising an office, information and registration counter as well as an interactive Interpretation Centre and Exhibition Gallery.