KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 14 — Perigi Tujuh Serendah (Seven Wells of Serendah), a tourist attraction in Hulu Selangor, has been listed in the National Heritage Department’s inventory and would be considered for listing as a National Heritage Site, said Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
Nancy, in a statement, said the structure was among 11 listings in Hulu Selangor district/Selangor state that was in the department’s inventory under the National Heritage Act (Act 645) 2005 for the purpose of research before being gazetted.
“If it fulfils the criteria, the site can be considered to be listed as a national heritage. Gazetting it will add value to its tourism appeal, besides helping to conserve and protect the heritage value of the site,” she said.
She had earlier participated in a trip to promote domestic tourism in Hulu Selangor and Fraser’s Hill, Pahang yesterday, and was joined by the ministry’s secretary-general, Datuk Dr Noor Zari Hamat.
Perigi Tujuh Serendah is a small dam with seven sluices fed by water through seven sinkholes or spillways that allow water collecting in the upstream lake to drain during a downpour.
Nancy said her ministry would cooperate with the local authority in Hulu Selangor to ensure that the attractions in the area would be promoted as national tourism products.
“Although Perigi Tujuh Serendah is maintained by the Hulu Selangor Drainage and Irrigation Department, while the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac) will engage in discussions to see what improvements can be made in the area,” she said.
Meanwhile, on Fraser’s Hill, Nancy suggested that any development in the resort destination should retain the Tudor theme befitting its nickname, The Little England.
She said Fraser’s Hill needed to be developed as a cultural legacy destination and any proposed building of a new hotel in the area came under the jurisdiction of the Raub district council.
“Motac also urges that any development does not disrupt the ecosystem of the area, which is known for the diverse species of birds and is one of the premier bird-watching destinations in Malaysia.
“Currently, Fraser’s Hill only has three hotels with a total of 370 rooms, which is not enough to cater to the demand, especially during weekends and the holiday period.
“New hotels can attract tourists to visit or the corporate sector to hold programmes at Fraser’s Hill,” she added.
— Bernama
