COMMENT | Many years ago, in sarcasm, I gave an interpretation of the phrase “tourist attraction.” If you dig a hole in your front garden, fill it with water and throw in a few guppies, I reasoned that there would be VIPs lining up to officially declare open the latest “tourist attraction”.

For a good measure, I had also cautioned that there will “agents” lining up claiming to have “cables” to arrange “development grants” for the project.

Memories of this were rekindled during the recently-concluded by-election in Port Dickson, where the winning candidate, his supporters and businessmen threw in their weight and two cent’s worth on making the town a “tourist attraction”. At present, this sleepy town transforms itself and only wakes up on weekends and public holidays.

The wishes of Air Asia’s Tony Fernandes may eventually materialise – a dedicated terminal for his low-cost airline. His plan to build such a terminal in Nilai was shot down a few years ago. Changing the livery may have helped but the government changed too. These days, after having warmed up to leaders in the new regime, they may finally find land near Lukut, or Bukit Pelanduk for Fernandes’ project.

On social media, Fernandes said that the airline had always been advocating development of this town for many years and that Port Dickson’s vicinity to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport meant it has potential to be like Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach. Well, good luck to him, his plans and his investments as he may finally fulfil his dream of a dedicated terminal.

However, while driving along the coast from the town to Pasir Panjang, one can assess how much has to be spent and how much has to be done. Gone are the puny chalets and bungalows in acres of greenery and coconut trees. Belonging to many of the rich and famous and several commercial organisations, they were the place for weekend retreats for the family, and in many instances, employers.

When “development” descended on Port Dickson in the late 80s and 90s, owners of these bungalows sold their property for princely sums. High-rise condominiums and apartments took their place.

Unoccupied blocks of concrete

What stand now are blocks of concrete – mostly unoccupied – which were built at the height of the housing boom in the 90s. Encouraged by developers with excellent marketing, (in some cases on greed) city folk descended and signed purchase agreements by the dozens. They had hoped to recoup their investment from renting their apartments to holidaymakers and tourists and appreciation of value. They had envisaged a regular income and peace of mind.

The “quickie” approvals, which did not commensurate with existing infrastructure, expedited the process. Approvals have even been given for land reclamation and more environmental damage is envisaged in the name of so-called development. The result of such unplanned activities affected the infrastructure, which was already bursting at its seams.

It turned out to be gloom and doom for those who had taken loans to buy them. In many cases, there are not even takers for weekend rentals. The greying walls, the undergrowth and the moss that have gathered on the floors up are standing monuments of a “tourist attraction” gone wrong.

Si Rusa Inn was the “jewel in the crown” of Port Dickson in the 60s and 70s. Advance bookings had to be made for rooms and even the caravans that dotted the palm-fringed beaches. Harry Chelliah, the owner and operator, must be turning in his grave – for what was once a happy hunting ground for many is in derelict conditions. He personally managed it like a warlord and it was “the” place to be seen at.

Nearby, at the Ming Court Hotel (and later Chorus Hotel), time has come to a standstill. The ikan bakar and nasi lemak stalls nearby come to life on weekends only and those operating the shops in the row have little to shout about their business.

And then, where will the sewage end up?

So, how is someone going to transmute Port Dickson into Jumeirah? Even a magical wand in the hands of Midas will not help bring about a wonderland. Are pipelines that transport oil from the refineries to the jetty going to be moved? You certainly don’t find oil refineries plonked in the middle of Jumeirah Beach. Where will the jetty be re-located to? Has anyone wondered where the sewage ends up now and how will it be disposed in Malaysia’s Jumeirah?

What about the state and condition of the beaches? Tonnes of rubbish, including plastic, are washed ashore daily. Is there a clean-up plan in the place or are there periodic campaigns? We can’t wait once every five years or for by elections to see politicians picking up garbage and claiming to clean up the beach, can we?

Promises made by politicians remain promises on paper and before polling day, they have no qualms of promising, which they themselves know cannot be kept. Perhaps they are emboldened by a Court of Appeal decision, which held that an election manifesto is not legally enforceable? This has become the new mantra for those seeking office. So, is the promise of a place a’la Jumeirah one of those?

The numerous assurances given by politicians must be written on the moving waves off the Port Dickson sea. Yes, the government may alienate or acquire land for Fernandes (photo, above) to get his new terminal, but Jumeriah will just remain another gimmick.

For some reason, if it does happen, it will be a welcome bonanza for the over-zealous religious authorities. They can buy new beach patrol vehicles like quad bikes and high-powered binoculars for members of their Skuad Polis Maksiat (moral police squad) to pry on holidaymakers. They will ensure tourists are “appropriately attired” when they get suntanned on the beach.

But then, there is good news for local residents. The 10th month in the Gregorian calendar will bring them some respite. They will be able to enjoy one month of peace and quiet. Hotels and resorts will close because it is viewed, in the eyes of some self-appointed guardians of values, as the month for sinning. But then, can the hotel or resort prevent German tourists from celebrating their annual harvest festival and raising a glass or two over 31 days in the month of October?

R NADESWARAN occasionally delves into satire and is a firm believer that all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Comments: ctitizen.nades22@gmail.com

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.