When I was a kid, I would spend most of my Chinese New Years in Genting Highlands, queuing up for the amazing rides in the theme parks. It was always thrilling and exciting, despite returning every year. We would be joined by our relatives as Genting Highlands was like a rendezvous point for our annual reunions. I loved every single moment I have spent in Genting.

It was also one of the few places in Malaysia where I got to wear a jacket! What's more, the ease of travelling to Genting and around the area using public transports is still a huge reason why we love visiting Genting.

When my mother was young, she would fork out every little money she had from her plantation work and take a bus to Genting Highlands with her classmates. Even though the 70s was a tough time for Malaysians, her brief visits to Genting Highlands were enough to rid her of all her worries and bring the simplest of joy to her as she strolled around the lake where it used to be a public place, but now it is within the theme park.

By just paying for the bus fare, she was able to enjoy the wonders that Titiwangsa Mountains could offer.

As I grew, I observed how the indoor theme park had transformed from a massive playground to what is mostly is a gigantic casino now. What is left of the indoor theme park now is nothing compared to what we had last time. The Genting Highlands that I grew up with was more than just a place to gamble. It was where I have the best time of my life with my friends and family, even without those theme park rides.

And as a Malaysian, I felt a sense of pride whenever I think of Genting Highlands because I believe it is a great example of a Malaysian success story.

While all these success stories are awesome and they make me feel proud as a Malaysian, we should never forget that the Titiwangsa Mountains remains a Malaysian natural heritage. I can’t think of a better way to describe my love for Genting’s extraordinary beauty than to personally feel the natural cooling breeze at the mountaintop while you are surrounded by its serenity. It is something so unique, that there aren’t any place in Malaysia that can be as amazing as Genting.

And for that reason, I believe that it shouldn’t be a privilege to enjoy the beauty of Genting and every Malaysians should have the right to access.

Hence, I would like to suggest that the future developments should have more public spaces around Genting for recreational parks, just like the one in front of Theme Park Hotel. The area in front of Genting Highlands Resort would also have been a wonderful place for a park, so it's quite a pity that it’s been used as a parking area now.

I believe that it’s time for Genting to take a step back from expanding their businesses and start sharing the beauty of its nature with all average Malaysians.