KUALA TAHAN, June 28 — After operating in Taman Negara for over 25 years, Mutiara Taman Negara Resort ceased operations for six months.

Its general manager Nathan Vaithi said it was the longest the resort has gone without any business. To make matters worse, repair works to rectify flood damage was estimated at RM8 million.

Nathan, who has been stationed there for two years, said he was at the epicentre of the floods as the resort housed most of the foreign tourists visiting the park in December.

“I remember it was raining non-stop for two days since December 22 and the river began rising the following day.”

He had to move guests to higher ground with food unavailable after the river engulfed the restaurant.

Food and water was supplied by villagers on the other side of the river.

“I was responsible for the safety of my guests who comprised 62 adults and 22 children, plus about 30 resort staff. It was not an easy task.

The Fire and Rescue Department sent four boats to evacuate guests to SK Kuala Tahan on December 24.

“On Christmas day, two helicopters tried to land for emergency evacuation but this was impossible as there was no safe landing zone.”

Nathan said it was a horrific experience as there was no communication and he had to ensure everyone was safe.

He said when the resort shut down completely, everyone was stranded.

“We are an ecosystem as we rely on guides and boat operators to ferry tourists here. We had no choice but to cease operations. Everyone was forced to follow suit.”

As the resort was insured, the cost of repairs were not felt by the owners.

Those who were operating their own businesses were left to fork out their money for repairs.

Nathan said members of the Taman Negara Boat Association had approached him for financial assistance.

“I can only help with what I can afford because I too feel the pain. Everyone was left high and dry from the floods.”

He said on average, the resort received 83,000 visitors a year, with 80 per cent foreigners and 20 per cent Malaysian.

“When the announcement that Taman Negara was closed was made, everyone just stopped coming here and up till today, I am still receiving calls from visitors asking if conditions are normal.”

He said a boost in tourism was needed for the park because the destruction had not only caused damage to the entire landscape in the area but also affected the lives of those living there.

“We need help and it does not have to be financial but it will assist in getting the entire industry back on its feet.”