MALACCA: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam is hopping mad over reports that young couples have been having sexual trysts on the historical hilltops of St John's Hill and St Paul's Hill. He immediately directed the local council to thwart the undesirable activities after he was briefed on the recent discovery of used condoms at the unlit St John's hilltop and also the sighting of lovers having their rendezvous at St Paul's Hill.
“These historical sites have been turned into havens for unsavoury acts. I want all those responsible for the maintenance of the sites to meet me. “I will not hesitate to issue show-cause letters to council workers who have been tasked to supervise the sites,” he said yesterday. Lovers’ spot: St John’s Hill in Malacca has been turned into a haven for unsavoury acts. Mohd Ali will make suggestions for both St John’s Hill and St Paul’s Hill to be lit extensively.
Mohd Ali said he will make suggestions for the sites to be lit extensively using solar-powered lamp posts. “I will work on the costs and expedite the upgrading work of the lamps. A gotong-royong programme will be carried out very soon to clean up the surrounding areas, especially St John's Hill,” he added. He also said enforcement agencies will be asked to intensify patrols at the areas.
“I don't want the sites to be known for the wrong reasons and I am surprised that the authorities are unaware of this,” he added. A check by The Star yesterday showed some spots at St John's Hill had been turned into a meeting point for people who were believed to have been involved in sexual trysts.
Joggers going up the hill also reported sighting dozens of used condom packs strewn all round the historical site, including the fort where the 18th century Dutch cannons are. Locals had also observed lovers gathering at the hill during late nights.
Founded in 1571 by Portuguese conquerors, the hilltop has been recognised as a Unesco world heritage site. The site once housed the remains of Roman Catholic missionary St Francis Xavier, who was buried there in 1553 before his body was moved to Goa, India.
Tourists throng the sites daily, which are famous for their unique ruins and the breathtaking view of Malacca town.
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