The Local Government Development Ministry of Malaysia has called for a nationwide legalization process of campsites to ensure they meet operating rules and regulations following the Batang Kali landslide in Selangor at the end of last year.
The disaster was said to have left 31 people dead at Father’s Organic Farm in the rural community of Batang Kali in Selangor state which is a popular recreational site for locals to pitch or rent tents from the farm.
Deputy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir stated that the Draft Camping Site Planning Guidelines, to be finalized at the end of April, must be adhered to.
Campsite entrepreneurs operating before March 15 have already undergone a legalization program in Selangor, requiring registration with local authorities and obtaining a temporary building permit to operate.
However, two years will be given to ensure they meet the conditions stipulated in the guidelines.
During the question and answer session in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (March 20), Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said that other state governments should carry out a similar legalization process to ensure campsites are safe for use.
He also stated that the guidelines focus on basic camping activities, including tents set up in a natural area with minimal basic facilities.
Safety of a site is among the most important aspects and depends on the distance from prohibited and environmentally sensitive areas, topographical conditions, such as the gradient, and the structural strength of the soil.
“It is hoped that with the guidelines, aspects such as safety, comfort, and nature conservation will be given attention in planning campsites so that incidents like the Batang Kali tragedy can be avoided,” he said.
The call for a nationwide legalization process comes following the Batang Kali landslide in Selangor, which resulted in the death of 31 individuals.
The implementation of these guidelines is hoped to ensure the safety and well-being of campers throughout the country.
The legalization process of campsites and the finalization of the Draft Camping Site Planning Guidelines is crucial for campgrounds to ensure their safety and compliance with regulations.
This process aims to regulate campsites and ensure they meet operating rules, including safety, comfort, and nature conservation aspects.
The guidelines will provide a standard set of rules and regulations for campsite operators, which will ensure the safety of campers and visitors to the area.
Moreover, the legalization of campsites will also help to identify and weed out illegal operators, who may not adhere to safety regulations and may pose a threat to the well-being of campers.
It will also help to establish a level playing field for all campsites, ensuring that all operators follow the same regulations and rules, thus promoting healthy competition.
Meanwhile, the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) in Malaysia has called on all campsites owners and operators in the area to register their businesses before the March 31 deadline.
According to MPAJ, only two out of an estimated 20 operators have registered, leaving less than two weeks for submission.
The call for registration comes as part of the Selangor government’s directive for all campsite owners to register their businesses to ease the licensing process, with the aim of regulating the industry.
The move follows the landslide that occurred in a campsite in Batang Kali that killed 31 people in December last year, which highlighted the need for greater regulation in the industry.
Norhayati Ahmad, the Head of Public Relations and Secretariat Division at MPAJ, advised operators to register their businesses to enable local councils to start issuing temporary license permits and temporary building permits.
The initial registration and licensing exercise will involve campsites operating on private land, but will also include chalets and other recreational sites in the near future.
Kampung Kemensah near Zoo Negara, a popular camping and hiking area, is one of the places where most campsites operate. Norhayati said that a majority of the campsites in the area are operating on private land, but some may be operating on forest or river reserves.
To ensure the process runs smoothly, MPAJ is working with other agencies such as the Drainage and Irrigation Department, Selangor Water Management Authority, forestry department and district offices.
The Selangor government had issued the directive to campsite owners to register their businesses for the purpose of licensing by the end of the month.
The required documents include a survey plan obtained from a licensed surveyor to indicate the exact location and the area’s geographical condition.
Selangor has around 200 campsites, and it is the first state in Malaysia to implement campsite licensing.
The registration exercise is a step towards regulating the industry and ensuring the safety of visitors who frequent these sites.
Campsite owners and operators are urged to register their businesses to avoid any issues with the licensing process.
The call for registration and licensing of campsites in Ampang Jaya, Selangor, is important to campgrounds in the area as it is a step towards regulating the industry and ensuring the safety of visitors who frequent these sites.
The move follows the landslide that occurred in Batang Kali in December last year, which highlighted the need for greater regulation in the industry.
By registering their businesses, campsite owners and operators can prepare for licensing, which will involve obtaining temporary license permits and temporary building permits.
This will enable them to operate their campsites legally and safely, without any risk of legal action or penalties.
It will also help to ensure that the sites are properly maintained and equipped with necessary safety features such as fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and emergency exits.
Furthermore, the registration and licensing exercise will involve campsites operating on private land, but will also include chalets and other recreational sites in the near future.
This will provide a comprehensive inventory of all campsites in the area, enabling the authorities to better manage the industry and provide better services for visitors.
Isn’t it great to see the Malaysian Gov’t Ministry working on legalizing campsites and boosting safety standards? The collaboration with stakeholders for training and certification will really step up the camping scene!