By Sofia Nasir
SHAH ALAM, Dec 21 — The state government will hold a meeting with stakeholders of camping activities after conducting a comprehensive census on the recreational activities.
State executive councillor for local government Ng Sze Hand said this is to formulate a set of guidelines, verified by local councils and Tourism Selangor, so that such activities can be carried out safely.
“All this while, each business is heavily regulated through a business licence, Planning Approval, building plan as well as enforcement.
“However, local councils do not have specific conditions for camping activities because it usually is a side activity conducted by the land owners,” he said at a press conference here today.
Also present at the press conference was Hulu Selangor District Council (MPHS) president Mohd Hasry Nor Mohd.
Ng said since 2018, the state government has been updating and conducting a census on all campsites in Selangor.
He said the findings of the census will help to identify the locations of the campsites.
“As of now, there are 61 campsites in Hulu Selangor and all of them have no valid business licences. Some of the campsites were built on state government lands,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ng added the Royal Malaysia Police will decide whether the Father’s Organic Farm campsite operators should be held accountable for the Batang Kali landslide.
He said an investigation into the incident had already begun and he left the matter to the police.
“It is up to the police to decide who should be held responsible. From what we know, the campsite operators did not possess a business licence.
“They have only acquired Planning Approval to carry out organic farming activities on agricultural land,” Ng said, adding the approval was given by MPHS in 2019 and will be due in June next year.