By Jerry Choong
SHAH ALAM, Dec 30 — The Selangor Forestry Department has issued an order to close all picnicking and camping sites throughout the state for seven days, in light of the worsening weather conditions and monsoon season.
Its director Datuk Ahmad Fadzil Abdul Majid said this is in line with the directive from the Selangor State Secretariat Office, which was issued on December 17.
“In addition to the closure order, in October the department also issued an order for all forest recreational areas under its jurisdiction to cease operations (for the time being), which remains in effect until a later date in time,” he said in a statement.
Ahmad Fadzil added the notices are in line with Section 47, Enactment (Application) of the Selangor Forestry Act 1985 (Amendment 2018), concerning the prohibition on any individuals who enter permanent reserve forests without a valid permit.
“If found guilty, a fine of no more than RM30,000, imprisonment of no more than five years or both may be levied under the Selangor Forestry Act’s Enactment.
“The Selangor Forestry Department calls upon the public to not engage in any recreational activities, like bathing and camping in the forest areas and Rimba Eco Parks for the time being,” he said.
For further inquiries, Ahmad Fadzil said the public may contact the department as soon as possible.
