The landslide tragedy in Batang Kali camping site which to date left 30 lives perished, has many questioning the authorities for allowing a non-licensed recreational centre to operate in such a dangerous area. While the State Government has said that the facility was being operated without a license, operators on the hand have argued that they have been given permission to run the centres.
However, Selangor Menteri Besar Dato Seri Amirudin Shari said the state will be issuing clear and comprehensive guidelines on camping activities which will be enforced as enactments or general rules as early as February.
He said the guidelines will cover all aspects including fishing and hiking activities, to ensure incidents like the Batang Kali landslide tragedy would not recur, thus ensuring the safety of lives.
“It is not compulsory to set up a new enactment or act, but it is important to have some regulations in place. The problem is, we have no by-laws, let alone an enactment.
“Should there be a need for an enactment, we will do so. I anticipated the proposal will be brought forward to the State Legislative Assembly sitting in March. If unnecessary, we could just adopt the existing circular and coordinate with local councils,” Amirudin said.
He added the state government will also conduct a meeting with campsite operators or owners in the near future, to ensure the guidelines can be finalised.“If it is unnecessary to enforce an enactment, we will announce the guidelines in February. The state government wants clearer guides to ensure the people’s safety,” Amirudin said.
