The Malaysian Insight

CAMPSITE owners are hoping the government will not prolong the suspension of their activities, especially during peak periods, as they bid to avoid hefty losses.

They said not all the sites were located beside rivers or hillsides and hoped the government would allow them to operate, as state governments in the country moved to stop all forms of camping activity, irrespective of the camp locations.

Asia Camp Sdn Bhd owner Azizan Yunus said it would be better to come up with a win-win situation for both visitors and operators.

“A prolonged suspension of activities, especially during peak periods like now, will definitely result in losses amounting to millions of ringgit.

“Our database shows there are 300 campsites nationwide. To shut down operations for three days in peak season, an owner would have to bear losses of about RM3,000, and that is only for site cost,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

A three-day closure at the campsites, Azizan said, will result in losses of RM900,000.

“We are not asking for monetary assistance.  The government should look at risk factors in each area and evaluate accordingly before granting approval.

“If the site is in a high-risk area, then don’t consider it for licensing approval. This is a win-win situation for all,” he said, calling for more relevant approval conditions.

Azizan also suggested adequate guidelines be drafted for campsite operations, as a means to reduce risks even as families indulge in recreational activities.

“The guidelines will be useful for operators of camps, campsites, the authorities and people who regularly partake in such activities.

“This will help minimise risks. We hope the government will work with us to produce guidelines tailored towards camping,” he said.

Meanwhile, a manager who runs a campsite in the northern region, said all parties should comply with the government order to halt operations.

The manager, who wished to remain anonymous, said campsites that are safe, located far away from hill slopes, flood-prone areas, should be allowed to remain operational.

“A majority of us have already returned deposits. This has resulted in not just losses to us, but the domestic tourism industry in the vicinity of the campsites. They are both economically linked,” he said.

As for the operator of a campsite located not too far away from the site of the Batang Kali landslide, he found the government order to halt operations confusing.

“No formal order was issued. A federal minister even mentioned that the suspension was only for Batang Kali district.

“The order for Penang, Alor Star is very clear. We hope a proper order is issued for the convenience of everyone,” he said.

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming reportedly instructed 155 local authorities in the country to clear all campsites near rivers for seven days with immediate effect.

Following that order, the Pahang, Negri Sembilan and Selangor forestry departments decided to shut all campsites near rivers and in high-risk areas including hill slopes and waterfalls effective immediately.

The landslide at the Father’s Organic Farm Batang Kali has so far claimed 24 lives, with 61 survivors. Nine others are still missing.

Search and rescue operations entered the fourth day yesterday, with the aid of excavators and K9 units from various agencies. – December 20, 2022.