[UPDATED] Agriculture Dept denies saying campsite licence not required

KUALA LUMPUR – The Agriculture Department (DoA) said it had never told the Father’s Organic Farm operators that it was not necessary for its managers to apply for campsite licences.

In refuting a statement made by campsite spokesman Frankie Tan, the department said it had never discussed the matter with the operators, adding that it only advised the farm to obtain the Malaysian Organic Certification Scheme certification.

“The DoA, especially the Hulu Selangor district Agriculture office, has never provided any explanation or discussed the matters such as campsite operations with the operators of Father’s Organic Farm as the matter was outside the DoA’s jurisdiction,” it said, in a statement.

“Apart from that, the DoA does not have the authority to give permits, licences, or advice to any operators that offer campsites.”

The department insisted that its role is to provide agricultural development services in food safety and security, apart from quality control, adding that it also protects the country’s agriculture industry from the threat of pests and diseases, while also facilitating international trade.

Yesterday, Tan claimed that various government entities, such as the DoA, had told him it was unnecessary for campsite managers to apply for site licences. 

Stressing that he was unaware of the campsite section being classified as a high-risk area, he asserted that the “crush of soil” from the landslide had begun on “government land” about 2-3km from the campsite. 

Following the tragic landslide on December 16 – which saw a total of 94 victims, seven of which are still missing – Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming said that the campsite in Batang Kali was operating without a licence from the Hulu Selangor District Council.

He added that the operators involved could face up to three years in prison and a maximum fine of RM50,000.

The search-and-rescue operation at the scene of the landslide was halted around 2.30pm today due to rain as search efforts entered their sixth day.

Earlier today, Selangor’s Local Government, Public Transport, and New Village Development executive councillor Ng Sze Han said the state government was formulating clear regulations on camping activities following the tragedy.

In a press conference today, Ng said while businesses in the state are properly managed through their licence apart from other regulations, outdoor activities – such as camping or fishing – are considered as sub-categories and not governed by specific terms and conditions.

Ng said proper regulations would mandate operators to comply with terms and conditions and ensure the safety of their patrons.

It was also reported earlier that police had called up the campsite operator and two of its workers to assist in probes into the landslide tragedy. 

The earthfall, measuring nearly 300m in length and 70m in height, had hit the campsite located in a canyon below the Batang-Gohtong Jaya road here around 2.42am on Friday. 

The operators subsequently took to Facebook to express their condolences over the incident, saying they “humbly bow” to everyone affected. – The Vibes, December 21, 2022