KUALA LUMPUR – There is no need to panic or make hasty decisions in shutting down campsite operations in Selangor, said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.
He added that the state government has yet to issue directives to close such operations, but instead it is working on guidelines for campsites.
“Previously, there were no permits for campsites. We will revisit that,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama.
“Our actions have to be holistic, not making panicked and hasty decisions. This is not a disaster that happens annually. I will first need a report,” he said, referring to the one being prepared by the Minerals and Geoscience Department (JMG).
He added that the initial report by JMG and the Fire and Rescue Department stated that the Batang Kali landslide was due to the flow of underground water.
He was met by reporters after the Capacity Building Gerak Gempur Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia 2022 closing ceremony at SKJT Ladang Midlands in Shah Alam today.
Following the landslide that hit the Father’s Organic Farm campsite on December 16, Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming ordered all 155 local councils nationwide to immediately vacate all campsites by the rivers, waterfalls and hillsides for seven days.
The Penang government also ordered all campsites in the state to temporarily suspend operations while the Pahang Forestry Department shut down all campsites by rivers and in high-risk locations.
Johor also closed all forest eco-parks as well as hiking and four-wheel drive vehicle tracks in the permanent forest reserves until further notice.
The early morning incident on December 16 claimed the lives of 31 out of the 92 victims. 61 others escaped unhurt or with minor injuries.
Among the dead, 18 were adults and 13 were children, including a 1-year-old toddler. – The Vibes, December 29, 2022
