Campsite operators comply with guidelines to ensure safety

CAMPSITE operators are complying with government guidelines to ensure safety for users.

AsiaCamp Sdn Bhd director Mohd Azizan Yunus said the company is in the process of aligning its operations with the campsite planning guidelines (GPP) of the local government development ministry.

“The initial phase after the introduction of the guidelines was tough, with many operators scrambling to understand and implement the necessary changes," he said.

“However, the overall sentiment in the industry is positive as these changes are expected to lead to a safer and more sustainable future for outdoor recreational activities in Malaysia."

Azizan said the guidelines are an opportunity to enhance the quality and safety of the camping experience.

There are more than 800 campsites nationwide, 200 of them in Selangor.

On March 27, the National Council for Local Government approved the guidelines to ensure safe, sustainable, and legally compliant sites. The guidelines, created by Plan Malaysia, focus on planning, development, and operation management.

Plan Malaysia said a deadly landslide at the Father's Organic Farm campsite in Batang Kali, Hulu Selangor was the starting point for the study and preparation of the guidelines. Thirty-one people were killed in the incident. It noted that the effects of environmental destruction, public infrastructural damage, and loss of life have raised questions about the level of safety and regulation of campsites.

Azizan said he has 30 workers managing popular campsites in Taman Negara, Pahang, Tanjung Karang in Kuala Selangor, and Semenyih in Hulu Selangor.

“The campsite business is one of adaptation and compliance,” he said.

“These guidelines are comprehensive and cover various aspects of campsite management, including safety measures, environmental sustainability, and legal requirements. This includes ensuring our sites are at least 10m away from waterfalls and making other safety-related adjustments. It is a good standard to follow.”

Operators have been given two years to ensure their campsites meet the new standards.

“It is a challenging time, but also an opportunity to enhance the quality and safety of the camping experience we offer. We are working closely with the authorities to ensure full compliance with the GPP. It is a significant shift, but one that we believe will benefit everyone in the long run.”

Protect environment too

Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) emphasised the importance of camp operators and campers taking care of the surrounding environment. SAM president Meenakshi Raman said the guidelines are a good start for operators to better manage the environment.

She said it is good that the guidelines emphasise the need to protect the environment.

“All campsite operators must follow these guidelines. There are requirements on where camping activities can and cannot take place, what kind of permission is needed, what measures to take, and others stated in the guidelines," she said.

She stressed the importance of all campers following these guidelines for their own safety.

“The guidelines do not allow camping in high-risk areas. And there is guidance on where camping is allowed. This is very important as we do not want tragedies to happen," Meenakshi added. – July 29, 2024.