GEORGE TOWN – Local authorities in Penang have been directed to monitor commercial camping and glamping sites in the state to ensure that they are safe.
Penang Tourism and Creative Economy executive councillor Yeoh Soon Hin said the state will also review laws related to campsites and glamping, as such holiday concepts are still new in the country.
“The landslide in Batang Kali brought this to our attention and we will instruct the local authorities and related agencies to monitor campsites and glamping sites to prevent untoward incidents in the area,” he said.
“We request the owners of campsites and glamping sites in the state to always ensure the safety of visitors in their respective areas,” he said at a press conference in Komtar here today.
Preliminary information from police said about 100 people were at the campsite when the landslide occurred, but as of 4.40pm, 18 victims were confirmed dead while 15 victims were still missing.
Yeoh also urged all camping and glamping site operators in Penang to obtain operation licences from their respective local authorities.
In a separate matter, Yeoh said Penang will re-introduce the Chingay Parade, lion and dragon dances on January 1 to promote the local arts, culture, and tourism industry.
He said the procession will start at 7pm from Jalan Johor to Light Street and arrive at 9pm in front of the state assembly building. Some 13 Chingay teams, 15 lion dance teams, and six dragon dance teams will take part in the procession, he said.
“The procession was suspended for three years due to the Covid -19 pandemic and is now back as a symbol of the unification and unity of the multiracial population in Penang,” he said. – Bernama, December 16, 2022
