GEORGE TOWN – Enforcement needs to be consistent and stricter to avoid another landslide tragedy similar to what happened in Batang Kali on Friday.
Travel trade organisations and industry veterans shared a common understanding over the issue – that enforcement by local authorities and government agencies needs to be consistent, especially in the age of climate change.
Veteran travel agent Eric R. Sinnaya said climate change exacerbates natural phenomena – from rain to floods, landslides, and beach erosion as weather patterns are changing the world over.
“The world is getting older and if we continue wantonly abusing it, it would naturally strike back with land opening up, hillslopes collapsing, or beachfronts eroding.”
“In Batang Kali, Selangor, if the operator of the campsite is not licensed, the entire operation needs to be shut down. I understand it has been operating for the past two years. The issue of whether it was insured is also there,” said Sinnaya in an interview.
He questioned why the government blames operators and owners every time a tragedy happens when enforcement should be looked at first.
If it is illegal, shut it down. The government is repeating the mistakes of the past and yet they preach to us about reforms and changes,” said Sinnaya.
While nature’s wrath remains unpredictable, there are mitigating steps to try to contain its ill effects, said Tropical Charters Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Alexander Issac.
“Firstly owners of tourism products must ensure that the safety and quality of service are paramount when it comes to their customers,” said Alexander.
If it is raining, an inspection of the surrounding area needs to be done to ensure that the site is safe for activities such as camping or glamping, he added.
He said that he runs an island cruise service in Langkawi and firmly reminds his staff daily to ensure the safety and security of their customers.
“I am also unsure if there are permits in the first place for camping in outdoor terrain. Under which authority is a permit issued?”
Former Kedah chapter chairman of the Malaysian Association of Tours and Travel Agents, Ahmad Pishol Ishak, agrees that enforcement must be consistent in all tourist locations, which requires cooperation between federal agencies and local authorities.
From forestry to the drainage and irrigation engineers to the local government, auditors, and land surveyors… all have an important role in maintaining enforcement.”
He said it is a tragedy that Malaysia – which has been spared in the past from natural disasters like earthquakes and typhoons – is creating its own disasters through negligence and apathy instead of ensuring that all guidelines and by-laws are upheld.
Malaysian Association of Hotels vice-president Datuk Khoo Boo Lim shared his insight, saying it is similar to why hoteliers want enforcement of relevant laws on Airbnb operators to ensure the safety and security of guests.
“Some Airbnb operators do not follow the guidelines, such as on fire safety and public healthcare, so if a tragedy unfolds, who should take the blame?” Khoo asked.
Khoo said that enforcement should always be carried out, adding that it should be fair to all tourism operators. – The Vibes, December 18, 2022
