[UPDATED] S’gor to kickstart process of legalising campsites tomorrow

SUBANG – All campsite operators in Selangor are required to register for a business license with their respective local councils beginning tomorrow.

Selangor executive councillor Ng Sze Han said the regularisation process, which may involve over 200 operators, is necessary to ensure compliance with guidelines and other safety measures.

Ng, who is in charge of the state’s local government and public transport, said most campsites in Selangor are located in four municipalities, namely Hulu Selangor, Ampang Jaya, Kajang and Klang.

He called it a “whitening” or legalisation process for existing campsites which have so far been operating without a license.

“We have discussed many things collectively with regards to the requirements of setting up a campsite.

“We also reached a resolution on the guidelines for business operations and management of campsites in Selangor,” Ng said after a workshop here today.

The session was attended by 17 agencies, including the Minerals and Geoscience Department, Tourism Selangor, Selangor Water Management Authority, various Land and District Offices and local councils in the state, the Irrigation and Drainage Department, and PLAN Malaysia. 

The workshop, called Guidelines Preparation Workshop for Campsites in Selangor, had been held since Sunday.

Ng pointed out that the main objective of the regularisation exercise and guidelines is to minimise risks during camping activities and ensure that safety would be highly prioritised among the operators.

Stating that guidelines formulation for campsites in Selangor would be the first of its kind in the country, he has confirmed that the final draft of the foundation outlined the requirements of planning and approval of camping activities, land use, safety standards and risk assessment.

“These guidelines for camping activities are the first in the country, and of course we will fine tune several things along the way. But the safety aspect is the most important,” Ng explained.

He urged all operators to take the opportunity of the regularisation exercise and apply for business licenses as soon as possible with respective local councils.

“However, not all applications can be approved if the sites are not in accordance with the guidelines,” he said, adding that the process for temporary permits for building and business licenses will begin in April.

Ng explained that there are two parts for the campsite permit and license process: the viability of the site and operating conditions.

“The minimum compulsory requirements for the license and permit approval is to submit a survey plan by a certified land surveyor.

“We need the survey (plan) to know the exact location and geographical condition of the surrounding areas so that the relevant agencies can investigate the suitability of the campsite,” he said.

Asked about the appropriate land category to be considered as a safe and proper campsite whether it was at the riverside, beach or hillslope, Ng said: “At the moment, we are looking at the viability of the site on private lands only, and authorities will determine if existing sites are ecologically sensitive or they are operating on risky areas.”

“As for any operator who wishes to set up a campsite on government land, the person must apply with respective local authorities first and foremost.

“Moreover, any application must take into consideration the guidelines, whether it is by the river or deep in the jungle and this must be made aware to the local councils,” he added. – The Vibes, January 31, 2023