The Agriculture Department (DOA) has denied providing its feedback to Father’s Organic Farm in Batang Kali, Selangor, regarding licensing requirements for setting up a campsite at the farm.
It said its jurisdiction is limited to providing advisory services to the farm regarding certification under the Malaysian Organic Certification Scheme (myOrganic) and making visits to the farm to facilitate the certification process.
“The DOA, particularly the Hulu Selangor District Agriculture Office, has never commented nor discussed with Father’s Organic Farm regarding campsite permits and so on, because it is outside the DOA’s jurisdiction.
“Moreover, the DOA has no authority to grant permits, license, or provide advice to any campsite operators,” it said in a statement today.
The department was responding to reports quoting Father’s Organic Farm campsite spokesperson Frankie Tan, after the farm and its campsite were struck by a landslide that left 26 dead and seven still unaccounted for.
During a press conference on Monday, Tan reportedly said he could not apply for a campsite license because no such permit exists.
He said this was despite approaching many government entities on the matter, including the DOA.
The issue of licensure emerged after Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming claimed the campsite and several others nearby were operating without a licence from the Hulu Selangor Municipal Council (MPHS).
The minister has yet to respond to Malaysiakini’s query regarding Tan’s claims.
The MPHS has said there is no specific license for campsites, though an application can be considered under a recreational centre licence.
Earlier today, the Selangor government said it would draft guidelines for camping activities in wake of the tragedy, and only those who comply will be recognised by the local governments and Tourism Selangor to run those activities. - Mkini
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